Cat Physical Exams in Annapolis, MD

We want what you want…your companion to live his or her best life. That includes annual wellness visits. When you bring your friend in for a yearly physical exam, you help us establish and keep up with a personalized health baseline so we may update your cat with age- and health-appropriate protocols. It’s also a great time to discuss any questions you may have concerning your kitty!

Examinations

Veterinarians know exactly how to spot early signs of disease. By conducting a thorough physical examination, your veterinarian can detect potential health concerns and determine which tests to run to diagnose your pet’s condition right away. The earlier most conditions are caught, the greater are your pet’s chances of a full and speedy recovery.

During a physical exam, your veterinarian will check everything, from your cat’s ears, eyes, and mouth to the function of the heart and lungs. You can also expect your veterinarian to record your cat’s weight, examine the skin and coat, and feel the body to check for unusual lumps or bumps.

Vaccinations

Vaccines play an essential role in preventing many pet diseases. Our veterinarians will tailor your cat’s vaccine protocol to fit his or her individual lifestyle. We commonly recommend these vaccines:

FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia)
Rabies
FeLV (feline leukemia)

Parasite Control

Annual Parasite Testing

Our furry friends are at risk for intestinal parasites that can be transferred to people. At your cat’s annual visit, we request you bring a stool sample for us to test for intestinal parasites. We send samples to an outside laboratory that specializes in testing for parasites such as Giardia, roundworms, whipworms, and hookworms.

Parasite Prevention

Parasites are more than just a nuisance; they spread harmful diseases like Lyme disease, tapeworm, and bartonella. We recommend all cats, even indoor cats, take preventative medicine to minimize the risk of parasites.

We prescribe a monthly heartworm preventive, as well as flea and tick treatments and yearly deworming as recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Nutrition & Exercise

Proper nutrition and exercise are key components of preventive health care. More and more pets are becoming overweight or obese, increasing their risk of weight-related diseases such as diabetes, liver disease, and arthritis. We believe it is part of our job to help your cat maintain a healthy weight. Your veterinarian will discuss nutrition and exercise plans with you and suggest diet changes as needed.