The Cat Clinic

Full service feline only veterinary hospital

veterinary visits

Hairballs

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Cat Veterinarian, Dr Kelley, Cat Clinic Plymouth, MA
Preventative Care Exam for cats

Hairballs, Hacks, Gags and Gas: Learn why you should schedule your cat’s annual preventative exam today!

When you’re a cat owner, you know all the benefits of living with a furry friend in your home.  Kisses, head butts and loud purrs. Did you expect hairballs on the carpet? Partially digested garbage strewn all over the floor?

Did you expect you cat to belong to the “Speed Eaters Anonymous Club,” where they eat so fast it comes right back up?

Like many cat owners, you may assume these digestive ailments just happen. You may assume they’re normal and chalk them up to coming with the territory of living with a pet. Perhaps they’ve become regular occurrences that you simply handle with mild frustration. Overall, no worries, you say!

The important thing to know is that many seemingly “normal” digestive problems are best to be checked out by a veterinarian. We know there’s a lot of information on the Internet you can read, but nothing replaces a face (yours) to face (ours) to face (your cat) visit with your veterinarian.

When you schedule your pet’s yearly preventative care exam, your veterinarian can discuss and answer all of your questions. During the veterinary exam, your veterinarian will perform a “hands-on” inspection of your cat’s abdomen by feeling each of the organs and evaluation the shape, size and position. They will listen through a stethoscope for any abnormal gut sounds. They may want to take a look at your pet’s poop to check for parasites and harmful bacteria. It’s all about digestion and it’s how to keep your cat healthy!

Schedule your cat’s annual preventative care exam today! Determine what’s normal and what’s not when it comes to your cat’s digestive tract.

Just think, after your visit, you may never have to clean up a hairball ever again.

Pleasant veterinary visits

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How to help your cat have pleasant veterinary visits

From the American Association of Feline Practitioners.

Fear is the primary cause of misbehavior. Knowing this can help prevent problematic veterinary visits.

GETTING THE CAT INTO THE CARRIER – Keep the carrier out in the home. Put treats inside. Train cats to view the carrier as a safe haven and “home away from home.” A quick response is crucial in case of disaster or emergency. Carriers that have both a top and a front opening are best. Top-loading carriers allow for stress-free placement and removal of the cat. A removable carrier top enables cats to be examined while remaining in the bottom half of the carrier. Do not “dump” a cat out of the carrier.

ADJUSTING TO CAR RIDES – Always put the cat in a carrier or other safe container. Take the cat for regular car rides, beginning with very short ones, to places other than the veterinary hospital. To prevent car sickness, do not feed before traveling. Reward verbally, with positive attention, and with treats.

PLEASANT VETERINARY VISITS – Bring along the cat’s favorite treats, toys, and blanket. Perform regular home maintenance procedures, including grooming, nail trimming, teeth brushing. “Play vet” procedures that mimic temperature taking, ear cleaning, and pilling can help cats better adjust to the veterinary hospital and to future home care when necessary. Regular trips to the veterinary hospital for “fun” visits involving no examinations or procedures provide owners and staff with the opportunity to reward the cat with praise and food treats.