Feline Wellness Care Checklist for Cat Owners
At Montrose Animal Hospital in Marietta, GA, we encourage cat owners to monitor their cat’s health closely between wellness visits. Cats often hide signs of illness, making routine preventive care and early detection extremely important.
Use the following feline wellness checklist to help identify potential health concerns and discuss them with your veterinarian during your cat’s annual wellness exam.
Signs to Watch for at Home
| Category | Checklist Item | Signs & Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Behavioral Changes | Hiding or becoming withdrawn | May indicate pain, illness, fear, or stress. |
| Behavioral Changes | Increased or decreased vocalization | Excessive meowing, yowling, or changes in purring can signal discomfort. |
| Behavioral Changes | Changes in activity level | Sleeping more, reluctance to jump, or reduced playfulness. |
| Physical Changes | Appetite and thirst changes | Eating or drinking more or less than normal. |
| Physical Changes | Weight changes | Unexplained weight loss or gain. |
| Physical Changes | Litter box habit changes | Straining, accidents outside the box, diarrhea, or constipation. |
| Physical Changes | Grooming habit changes | Greasy coat, matting, excessive grooming, or lack of grooming. |
| Physical Changes | Bad breath | May indicate dental disease or oral infection. |
| Physical Changes | Lumps or bumps | New growths, swelling, or skin abnormalities. |
Questions to Ask Your Veterinarian
Routine wellness visits are an important opportunity to discuss preventive care, nutrition, behavior, and early disease detection.
| Category | Checklist Item | Notes & Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Preventive Care | Vaccinations | Discuss vaccines based on your cat’s age and lifestyle. |
| Preventive Care | Parasite prevention | Ask about flea, tick, heartworm, and intestinal parasite prevention. |
| Preventive Care | Routine diagnostics | Bloodwork, urinalysis, fecal testing, and blood pressure screening. |
| Specific Health Concerns | Nutrition and weight | Review diet recommendations and healthy weight goals. |
| Specific Health Concerns | Dental health | Discuss dental cleanings and home dental care. |
| Specific Health Concerns | Behavioral concerns | Anxiety, aggression, litter box issues, or stress-related behaviors. |
| General Wellness | Home wellness plan | Develop a personalized preventive care plan. |
| General Wellness | Medication guidance | Learn proper medication administration and dosing. |
How to Make Vet Visits Less Stressful for Your Cat
At Montrose Animal Hospital, we understand that many cats experience stress during veterinary visits. Preparing ahead of time can help create a calmer experience.
| Category | Checklist Item | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Before the Trip | Carrier preparation | Leave the carrier out with bedding and treats so your cat views it as a safe space. |
| Before the Trip | Calming pheromones | Ask about products like Feliway® to reduce travel stress. |
| Before the Trip | Practice car rides | Short practice trips may help anxious cats become more comfortable. |
| During Transport | Cover the carrier | Use a towel or blanket to reduce visual stress. |
| During Transport | Secure the carrier | Prevent sliding or tipping during travel. |
| At the Clinic | Cat-friendly handling | Montrose Animal Hospital uses low-stress feline handling techniques. |
| At the Clinic | Calming medications | Ask your veterinarian whether anti-anxiety medication may help. |
Why Preventive Feline Wellness Care Matters
Routine feline wellness care helps detect health problems early, improves quality of life, and supports long-term health. Annual wellness exams allow veterinarians to monitor chronic conditions, recommend preventive treatments, and create customized healthcare plans for every stage of your cat’s life.
Montrose Animal Hospital proudly provides feline wellness care for cats throughout:
- Marietta, GA
- East Cobb
- Roswell
- Sandy Springs
- Smyrna
- Kennesaw
- Woodstock
- Vinings
- Atlanta
Schedule Your Cat’s Wellness Exam in Marietta, GA
If your cat is due for a wellness exam, contact Montrose Animal Hospital today to schedule preventive feline care in Marietta, GA.