12001 N MacArthur Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73162
Why Preventative Care Matters for Your Cat
The best time to address a health problem is before it starts, and that is the philosophy behind preventative care at Warwick Animal Hospital. Regular wellness visits give our veterinarians the chance to catch subtle changes early, when they are easiest to treat. For cat owners throughout Oklahoma City, preventative care is one of the most effective ways to protect your cat's health and avoid costly, complicated treatment down the road. Schedule a wellness visit for your cat today.
Our Preventative Care Services
A thorough preventative care plan covers several areas of your cat's health, including:
Annual wellness exams give our veterinarians a full picture of your cat's health, from body condition and dental health to heart and lung function. These visits are also a good opportunity to discuss any behavior changes or concerns you have noticed at home.
Core and non-core vaccinations protect your cat against common, preventable diseases. Core vaccines are recommended for nearly every cat, while non-core vaccines are tailored to individual risk factors like outdoor access or exposure to other animals.
Parasite prevention covers fleas, ticks, heartworm and intestinal parasites. Consistent, year-round prevention is far easier on your cat, and your household, than treating an infestation after the fact.
Nutrition and weight management plays a bigger role in long-term health than many owners realize. Our team can help you choose an appropriate diet and feeding plan based on your cat's age, activity level and any existing health conditions.
What to Expect at a Wellness Visit
Every wellness visit includes a thorough, head-to-tail evaluation of your cat's health. During a typical visit, our veterinarians will check:
- Weight and body condition score
- Temperature, heart rate and respiratory rate
- Teeth, gums and overall oral health
- Eyes, ears and skin and coat condition
- Abdominal palpation to check internal organs
- Joints and mobility
- Vaccination status and any vaccines due
- Parasite prevention needs based on lifestyle
- Diet, behavior and any concerns you would like to discuss
Depending on your cat's age and health history, bloodwork or urinalysis may also be recommended as part of the visit.
Vaccinations for Your Feline Friends
Vaccinations protect your cat against common, preventable diseases, and they generally fall into two categories.
Core vaccines are recommended for nearly every cat, regardless of lifestyle, and include:
- Feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia (FVRCP), often given as a combination vaccine
- Rabies, which is also required by law in most areas
Non-core vaccines are recommended based on individual risk factors, such as outdoor access or contact with other animals, and may include:
- Feline leukemia virus (FeLV), typically recommended for cats with outdoor access or exposure to other cats
- Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), considered for cats at higher risk of exposure through fighting or outdoor contact
Our veterinarians will help determine which non-core vaccines make sense based on your cat's individual lifestyle and risk factors.
Microchipping
A microchip provides permanent identification that cannot fall off or become unreadable the way a collar tag can, which greatly improves the chances of a lost cat being reunited with their family. The procedure is quick, involves no more discomfort than a routine vaccine, and can often be done during a regular wellness visit or paired with another procedure, such as a spay, neuter or dental cleaning. Once your cat is microchipped, be sure to keep your contact information updated in the registry.
When to Schedule Preventative Visits
Cats are naturals at hiding illness, which means many conditions are already fairly advanced by the time symptoms become obvious at home. Routine wellness exams and screening bloodwork allow us to catch changes in organ function, weight and overall condition well before your cat shows outward signs of a problem. Catching an issue early almost always means simpler, less invasive and less costly treatment than addressing it after it has progressed.
Most healthy adult cats benefit from a wellness exam once a year, while kittens, senior cats and cats with an ongoing health condition typically need to be seen more often. If it has been a while since your cat's last exam, or if you have noticed any changes in appetite, energy or behavior, it is worth scheduling a visit sooner rather than waiting.
Give Your Cat a Head Start on a Healthier Life
Preventative care is one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect your cat's health for years to come. From wellness exams to parasite prevention, our team is here to build a plan that fits your cat's individual needs. Schedule a wellness visit at Warwick Animal Hospital today.