How to Avoid Taking a Cat to the Vet

A visit to the vet is one of the most frustrating things cat owners face. Cats hate being forced into a plastic carrier and hate being pulled out of it when they get to the vet even more. Rarely do they exhibit any of the symptoms that brought them there and most seem resentful of the implication that there was anything wrong to begin with. The best way to avoid this situation is to keep your cat healthy.

Things You'll Need

  • Balanced cat food
  • Plastic bags and containers
  • Cat shampoo
  • Nail trimmers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Feed your cat a balanced diet. One of the most important things you can do to keep your cat healthy is to make sure all of his nutritional needs are met. Cats have very specific nutritional needs, including protein and taurine. Not meeting these needs will cause health concerns that will necessitate trips to the vet. Feeding a well-balanced, commercially prepared diet and only giving treats occasionally will ensure that you meet your cat's nutritional needs and keep him at a healthy weight.

    • 2

      Take fecal and urine samples to the vet at least twice a year. While this might sound odd, it allows your vet to screen your cat for intestinal parasites and kidney or urinary tract infections without taking your cat to the vet's office. Anti-parasitic medicine can be dispensed to the owner for administration at home.

    • 3

      Take your cat to see a veterinarian once a year for annual vaccinations. Regular checkups are an important part of keeping your cat healthy and avoiding the vet throughout the year. Take advantage of your cat's annual visit and have routine blood work performed in addition to his vaccines and worming. This will allow the vet to check your pet's organ systems for indications of disease. Early detection will allow for early treatment, reducing unnecessary visits to the vet.

    • 4

      Learn to take care of routine issues at home. Many cats find themselves in a veterinarian's office for things that owners could easily take care of themselves. These include bathing, nail trims, flea control and minor wound care. Some of these tasks may take some practice, but most can be handled at home, reducing stress on the cat and the owner.

    • 5

      Learn to recognize warning symptoms of illness. As a cat owner, it is paramount that you understand what constitutes normal behavior for your pet and what requires medical attention. Cats are notorious for remaining stoic even under the direst of circumstances. By the time you recognize illness in your cat, the disease may have progressed significantly, requiring many vet visits for treatments and lengthy stays.