Whether you’re a lifelong cat owner or a first-time adopter, a visit to a crowded vet’s office can be an exciting experience. How many times have you been so distracted by your cat, that you forgot all about the checklist of questions until after the appointment ended?

To ensure that it won\’t happen again, I now save my questions, along with my feline\’s medical history and troubling symptoms, to my phone ahead of every visit. Here’s a list of what both novice and experienced cat owners should always ask their vet at their next wellness exam.

1. What should I be feeding my cat?

Browsing the cat food options on a store’s shelves, with images of real ingredients and happy-go-Lucky cats can be overwhelming.

Pet food companies have hired marketing teams that try to convince cat owners that their product is the best. However it is your vet that will steer you toward the food that’s ideal for your cat\’s age, breed, size and activity level.

2. How’s my pet’s weight?

It can be difficult to assess a pet’s weight if they are fluffy and even harder to notice changes in weight when we see our pets every Day. According to research, almost 60% of cats are overweight.

Being underweight, in contrast, may point to a parasitic infection or chronic illness. So ask your vet about where the changes in your cat\’s weight come from and, if necessary, the best way to get things back on track.

3. How much exercise does my cat need?

Exercise helps cats lose extra weight, keep in excellent condition, and also bond with their parents. According to experts, daily exercise is a fine way to curb behavioral issues such as furniture scratching or trash rummaging. Despite all the advantages of exercise, the frequency is different from cat to cat varying by a pet’s age, breed and medical history.

Most indoor cats need about 30-45 minutes daily, which you can divide into 2 sessions. Pierre favors cat-sized hamster wheels, although any exercise tool will do. If you’re not sure what kind of exercise is best for your cat, a veterinarian can offer an exercise regimen appropriate for your feline, as well as warning signs of overexertion so you know when it’s time for a cool-down. For further information about your cat’s ideal exercise level, you could refer to a cat trainer.

4. How do their teeth and gums look?

Cats are experts in hiding their pain, so some owners may overlook dental care until symptoms become unavoidable. Stinky breath, rotting teeth or loss of appetite can mean periodontal disease or worse. Your cat’s doctor will check for early signs of infection at an annual wellness exam and propose a revised treatment plan.

Documenting your pet’s routine and any questions you have ahead of time ensures that you won’t get rattled by your pet’s nervous behavior at the clinic. “Since our pets can’t talk, it’s up to us to give the vet as much information as possible. We are the voice for our cat. Our pet’s health and well-being are in your hands.

Feel free to share with us your thoughts and write down in the comments below what are the questions that you Ask your veterinarian.

Photo: Daria Nepriakhina