Preventative Medicine for Cats
Physical Exam: finds physical abnormalities and determines if vaccinating is safe.
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and FIV tests: tests a few drops of blood for viruses similar to HIV in people. Like AIDS, may take 2-3 years to show untreatable disease.
Rabies vaccine: prevents rabies if cat is bitten by a rabid animal (bats may be indoors)
Distemper vaccine: prevents disease caused by 4 viruses that cause respiratory and intestinal disease.
Leukemia (FeLV) vaccine: helps prevent lethal virus infection from contact with an infected cat - indoor or especially outdoors.
Fecal exam or deworm: checks for intestinal parasites or can give dewormer if cat does not use the litter box/outdoor. Parasites can be passed to people.
Spay/neuter @5-6 months: besides preventing kittens, helps prevent female breast cancer and uterus infections, and male territory urine marking and fight wounds.
Recommended in some cases
For almost all cats: Flea preventative. Once-a-month treatment to prevent flea bites and kill fleas. Safer than over-the-counter chemicals.
For all cats prior to surgery, required for cats 8 years and older: Pre-anesthetic blood tests. Detects diabetes, liver and kidney disease, and anemia before they are seen on exam.
For middle-age cats: Wellness blood tests. Tests internal organs plus electrolytes and red/white blood cells.
For cats 11 years and older: Geriatric profile. Complete blood panel (CBC/chemTv) ($89) For thyroid test, and chest x-rays
For identification: microchip implant. A small chip is injected under the skin and is scanned by shelters if a lost pet is turned in.
To defer large expenses: PET HEALTH INSURANCE. Like human insurance, covers pet medical bills by paying an annual premium. Costs vary with program and age-check brochure.
