Your Cat’s First Vet Visit
October 6, 2005
So you’ve got a new cat, and she needs a checkup. On your first vet visit, your vet will take the lead and give you some basic information, and probably will go through a fairly standard routine.
Upwards of 90% of the information you need, however, will be based on the questions that you ask your vet. Somewhere, typically towards the end of the checkup, your vet will ask you if you have any questions.
Usually, by that time, your adrenaline has been pumping, and you’ve been overloaded. Your cat has been stressed and so have you… you are both ready to leave. Do not let this opportunity pass you by.
Take this time to take the lead, and ask your questions. What questions? Well, the ones that you’ll forget if you don’t already have them written down. Yes, write them down now.
Much of the information being distributed today on feline diet, health, and cat care in general is either fear based (e.g. raw meat diets, vaccination scares), or profit based (i.e. advertising). It’s important, therefore, to get your vet’s take on some of these issues.
Here is a list of issues that you can use to formulate your questions. This is by no means all inclusive, and you’ll probably have some specific ones of your own.
The important thing is that this will spark a dialogue between you and your vet that will help both of you to better care for your cat.
Here are some subjects to create your questions around…
Vaccination options: there are options for both type and schedule, and there are risks, so be sure to find out what your vet recommends for your cat.
Diet and nutrition: ask about commercial cat foods and brands as they are not all the same. What about alternatives like home made cat food, raw meat diets, and feeding table scraps?
Common cat owner mistakes: ask your vet which common mistakes to avoid.
Emergency procedures: find out what emergency procedures your vet has now, should you need it later.
Indoor or Outdoor: this is a big subject as it greatly affects your life, and the life span of your cat.
Cat litter and litter boxes: many choices can be narrowed to only a few by asking your vet for advice.
Common diseases and their signs: understanding what the common signs of disease are will help you detect problems in your cat early, and may save her life one day.
Use the above list to get started. As you write your questions, more will come to you. Write them down, even if the answers appear obvious. There is no question too small to ask your vet about the health of your cat.
Kurt Schmitt is an experienced cat owner and founder of http://www.cat-lovers-only.com. For the answers to your cat care questions, be sure to read “7 Questions to Ask Your Vet… A Guide for Cat Lovers” on the site.
Looking for more information?
Here are a few more selections you may enjoy:
Cats Make Great Pets If You Understand Them: Anyone wanting a new kitten should be a cat lover. Let’s face it, folks, cats are just different from dogs.. . . (click title link to read more)Dogs, Cats, And Horses… We Love Them All!: We have a long history with domesticated animals and even the nay Sayers can’t deny their roll in society past. . . (click title link to read more)
Ever Wonder How Fast To Train Or Work With Your Dog?: I noticed the other day, while working with a new German Shepherd dog-mix I adopted from a local animal shelter—how. . . (click title link to read more)
Strawberry Jamming: We’re jamming……strawberry jamming. Musings on small farm living. So why am I standing at the kitchen counter, blurry eyed at 9. . . (click title link to read more)
The Webmaster’s Assistant: There are many tools available to a webmaster to analyse website traffic allowing them to monitor the number of visitors,. . . (click title link to read more)
What Is Adware?: Adware is one of many "malwares" or malicious software programs that are unknowingly installed on your computer when you visit. . . (click title link to read more)
How To Select Keywords For Search Engine Optimization: Selecting the correct keywords can make or break your website. Potential customers search the web for desired sites, and if. . . (click title link to read more)
Understanding Spyware: Spyware is a "malware" or malicious software that is placed on your computer without your knowledge. This can happen when. . . (click title link to read more)