Annual vet visits can save your cat from the pain and trauma of serious illness — even save his life. Vaccinations Side Effects Main Menu

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and a quick, inexpensive checkup is surely preferable to a lengthy, expensive treatment. Annual vet visits can save your cat from the pain and trauma of serious illness — even save his life. While you can do much to keep your cat healthy at home, some of the signs of ill health can be subtle, especially since cats tend to keep their pains and afflictions to themselves. There may be early signals of a problem that only a professional would find. Other problems develop very slowly, and small, gradual changes often go unnoticed by those living with the cat every day.

During the checkup, your vet will ask you about your cat's general health. Mention any problems or changes in your cat's behavior and habits, no matter how insignificant they may seem to you. Has he become lethargic? Have any of his eating or litter box habits changed? Has he exhibited unusual aggressiveness, shyness or other odd behavior? Take along your cat's medical diary, including vaccination records, incidents of illness or injury and notes on any medical treatments (along with any side effects) so that your vet has complete information.

The vet will give your cat a thorough physical, including a head-to-tail visual and tactile examination. Point out anything you have noticed while playing, grooming or examining your cat yourself: bumps or lumps, skin or fur problems or anything else out of the ordinary. Don't be shy; your cat relies on you to be his spokesperson since he can't speak up for himself. A checkup is also a good time to have your cat's teeth looked at and to schedule a cleaning by the vet if necessary. Tartar buildup can lead to gum infections, which can, in turn, cause other illnesses.