Wellness Consult for Cats
What is a Wellness Consult for Cats?
A wellness consult is a routine health check-up for a pet that appears healthy. Unlike an exam for a sick animal, the purpose of a wellness visit is to maintain optimal health and prevent potential problems before they arise. Regular wellness exams are key to catching early signs of disease and ensuring that your cat remains in the best possible health.
Why Should You Schedule a Wellness Consult for Your Cat?
Cats are masters at hiding signs of illness. Since they can’t tell you when something’s wrong, many health issues go unnoticed until they become serious. A wellness consult allows your veterinarian to identify potential health problems before symptoms appear, giving us the chance to address them early and prevent irreversible damage. By keeping your cat’s health in check, we help ensure they live a healthy and active life.
When Should You Schedule a Wellness Consult for Your Cat?
Wellness exams should be scheduled regularly, and many cat owners combine their cat’s annual wellness consult with a physical examination and vaccination visit. Depending on your cat's age, breed, and specific health concerns, your veterinarian may recommend more frequent visits or additional testing.
For example, we follow the current guidelines from the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) to determine the appropriate frequency of wellness exams for your cat. Healthy cats with no signs of illness typically benefit from annual wellness visits, while senior cats or those with chronic conditions may require more frequent monitoring.
American Association for Feline Practitioners Guidelines (as of 2018):
What is Involved in a Cat Wellness Examination?
A thorough physical examination is the foundation of a wellness consult. During the exam, we will:
- Monitor your cat’s weight and body condition score
- Examine your cat’s dental health
- Auscultate the heart and lungs to check for abnormalities
- Palpate the abdomen to detect any issues
- Inspect the ears and eyes for signs of infection or other problems
- Check the skin for abnormalities or signs of infection
- Palpate the joints to assess mobility and potential pain
Based on the findings from the physical examination, we will recommend additional blood and urine tests. The extent of these tests will depend on your cat’s age and any physical exam findings.
For young, healthy cats, basic testing may be sufficient. For middle-aged or senior cats, more comprehensive tests may be recommended to detect early signs of disease and monitor their ongoing health.
For cats with known health conditions, we may recommend specific tests to monitor the progression of their condition and adjust their treatment plan to ensure they stay healthy and comfortable.
Summary: The Importance of Regular Wellness Consults
Wellness consults are a simple yet effective way to monitor your cat’s health and prevent serious medical issues. Early detection of potential problems gives us the opportunity to take corrective measures, helping your cat live a longer, healthier life. Regular wellness exams are an essential part of responsible pet ownership, ensuring that your feline companion enjoys the best quality of life possible.