Should every cat get an annual vet exam ?

[[email protected]]

My 10 years old cat is going to have a blood work
done tomorrow in preparation for her teeth cleaning
in November. A vet technician just left me a phone
message asking me if I also would like her to get
an annaul examination.

I think for an annual exam the vet usually listens
to the cat's heartbeats, looks into the cat's eyes
and ears and feels the stomach with his fingers but
I don't know how important it is to do these things.

Please let me know what you think.

Plese reply to the newsgroup as my mailbox has been
disabled by the swen virus.

Thanks.

[Alison]

Hi ,
My cat and dog have an annual booster and they are checked over at
the same time . I think it's important , and older cats and dogs
should have twice yearly check ups.

--
Alison


Links to animal information websites
http://mysite.freeserve.com/petinfolinks/


> wrote in message
ink.net...
>
> My 10 years old cat is going to have a blood work
> done tomorrow in preparation for her teeth cleaning
> in November. A vet technician just left me a phone
> message asking me if I also would like her to get
> an annaul examination.
>
> I think for an annual exam the vet usually listens
> to the cat's heartbeats, looks into the cat's eyes
> and ears and feels the stomach with his fingers but
> I don't know how important it is to do these things.
>
> Please let me know what you think.
>
> Plese reply to the newsgroup as my mailbox has been
> disabled by the swen virus.
>
> Thanks.

[Alison]

Hi ,
My cat and dog have an annual booster and they are checked over at
the same time . I think it's important , and older cats and dogs
should have twice yearly check ups.

--
Alison


Links to animal information websites
http://mysite.freeserve.com/petinfolinks/


> wrote in message
ink.net...
>
> My 10 years old cat is going to have a blood work
> done tomorrow in preparation for her teeth cleaning
> in November. A vet technician just left me a phone
> message asking me if I also would like her to get
> an annaul examination.
>
> I think for an annual exam the vet usually listens
> to the cat's heartbeats, looks into the cat's eyes
> and ears and feels the stomach with his fingers but
> I don't know how important it is to do these things.
>
> Please let me know what you think.
>
> Plese reply to the newsgroup as my mailbox has been
> disabled by the swen virus.
>
> Thanks.

[Alison]

Hi ,
My cat and dog have an annual booster and they are checked over at
the same time . I think it's important , and older cats and dogs
should have twice yearly check ups.

--
Alison


Links to animal information websites
http://mysite.freeserve.com/petinfolinks/


> wrote in message
ink.net...
>
> My 10 years old cat is going to have a blood work
> done tomorrow in preparation for her teeth cleaning
> in November. A vet technician just left me a phone
> message asking me if I also would like her to get
> an annaul examination.
>
> I think for an annual exam the vet usually listens
> to the cat's heartbeats, looks into the cat's eyes
> and ears and feels the stomach with his fingers but
> I don't know how important it is to do these things.
>
> Please let me know what you think.
>
> Plese reply to the newsgroup as my mailbox has been
> disabled by the swen virus.
>
> Thanks.

[MaryL]

> wrote in message
ink.net...
>
> My 10 years old cat is going to have a blood work
> done tomorrow in preparation for her teeth cleaning
> in November. A vet technician just left me a phone
> message asking me if I also would like her to get
> an annaul examination.
>
> I think for an annual exam the vet usually listens
> to the cat's heartbeats, looks into the cat's eyes
> and ears and feels the stomach with his fingers but
> I don't know how important it is to do these things.
>
> Please let me know what you think.
>
> Plese reply to the newsgroup as my mailbox has been
> disabled by the swen virus.
>
> Thanks.

I have always had an annual exam for each of my cats. It is done at the
same time as any booster shots. Now that Holly is 8 years old ( think I
said 9 years old in one message, then realized that I had added a year), I
had a full panel blood work done. She is healthy and has never been sick,
but this will give us a baseline to use as a guide as she gets older. Duffy
is approximately 5 years old and was adopted several months ago. I had more
extensive tests done because he came from an animal shelter and before that
from a home that might not have given him the best care -- so he had
vaccinations, heartworm test, thyroid check, blood pressure, full panel
blood test, and FeLV (ELISA) test. Everything checked out fine. Now we
will go back to routine annual exams for a few years. This is more
information than you requested, but you can see from this that I do think it
is important to have regular exams. It helps us to monitor our pets'
health, and might catch some problems early (instead of too late) -- just as
with annual exams for people. This is particularly important for your cat
because he is 10 years old and is becoming a "senior citizen" (although I
admit that I don't really look at mine as "seniors" at that age -- mine
never showed any signs of aging until well past 10 years).

MaryL
(take out the litter to reply)

Photos of Duffy and Holly (pictorial history of my blind cat Duffy's
integration into our household):
Duffy, Part I: The Introduction -- http://tinyurl.com/8y54
Duffy, Part II: Life at Home -- http://tinyurl.com/8y56

[MaryL]

> wrote in message
ink.net...
>
> My 10 years old cat is going to have a blood work
> done tomorrow in preparation for her teeth cleaning
> in November. A vet technician just left me a phone
> message asking me if I also would like her to get
> an annaul examination.
>
> I think for an annual exam the vet usually listens
> to the cat's heartbeats, looks into the cat's eyes
> and ears and feels the stomach with his fingers but
> I don't know how important it is to do these things.
>
> Please let me know what you think.
>
> Plese reply to the newsgroup as my mailbox has been
> disabled by the swen virus.
>
> Thanks.

