Animals: Large and Small

When you decide to get a cat for a pet, you need to make sure that you know when to take your cat to the veterinary office. Having a cat can be fun and exciting; however, you need to make sure you are prepared not just to love on your cat, but also to make sure your cat gets the medical care that it needs.

To Get Their Vaccinations

When your cat is a kitten, you are going to need to take your cat to the veterinary office in order for your cat to get their vaccines. Your cat will need to get a series of vaccines, so you will have to make a few different trips to the clinic. You are also going to want to get your cat dewormed as well.

When you bring your kitten to the vet, you are going to want to bring them in a carrier so you can keep them off the ground and away from other animals. Your kitten's immune systems are just developing, and you don't want them to pick something up when you take them to the vet.

Put your kitten in the crate before your first visit, so they are comfortable hanging out in there. This will make their first trips to the vet more enjoyable experiences.

To Get a General Wellness Check

Next, once a year, you are going to want to take your cat to the vet for a general wellness check. This is a great time to check in with the vet and make sure your cat is developing properly. This is also a good time to get follow-up booster shots that may be needed for some vaccines. You can also discuss flea and tick treatment with your vet at your cat's yearly general wellness check.

You should tell your vet about any changes you have noticed in your cat over the past year, such as behavioral or eating changes. These changes could indicate hidden health issues.

To Get Serious Conditions Checked Out

Sometimes, you need to make an emergency trip to the vet. The key is to know what signs are serious enough to warrant an emergency vet trip. If your cat is vomiting more than once or has diarrhea, you need to get to the vet. Both these can be symptoms of other more serious issues and can make your cat dehydrated. If you notice that your cat's weight suddenly drops and they are not eating, you need to take your cat to the vet. Or, if you notice a mass in your cat, you need to get them medical help right away.

When it comes to taking care of your cat, you need to take your cat to the vet when they are a kitten to get their vaccinations, once a year for a general wellness check, and if they have a serious condition. For more information, contact veterinary clinics such as Berlin Township Animal Hospital.