Cat care
Cats hide illness well, so regular checkups matter. Here is what cat visits at our Woodbridge hospital cover and how to make the carrier and car ride easier.
Cats are experts at hiding illness
Cats are built to act normal until they are quite sick. By the time most owners notice a problem, it has often been going on for a while. That is the main reason regular exams matter so much for cats. A vet can feel a change in the kidneys, hear a new heart murmur, or spot dental disease that your cat would never let you see.
Small changes at home are worth a call: eating less, drinking more, hiding, a scruffy or greasy coat, losing weight, vomiting more than usual, or using the litter box differently.
Why cats see the vet less often
Cats visit the vet far less often than dogs. It is rarely because owners care less. Cats dislike the carrier, the car ride is stressful, and they seem fine at home, so the visit gets put off. We would rather help make the trip easier than have your cat skip care.
Making the trip calmer
- Leave the carrier out at home all the time, with a soft towel inside, so it becomes a normal place to nap.
- Drop treats or toys in the carrier on random days so it means good things, not only the vet.
- Choose a hard carrier that opens from the top as well as the front, so your cat can be lifted out gently.
- Practice short car rides that end back at home.
- Cover the carrier with a light towel in the car and keep the ride quiet.
Indoor cats still need checkups
Staying inside protects cats from cars, fights, and many infections. It does not protect them from kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid problems, dental disease, or weight gain. Indoor cats still need a yearly wellness exam, rabies vaccination (required by Virginia law), and a plan for parasites, since fleas can ride in on people and dogs.
Painful tooth problems in cats often sit below the gumline, which is why dental care for cats includes dental x-rays.
Senior cats
From about age seven, and especially after 10, we usually suggest exams twice a year. Blood and urine tests from our in-house lab help catch kidney disease, an overactive thyroid, and diabetes early, when they are easier to manage. Arthritis is common and easy to miss. A cat that stops jumping onto the bed or misses the litter box may be sore, not stubborn.
When to call right away
Call (703) 680-4646 right away if your cat has trouble breathing, breathes with an open mouth, or if a male cat strains in the litter box with little or nothing coming out. A blocked bladder can turn serious within hours. If we are closed, see our after-hours emergencies page.
Booking a visit
We see cats of every age from around Dale City. Call (703) 680-4646 or request an appointment online, and text any questions to (571) 503-0242.
Common questions
How often does my cat need a checkup?
Most adult cats should have an exam once a year. Seniors and cats with ongoing health problems usually do better with a visit every six months.
My cat never goes outside. Does it still need vaccines?
Yes. Virginia requires rabies vaccination for cats, and bats and other animals sometimes get indoors. Your vet will talk through which other vaccines make sense for your cat.
How can I tell if my cat is in pain?
Cats rarely cry out. Watch for hiding, a hunched posture, a scruffy coat, not jumping up, or changes in litter box use, and call us if you see them.
What kind of carrier works best?
A sturdy hard carrier that opens from both the top and the front works well for most cats. It makes it easier to get a nervous cat in and out without pulling.
My cat gets very stressed at the vet. What can I do?
Start carrier practice a few weeks ahead and keep the trip quiet and covered. Mention it when you book, and ask your vet what else might help for future visits.
Why is my older cat drinking so much water?
More thirst in an older cat is often linked to kidney disease, diabetes, or thyroid problems. Blood and urine tests can usually find the cause, so call (703) 680-4646 to set up an exam.
Do cats need dental cleanings?
Many do. Most adult cats have some dental disease, and tooth pain often goes unnoticed because cats keep eating through it.
Questions, or ready to book?
Call us during open hours or send a request online and we will call you back to set a time.