What is included in a cat wellness exam?
During the wellness exam, we perform a comprehensive health assessment of your cat to make sure that they're thriving. This includes things like assessing their weight and their overall appearance, such as their skin. We also check their eyes, teeth, and gums to ensure there are no underlying problems that may necessitate something like a dental cleaning. We listen to their heart and lungs to assess and make sure there are no concerns. Additionally, we palpate their abdomen for any abnormalities that you may not be able to see with the visible eye. Cats should have a wellness exam at least once a year. If you have a senior cat, they may need checkups more frequently, sometimes twice annually, depending on any health problems. Regular exams provide many benefits, such as early disease detection, tracking weight changes, staying up to date with vaccinations, and preventative care.
How do I prepare my cat for a wellness exam?
Preparation makes all the difference. Here's how we can do that: First, acclimate your cat to a carrier. You don't want the first time you're putting your cat in a carrier to be when you take them to the vet. Make sure you leave it out around your house so they can get used to it. Also, stay calm, as cats can sense your stress. If you're stressed about the visit, they could be too. We also recommend bringing medical records with you if it's your first visit here.
Are there specific tests or screenings performed during a wellness exam?
Yes, anytime you're bringing your cat in for a wellness exam, we ask you to bring a stool sample. It's recommended once a year to check for intestinal parasites. If you have a senior cat, we may need to do more detailed tests such as blood work or urinalysis to detect underlying kidney or liver abnormalities.
What is the difference between a wellness exam and a sick visit?
A wellness exam focuses on preventative care, such as vaccinations or flea and tick prevention. A sick visit addresses a specific concern, such as weight loss or diarrhea.
What vaccinations or preventative treatments might be discussed during the exam?
During an exam for a cat, there could be a checklist of things we might discuss, such as vaccinating, deworming, and parasite prevention like heartworm, flea, and tick prevention. Deworming might be discussed if your cat is at higher risk of coming into contact with certain things.
How much does a cat wellness exam cost?
The cost of a wellness exam varies drastically depending on what your pet is due for, their age, or what we find during the physical exam. The best way we can accommodate you is to bring you in for that initial visit. If you give us a call, we can provide the price over the phone for the exam. Once you're here in our office, we are very financially transparent and cover costs with you at the time of the visit.
If you have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (937) 358-8142, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram.