Does your indoor cat need a pet wellness exam? Even though your feline friend doesn't typically leave the house and isn't around other animals, they still need this preventive service. If you have an indoor cat, take a look at the reasons to schedule their well visit right now.

Up-to-Date Vaccinations

All cats need vaccinations—whether they go outside or not. While your indoor pet probably doesn't come in contact with contagious cats regularly, if they get out or you adopt another animal, they're at risk.

What vaccinations does your cat need? Your pet needs the core feline vaccines, including feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV1), feline calicivirus (FCV), feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), feline leukemia virus (FeLV - kittens), and rabies.

Along with the core vaccines, your vet may recommend non-core options. These include feline immunodeficiency virus, feline chlamydia, and feline Bordetella.

Your cat won't need every vaccine annually. Talk to the veterinarian about which immunizations they'll need at each visit.

Preventative Exam

All cats, like humans, have health risks. Indoor cats may not have the same safety issues an outdoor pet does, but that doesn't mean they can't develop a chronic disease or other condition.

A well visit provides your pet with preventative protection. The vet will examine your cat and recommend diagnostic testing (such as bloodwork) as needed. The exam and testing can help the expert to diagnose diseases or conditions before they go from minor to major—potentially saving your cat's life.

Questions Answered

What should your cat eat now that they're a "senior" feline? How can your indoor pet get the exercise they need? Is your cat's seemingly strange behavior actually normal? Chances are you have questions about your cat's life stages, changes, physical health, and behavior.

The pet well visit gives you a chance to ask questions and get expert-level answers. Before your cat's pet wellness visit, write a list of questions you have or you anticipate having (such as whether your pet needs a change in diet as they age or how they'll react to an upcoming move).

Keep in mind, the vet visit may bring up new questions. If you're not sure about a vaccination, test, or other part of the exam, ask the veterinarian for an explanation during the office visit. This reduces the need to call back with follow-ups after you get home.

Your indoor cat needs the same preventative care an outdoor animal would have. If you haven't scheduled an annual pet wellness exam, contact your pet's vet as soon as possible to make an appointment.

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