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