I have always had an annual exam for each of my cats. It is done at the
same time as any booster shots. Now that Holly is 8 years old ( think I
said 9 years old in one message, then realized that I had added a year), I
had a full panel blood work done. She is healthy and has never been sick,
but this will give us a baseline to use as a guide as she gets older. Duffy
is approximately 5 years old and was adopted several months ago. I had more
extensive tests done because he came from an animal shelter and before that
from a home that might not have given him the best care -- so he had
vaccinations, heartworm test, thyroid check, blood pressure, full panel
blood test, and FeLV (ELISA) test. Everything checked out fine. Now we
will go back to routine annual exams for a few years. This is more
information than you requested, but you can see from this that I do think it
is important to have regular exams. It helps us to monitor our pets'
health, and might catch some problems early (instead of too late) -- just as
with annual exams for people. This is particularly important for your cat
because he is 10 years old and is becoming a "senior citizen" (although I
admit that I don't really look at mine as "seniors" at that age -- mine
never showed any signs of aging until well past 10 years).

MaryL
(take out the litter to reply)

Photos of Duffy and Holly (pictorial history of my blind cat Duffy's
integration into our household):
Duffy, Part I: The Introduction -- http://tinyurl.com/8y54
Duffy, Part II: Life at Home -- http://tinyurl.com/8y56

[MaryL]

> wrote in message
ink.net...
>
> My 10 years old cat is going to have a blood work
> done tomorrow in preparation for her teeth cleaning
> in November. A vet technician just left me a phone
> message asking me if I also would like her to get
> an annaul examination.
>
> I think for an annual exam the vet usually listens
> to the cat's heartbeats, looks into the cat's eyes
> and ears and feels the stomach with his fingers but
> I don't know how important it is to do these things.
>
> Please let me know what you think.
>
> Plese reply to the newsgroup as my mailbox has been
> disabled by the swen virus.
>
> Thanks.

I have always had an annual exam for each of my cats. It is done at the
same time as any booster shots. Now that Holly is 8 years old ( think I
said 9 years old in one message, then realized that I had added a year), I
had a full panel blood work done. She is healthy and has never been sick,
but this will give us a baseline to use as a guide as she gets older. Duffy
is approximately 5 years old and was adopted several months ago. I had more
extensive tests done because he came from an animal shelter and before that
from a home that might not have given him the best care -- so he had
vaccinations, heartworm test, thyroid check, blood pressure, full panel
blood test, and FeLV (ELISA) test. Everything checked out fine. Now we
will go back to routine annual exams for a few years. This is more
information than you requested, but you can see from this that I do think it
is important to have regular exams. It helps us to monitor our pets'
health, and might catch some problems early (instead of too late) -- just as
with annual exams for people. This is particularly important for your cat
because he is 10 years old and is becoming a "senior citizen" (although I
admit that I don't really look at mine as "seniors" at that age -- mine
never showed any signs of aging until well past 10 years).

MaryL
(take out the litter to reply)

Photos of Duffy and Holly (pictorial history of my blind cat Duffy's
integration into our household):
Duffy, Part I: The Introduction -- http://tinyurl.com/8y54
Duffy, Part II: Life at Home -- http://tinyurl.com/8y56

[PawsForThought]

>From:

>I think for an annual exam the vet usually listens
>to the cat's heartbeats, looks into the cat's eyes
>and ears and feels the stomach with his fingers but
>I don't know how important it is to do these things.

I think it's very important. My cats get annual wellness checks where they get
a blood panel and a physical examination. I also think it's important as cats
get older to have annual check ups.

Lauren
________
See my cats: http://community.webshots.com/album/56955940rWhxAe
Raw Diet Info: http://www.holisticat.com/drjletter.html
http://www.geocities.com/rawfeeders/ForCatsOnly.html
Declawing Info: http://www.wholecat.com/articles/claws.htm

[PawsForThought]

>From:

>I think for an annual exam the vet usually listens
>to the cat's heartbeats, looks into the cat's eyes
>and ears and feels the stomach with his fingers but
>I don't know how important it is to do these things.

I think it's very important. My cats get annual wellness checks where they get
a blood panel and a physical examination. I also think it's important as cats
get older to have annual check ups.

Lauren
________
See my cats: http://community.webshots.com/album/56955940rWhxAe
Raw Diet Info: http://www.holisticat.com/drjletter.html
http://www.geocities.com/rawfeeders/ForCatsOnly.html
Declawing Info: http://www.wholecat.com/articles/claws.htm

[PawsForThought]

>From:

>I think for an annual exam the vet usually listens
>to the cat's heartbeats, looks into the cat's eyes
>and ears and feels the stomach with his fingers but
>I don't know how important it is to do these things.

I think it's very important. My cats get annual wellness checks where they get
a blood panel and a physical examination. I also think it's important as cats
get older to have annual check ups.

Lauren
________
See my cats: http://community.webshots.com/album/56955940rWhxAe
Raw Diet Info: http://www.holisticat.com/drjletter.html
http://www.geocities.com/rawfeeders/ForCatsOnly.html
Declawing Info: http://www.wholecat.com/articles/claws.htm

[Phil P.]

> wrote in message
ink.net...
>
> My 10 years old cat is going to have a blood work
> done tomorrow in preparation for her teeth cleaning
> in November. A vet technician just left me a phone
> message asking me if I also would like her to get
> an annaul examination.
>
> I think for an annual exam the vet usually listens
> to the cat's heartbeats, looks into the cat's eyes
> and ears and feels the stomach with his fingers but
> I don't know how important it is to do these things.
>
> Please let me know what you think.


Cats over 8 should have *semiannual* exams including CBC/chem screen,
urinalysis, fecal exam and (indirect) blood pressure check. And if your
finances permit, thoracic and abdominal x-rays - to catch cancer in the
early stages when its most responsive to treatment.

Remember, after the first year, each human year is physiologically
equivalent to *4* years for a cat. A lot of changes can take place in that
time.

Phil.

[Phil P.]

