Experiencing an Emergency? Contact Us at 401-732-4050. If After Hours, we recommend Ocean State Veterinary Specialists who can be contacted at 401-886-6787 24 hours a day.

Cowesett Animal Hospital

Adult Feline Health

Adult Cat Wellness Care

It is important to bring your cat in once a year for an annual physical exam, even if he/she is indoor only. Cats age differently than we do and may show very subtle to no outward signs of illness so it is important to have a nose to tail exam once a year.  

An adult health maintenance schedule for most cats consists of:

  • Complete history and physical exam yearly
  • FVRCP once every 3 years
  • Rabies once a year
  • FeLV once every 3 years for cats at risk
  • Fecal analysis yearly
  • Parasite Prevention - fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites.

Maintaining a Healthy Happy Life for your Cat

Maintain a happy litter box environment for your cat. Most cats enjoy large boxes, unscented litter, uncovered boxes, and for the box to be scooped daily. Place the box in an accessible but quiet location, away from the feeding area. The rule of thumb is to have as many litter boxes as you have cats plus one additional box. If at any time your cat stops using his/her box please call, as it may be a medical issue.

Maintaining a healthy weight throughout your cat’s life is the simplest way to prevent or delay many geriatric health problems such as diabetes or arthritis. All cats should have canned cat food incorporated into their diet. Cats that eat mainly canned food have a decreased chance of becoming overweight. Canned food is higher in protein and water; this may help with weight control and urinary tract health. A small amount of dry food is okay but should not be your cat’s whole diet since it contains at least 50% carbohydrates and tends to lead to obesity. Automatic feeders usually lead to obesity. Two or three meals a day is ideal.

Cats need dental care too. If your cat allows you, it is best to brush his/her teeth once daily using pet toothpaste and a piece of gauze. If that is not an option, a dental diet can be used to help keep your cat’s teeth clean. We carry T/D diet, a VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) approved diet. (You can still feed your cat canned food and give T/D Diet daily as treats.)

Cats are very good at hiding problems. You know your cat best, so when he/she is “not quite right”, this is the time to call. Please call our staff with any questions or concerns about your cats’ well being.