Friends With Fur: A Pet Blog

Friends With Fur: A Pet Blog

The Three Things Your Cat Needs Every Year

by Sandra Butler

Many people fail to bring their cats to the vet on an annual basis, thinking that if the cat doesn't seem to have any problems, there's no reason to go. Unfortunately, this is rarely the reality. Cats, like people, should be seen by their (pet) doctors on a regular basis in order to ensure their health and safety. Here are three of the most important things that your cat could be missing out on in their annual care.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations aren't a one-and-done kind of deal. Most vaccines require cats to come back in on a yearly basis in order to get a booster shot. This delivers a fresh dose of the dead virus to the cat's immune system, allowing it to analyze the virus and develop new antibodies against it.

While it's good to have your cat vaccinated at all in the first place, if you aren't following up with yearly boosters, your cat could potentially get one of the illnesses it was vaccinated against. So don't skip your cat's booster shots.

Teeth Cleaning

Another problem that often goes ignored until it's severe is dental health. Cats, like people again, need to be seen for dental cleanings on a regular basis. This is because, just like people, cats develop plaque and tartar on their teeth and gums. Without help, this can lead to cavities, tooth loss, and gum disease.

Unfortunately, if your cat goes too long without dental care, they'll likely need some of their teeth pulled. This is because cavities and gum disease can progress to the point where the tooth is severely damaged and can no longer be saved. The only way to prevent this is to get your cat to a vet for regular cleanings.

If that weren't enough for you, there's a chance that cleaning your cat's teeth could also help to protect their life. Kidney disease is fatal for cats, and it's now believed that there may be a link between feline kidney disease and dental health. While it could take years for this illness to develop, once your cat has it there's no reversing it, even if you have your kitty's teeth taken care of. This is just one more reason why it's so important to get regular cleanings.

Physical

Lastly, your cat should be seen yearly for a quick physical examination. Simply giving your vet the opportunity to palpate your cat's body and to run a simple blood test will help them to understand how your cat's health is progressing. Problems can be caught early on with yearly physicals that would otherwise go unnoticed and untreated.

If your kitty isn't seeing a vet every single year for these things, make an appointment and start now. You can get all three done at the same time and rest easy knowing that your cat is healthy and safe as a result. For more information, contact a company such as Oakton Animal Hospital today.


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About Me

Friends With Fur: A Pet Blog

Nothing is quite like the bond you develop with a pet. You and your dog know each other to the core. You and your cat have your own way of communicating, even though you do not speak their language. These pets are, in a very real sense, your friends — but they are friends you have the responsibility of caring for completely. Determining what the best care for your pet really is can be a challenge. That's why we created this blog. The articles collected here will help you become a better owner and a better friend to your furry companion, whether they're a cat, dog, rabbit, or other species entirely.

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