What is Involved in a Preventive Cat Care Program?
At Cat Care Center of Baton Rouge, we understand that prevention is truly the best medicine where the health and wellness of your cat is concerned. This is why we offer our feline patients and their human counterparts a comprehensive array of cat preventive care services that promote cat health, wellness, and longevity of life.
A cat preventive care program consists of:
- Annual or Semi-Annual Physical Examinations
- Blood and Urine Analysis
- Ongoing Health and Wellness Education
- Nutritional Counseling
- Education on Environmental Modifications for Each Unique Life Stage
- Periodic At-Home Monitoring
The focus of a preventive care program is to ensure that your cat is receiving everything they need to live a balanced, healthy life including proper nutrition, good hygiene, and adequate stimulation, as well as early detection of any illness or disease that may be developing. In the prevention of various feline diseases, early detection makes a significant difference in the scope and effectiveness of treatment. Most feline diseases are much easier to treat in the early stages, while some diseases can actually reach a point where treatment is no longer an option. And, unfortunately, cats are so good at hiding signs and symptoms of disease that by the time symptoms become obvious, it may be too late. This is why regular exams are critically important.
Semi-Annual Wellness Exams for Your Cat
A semi-annual wellness exam should be performed by the veterinarian every six months. The physical exam is a comprehensive assessment of your cat's health. Dr. Lacie will review various aspects of your cat's health, including:
- Vaccination Status
- Parasite Control - to include both internal and external parasites
- Dental Health
- Nutrition
- Exercise and Environmental Enrichment
- Ears and Eyes
- Internal Organs
- Behavior
- Coat and Skin
- Bloodwork to help assess metabolic function
- And answer any questions you may have concerning your cat
Based on these findings, Dr. Lacie will discuss any concerns, make recommendations, and work with you on an individualized plan to keep your cat as healthy as possible.
Bathing, Grooming, & Hygiene Regimen for Cats
A sizeable portion of a cat's health involves self-bathing and grooming. A cat can manage its own skin, fur, and digestive health through self-grooming. However, there are things you can and should do as a cat owner to help ensure optimal hygiene by following a simple preventive care regimen. This includes:
- Brushing your cat's hair regularly to limit knots and hairballs while providing quality, positive, one-on-one interaction with your cat
- Trimming your cat's claws
- Physical interactions including petting and playing to maintain a healthy comfort level with interaction and engage the cat's senses
Of course, the temperament and disposition of your cat can affect your ability to maintain this regimen. If you are unable to do so, or if you have any concerns, our veterinary staff would be happy to discuss options and alternatives with you at your next appointment.
For more information on grooming, please visit our page on Cat Grooming.
Feline Cancer Detection
Cancer is among the most frightening and painful diagnosis a cat owner can hear. It is also a disease that stands a better chance of being treated if it is detected early on. As a cat owner, if you notice the development of lumps or conditions that look worrisome, please schedule a veterinary appointment immediately. However, it is important to understand that most of the cancer symptoms that a veterinarian will be able to spot early on, will not be noticeable to you. Again, because most signs of illness in cats remain subtle until they are in a more serious condition, it is very important to have a veterinarian give your cat a thorough physical exam on a regular basis. During the exam, our veterinarians will review with you what signs to look for in a cat which may be developing a serious illness.
For more information on cancer in cats, please visit our page on Cat Cancer.
Cat Dentistry
One of the most overlooked facets of preventive care for cats is dentistry. Cats do not tell you when they have oral pain or discomfort. In general, by three years of age, most cats have developed some dental or gingival disease that will require veterinary intervention. A thorough exam requires anesthesia and dental x-rays. The majority of dental disease in cats lies underneath the gum line. For this reason, x-rays are required to identify any disease that may be present in the tooth and the root of the tooth which may be a source of chronic pain. Some of the causes of dental disease and discomfort include:
- Gum Disease
- Resorptive Lesions
- Malocclusion
- Tooth Loss
- Mouth Sores and Ulcers
- Gingivitis
- Periodontal Disease
A thorough cat teeth cleaning is something you should trust to your veterinarian every 6-12 months, but regular brushing or other dental care can be performed in the comfort of your home. We would love to assist you in learning how to approach and brush your cat's teeth if this is something you desire. Many cats will tolerate daily teeth brushing if done in a gentle and respectful manner. You can also help facilitate excellent cat health by providing toys and treats formulated to help strengthen and/or clean your cat's teeth and gums.