> wrote in message
ink.net...
>
> My 10 years old cat is going to have a blood work
> done tomorrow in preparation for her teeth cleaning
> in November. A vet technician just left me a phone
> message asking me if I also would like her to get
> an annaul examination.
>
> I think for an annual exam the vet usually listens
> to the cat's heartbeats, looks into the cat's eyes
> and ears and feels the stomach with his fingers but
> I don't know how important it is to do these things.
>
> Please let me know what you think.


Cats over 8 should have *semiannual* exams including CBC/chem screen,
urinalysis, fecal exam and (indirect) blood pressure check. And if your
finances permit, thoracic and abdominal x-rays - to catch cancer in the
early stages when its most responsive to treatment.

Remember, after the first year, each human year is physiologically
equivalent to *4* years for a cat. A lot of changes can take place in that
time.

Phil.

[Phil P.]

> wrote in message
ink.net...
>
> My 10 years old cat is going to have a blood work
> done tomorrow in preparation for her teeth cleaning
> in November. A vet technician just left me a phone
> message asking me if I also would like her to get
> an annaul examination.
>
> I think for an annual exam the vet usually listens
> to the cat's heartbeats, looks into the cat's eyes
> and ears and feels the stomach with his fingers but
> I don't know how important it is to do these things.
>
> Please let me know what you think.


Cats over 8 should have *semiannual* exams including CBC/chem screen,
urinalysis, fecal exam and (indirect) blood pressure check. And if your
finances permit, thoracic and abdominal x-rays - to catch cancer in the
early stages when its most responsive to treatment.

Remember, after the first year, each human year is physiologically
equivalent to *4* years for a cat. A lot of changes can take place in that
time.

Phil.

[Philip ®]

In ,
Phil P. > being of bellicose mind posted:
> > wrote in message
> ink.net...
> >
> > My 10 years old cat is going to have a blood work
> > done tomorrow in preparation for her teeth cleaning
> > in November. A vet technician just left me a phone
> > message asking me if I also would like her to get
> > an annaul examination.
> >
> > I think for an annual exam the vet usually listens
> > to the cat's heartbeats, looks into the cat's eyes
> > and ears and feels the stomach with his fingers but
> > I don't know how important it is to do these things.
> >
> > Please let me know what you think.
>
>
> Cats over 8 should have *semiannual* exams including CBC/chem
> screen, urinalysis, fecal exam and (indirect) blood pressure
> check. And if your finances permit, thoracic and abdominal x-rays
> - to catch cancer in the early stages when its most responsive to
> treatment.
>
> Remember, after the first year, each human year is physiologically
> equivalent to *4* years for a cat. A lot of changes can take
> place in that time.
>
> Phil.

Oh geeze.... I'm not hauling a perfectly healthy indoor cat off to
the vet every 6 months. Perhaps you meant *biannual* exams?
--

~~Philip

"Never let school interfere
with your education - Mark Twain"

[Philip ®]

In ,
Phil P. > being of bellicose mind posted:
> > wrote in message
> ink.net...
> >
> > My 10 years old cat is going to have a blood work
> > done tomorrow in preparation for her teeth cleaning
> > in November. A vet technician just left me a phone
> > message asking me if I also would like her to get
> > an annaul examination.
> >
> > I think for an annual exam the vet usually listens
> > to the cat's heartbeats, looks into the cat's eyes
> > and ears and feels the stomach with his fingers but
> > I don't know how important it is to do these things.
> >
> > Please let me know what you think.
>
>
> Cats over 8 should have *semiannual* exams including CBC/chem
> screen, urinalysis, fecal exam and (indirect) blood pressure
> check. And if your finances permit, thoracic and abdominal x-rays
> - to catch cancer in the early stages when its most responsive to
> treatment.
>
> Remember, after the first year, each human year is physiologically
> equivalent to *4* years for a cat. A lot of changes can take
> place in that time.
>
> Phil.

Oh geeze.... I'm not hauling a perfectly healthy indoor cat off to
the vet every 6 months. Perhaps you meant *biannual* exams?
--

~~Philip

"Never let school interfere
with your education - Mark Twain"

[Philip ®]

In ,
Phil P. > being of bellicose mind posted:
> > wrote in message
> ink.net...
> >
> > My 10 years old cat is going to have a blood work
> > done tomorrow in preparation for her teeth cleaning
> > in November. A vet technician just left me a phone
> > message asking me if I also would like her to get
> > an annaul examination.
> >
> > I think for an annual exam the vet usually listens
> > to the cat's heartbeats, looks into the cat's eyes
> > and ears and feels the stomach with his fingers but
> > I don't know how important it is to do these things.
> >
> > Please let me know what you think.
>
>
> Cats over 8 should have *semiannual* exams including CBC/chem
> screen, urinalysis, fecal exam and (indirect) blood pressure
> check. And if your finances permit, thoracic and abdominal x-rays
> - to catch cancer in the early stages when its most responsive to
> treatment.
>
> Remember, after the first year, each human year is physiologically
> equivalent to *4* years for a cat. A lot of changes can take
> place in that time.
>
> Phil.

Oh geeze.... I'm not hauling a perfectly healthy indoor cat off to
the vet every 6 months. Perhaps you meant *biannual* exams?
--

~~Philip

"Never let school interfere
with your education - Mark Twain"

[Yngver]

wrote:

>My 10 years old cat is going to have a blood work
>done tomorrow in preparation for her teeth cleaning
>in November. A vet technician just left me a phone
>message asking me if I also would like her to get
>an annaul examination.
>
>I think for an annual exam the vet usually listens
>to the cat's heartbeats, looks into the cat's eyes
>and ears and feels the stomach with his fingers but
>I don't know how important it is to do these things.
>
>Please let me know what you think.
>
>Plese reply to the newsgroup as my mailbox has been
>disabled by the swen virus.
>
I would, particularly if she is going to have anesthesia for her teeth
cleaning. Bloodwork won't detect certain heart problems, but your vet may hear
a murmur or other potential problems that may help him/her determine what kind
of anesthesia to use and monitoring to use.

