1441 Bridgetown Pike, Feasterville, PA 19053
Why Preventive Care Matters More for Cats
Cats are experts at masking illness, an instinct left over from their wild ancestors, which means many feline health problems are well underway before a cat shows any obvious signs at home. Preventive care is how our veterinarians stay ahead of that instinct, using regular exams and targeted testing to catch changes long before your cat's behavior gives them away.
Family Pet Clinic has served the cats of Feasterville for more than 25 years, and our team is Fear Free certified with specific training in feline-friendly handling, since cats often experience more stress with travel and handling than dogs do.
What a Preventive Care Visit for Cats Includes
A wellness exam for your cat includes a full physical evaluation of heart and lung sounds, body condition, joint mobility, skin and coat quality, and oral health. We ask about litter box habits, appetite, water intake, and activity level, since subtle changes in these areas are often the earliest signs of common feline conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism.
Vaccination needs are based on your cat's lifestyle. Indoor-only cats generally need a more limited vaccine protocol than cats who go outdoors or live in multi-cat households, and we tailor our recommendations around your cat's actual risk of exposure rather than a blanket schedule for every patient.
Core and Non-Core Vaccines for Cats
We base every cat's vaccine protocol on age, health status, and lifestyle, dividing recommendations into core vaccines that we consider essential for nearly all cats and non-core vaccines that depend on individual risk of exposure.
Core Feline Vaccines
- FVRCP protects against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. Also known as the feline combo or feline distemper vaccine, FVRCP is a combination vaccine that guards against three common and potentially serious airborne viruses.
- Rabies protects cats against rabies, a fatal disease that can be transmitted to humans. This vaccine is required by law.
Non-Core Feline Vaccines
- FeLV/FIV protects against Feline Leukemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. We recommend this vaccine for cats who live in multi-cat households or who spend time outdoors.
Parasite Control for Cats
Parasites are more common than many cat owners realize, but there is no need for alarm. Fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and intestinal parasites all pose a real threat to cats, and year-round preventatives are the most effective way to keep your cat protected.
In every case, preventing parasites is far easier than treating them after the fact. At Family Pet Clinic, we use a two-step approach: continuous preventative medication paired with annual parasite testing. Our medical team considers your cat's lifestyle, indoor or outdoor access, and overall exposure risk to recommend the preventative that fits best, typically available as a pill, treat, or collar. Testing is completed at your cat's annual visit through a fecal or blood exam.
Fleas
Fleas are most common in warmer months but can be present year-round. They can be carried indoors on clothing or other pets, putting even indoor-only cats at risk. Bites can lead to tapeworms, allergic reactions, and bacterial infections.
Ticks
Ticks can transmit serious conditions including ehrlichiosis, Bartonella, anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Lyme disease. Cats with outdoor access should be checked regularly, especially after time in grassy or wooded areas.
Mosquitoes and Heartworm
Mosquitoes can transmit heartworm larvae. Cats are less commonly affected than dogs but remain susceptible, and heartworm disease in cats can be difficult to detect and treat. Monthly preventatives offer the most reliable protection.
Intestinal Parasites
Intestinal parasites are common in cats and can cause serious illness if left untreated. These include roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, and giardia and coccidia. Cats are typically exposed through contact with contaminated soil or the stool of other animals, so any outdoor access increases risk. Kittens are especially vulnerable due to their immature immune systems, which is why early testing and treatment are so important for new kittens.
Because some intestinal parasites can also affect people, keeping your cat on a consistent preventative plan helps protect your entire household. We recommend good pet hygiene, including handwashing after handling a cat who has been outdoors.
- Roundworms resemble angel hair pasta and may occasionally be visible in a cat's stool.
- Hookworms resemble small fish hooks, about one inch long, and can attach to the stomach lining and cause painful ulcers.
- Whipworms are curly shaped and typically two to three inches long.
- Tapeworms are common in cats and can lead to gastrointestinal blockages.
- Giardia and coccidia more often affect younger cats and aren't visible to the naked eye. Symptoms can include vomiting and diarrhea.
Weight, Nutrition, and Behavior
Weight management is a frequent focus of feline preventive visits, since obesity significantly raises a cat's risk of diabetes, joint problems, and urinary issues. We also welcome questions about litter box problems, scratching, or other behavior concerns during your cat's wellness visit, since behavior changes are often connected to an underlying medical issue.
Ready to Schedule Your Cat's Wellness Exam?
Call Family Pet Clinic at (215) 357-6357
or book online to schedule a preventive care visit for your cat at our Feasterville hospital.