Annual Veterinary Care
Every cat needs at least one annual veterinary checkup, with senior cats (10+ years) benefiting from twice-yearly visits. Annual exams should include a full physical examination, dental assessment, weight evaluation, and discussion of any behavioural changes. Blood work (complete blood count and chemistry panel) is recommended annually for seniors and every 2–3 years for healthy adults.
In Canada, rabies vaccination is legally required in most provinces. Core vaccines for cats include FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia) given as a kitten series and boosted every 1–3 years. Non-core vaccines like FeLV (feline leukemia virus) are recommended for outdoor cats or those in multi-cat households.
Parasite Prevention
Even indoor cats in Canada can encounter parasites. Fleas can enter homes on clothing or other pets, and cats near windows can be exposed to mosquitoes carrying heartworm. Monthly parasite prevention is recommended year-round, though some veterinarians adjust protocols for strictly indoor cats.
Common cat parasites in Canada include fleas, ear mites, roundworms, and tapeworms. Fecal testing at annual checkups detects intestinal parasites that may not cause visible symptoms. If your cat has any outdoor access, tick prevention is increasingly important as tick-borne diseases expand their range across southern Canada.
Dental Health
Dental disease is the most common health issue in cats, affecting over 70% by age three. Symptoms include bad breath, difficulty eating, drooling, pawing at the mouth, and reluctance to chew hard food. Daily tooth brushing with cat-specific toothpaste is the gold standard for prevention, though dental treats and water additives provide supplementary benefit.
Professional dental cleanings under anaesthesia are recommended when your veterinarian observes tartar buildup, gum inflammation, or signs of oral pain. These cleanings allow full X-rays and treatment of issues invisible during a regular exam. The cost ($300–$800 in Canada, depending on complexity) is a worthwhile investment in preventing pain and more costly extractions later.
Warning Signs That Need Immediate Attention
Cats are masters at hiding illness — by the time they show obvious symptoms, the problem may be advanced. Learn to recognize subtle warning signs: changes in appetite or water consumption (increased thirst can indicate diabetes or kidney disease), litter box changes (frequency, amount, or presence of blood), weight loss, hiding more than usual, vomiting more than occasionally, and changes in grooming habits.
Emergency signs requiring immediate veterinary care include: difficulty breathing, straining to urinate (especially in male cats — this is a life-threatening emergency), seizures, sudden inability to use hind legs, extreme lethargy, and ingestion of toxic substances. Know the location and hours of your nearest emergency veterinary clinic before you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
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