[Yngver]

wrote:

>My 10 years old cat is going to have a blood work
>done tomorrow in preparation for her teeth cleaning
>in November. A vet technician just left me a phone
>message asking me if I also would like her to get
>an annaul examination.
>
>I think for an annual exam the vet usually listens
>to the cat's heartbeats, looks into the cat's eyes
>and ears and feels the stomach with his fingers but
>I don't know how important it is to do these things.
>
>Please let me know what you think.
>
>Plese reply to the newsgroup as my mailbox has been
>disabled by the swen virus.
>
I would, particularly if she is going to have anesthesia for her teeth
cleaning. Bloodwork won't detect certain heart problems, but your vet may hear
a murmur or other potential problems that may help him/her determine what kind
of anesthesia to use and monitoring to use.

[Yngver]

wrote:

>My 10 years old cat is going to have a blood work
>done tomorrow in preparation for her teeth cleaning
>in November. A vet technician just left me a phone
>message asking me if I also would like her to get
>an annaul examination.
>
>I think for an annual exam the vet usually listens
>to the cat's heartbeats, looks into the cat's eyes
>and ears and feels the stomach with his fingers but
>I don't know how important it is to do these things.
>
>Please let me know what you think.
>
>Plese reply to the newsgroup as my mailbox has been
>disabled by the swen virus.
>
I would, particularly if she is going to have anesthesia for her teeth
cleaning. Bloodwork won't detect certain heart problems, but your vet may hear
a murmur or other potential problems that may help him/her determine what kind
of anesthesia to use and monitoring to use.

[Karen]

in article et, Philip ® at
wrote on 9/30/03 9:54 AM:

> In ,
> Phil P. > being of bellicose mind posted:
>> > wrote in message
>> ink.net...
>>>
>>> My 10 years old cat is going to have a blood work
>>> done tomorrow in preparation for her teeth cleaning
>>> in November. A vet technician just left me a phone
>>> message asking me if I also would like her to get
>>> an annaul examination.
>>>
>>> I think for an annual exam the vet usually listens
>>> to the cat's heartbeats, looks into the cat's eyes
>>> and ears and feels the stomach with his fingers but
>>> I don't know how important it is to do these things.
>>>
>>> Please let me know what you think.
>>
>>
>> Cats over 8 should have *semiannual* exams including CBC/chem
>> screen, urinalysis, fecal exam and (indirect) blood pressure
>> check. And if your finances permit, thoracic and abdominal x-rays
>> - to catch cancer in the early stages when its most responsive to
>> treatment.
>>
>> Remember, after the first year, each human year is physiologically
>> equivalent to *4* years for a cat. A lot of changes can take
>> place in that time.
>>
>> Phil.
>
> Oh geeze.... I'm not hauling a perfectly healthy indoor cat off to
> the vet every 6 months. Perhaps you meant *biannual* exams?
> --
>
> ~~Philip
>
> "Never let school interfere
> with your education - Mark Twain"
>
>
Older cats can develop problems quickly. It's better to catch it sooner than
later and less expensive as well.

Karen

[Karen]

in article et, Philip ® at
wrote on 9/30/03 9:54 AM:

> In ,
> Phil P. > being of bellicose mind posted:
>> > wrote in message
>> ink.net...
>>>
>>> My 10 years old cat is going to have a blood work
>>> done tomorrow in preparation for her teeth cleaning
>>> in November. A vet technician just left me a phone
>>> message asking me if I also would like her to get
>>> an annaul examination.
>>>
>>> I think for an annual exam the vet usually listens
>>> to the cat's heartbeats, looks into the cat's eyes
>>> and ears and feels the stomach with his fingers but
>>> I don't know how important it is to do these things.
>>>
>>> Please let me know what you think.
>>
>>
>> Cats over 8 should have *semiannual* exams including CBC/chem
>> screen, urinalysis, fecal exam and (indirect) blood pressure
>> check. And if your finances permit, thoracic and abdominal x-rays
>> - to catch cancer in the early stages when its most responsive to
>> treatment.
>>
>> Remember, after the first year, each human year is physiologically
>> equivalent to *4* years for a cat. A lot of changes can take
>> place in that time.
>>
>> Phil.
>
> Oh geeze.... I'm not hauling a perfectly healthy indoor cat off to
> the vet every 6 months. Perhaps you meant *biannual* exams?
> --
>
> ~~Philip
>
> "Never let school interfere
> with your education - Mark Twain"
>
>
Older cats can develop problems quickly. It's better to catch it sooner than
later and less expensive as well.

Karen

[Karen]

in article et, Philip ® at
wrote on 9/30/03 9:54 AM:

> In ,
> Phil P. > being of bellicose mind posted:
>> > wrote in message
>> ink.net...
>>>
>>> My 10 years old cat is going to have a blood work
>>> done tomorrow in preparation for her teeth cleaning
>>> in November. A vet technician just left me a phone
>>> message asking me if I also would like her to get
>>> an annaul examination.
>>>
>>> I think for an annual exam the vet usually listens
>>> to the cat's heartbeats, looks into the cat's eyes
>>> and ears and feels the stomach with his fingers but
>>> I don't know how important it is to do these things.
>>>
>>> Please let me know what you think.
>>
>>
>> Cats over 8 should have *semiannual* exams including CBC/chem
>> screen, urinalysis, fecal exam and (indirect) blood pressure
>> check. And if your finances permit, thoracic and abdominal x-rays
>> - to catch cancer in the early stages when its most responsive to
>> treatment.
>>
>> Remember, after the first year, each human year is physiologically
>> equivalent to *4* years for a cat. A lot of changes can take
>> place in that time.
>>
>> Phil.
>
> Oh geeze.... I'm not hauling a perfectly healthy indoor cat off to
> the vet every 6 months. Perhaps you meant *biannual* exams?
> --
>
> ~~Philip
>
> "Never let school interfere
> with your education - Mark Twain"
>
>
Older cats can develop problems quickly. It's better to catch it sooner than
later and less expensive as well.

