Most cat owners believe that they take their cats to their veterinarian each year "for shots." Most feline vaccines are given annually for maximum efficacy. However, the veterinary profession has done its patients a disservice through the years by placing emphasis on the vaccines as the main reason for the annual visit. Rabies drives and mobile vaccine services have also reinforced this notion.

Cats age much faster than humans do. Roughly, it is about a 5 to 1 ratio. (See the "Senior Cats" page for a more specific comparison.) For each calendar year that passes, your cat undergoes a significant amount of changing and aging. During one calendar year, many diseases can begin and advance to a serious stage. This brings us to the "real reason" for the annual visit.

When you bring your cat to Spokane Cat Clinic for its annual visit, please be prepared for more than a quick in-and-out trip. Please allow enough time in your schedule for us to do the following:

We begin by taking your cat's history. This allows you to tell us what has happened to your cat during the last few months and during its lifetime in regard to health issues. It brings out important issues that need to be discussed.

One of our doctors will perform a very thorough physical examination. We start at the nose and work our way to the tail. Our goal is to find disease in its early stage. Several aspects of the examination are tailored to the special needs of cats. Abnormalities that are detected are noted for further discussion. For some cats, blood is taken to perform tests for specific diseases. These tests are also chosen based on lifestyle, age, and risk factors. Needed vaccinations are given, either by the doctor or by one of our highly trained technicians. They are individually chosen based on disease risk factors.