Cat Wellness Exams: Ensuring Your Feline Friend's Good Health

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A veterinarian in blue scrubs and purple gloves examines a gray and white Scottish Fold cat on a table in a veterinary clinic. Medical tools and supplies are visible on the table.

What is a Cat Wellness Exam?

A cat wellness exam is a comprehensive physical examination performed by our veterinarians at Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care. We conduct these exams when your cat is not sick, as a routine check to ensure everything is going well with your feline friend’s health.

A veterinarian in blue scrubs and purple gloves examines a gray and white Scottish Fold cat on a table in a veterinary clinic. Medical tools and supplies are visible on the table.

What is a Cat Wellness Exam?

A cat wellness exam is a comprehensive physical examination performed by our veterinarians at Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care. We conduct these exams when your cat is not sick, as a routine check to ensure everything is going well with your feline friend’s health.

What Will Our Veterinarians Look for During Your Cat’s Wellness Exam?

At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, our skilled veterinarians, Dr. Ryan Smith and Dr. Reid Forman, thoroughly examine your cat from nose to tail. We check all body systems, assess body weight, and take your cat’s temperature. This comprehensive approach allows us to identify any abnormalities or potential health concerns.

Two women, one in a white coat with a stethoscope and the other in scrubs, examine a black and white cat on a blue towel in a veterinary clinic.
Two women, one in a white coat with a stethoscope and the other in scrubs, examine a black and white cat on a blue towel in a veterinary clinic.

What Will Our Veterinarians Look for During Your Cat’s Wellness Exam?

At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, our skilled veterinarians, Dr. Ryan Smith and Dr. Reid Forman, thoroughly examine your cat from nose to tail. We check all body systems, assess body weight, and take your cat’s temperature. This comprehensive approach allows us to identify any abnormalities or potential health concerns.

A person gently holds an alert ginger cat wearing a red knitted sweater, with the cat looking directly at the camera.

Will My Cat’s Wellness Exam Require Specific Lab Work or Procedures?

The need for lab work depends on your cat’s age and health status. For young, healthy cats around two years old and up-to-date on vaccinations, we typically don’t recommend additional tests. However, for older cats or young kittens, we may recommend blood work to check organ function. For kittens, we also conduct screenings for certain viruses to ensure they’re starting life on the right paw.

A person gently holds an alert ginger cat wearing a red knitted sweater, with the cat looking directly at the camera.

Will My Cat’s Wellness Exam Require Specific Lab Work or Procedures?

The need for lab work depends on your cat’s age and health status. For young, healthy cats around two years old and up-to-date on vaccinations, we typically don’t recommend additional tests. However, for older cats or young kittens, we may recommend blood work to check organ function. For kittens, we also conduct screenings for certain viruses to ensure they’re starting life on the right paw.

How Does Wellness Impact the Longevity and Health of My Cat?

Regular wellness exams are crucial for your cat’s long-term health. At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we believe that frequent check-ups allow us to detect potential issues early. Whether it’s a small mass or the early onset of a disease, early detection often leads to better prognosis and more effective treatment options.

A fluffy tabby cat with a white chest sits on a woven rug in a sunlit room. Its ears perk up as it gazes to the side, perhaps awaiting its favorite veterinarian. A cozy brown sofa and a green leafy plant are in the background.
A fluffy tabby cat with a white chest sits on a woven rug in a sunlit room. Its ears perk up as it gazes to the side, perhaps awaiting its favorite veterinarian. A cozy brown sofa and a green leafy plant are in the background.

How Does Wellness Impact the Longevity and Health of My Cat?

Regular wellness exams are crucial for your cat’s long-term health. At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we believe that frequent check-ups allow us to detect potential issues early. Whether it’s a small mass or the early onset of a disease, early detection often leads to better prognosis and more effective treatment options.

When Should I Bring My Cat for a Veterinary Wellness Exam?

We recommend bringing your cat to Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care immediately upon adoption, whether it’s a kitten or an older cat. This initial visit allows us to establish a baseline for your cat’s health and address any immediate concerns. Following this, the frequency of visits will depend on your cat’s age and health status.

What Are Some Signs That My Cat Might Not Be Feeling Well?

Common signs that your cat may be unwell include:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Lethargy or listlessness
  • Changes in normal behavior
  • Hiding (especially if your cat is usually social)

If you notice any of these symptoms, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care.

What Are Some Environmental Factors That Can Affect Cat Wellness?

Several environmental factors can impact your cat’s health:

  • Diet: Overfeeding can lead to obesity, while underfeeding can cause malnutrition
  • Outdoor risks: In Huntington Beach, outdoor cats may face dangers such as traffic, coyotes, and exposure to parasites like fleas and ticks
  • Indoor hazards: Even indoor cats can face risks from toxic plants, household chemicals, or injuries from falls

Our team at Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care can provide guidance on creating a safe environment for your cat.

Why is Early Detection Important to My Cat’s Wellbeing?

Cats are masters at hiding illness. By the time they show obvious symptoms, a disease may be quite advanced. Regular check-ups at Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care allow us to detect potential issues early, often leading to more effective treatment and better outcomes for your feline friend.

How Often Should My Cat Get a Wellness Exam?

The frequency of wellness exams depends on your cat’s age:

  • Kittens: Every 3-4 weeks until about 4 months old for vaccinations and development checks
  • Adult cats: Once a year
  • Senior cats (8 years and older): Every six months

However, these are general guidelines. Our veterinarians at Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care may recommend more frequent visits based on your cat’s individual health needs.

Yes, kittens require more frequent visits. At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we typically see kittens every 3-4 weeks until they’re about 4 months old for their vaccine series. At around 6 months, we conduct another exam, which is often when we discuss spaying or neutering.

Absolutely! Even if your cat appears healthy, annual check-ups are crucial. At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, these visits allow us to monitor your cat’s weight, discuss diet and nutrition, and conduct a thorough physical exam to catch any potential issues before they become serious problems.

We check your cat’s teeth during every wellness exam at Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care. The frequency of professional cleanings varies depending on your cat’s oral health. We may recommend at-home teeth brushing or special dental diets. Our veterinarians will advise whether it’s time for a cleaning or if we can wait and reassess in a few months.

If you have any questions about your cat’s health or would like to schedule a wellness exam, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care. You can reach us at (657) 756-5683 or visit our website at Love.vet. We’re conveniently located at 16161 Springdale St, Huntington Beach, CA 92649, and we’re always here to help keep your feline friend healthy and happy!