Karen

[Rene]

wrote in message et>...
> My 10 years old cat is going to have a blood work
> done tomorrow in preparation for her teeth cleaning
> in November. A vet technician just left me a phone
> message asking me if I also would like her to get
> an annaul examination.
>
> I think for an annual exam the vet usually listens
> to the cat's heartbeats, looks into the cat's eyes
> and ears and feels the stomach with his fingers but
> I don't know how important it is to do these things.
>
> Please let me know what you think.
>
> Plese reply to the newsgroup as my mailbox has been
> disabled by the swen virus.
>
> Thanks.

Yes, I think it's important, (just like it is for people!) Not only do
they check vitals and give needed vaccinations, but it's also a good
time to discuss any concerns with your vet (such as weight gain or
loss, changes in habits, etc.)

Rene

[Rene]

wrote in message et>...
> My 10 years old cat is going to have a blood work
> done tomorrow in preparation for her teeth cleaning
> in November. A vet technician just left me a phone
> message asking me if I also would like her to get
> an annaul examination.
>
> I think for an annual exam the vet usually listens
> to the cat's heartbeats, looks into the cat's eyes
> and ears and feels the stomach with his fingers but
> I don't know how important it is to do these things.
>
> Please let me know what you think.
>
> Plese reply to the newsgroup as my mailbox has been
> disabled by the swen virus.
>
> Thanks.

Yes, I think it's important, (just like it is for people!) Not only do
they check vitals and give needed vaccinations, but it's also a good
time to discuss any concerns with your vet (such as weight gain or
loss, changes in habits, etc.)

Rene

[Rene]

wrote in message et>...
> My 10 years old cat is going to have a blood work
> done tomorrow in preparation for her teeth cleaning
> in November. A vet technician just left me a phone
> message asking me if I also would like her to get
> an annaul examination.
>
> I think for an annual exam the vet usually listens
> to the cat's heartbeats, looks into the cat's eyes
> and ears and feels the stomach with his fingers but
> I don't know how important it is to do these things.
>
> Please let me know what you think.
>
> Plese reply to the newsgroup as my mailbox has been
> disabled by the swen virus.
>
> Thanks.

Yes, I think it's important, (just like it is for people!) Not only do
they check vitals and give needed vaccinations, but it's also a good
time to discuss any concerns with your vet (such as weight gain or
loss, changes in habits, etc.)

Rene

[Phil P.]

"Philip ®" > wrote in message
ink.net...
> In ,
> Phil P. > being of bellicose mind posted:
> > > wrote in message
> > ink.net...
> > >
> > > My 10 years old cat is going to have a blood work
> > > done tomorrow in preparation for her teeth cleaning
> > > in November. A vet technician just left me a phone
> > > message asking me if I also would like her to get
> > > an annaul examination.
> > >
> > > I think for an annual exam the vet usually listens
> > > to the cat's heartbeats, looks into the cat's eyes
> > > and ears and feels the stomach with his fingers but
> > > I don't know how important it is to do these things.
> > >
> > > Please let me know what you think.
> >
> >
> > Cats over 8 should have *semiannual* exams including CBC/chem
> > screen, urinalysis, fecal exam and (indirect) blood pressure
> > check. And if your finances permit, thoracic and abdominal x-rays
> > - to catch cancer in the early stages when its most responsive to
> > treatment.
> >
> > Remember, after the first year, each human year is physiologically
> > equivalent to *4* years for a cat. A lot of changes can take
> > place in that time.
> >
> > Phil.
>
> Oh geeze.... I'm not hauling a perfectly healthy indoor cat off to
> the vet every 6 months.


Too bad for your cats...

How do you know your cats are "perfectly healthy"...? Do you have x-ray
vision? Cats are masters at concealing illness and pain until the disease is
well established. For example, by the time symptoms of certain cancers
become noticeable, the cancer has already metastasized to other sites making
a cure impossible.


> Perhaps you meant *biannual* exams?

No, I meant *semiannual* exams (i.e., every 6 months)... which is
physiologically equivalent to two years for cats.

[Phil P.]

"Philip ®" > wrote in message
ink.net...
> In ,
> Phil P. > being of bellicose mind posted:
> > > wrote in message
> > ink.net...
> > >
> > > My 10 years old cat is going to have a blood work
> > > done tomorrow in preparation for her teeth cleaning
> > > in November. A vet technician just left me a phone
> > > message asking me if I also would like her to get
> > > an annaul examination.
> > >
> > > I think for an annual exam the vet usually listens
> > > to the cat's heartbeats, looks into the cat's eyes
> > > and ears and feels the stomach with his fingers but
> > > I don't know how important it is to do these things.
> > >
> > > Please let me know what you think.
> >
> >
> > Cats over 8 should have *semiannual* exams including CBC/chem
> > screen, urinalysis, fecal exam and (indirect) blood pressure
> > check. And if your finances permit, thoracic and abdominal x-rays
> > - to catch cancer in the early stages when its most responsive to
> > treatment.
> >
> > Remember, after the first year, each human year is physiologically
> > equivalent to *4* years for a cat. A lot of changes can take
> > place in that time.
> >
> > Phil.
>
> Oh geeze.... I'm not hauling a perfectly healthy indoor cat off to
> the vet every 6 months.


