Feline Wellness Care Checklist for Cat Owners
At Portsmouth Veterinary Clinic, we emphasize that annual physical examinations are essential for maintaining your cat’s long-term health. Cats are often described as “masters of disguise” — they instinctively hide signs of pain or illness. As a result, conditions such as dental disease, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or arthritis may advance significantly before obvious symptoms appear.
Preventive care is always superior to reactive care. Waiting until visible symptoms develop can limit treatment options and increase both medical complexity and cost. This Feline Wellness Care Checklist is designed to help cat owners take a proactive role in monitoring health at home and partnering with the Portsmouth Veterinary Clinic team.
If you notice any of the signs listed below, or have concerns about your cat’s health, please contact us at (401) 683-0803.
Feline Wellness Care
Signs to Monitor at Home
Subtle changes are often the earliest indicators of disease in cats. Consistent observation allows for earlier intervention.
Behavioral Changes
Hiding or Withdrawal
What It May Indicate: Pain, fear, stress, or underlying illness.
Increased or Decreased Vocalization
What It May Indicate: Discomfort, cognitive changes, thyroid disease, or anxiety.
Changes in Activity
What It May Indicate: Arthritis, metabolic disease, or systemic illness.
Examples include decreased play, reluctance to jump, or sleeping significantly more than usual.
Physical Changes
Appetite and Thirst
Monitor For: Increased or decreased food and water intake.
Changes may signal kidney disease, diabetes, or gastrointestinal issues.
Weight Changes
Monitor For: Unexplained weight loss or gain.
Even gradual weight loss can indicate serious disease in cats.
Litter Box Habits
Monitor For: Straining to urinate, increased frequency, accidents outside the box, or changes in stool.
Urinary obstruction is a medical emergency, particularly in male cats.
Grooming Habits
Monitor For: Greasy or matted coat, excessive grooming, or lack of grooming.
Cats in pain often groom less; anxious cats may over-groom.
Oral Health
Monitor For: Bad breath, drooling, difficulty eating.
Dental disease is extremely common in adult cats and can lead to systemic complications.
Lumps or Bumps
Monitor For: New growths or changes in existing masses.
Regularly run your hands gently over your cat’s body to detect abnormalities early.
What to Discuss during Your Cat’s Wellness Visit at Portsmouth Veterinary Clinic
Routine feline wellness care extends far beyond vaccinations. Each visit is an opportunity for individualized preventive planning, early disease detection, chronic disease monitoring, and client education.
Preventive Care
Vaccinations
Review core and lifestyle-based vaccines appropriate for your cat’s age and environment.
Parasite Prevention
Discuss year-round protection against fleas, ticks, and heartworm — even for indoor cats.
Routine Diagnostics
Ask about baseline bloodwork, urinalysis, fecal testing, and blood pressure monitoring.
Routine screening often detects disease before clinical signs develop.
Specific Health Concerns
Nutrition and Weight Management
Discuss life-stage appropriate diets, caloric intake, and body condition scoring.
Obesity significantly increases risk for diabetes and arthritis.
Dental Health
Review professional cleaning recommendations and at-home dental care options.
Behavioral Concerns
Address new or concerning behaviors such as aggression, anxiety, litter box avoidance, or stress-related behaviors.
General Health Planning
Home Wellness Plan
Work with your veterinarian to create a customized preventive care plan based on age, lifestyle, and medical history.
Medication Guidance
Ask for clarification on medication administration techniques and strategies to reduce stress during dosing.
Reducing Stress: Getting Your Cat to the Vet
We recognize that transporting cats to veterinary appointments can be challenging. Stress during transport is one of the primary reasons routine care is delayed. Unfortunately, postponing visits can create a cycle where veterinary care is associated only with emergencies.
Below are strategies to make visits less stressful:
Before the Trip
Carrier Preparation
Leave the carrier out year-round with a soft blanket and treats inside so your cat associates it with safety rather than travel.
Pheromone Support
Use a feline pheromone spray such as Feliway on bedding 15–30 minutes before travel to reduce anxiety.
Practice Runs
For highly anxious cats, short car rides can help desensitize them to motion.
During Transport
Cover the Carrier
Place a towel over the carrier to reduce visual stimulation and increase security.
Secure the Carrier
Position the carrier flat on the vehicle floor or secure it with a seatbelt to prevent movement.
At the Clinic
Portsmouth Veterinary Clinic utilizes low-stress, cat-friendly handling techniques to improve comfort and reduce anxiety during exams.
Calming Aids
For extremely anxious cats, discuss pre-visit anxiolytics or mild sedation options prior to the appointment.
Our Commitment
At Portsmouth Veterinary Clinic, our goal is to partner with you in delivering comprehensive, preventive feline care tailored to your cat’s unique needs. Early detection and proactive management significantly improve both longevity and quality of life.
To schedule your cat’s wellness exam, please contact us at (401) 683-0803.
Sources
- The veterinarians at Portsmouth Veterinary Clinic
- Veterinary Information Network (Veterinary Partner)
- American Animal Hospital Association
- American Veterinary Medical Association
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