| So you've got a new cat, and she needs a | | | | Here are some subjects to create your questions |
| checkup. On your first vet visit, your vet will take | | | | around... |
| the lead and give you some basic information, and | | | | Vaccination options: there are options for both |
| probably will go through a fairly standard routine. | | | | type and schedule, and there are risks, so be sure |
| Upwards of 90% of the information you need, | | | | to find out what your vet recommends for your |
| however, will be based on the questions that you | | | | cat. |
| ask your vet. Somewhere, typically towards the | | | | Diet and nutrition: ask about commercial cat foods |
| end of the checkup, your vet will ask you if you | | | | and brands as they are not all the same. What |
| have any questions. | | | | about alternatives like home made cat food, raw |
| Usually, by that time, your adrenaline has been | | | | meat diets, and feeding table scraps? |
| pumping, and you've been overloaded. Your cat | | | | Common cat owner mistakes: ask your vet which |
| has been stressed and so have you.... you are | | | | common mistakes to avoid. |
| both ready to leave. Do not let this opportunity | | | | Emergency procedures: find out what emergency |
| pass you by. | | | | procedures your vet has now, should you need it |
| Take this time to take the lead, and ask your | | | | later. |
| questions. What questions? Well, the ones that | | | | Indoor or Outdoor: this is a big subject as it |
| you'll forget if you don't already have them | | | | greatly affects your life, and the life span of your |
| written down. Yes, write them down now. | | | | cat. |
| Much of the information being distributed today on | | | | Cat litter and litter boxes: many choices can be |
| feline diet, health, and cat care in general is either | | | | narrowed to only a few by asking your vet for |
| fear based (e.g. raw meat diets, vaccination | | | | advice. |
| scares), or profit based (i.e. advertising). It's | | | | Common diseases and their signs: understanding |
| important, therefore, to get your vet's take on | | | | what the common signs of disease are will help |
| some of these issues. | | | | you detect problems in your cat early, and may |
| Here is a list of issues that you can use to | | | | save her life one day. |
| formulate your questions. This is by no means all | | | | Use the above list to get started. As you write |
| inclusive, and you'll probably have some specific | | | | your questions, more will come to you. Write |
| ones of your own. | | | | them down, even if the answers appear obvious. |
| The important thing is that this will spark a | | | | There is no question too small to ask your vet |
| dialogue between you and your vet that will help | | | | about the health of your cat. |
| both of you to better care for your cat. | | | | |