Too bad for your cats...

How do you know your cats are "perfectly healthy"...? Do you have x-ray
vision? Cats are masters at concealing illness and pain until the disease is
well established. For example, by the time symptoms of certain cancers
become noticeable, the cancer has already metastasized to other sites making
a cure impossible.


> Perhaps you meant *biannual* exams?

No, I meant *semiannual* exams (i.e., every 6 months)... which is
physiologically equivalent to two years for cats.

[Phil P.]

"Philip ®" > wrote in message
ink.net...
> In ,
> Phil P. > being of bellicose mind posted:
> > > wrote in message
> > ink.net...
> > >
> > > My 10 years old cat is going to have a blood work
> > > done tomorrow in preparation for her teeth cleaning
> > > in November. A vet technician just left me a phone
> > > message asking me if I also would like her to get
> > > an annaul examination.
> > >
> > > I think for an annual exam the vet usually listens
> > > to the cat's heartbeats, looks into the cat's eyes
> > > and ears and feels the stomach with his fingers but
> > > I don't know how important it is to do these things.
> > >
> > > Please let me know what you think.
> >
> >
> > Cats over 8 should have *semiannual* exams including CBC/chem
> > screen, urinalysis, fecal exam and (indirect) blood pressure
> > check. And if your finances permit, thoracic and abdominal x-rays
> > - to catch cancer in the early stages when its most responsive to
> > treatment.
> >
> > Remember, after the first year, each human year is physiologically
> > equivalent to *4* years for a cat. A lot of changes can take
> > place in that time.
> >
> > Phil.
>
> Oh geeze.... I'm not hauling a perfectly healthy indoor cat off to
> the vet every 6 months.


Too bad for your cats...

How do you know your cats are "perfectly healthy"...? Do you have x-ray
vision? Cats are masters at concealing illness and pain until the disease is
well established. For example, by the time symptoms of certain cancers
become noticeable, the cancer has already metastasized to other sites making
a cure impossible.


> Perhaps you meant *biannual* exams?

No, I meant *semiannual* exams (i.e., every 6 months)... which is
physiologically equivalent to two years for cats.

[Philip ®]

In ,
Karen > being of bellicose mind posted:
> in article et,
> Philip ® at wrote on 9/30/03
> 9:54 AM:
>
> > In ,
> > Phil P. > being of bellicose mind posted:
> > > > wrote in message
> > > ink.net...
> > > >
> > > > My 10 years old cat is going to have a blood work
> > > > done tomorrow in preparation for her teeth cleaning
> > > > in November. A vet technician just left me a phone
> > > > message asking me if I also would like her to get
> > > > an annaul examination.
> > > >
> > > > I think for an annual exam the vet usually listens
> > > > to the cat's heartbeats, looks into the cat's eyes
> > > > and ears and feels the stomach with his fingers but
> > > > I don't know how important it is to do these things.
> > > >
> > > > Please let me know what you think.
> > >
> > >
> > > Cats over 8 should have *semiannual* exams including CBC/chem
> > > screen, urinalysis, fecal exam and (indirect) blood pressure
> > > check. And if your finances permit, thoracic and abdominal
> > > x-rays - to catch cancer in the early stages when its most
> > > responsive to treatment.
> > >
> > > Remember, after the first year, each human year is
> > > physiologically equivalent to *4* years for a cat. A lot of
> > > changes can take place in that time.
> > >
> > > Phil.
> >
> > Oh geeze.... I'm not hauling a perfectly healthy indoor cat off
> > to the vet every 6 months. Perhaps you meant *biannual* exams?
> > --
> >
> > ~~Philip
> >
> Older cats can develop problems quickly. It's better to catch it
> sooner than later and less expensive as well.
>
> Karen

All the cats I've had over the years have lived upwards of 19 yrs.
One thing that cats do differently than dogs in their final days is
.... cats degrade quickly. Like in a couple of months. Spending tons
of money to delay the inevitable at an advanced age is ****ing money
away. When a vet gives you a diagnosis of renal failure, bone
cancer, leukemia, pulmonary failure, and any other terminal failing,
just say good bye to your cat. Sounds harsh in many ears but keep in
mind that vets these days are trained to take advantage of your
vulnerability. I've seen this sort of thing happen to numerous pet
owners over the years. And yes, I've put down each of my cats when
it was time. Nobody suffers needlessly.
--

~~Philip

"Never let school interfere
with your education - Mark Twain"

[Philip ®]

In ,
Karen > being of bellicose mind posted:
> in article et,
> Philip ® at wrote on 9/30/03
> 9:54 AM:
>
> > In ,
> > Phil P. > being of bellicose mind posted:
> > > > wrote in message
> > > ink.net...
> > > >
> > > > My 10 years old cat is going to have a blood work
> > > > done tomorrow in preparation for her teeth cleaning
> > > > in November. A vet technician just left me a phone
> > > > message asking me if I also would like her to get
> > > > an annaul examination.
> > > >
> > > > I think for an annual exam the vet usually listens
> > > > to the cat's heartbeats, looks into the cat's eyes
> > > > and ears and feels the stomach with his fingers but
> > > > I don't know how important it is to do these things.
> > > >
> > > > Please let me know what you think.
> > >
> > >
> > > Cats over 8 should have *semiannual* exams including CBC/chem
> > > screen, urinalysis, fecal exam and (indirect) blood pressure
> > > check. And if your finances permit, thoracic and abdominal
> > > x-rays - to catch cancer in the early stages when its most
> > > responsive to treatment.
> > >
> > > Remember, after the first year, each human year is
> > > physiologically equivalent to *4* years for a cat. A lot of
> > > changes can take place in that time.
> > >
> > > Phil.
> >
> > Oh geeze.... I'm not hauling a perfectly healthy indoor cat off
> > to the vet every 6 months. Perhaps you meant *biannual* exams?
> > --
> >
> > ~~Philip
> >
> Older cats can develop problems quickly. It's better to catch it
> sooner than later and less expensive as well.
>
> Karen

