Physical Exams for cats

During a standard annual physical examination, your vet should check:

• Teeth for tartar/gum swelling
• Ears for ear mites and other fungus problems
• Body for ringworm (with black light)
• Standard bloodwork
• Fecal exam for worms
• Booster shots for rabies, FeLV, panleukopenia, rhino&co, etc.
• Eyes for normal pupil response and normal retinal appearance
• Weight, heart rate, temperature

Fecal samples

Any time you bring your cat to the vet, try to bring a fresh fecal sample. Put a small, fingernail-sized sample into a plastic bag, or ask your vet for a supply of fecal samplers. The vet cannot always get a fecal sample from the cat, and this saves you extra trips to return the sample and then bring the cat in if the tests are positive.

If you are afraid your cat will not cooperate and give you a fresh sample before you need to go in, within 12-18 hours before your appointment, a sample can be placed in the refrigerator.  Samples over 18 hours old, however, will probably not be of use.

Cat reactions

Cats largely dislike being taken to the vet. They hate riding in the car most of all, and the smell of fear and other animals in the office often distresses them further. Get a pet carrier. A plain cardboard one will do for infrequent trips; get a stronger fiberglass one for more travel or destructive cats. Carriers keep your cat under control at the vet’s and prevent accidents in the car en route. Popular suggestions to reduce your cat’s anxiety during vet visits:

• Make sure to drive your cat around (WITHOUT going to the vet) to get it used to the car
• Find a “cats only” vet
• Find a vet who will make housecalls
• Find a vet who manages the lobby efficiently to reduce waiting time
• Keep your cat away from dogs in the waiting room
• Keep your cat in a pillowcase rather than a carrier or box

Further Steps

From kitten-hood, accustom your cat to being handled.  Regularly do a  mini-exam by checking its ears, eyes, mouth, and nose.   This will have the added benefit that you will notice any changes from normal quickly and be able to call up your vet if something is wrong.

A cat’s or kitten’s ears should be clean and white or light pink, the eyes should be clear with an inner eyelid that remains open except for blinking.  The nose should be clean and pink or its normal color and the mouth should be clean with light pink gums.  Hold it still and look at its anus.  Also pick up its paws and look at the pads and claws.

Do arrange for the kitten to meet plenty of people; this will socialize your cat and it will not hide from people.