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So when do you take your cat to see the veterinarian? The biggest mistake that happens when getting a new cat is not taking it to a veterinarian for a routine checkup. There are some people who think that you only have to take a cat to the veterinarian when it is sick or hurt. This is one of the biggest misconceptions of owning a cat. There is much more to caring for your cat besides just food and water.

Did you know that there are a lot of diseases that can be prevented from a simple booster shot? The checkup and vaccinations should start shortly after they are born. Your veterinarian will know what vaccinations to give your cat or kitten and at what age and time. Not every cat will need to get the same vaccinations; it depends on whether you keep them indoors, outdoors, or both. Another factor is whether you have other cats or animals in the house. Let your veterinarian know what environment your cat lives in, it will give them the information they need to choose the right vaccinations for your cat.

All of our cats are indoor cats, but we still take them for annual checkups to get their booster shots. It gives me peace of mind that my cats have a better chance of not contracting a disease. They still can get a disease even after getting the booster shot, but the chance is smaller than without the booster shot.

Another good reason to take your cat in for routine checks is that you may not know that there is something wrong with your cat, but your veterinarian is trained and will know if something could be potentially wrong. And if you have been taking your cat to them for awhile, they will have a history of your cat documented, and most will know your cat and will recognize if something appears to be different on that particular visit. You can also help them with their routine examination by noting any changes that you may have observed in your cat since the last visit. You may not think that it is unusual or that there is not anything wrong with your cat, but it will help in determining your cat's overall health. Any changes in your cat may not mean anything, but it is always good to keep your veterinarian informed of changes as they can write it down for any future reference in case something does arise and needs attention.

There will still come times when you will need to visit the veterinarian before it is time for the next scheduled checkup for boosters. There are still sicknesses that the boosters do not prevent, so we take our feline friend in for a special visit. There will also be other factors not as threatening, unless ignored, that you will want to treat your cat for, such as fleas. Our cats get treated for fleas when they need it. I didn't have to before, but we did bring a dog into the family and with him came fleas. So we do treat all of them or fleas, and I get a recommended flea treatment from my veterinarian.

It is very important for your cat's health and well being that you make regular appointments with the veterinarian to receive their booster shots and an overall check. It will keep them healthy and happy, and they will reward you with lots of love.