All the cats I've had over the years have lived upwards of 19 yrs.
One thing that cats do differently than dogs in their final days is
.... cats degrade quickly. Like in a couple of months. Spending tons
of money to delay the inevitable at an advanced age is ****ing money
away. When a vet gives you a diagnosis of renal failure, bone
cancer, leukemia, pulmonary failure, and any other terminal failing,
just say good bye to your cat. Sounds harsh in many ears but keep in
mind that vets these days are trained to take advantage of your
vulnerability. I've seen this sort of thing happen to numerous pet
owners over the years. And yes, I've put down each of my cats when
it was time. Nobody suffers needlessly.
--

~~Philip

"Never let school interfere
with your education - Mark Twain"

[Philip ®]

In ,
Karen > being of bellicose mind posted:
> in article et,
> Philip ® at wrote on 9/30/03
> 9:54 AM:
>
> > In ,
> > Phil P. > being of bellicose mind posted:
> > > > wrote in message
> > > ink.net...
> > > >
> > > > My 10 years old cat is going to have a blood work
> > > > done tomorrow in preparation for her teeth cleaning
> > > > in November. A vet technician just left me a phone
> > > > message asking me if I also would like her to get
> > > > an annaul examination.
> > > >
> > > > I think for an annual exam the vet usually listens
> > > > to the cat's heartbeats, looks into the cat's eyes
> > > > and ears and feels the stomach with his fingers but
> > > > I don't know how important it is to do these things.
> > > >
> > > > Please let me know what you think.
> > >
> > >
> > > Cats over 8 should have *semiannual* exams including CBC/chem
> > > screen, urinalysis, fecal exam and (indirect) blood pressure
> > > check. And if your finances permit, thoracic and abdominal
> > > x-rays - to catch cancer in the early stages when its most
> > > responsive to treatment.
> > >
> > > Remember, after the first year, each human year is
> > > physiologically equivalent to *4* years for a cat. A lot of
> > > changes can take place in that time.
> > >
> > > Phil.
> >
> > Oh geeze.... I'm not hauling a perfectly healthy indoor cat off
> > to the vet every 6 months. Perhaps you meant *biannual* exams?
> > --
> >
> > ~~Philip
> >
> Older cats can develop problems quickly. It's better to catch it
> sooner than later and less expensive as well.
>
> Karen

All the cats I've had over the years have lived upwards of 19 yrs.
One thing that cats do differently than dogs in their final days is
.... cats degrade quickly. Like in a couple of months. Spending tons
of money to delay the inevitable at an advanced age is ****ing money
away. When a vet gives you a diagnosis of renal failure, bone
cancer, leukemia, pulmonary failure, and any other terminal failing,
just say good bye to your cat. Sounds harsh in many ears but keep in
mind that vets these days are trained to take advantage of your
vulnerability. I've seen this sort of thing happen to numerous pet
owners over the years. And yes, I've put down each of my cats when
it was time. Nobody suffers needlessly.
--

~~Philip

"Never let school interfere
with your education - Mark Twain"

[Luvskats00]

(yeah..whatever) writes

>My 10 years old cat is going to >have a blood work
>done tomorrow in preparation for >her teeth cleaning
>in November....
>I think for an annual exam the vet usually listens
>to the cat's heartbeats, looks into the cat's eyes
>and ears and feels the stomach with his fingers but
>I don't know how important it is to do these things.
>
>Please let me know what you think.
>
Yes. you should allow for an annual vet check up.

[Luvskats00]

(yeah..whatever) writes

>My 10 years old cat is going to >have a blood work
>done tomorrow in preparation for >her teeth cleaning
>in November....
>I think for an annual exam the vet usually listens
>to the cat's heartbeats, looks into the cat's eyes
>and ears and feels the stomach with his fingers but
>I don't know how important it is to do these things.
>
>Please let me know what you think.
>
Yes. you should allow for an annual vet check up.

[Luvskats00]

(yeah..whatever) writes

>My 10 years old cat is going to >have a blood work
>done tomorrow in preparation for >her teeth cleaning
>in November....
>I think for an annual exam the vet usually listens
>to the cat's heartbeats, looks into the cat's eyes
>and ears and feels the stomach with his fingers but
>I don't know how important it is to do these things.
>
>Please let me know what you think.
>
Yes. you should allow for an annual vet check up.

[Karen M.]

Phil P. wrote:

> "Philip ®" > wrote in message
> ink.net...
>
>>In ,
>>Phil P. > being of bellicose mind posted:
>>
> wrote in message
ink.net...
>>>
>>>>My 10 years old cat is going to have a blood work
>>>>done tomorrow in preparation for her teeth cleaning
>>>>in November. A vet technician just left me a phone
>>>>message asking me if I also would like her to get
>>>>an annaul examination.
>>>>
>>>>I think for an annual exam the vet usually listens
>>>>to the cat's heartbeats, looks into the cat's eyes
>>>>and ears and feels the stomach with his fingers but
>>>>I don't know how important it is to do these things.
>>>>
>>>>Please let me know what you think.
>>>
>>>
>>>Cats over 8 should have *semiannual* exams including CBC/chem
>>>screen, urinalysis, fecal exam and (indirect) blood pressure
>>>check. And if your finances permit, thoracic and abdominal x-rays
>>>- to catch cancer in the early stages when its most responsive to
>>>treatment.
>>>
>>>Remember, after the first year, each human year is physiologically
>>>equivalent to *4* years for a cat. A lot of changes can take
>>>place in that time.
>>>
>>>Phil.
>>
>>Oh geeze.... I'm not hauling a perfectly healthy indoor cat off to
>>the vet every 6 months.
>

I know for many it seems a bit much, and for the cat it may seem like
torture, but think of it as spending a little extra money now rather
than perhaps a big chunk of money later. My cat Audrey just turned 8
this year and I *dread* taking her to the vet that extra time every year
as she explodes from both ends from the stress and car and it's just a
ten block ride!! (I'm trying to find a vet to come visit the house, but
want some references first). But I'd rather do this and have peace of
mind, than not catch something early enough to do something about it.

