Does your cat complain whenever you take her on a car ride? Most of our feline friends are not fans of being taken out of their domains. Regardless of her opinion on the matter, Fluffy does need to come in to the clinic regularly. Healthy cats are happy cats! Read on as a local Vancouver, BC vet offers some advice on taking your kitty to the vet.
Follow The Recommended Schedule
Fluffy’s appointment schedule will change a bit over time. Kittens need to come in a few times during that adorable first year. Once your furry buddy is an adult, she may be fine with annual visits. Older cats benefit from more frequent appointments. If your furball has any sort of health issues, she’ll also need to come in more frequently. Follow your vet’s recommendations.
Make The Carrier Inviting
If Fluffy only spots her carrier when it’s time for a dreaded car ride, she may very well bolt as soon as she sees it. It’s definitely worth your while to help her get used to it. Leave it out between appointments, and add some soft bedding to make it inviting. Giving her toys and treats in and near it won’t hurt, either.
Drive Carefully
Our feline buddies are often terrified of car rides. If it’s hot or cold out, let the car get to a comfortable temperature before bringing her out. Cracking a window will help keep air flowing to Fluffy, which can help fight nausea. On the way over, try to avoid sharp turns and fast starts or stops, and miss as many speed bumps and potholes as possible.
Emergency Visits
In between appointments, keep an eye on your feline pal, and watch closely for any changes in her appearance or behavior. These can be quite subtle and easy to miss, because kitties instinctively try to hide signs of illness or injury, as showing signs of weakness attracts predators in the wild. Some things to watch for include withdrawal, unkempt fur, lack of appetite, fever, lethargy, limping, respiratory issues, vomiting, diarrhea, changes in weight, skin problems, and litterbox woes. You may also notice behavioral changes, such as Fluffy becoming more or less vocal or affectionate, or perhaps acting uncharacteristically grumpy or clingy. Call us immediately if you notice any of these. The sooner an issue is diagnosed and treated, the better!
Do you have questions about your cat’s health or care? We can help! Please contact us, your local Vancouver, BC animal clinic, today!
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