Regular wellness checkups are the foundation of maintaining your feline companion’s health throughout their lifetime in Central Oregon’s beautiful but challenging environment. At Pawtown Veterinary Care in Bend, we understand that cats are masters at hiding illness, making routine examinations essential for detecting health issues before they become serious problems requiring extensive treatment.
Our experienced veterinarians, Dr. Erin Miller and Dr. Lauren Stayer, provide comprehensive cat checkups tailored to your pet’s age, lifestyle, and individual health needs. As Bend’s locally-owned practice dedicated exclusively to dogs and cats, we take the time to thoroughly examine your feline friend while educating you about preventive care strategies that keep cats thriving in our active Central Oregon community. For information about our complete range of preventive services, visit our services page to discover how we support your cat’s health through every life stage.
What to Expect During Your Cat's Checkup
A comprehensive cat checkup at Pawtown Veterinary Care begins the moment you arrive at our family-friendly clinic. We understand that many cats find veterinary visits stressful, so our team works to create a calm, comfortable environment that helps both you and your feline companion feel at ease during the examination process.
Dr. Miller or Dr. Stayer will start by reviewing your cat’s medical history, discussing any changes in behavior, appetite, litter box habits, or activity level you’ve noticed since the last visit. This conversation helps us understand your cat’s overall well-being and identify areas requiring special attention during the physical examination.
The physical examination includes checking your cat’s eyes, ears, mouth, and teeth for signs of disease or discomfort. We listen to the heart and lungs, palpate the abdomen to assess internal organ health, and examine the skin and coat for parasites, lumps, or other abnormalities that might indicate underlying health concerns.
Age-Appropriate Health Assessments For Your Cat
Checkup frequency and focus areas vary based on your cat’s life stage. Kittens require more frequent visits to monitor growth, complete vaccination series, and address behavioral questions that arise during those important early months. Adult cats typically benefit from annual wellness examinations that maintain baseline health records and catch problems early.
Senior cats, generally considered those over seven years old, may benefit from twice-yearly checkups because aging can accelerate health changes. During senior examinations, we pay special attention to the following:
- Joint health
- Kidney function
- Thyroid levels
- Other age-related concerns common in older felines
Our veterinarians tailor each checkup to address your cat’s specific needs, whether that involves discussing weight management, behavioral concerns, or planning for upcoming life changes like moving or introducing new pets to the household.
Essential Health Screenings for Bend Cats
Living in Central Oregon exposes cats to certain health risks that routine checkups help identify and prevent. Regular screenings for common feline diseases ensure early detection when treatments are most effective and least costly for pet owners.
Blood work recommendations vary based on your cat’s age and health status. Young, healthy cats may need minimal laboratory testing, while older cats or those with chronic conditions benefit from annual or semi-annual blood panels monitoring organ function and detecting early signs of disease.
Fecal examinations check for intestinal parasites common in our region, including roundworms, hookworms, and giardia. Even indoor cats can be exposed to parasites through insects, contaminated soil tracked indoors, or contact with other pets, making regular screening important for all felines.
Parasite Prevention and Detection
Central Oregon’s outdoor lifestyle means even indoor cats face parasite exposure risks. During checkups, we examine external parasites like fleas and ticks that can transmit diseases or cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive cats.
We discuss appropriate parasite prevention strategies based on your cat’s lifestyle and exposure risks. Indoor-only cats may require different prevention protocols than cats with outdoor access or those living in multi-pet households where cross-contamination risks are higher.
Cat Dental Health Evaluation
Dental disease affects the majority of cats over three years old, making oral health assessment a crucial component of routine checkups. During examinations, we evaluate your cat’s teeth and gums for signs of the following:
- Tartar buildup
- Gingivitis
- Tooth decay
- Other oral health problems that can impact overall wellbeing
Poor dental health doesn’t just affect your cat’s mouth. Bacteria from dental disease can enter the bloodstream and affect heart, liver, and kidney function, making routine dental care an investment in your cat’s long-term health and longevity.
We provide guidance on home dental care techniques, discuss professional dental cleaning options when appropriate, and help you understand warning signs that indicate your cat may be experiencing dental pain or discomfort between checkups.
Weight Management and Nutrition Counseling For Cats in Bend
Maintaining an appropriate weight is crucial for your cat’s joint health, diabetes prevention, and overall quality of life. During checkups, we assess your cat’s body condition and discuss feeding strategies that support optimal weight throughout different life stages.
Indoor cats often require different nutritional approaches than more active outdoor cats. We provide personalized feeding recommendations based on your cat’s age, activity level, and any health conditions that might benefit from specialized nutrition management.
Our team can recommend appropriate treats, discuss feeding schedules, and help you understand portion sizes that maintain healthy weight without leaving your cat feeling hungry or unsatisfied.
Special Dietary Considerations
Some cats require specialized diets for managing health conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, food allergies, or urinary tract problems. During checkups, we monitor how well therapeutic diets are working and make adjustments as needed to optimize your cat’s health outcomes.
We stock and can order prescription diets through our online pharmacy service, making it convenient to maintain your cat’s specialized nutrition requirements without frequent trips to our clinic.
Behavioral Assessment and Counseling
Changes in behavior often indicate underlying health problems that cats instinctively try to hide. During checkups, we discuss any behavioral changes you’ve noticed, including litter box issues, aggression, excessive vocalization, or changes in social interaction with family members.
Stress-related behaviors are common in cats and can impact physical health over time. We provide strategies for creating calming environments, managing multi-pet households, and helping cats adjust to changes in routine or living situations that might cause anxiety. Early intervention for behavioral problems often prevents more serious issues from developing and helps maintain the strong bond between you and your feline companion.
Schedule Your Cat's Checkup at Pawtown Veterinary Care
Don’t wait for symptoms to appear before prioritizing your cat’s health. Regular wellness checkups are the best investment you can make in your feline companion’s long-term well-being and quality of life. Our experienced team makes checkup appointments convenient and stress-free for both you and your cat.
Contact Pawtown Veterinary Care today to schedule your cat’s comprehensive wellness examination. We’re committed to helping Central Oregon cats live their healthiest, happiest lives through expert preventive care delivered with the personal attention you expect from your local veterinary team. Schedule your cat’s checkup today to ensure your feline companion receives the thorough, compassionate care they deserve in beautiful Bend, Oregon.