For more information on feline dentistry, visit our page on Cat Dentistry.
Flea & Tick Prevention for Cats
No insects are as troublesome to you and your cat as fleas and ticks. Fleas can cause severe skin irritation and can infest your home if you do not have a good preventive plan. While less common than fleas, ticks can transmit dangerous and even deadly diseases. Both indoor and outdoor cats are at risk for fleas and ticks, as these parasites can thrive in almost all geographic locations.
This is why flea and tick prevention is a cornerstone of comprehensive preventive care for cats. It is important to be aware that there are numerous products on the market that our veterinarian would strongly suggest you avoid. Every year, our veterinarian reviews all available flea and tick products to ensure that our recommendations are as up to date as possible. Our considerations include safety, effectiveness, and cost. Based on these factors, we will work with you to customize a parasite prevention plan for your cat(s) and family. As part of the preventive care for your cat, we will help you choose the safest, most effective parasite prevention products.
For more information on flea and tick prevention for cats, visit our page on Cat Fleas and Ticks.
Heartworm Prevention for Cats
Although heartworms in felines are less prevalent than in canines, feline heartworms are still a dangerous disease. This disease is very different from the heartworm disease in dogs. The cat is not the natural host for this parasite, and most of their worms don't survive to adulthood. Cats usually have just one to three worms at a time, most of which are immature worms. It is because of this that heartworm disease often cannot be diagnosed by a simple heartworm test in the cat. In addition, these immature heartworms can cause an intense lung reaction and subsequent disease called Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease (HARD). If the heartworm does survive to adulthood in the cat, one worm can lead to severe disease including sudden death. The risk of cat heartworm disease is on the rise in America, and about equal for both indoor and outdoor cats. If you do not use preventive medication, the risk of contracting cat heartworm disease exponentially increases. This is why preventive cat heartworm medication is so important.
For more information of heartworm prevention for your cat, visit our page on Cat Heartworms.
Cat Nutrition
Raising a healthy cat depends heavily on the type and amount of food they consume on a daily basis. Low-quality cat food and treats high in fat or carbohydrates can negatively affect many aspects of your feline friend's health. Feline obesity is the most common health problem we see in our otherwise healthy cat patients. Developing a nutritional plan from an early age which includes a diet selection, feeding plan, and exercise plan is the best way to avoid feline obesity. Cats will have different nutritional requirements during each stage of their lives which include:
- Kitten
- Junior
- Adult or Prime
- Mature
- Senior
- Geriatric
- In addition, there are health conditions which will require special diets
Our veterinarian can help determine if your cat is following a healthy diet and also help formulate one tailored to your cat's nutritional needs, lifestyle, and current condition including prescribed feeding frequency and serving size. In general, we recommend high-quality canned food as the primary source of nutrition. However, some kibble in the diet is also okay in small amounts. Most cats will overeat if allowed to free feed. Remember, your cat will not tell you if they are full, nor can they make positive nutritional changes themselves. Therefore, you must take control of their dietary program in order to ensure their health and wellness throughout every stage of life.
For more information on feline nutrition, visit our page on Cat Nutrition.
Cat Vaccinations
Vaccinations are a fundamentally essential component of cat care. They consist of a series of immunizations given to your cat as a kitten and then boosters given periodically throughout their lifetime. Vaccinations help prevent and fight various serious, potentially fatal diseases that cats are at risk of contracting. They also help prevent the spread of diseases between felines, as well as to humans.
Although the rabies vaccine is the only vaccination currently required by law in most states, we strongly recommend fostering good cat health by making sure your feline friend completes their recommended vaccination protocol on time. This program is determined by our veterinarian, and is based on the lifestyle, geographic location. and pre-existing medical conditions of your cat.
For more information on cat vaccinations, please see our page on Cat Vaccinations.
Schedule an Appointment to Discuss a Preventive Care Regimen for Your Cat
We are a dedicated, knowledgeable, and passionate group of veterinary professionals who absolutely love both our kitty patients and their human counterparts. We are here to provide comprehensive and compassionate preventive cat care services, and to help you learn how to provide the best care in every way. Contact us to discuss a preventive cat care regimen for your feline friend and to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian today!