So you've got a new cat, and she needs a checkup. On your first
vet visit, your vet will take the lead and give you some basic
information, and probably will go through a fairly standard
routine.
Upwards of 90% of the information you need, however, will be
based on the questions that you ask your vet. Somewhere,
typically towards the end of the checkup, your vet will ask you
if you have any questions.
Usually, by that time, your adrenaline has been pumping, and
you've been overloaded. Your cat has been stressed and so have
you.... you are both ready to leave. Do not let this opportunity
pass you by.
Take this time to take the lead, and ask your questions. What
questions? Well, the ones that you'll forget if you don't
already have them written down. Yes, write them down now.
Much of the information being distributed today on feline diet,
health, and cat care in general is either fear based (e.g. raw
meat diets, vaccination scares), or profit based (i.e.
advertising). It's important, therefore, to get your vet's take
on some of these issues.
Here is a list of issues that you can use to formulate your
questions. This is by no means all inclusive, and you'll
probably have some specific ones of your own.
The important thing is that this will spark a dialogue between
you and your vet that will help both of you to better care for
your cat.
Here are some subjects to create your questions around...
Vaccination options: there are options for both type and
schedule, and there are risks, so be sure to find out what your
vet recommends for your cat.
Diet and nutrition: ask about commercial cat foods and
brands as they are not all the same. What about alternatives
like home made cat food, raw meat diets, and feeding table
scraps?
Common cat owner mistakes: ask your vet which common
mistakes to avoid.
Emergency procedures: find out what emergency procedures
your vet has now, should you need it later.
Indoor or Outdoor: this is a big subject as it greatly
affects your life, and the life span of your cat.
Cat litter and litter boxes: many choices can be narrowed
to only a few by asking your vet for advice.
Common diseases and their signs: understanding what the
common signs of disease are will help you detect problems in
your cat early, and may save her life one day.
Use the above list to get started. As you write your questions,
more will come to you. Write them down, even if the answers
appear obvious. There is no question too small to ask your vet
about the health of your cat.
About the author:
Kurt Schmitt is an experienced cat owner and the author of "7
Questions to Ask Your Vet... A Guide for Cat Lovers."
For the answers to all your cat care questions, visit "The Website for Cat
Lovers."
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