8 Questions to Ask During Your Cats’ Vet Visit

Cats have their own set of needs that are different from any other animal, which is why it’s important to invest in affordable cat insurance. Their pet parents want to do the best for them, but sometimes it can be hard to know what that is.

Thankfully, your veterinarian is there to help you navigate cat parenting and everything pet insurance-related. Whether you’re new or you’ve been raising cats for several years, there could be some very important questions that you may have missed asking your vet.

Here are eight cat questions you’ll want to ask your vet at your next appointment:

1. Is My Cat a Healthy Weight?

Many cat owners love a plump cat. However, just like with people, this extra weight can negatively affect the cat’s quality of life. They could struggle with health problems, such as heart disease or diabetes, later in life. They could have difficulty moving around, which means less playtime and an inability to join you in different parts of your house.

During your vet visit, it’s important to ask if your cat is a healthy weight.  Equally as bad as being overweight, is being too thin. You’ll want to know if your cat is on either end of the scale of being too skinny or too fat. Your vet will be able to make recommendations on what to do, such as changing your cat’s diet, cutting back on table scraps, or increasing their activity.

2. Is My Cat Up to Date on Shots?

Vaccines are essential to your cat’s overall health. If you miss a booster shot, your cat could be at risk of a host of diseases, including rabies or feline aids virus.

Your vet can check records from previous exams to see if your cat is due for any shots. If you’ve just relocated and have a new vet, you can ask them to request records from your previous vet so they can be fully up to date on your cat’s health and vaccine history.

3. What Vaccines Does My Cat Need?

The vaccinations your cat needs depend on a few different factors, including where you live, your cat’s age, exposure to other cats, and whether they go outside. It’s important to ask your vet which shots are necessary because your cat may not need some vaccinations.

Your vet will likely recommend these vaccines for your cat: rabies, feline viral rhinotracheitis (for a respiratory infection), feline calicivirus (for a respiratory infection), and feline panleukopenia (for feline distemper).

In addition to asking about the types of vaccines your feline friend should have, you’ll want to ask about any reactions to the medication that your cat may experience. Will it be normal for your cat to be sleepy or less hungry after having a vaccination shot? Your vet can help you know which normal and abnormal behaviors to watch out for after your cat receives a vaccine.

4. Is [Enter Cat’s Behavior Here] Normal?

Has your cat’s behavior changed recently? Even if it may seem like a minor change, it’s still important to discuss it with your vet. Any change in behavior could indicate underlying issues.

If your ordinarily sweet feline friend begins acting aggressively or refuses to play, you’ll want to discuss this with your vet because it could signify that they aren’t feeling well or are in pain. You’ll also want to talk about any changes in eating habits and sleeping, hiding, grooming, and vocalization behaviors.

5. Can I Do Anything for My Cat’s Marking Behavior?

It’s never fun to come home from a long day of work to only find that your cat peed or pooped outside of his litter box. If this is recurring behavior for your cat, don’t wait to discuss it with your vet! You may think it’s just a frustration you have to deal with, but there could be an underlying medical issue causing your cat to behave this way. Fortunately, your vet can help you address these issues and help return you and your feline friend to a happy relationship.

6. Could I Be Providing More Appropriate Food?

Your cat’s diet directly affects their physical health. Kittens need more nutrients to support their growth and development, so they should have food targeted towards young cats. Additionally, your cat’s diet could even improve or adversely affect any health conditions your feline friend may have. At your next visit, ask your veterinarian if there are any more appropriate food options for your cat’s age, lifestyle, weight, and health.

You can also ask your vet about the type of food to give your cat. For example, should you give them wet or dry food? You’ll also want to ask about the ingredients you should avoid as well as the ingredients you’ll want to make sure is in their food. Finally, inquire about how often you should feed your cat. Should you let them free-feed throughout the day, or should you provide them fresh food in both the morning and the evening? Your veterinarian can help you determine the best options for your feline friend’s particular needs.

7. Should I Schedule a Dental Cleaning for My Cat?

More often than not, your vet will suggest you schedule an annual dental cleaning for your cat. Dental disease is the most common medical disease for felines. Dental cleanings are a preventative measure to this painful (and often stinky) medical condition. Ask your veterinarian if now is a good time to schedule a professional dental cleaning. Then, ask for ideas on how to maintain your cat’s dental hygiene at home between professional cleanings.

8. Should I Invest in Pet Insurance?

Whether you’re well-versed in the benefits of pet insurance or are just beginning to learn about this coverage, your veterinarian can be your best resource for understanding the ins and outs of affordable cat insurance.

And not only can they help to educate you on the benefits of pet insurance, but your veterinarian can also help you pinpoint why it would be beneficial for your cat. Cat’s have unique veterinary needs that, like humans, also vary by individual. Your veterinarian knows your cat’s medical history best and can help you break down which affordable cat insurance plan may be best for your budget and your furry family member’s needs.

Already curious about the benefits of cat insurance? Here are just a handful of the benefits of pet insurance for your feline:

• Though there’s a common saying that cats have nine lives, they are still prone to accidents, unforeseen illnesses, and chronic conditions. Odie’s cat insurance can cover these conditions.

• Diagnostic procedures like X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, and surgery are also covered so you can be proactive in helping your cat receive the proper diagnosis needed to move their plan of care along.

• One of the benefits of cat insurance from Odie is that you can add routine pet care coverage (which is preventative care coverage). This means no matter what your cat’s age is, routine pet coverage will pay off for the cost savings—and the peace of mind that comes with it.

• Do you know that your pet may need extra care coverage over his or her lifetime, like medications? You can get added coverage for everything from vet exams and office visits to rehabilitation and over-the-counter medications.

There’s a common misconception that because cats are small, so are their vet bills. However, this isn’t always the case. The main benefit of cat insurance is that no matter your cat’s age or medical needs (either chronic or acute), you can have the peace of mind that he or she can receive the right care without breaking the bank.

With Odie’s, affordable cat insurance works by paying into a monthly policy — just as you would your own medical insurance — and your cat gets protected against the bigger bills when they inevitably come. And no matter your cat’s age or medical history, there will be bills to face.

Ask Your Veterinarian Questions

Taking proper care of your cat starts with regular visits to the vet and being open and honest about your feline friend’s health and normal and abnormal behaviors. Don’t hesitate to ask questions at your next visit because this can provide you with clarity on topics like cat insurance and your cat with the proper care.

Make sure you’re ready for vet visits (emergency and routine) with Odie Pet Insurance. Our affordable cat insurance plans can help you be prepared to handle exams, procedures, and treatments financially.

Get a quote for affordable cat insurance today or reach out to the experienced team at Odie Pet Insurance to learn more about the benefits of pet insurance for your furry family members.

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