Weight loss        
Loss of appetite    
Ravenous appetite    
Rapid breathing   
Increased effort/heaving-like breathing
Vomiting

  

Coughing
Sneezing
Loose stool
Frequent trips to the litter box
Increased thirst
Excessive grooming with fur loss

Sometimes owners put off a vet exam in an older cat that has become thin because they are afraid of what they might hear; however, many diseases causing weight loss are highly treatable, especially if seen early. Timely treatment can also greatly improve the quality of life for the cat.

All cats 9 years of age and older benefit from annual blood and urine tests to find early disease before they are sick. It is important to remember that they can't tell us when it hurts and they hide pain well. They rely on you for regular care and routine examinations to catch problems early, before they become life threatening.

For your cat's sake, book an appointment, without delay, to ensure your cat's well being. We can tailor a wellness plan to suit your individual cat and your family.

Please call us at 250-881-1218 and we will be happy to schedule an appointment.

Suggested links:
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PET POISON HELPLINE: www.petpoisonhelpline.com/
The pet poison helpline provides 24/7 access to a veterinarian who specialized in toxic substance exposure. If you know your cat has been exposed to a toxin, either by ingesting it or having it on their skin, the specialists at Pet Poison Helpline can advise you on if your cat needs to be seen by a vet or if you can monitor them at home. If your cat needs to be seen they will send a detailed treatment plan with their recommendations for the vet you are taking your cat to. There is a one-time consultation fee of $89 US per incident. This fee covers not only the initial consultation, but also any follow-up consultations made with the pet owner and/or veterinarian. Only use this service if your cat is stable. 

For general information about common conditions, medications sent home and behaviour: veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pId=19239&catId=102887

Indoor Pet Initiative: indoorpet.osu.edu/cats​

Cat Friendly Tools and information:  catfriendly.com/

Pet Obesity website including daily feeding calculators: www.petobesityprevention.org/pet-caloric-calculators

WALTHAM Kitten Growth Chart: www.waltham.com/resources/kitten-growth-charts#Charts

​North West Nuclear Medicine for Animals ( Radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism): www.iodinecafe.com/

Collars to Prevent Bird Predation in Outdoor Cat: www.birdsbesafe.com/

AAHA Microchip Lookup (no cost): www.aaha.org/for-veterinary-professionals/microchip-registry-lookup-tool-aaha-find-your-pets-microchip-registry/

AAHA Lifestyle Based Vaccine Calculator for Cats: www.aaha.org/resources/2020-aahaaafp-feline-vaccination-guidelines/feline-vaccine-calculator/

Veterinary Oral Health Council Accepted Products: vohc.org/accepted-products/

 Feline Grimace Scale Acute Pain Scoring: www.felinegrimacescale.com/