Cat Care

Cat Preventive Care: Providing the Best Care

Preventive care is essential for maintaining your cat’s long-term health. From vaccinations to dental care and routine bloodwork, regular veterinary care ensures that your cat avoids preventable diseases and receives the best protection. At Ralston Vet, we’re committed to providing comprehensive preventive care for cats. We believe your cat is part of your family and we want to help keep your pet family together as long as possible.

Regular Preventive Exams for Cats

Wellness exams are an important part of your cat’s preventive care routine. During these check-ups, our care teams assess your cat’s overall health by checking vitals, discussing what you see at home and performing a nose to tail exam. A full physical nose-to-tail exam allows our veterinarians to check for early signs of illness and recommend any necessary treatments to keep your cat in optimal condition.

Cat Vaccinations: Protecting Your Cat from Disease

Vaccines play a critical role in safeguarding your cat’s health. Core vaccines, such as those for rabies and feline distemper, protect your cat from serious diseases that could otherwise be life-threatening to them and you. Following a tailored vaccination schedule helps keep your cat safe from harmful infections. By partnering with you, we’ll evaluate your whiskered family member’s needs to stay protected from disease.

Fecal Exams & Parasite Prevention for Cats: Why It’s Important

Parasites can affect both indoor and outdoor cats, making preventive care essential. Common parasites include fleas, ticks, intestinal worms, and heartworms, all of which pose significant health risks to you and your cat. A consistent year-round preventive plan will protect your cat from these harmful parasites.

Fecal exams allow veterinarians to identify microscopic parasites that may not be visible in your cat’s stool. By scheduling regular fecal exams, you can catch infestations early, preventing discomfort and potential transmission to other pets or family members.

Intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms are common in cats and can be transmitted through contaminated soil, other animals, or fleas. These parasites can cause symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. Regular exams are crucial for early detection and treatment, many of these parasites are zoonotic meaning they can be spread to your human family members.

Fleas and ticks can transmit harmful diseases, including tapeworms and Lyme disease. Using flea and tick preventives year-round is the best way to keep your cat safe.

Although heartworm disease is less common in cats than dogs, it is still a serious threat. Spread by mosquitoes, heartworm infection can cause respiratory and cardiac issues. Since treatment options for infected cats are limited, preventive care is critical.

Learn More

Dental Care for Cats:
Promoting Oral Health

Maintaining your cat’s dental health is crucial for preventing issues like gum disease and tooth decay. Without proper care, dental problems can lead to infections that affect your cat’s overall health. We recommend regular dental exams, cleanings, and at-home care to ensure your cat’s teeth and gums remain healthy.

Learn More

Cat Essentials Plan 2026 

The Cat Essentials Plan Includes: 

  • Preventive Care Exam with Essential Vaccines
  • Unlimited Regularly Scheduled Additional Exams
  • 1 Stool Sample Screening
  • Health Screening Bloodwork Panel
  • 2 Nail Trims

$47.00 Monthly Payment
$560.00 Total Paid Over 12 Months

*Total Retail Value: $890.00

Enroll See Full Details

Customizable Services

Diagnostics

  • Health Screening Bloodwork Panel
  • Diagnostic Screening Bloodwork Panel
  • FeLV/FIV Blood Screening
  • Diagnostic Digital Radiographs/X-Rays
  • Diagnostic Abdominal or Echocardiogram Ultrasound

Procedures

  • Preventive Dentistry Procedure
  • Spay OR Neuter Surgical Procedure

Plan Add-Ons

  • Microchip and Registration
  • Cat Nail Trim
  • Heartworm or Flea/Tick Prevention

Senior Cat Care:
Give Them the Best Golden Years

As your cat enters their senior years, typically around the age of 7 or older, their needs begin to change. Regular veterinary care becomes even more essential to monitor for age-related conditions such as arthritis, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes. Early detection can greatly improve your senior cat’s quality of life. Caring for a senior cat requires a proactive approach to their health. Regular veterinary care, a proper diet, and a comfortable environment can help them live comfortably and happily in their golden years.

Senior Wellness Exams

For senior cats, we recommend bi-annual wellness exams to closely monitor their health. These exams often include more extensive diagnostics, such as blood work, urinalysis, and blood pressure checks, to detect any underlying conditions before they become serious.

Nutrition & Weight Management

Senior cats may require special diets to address issues like weight gain, dental problems, or kidney function. Our veterinarians can help develop a diet plan that ensures your aging cat gets the nutrients they need.

Arthritis & Joint Health

As cats age, they may experience stiffness or difficulty moving due to arthritis. Supplements, pain management strategies, and environmental modifications like ramps or soft bedding can improve their comfort.

Behavioral Changes

Senior cats might show signs of cognitive decline, such as confusion, vocalizing more at night, or changes in litter box habits. Regular checkups allow us to assess these changes and offer solutions to manage symptoms.