Cat Wellness Exams - What you Need to Know About Your Cat’s Overall Wellness

Name: Veterinary Services
Brand: Neighborhood Vets Mobile Care

What is a cat wellness exam?

A wellness exam is something that should be done annually, and your veterinarian is going to be giving your cat a complete physical exam. He's going to look at things that you don't look at, such as your cat's ears, the back of your cat's throat, and your cat's teeth. He's also going to be feeling his internal organs, as well as those others that he can touch.

Dr. Larry Nieman
Neighborhood Vets Mobile Care

What will a veterinarian be looking for during my cat's wellness exam?

Veterinarians will be looking for abnormalities. As professionals, we see so many patients that we can appreciate everything that's normal, and therefore can determine things that are abnormal, which you may not notice.

Will my cat's wellness exam require any specific lab work or procedure?

It depends on the individual and the reason for taking your cat to see the veterinarian. Especially in senior pets, lab work is commonly done.

How does wellness impact the longevity and the health of my cat?

Everything we do that's preventive in nature is aimed to increase your cat's longevity.

When should I bring in my cat for a veterinary wellness exam?

You should take your cat for a wellness exam once a year. Your veterinarian will usually remind you of this.

What are some signs and symptoms that my cat might not be feeling well?

You know your cat better than anyone, and you know his usual routines and habits. If those change, then there's usually something that's not right. That's the time to seek care from your veterinarian.

What are some possible environmental factors that can affect cat wellness?

Any change in the environment is going to affect your cat. This can include things like having windows installed, the house being painted, or starting to use some kind of essential oil in the environment.

Why is early detection so important to the well-being of my cat?

Early detection is important because if something is found, then in almost all cases, something can be done about it. This can help increase your cat's longevity.

If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (913) 912-2319, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram

Cat Wellness Exams - FAQs

Dr. Larry Nieman
Neighborhood Vets Mobile Care

Do I need to do anything to prepare for a cat wellness exam?

Yes, you need to be able to get your kitty in front of the veterinarian. You just need to be able to bring your cat out to our van. If you don't have a secure carrier, we have one that you can use. It's easy to put your cat in the carrier. Otherwise, you just need to have your cat in a place where you can get them, wrap them up in a towel or put them in a carrier, and bring them out to our van.

What questions should I ask during a cat wellness exam?

You should ask if they're going to do a physical exam on your cat. You should be able to answer several questions like about your cat's environment. Does he go in the house and outdoors or is he a house cat? Does your kitty live with other kitties? Your veterinarian needs to know if you have a multi-cat household. If it's a strict house cat, he needs to know that. He's going to want to know what you're feeding your kitty and if there have been any changes in his behavior and routines. You could make a list of things that you need to tell your veterinarian.

How long do cat wellness exams usually take?

Just a few minutes. The veterinarian is going to examine your cat's face for symmetry. He's probably going to use an otoscope to look in your cat's ears. He's going to look at your cat's teeth and gums and in the back of your cat's throat. He's going to palpate your cat's neck and try to feel his thyroid gland, especially if the cat is a senior over seven years old. He's going to feel your kitty's lymph nodes and listen to the cat's heart and probably feel the kitty's abdomen. The unique thing about examining cats is you can feel their kidneys and their internal organs when you do an abdominal palpation.

How do cat wellness exams influence subsequent treatment?

The physical exam can reveal issues, especially obesity, that predispose cats to diseases like diabetes. So that physical exam alone can determine whether there's future things that need to be done.