Cat Clinic of Cary Blog
What To Expect – And Ask – At Your Cat’s First Vet Visit
Regardless of your new cat’s age, his or her adoption seals your fate as a responsible pet owner. What this means for you and Fluffy is an introductory wellness appointment with us (we love making new kitty friends!).
At the first vet visit, a kitten may require more in the way of microchipping, parasite prevention, or vaccinations, but any new-to-you cat, regardless of age, should be closely examined and then set down on the starting line for the best – and longest – possible life.
A Fresh Face
A new set of whiskers is simply irresistible, and we applaud your choice to adopt a new cat. Getting to know a new feline is one of life’s great pleasures, and we hope that the relationship you cultivate lasts long into the future.
You have a remarkable opportunity to teach your new cat where his or her place is within your family (that may include other pets) and home. Litter box introduction and training, plus access to appropriate scratching posts typically top the concerns many new cat owners have.
Your Cat’s First Vet Visit
In addition to checking his or her vital signs and weight, we conduct a thorough nose-to-tail physical examination that includes listening to the major organs, looking inside the ears and eyes, and feeling for any abnormalities on the skin and coat. To establish a baseline for your new cat’s future health, we may also run blood, stool, and urine tests and compare the results at the next exam.
To best protect your new cat, we can also discuss options for spaying/neutering, microchipping, dental care, and parasite prevention at his or her first vet visit.
So.Many.Questions.
If you are new to feline ownership you likely have a lot of questions, and while there are some incredibly worthy books and websites available, there’s nothing like bouncing your inquiries off of a qualified vet. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions we are happy to answer:
- Should my cat remain indoors only? This is a challenging decision to face, and requires your close consideration of the health of indoor vs. outdoor cats. Many indoor-only cats lead happy, satisfying lives if sufficient mental and physical stimulation is given.
- What are the implications of declawing my cat? The ASPCA discourages this type of procedure because of the resulting pain a cat endures. Please let us know if you have exhausted all the options to dissuade your cat from scratching or shredding.
- How can I get my cat to cease scratching up my furniture? Cats need – and enjoy – scratching to remove the old, outer layer of the claw. Beyond stretching the shoulder muscles and the legs, the action secretes and transfers pheromones from scent glands between the toes to the object (say, the corner of your bed?). Plus, it just feels good for your kitty. Install a strong scratching post, you won’t regret it.
- What is the best practice for clipping my cat’s nails? We can show you how to properly hold your cat in order to get the right clip. Avoiding the quick is the hardest part, but once you’ve mastered the technique it’s smooth sailing!
- Why is my cat going outside of the litter box? Problems with a litter box lapse can usually be explained – and corrected – by observing your cat at bathroom breaks. He or she may not like the litter, the hood, or the location. Keep the box super clean, and if you have more than one feline, keep one box per cat plus one more. Medical concerns should be ruled out, as well.
- What are some signs that my cat might be sick or injured? Always promptly address vomiting, diarrhea, hiding, changes is thirst or appetite, lethargy, eye or nasal discharge, respiratory distress, and blood in stool or urine.
Going Beyond
We look forward to meeting your new cat at his or her first vet visit, and helping you provide the best possible care. Please call us with any questions or concerns, and congratulations on your adoption!