Why book a winter health check for your cat?
October 7, 2019
Cats are great at looking after themselves – but domestic breeds need us humans much more than they might like to think, especially in winter.
When the days and nights start getting colder and darker, our vet Albert recommends bringing your pet cat to us for a winter health check, to make sure they’re in tip-top condition.
Autumn is a good time to make sure vaccinations and treatments are up to date and nip any small problems in the bud, to avoid them worsening during the colder months. After all, it’s a time when we’re all at our most vulnerable.
So, what will we look out for?
- Weight and body condition
In lower temperatures, it’s tempting to eat more food for comfort and warmth – and treats become especially frequent on the approach to Christmas, of course. Your cat might eat up to 25% more food during than they would during other seasons, especially if they spend a lot of time outside. If you’d like advice about making sure you don’t end up with a fat cat, our vets can discuss diet options with you. - Common cat health conditions
If you have an older cat, arthritis can strike during cold weather – and poor vision can also be an issue, especially with darker nights drawing in. But at any age, we can give your cat a thorough examination to spot signs of anything that may require treatment or extra care. - Teeth
Like vaccinations, a seasonal check-up is a great opportunity to make sure your pet has no dental concerns – especially as extra treats and other rich food over winter might pose a greater threat than usual.
If there’s anything else that worries you about your cat during autumn and winter, please don’t hesitate to ask Justina or another of our team – and we’ll refer you to one of our vets if we feel that more attention is required.