>
>
> Too bad for your cats...
>
> How do you know your cats are "perfectly healthy"...? Do you have x-ray
> vision? Cats are masters at concealing illness and pain until the disease is
> well established. For example, by the time symptoms of certain cancers
> become noticeable, the cancer has already metastasized to other sites making
> a cure impossible.
>
>
>
>>Perhaps you meant *biannual* exams?
>
>
> No, I meant *semiannual* exams (i.e., every 6 months)... which is
> physiologically equivalent to two years for cats.
>
>
>
>
>

[Karen M.]

Phil P. wrote:

> "Philip ®" > wrote in message
> ink.net...
>
>>In ,
>>Phil P. > being of bellicose mind posted:
>>
> wrote in message
ink.net...
>>>
>>>>My 10 years old cat is going to have a blood work
>>>>done tomorrow in preparation for her teeth cleaning
>>>>in November. A vet technician just left me a phone
>>>>message asking me if I also would like her to get
>>>>an annaul examination.
>>>>
>>>>I think for an annual exam the vet usually listens
>>>>to the cat's heartbeats, looks into the cat's eyes
>>>>and ears and feels the stomach with his fingers but
>>>>I don't know how important it is to do these things.
>>>>
>>>>Please let me know what you think.
>>>
>>>
>>>Cats over 8 should have *semiannual* exams including CBC/chem
>>>screen, urinalysis, fecal exam and (indirect) blood pressure
>>>check. And if your finances permit, thoracic and abdominal x-rays
>>>- to catch cancer in the early stages when its most responsive to
>>>treatment.
>>>
>>>Remember, after the first year, each human year is physiologically
>>>equivalent to *4* years for a cat. A lot of changes can take
>>>place in that time.
>>>
>>>Phil.
>>
>>Oh geeze.... I'm not hauling a perfectly healthy indoor cat off to
>>the vet every 6 months.
>

I know for many it seems a bit much, and for the cat it may seem like
torture, but think of it as spending a little extra money now rather
than perhaps a big chunk of money later. My cat Audrey just turned 8
this year and I *dread* taking her to the vet that extra time every year
as she explodes from both ends from the stress and car and it's just a
ten block ride!! (I'm trying to find a vet to come visit the house, but
want some references first). But I'd rather do this and have peace of
mind, than not catch something early enough to do something about it.

>
>
> Too bad for your cats...
>
> How do you know your cats are "perfectly healthy"...? Do you have x-ray
> vision? Cats are masters at concealing illness and pain until the disease is
> well established. For example, by the time symptoms of certain cancers
> become noticeable, the cancer has already metastasized to other sites making
> a cure impossible.
>
>
>
>>Perhaps you meant *biannual* exams?
>
>
> No, I meant *semiannual* exams (i.e., every 6 months)... which is
> physiologically equivalent to two years for cats.
>
>
>
>
>

[Karen M.]

Phil P. wrote:

> "Philip ®" > wrote in message
> ink.net...
>
>>In ,
>>Phil P. > being of bellicose mind posted:
>>
> wrote in message
ink.net...
>>>
>>>>My 10 years old cat is going to have a blood work
>>>>done tomorrow in preparation for her teeth cleaning
>>>>in November. A vet technician just left me a phone
>>>>message asking me if I also would like her to get
>>>>an annaul examination.
>>>>
>>>>I think for an annual exam the vet usually listens
>>>>to the cat's heartbeats, looks into the cat's eyes
>>>>and ears and feels the stomach with his fingers but
>>>>I don't know how important it is to do these things.
>>>>
>>>>Please let me know what you think.
>>>
>>>
>>>Cats over 8 should have *semiannual* exams including CBC/chem
>>>screen, urinalysis, fecal exam and (indirect) blood pressure
>>>check. And if your finances permit, thoracic and abdominal x-rays
>>>- to catch cancer in the early stages when its most responsive to
>>>treatment.
>>>
>>>Remember, after the first year, each human year is physiologically
>>>equivalent to *4* years for a cat. A lot of changes can take
>>>place in that time.
>>>
>>>Phil.
>>
>>Oh geeze.... I'm not hauling a perfectly healthy indoor cat off to
>>the vet every 6 months.
>

I know for many it seems a bit much, and for the cat it may seem like
torture, but think of it as spending a little extra money now rather
than perhaps a big chunk of money later. My cat Audrey just turned 8
this year and I *dread* taking her to the vet that extra time every year
as she explodes from both ends from the stress and car and it's just a
ten block ride!! (I'm trying to find a vet to come visit the house, but
want some references first). But I'd rather do this and have peace of
mind, than not catch something early enough to do something about it.

>
>
> Too bad for your cats...
>
> How do you know your cats are "perfectly healthy"...? Do you have x-ray
> vision? Cats are masters at concealing illness and pain until the disease is
> well established. For example, by the time symptoms of certain cancers
> become noticeable, the cancer has already metastasized to other sites making
> a cure impossible.
>
>
>
>>Perhaps you meant *biannual* exams?
>
>
> No, I meant *semiannual* exams (i.e., every 6 months)... which is
> physiologically equivalent to two years for cats.
>
>
>
>
>