Is your elderly cat healthy?
These days our cats are living longer and longer. We regularly see cats in their late teens, and even sometimes in their twenties. However, we consider cats over eight to be ‘senior’, meaning they have an increased risk of certain health issues.
Just like people, older cats are more likely to start getting health issues, including arthritis, dental disease, thyroid problems, high blood pressure to name a few. One of the main differences between us and our pets is that they can hide the early signs of these problems, often carrying on as normal until the condition is fairly well advanced. Cats are particularly good at concealing their discomfort, often seeming well to their owners.
What is a Senior Cat Clinic?
Harris, Hill & Gibbons Veterinary Group’s Westbury branch is pleased to offer senior cat clinics, for the older members of the family.
We are passionate about preventative and geriatric medicine. These clinics are designed to help pick up early signs of old-age conditions, which means we can start treatment or management much sooner, leading to happier and longer lives for our pets.
Early recognition is vital for the best management of all old-age conditions. Our Senior Cat Clinics, specifically for cats aged 8 years and over, include:
- A simple questionnaire filled out prior to consultation.
- A nurse consultation. In which a qualified veterinary nurse will go through the questionnaire with you and identify any causes for concern.
- Your cat will then stay at the practice for a few hours, to allow for tests to be undertaken, which includes:
- A blood test. This will screen for diabetes, liver and kidney problems, hyperthyroidism and other abnormalities.
- A urine test. This also helps to check for diabetes, bladder and kidney function.
- Blood pressure measurement. High blood pressure is common in older animals and can lead to problems with vision.
- An eye examination
- A vet consultation, where all the results from the questionnaire, blood and urine tests will be summarised, and individual recommendations will be made for your pet.
How much does it cost?
All the above is worth over £170, but as part of our commitment to senior pet health, we are offering these clinics at the fantastic price of £100* for Healthy Pet Club** clients and £120* for all other clients.
How long does the clinic take?
The initial nurse consultation takes place in the morning and will take around 15 minutes. During this appointment, the nurse will go through the questionnaire with you. We then ask that your cat stays with us for a few hours, so that the various tests can be conducted. We will arrange an appointment, usually in the afternoon, for the vet to discuss the results from the questionnaire, blood and urine tests and individual recommendations will be made for your pet. This consultation will take around 15 minutes.
Are elderly cats on long term medication eligible?
Unfortunately animals on long term medication where regular blood tests are required may not be eligible. Please ring to find out more, or if you are unsure if your pet is able to participate.
Terms & Conditions
*The charge for the senior cat clinic includes the cost of the nurse consultation, the blood test, the urine test, the eye examination, the blood pressure measurement and the vet consultation. Any other products, treatments or services recommended or prescribed, following the results of the test, are not included and will be charged separately.
** The Healthy Pet Club members 10% discount is not applicable to this service as the cost to members is already discounted. Any other products, treatments or services recommended or prescribed, following the results of the test, are not included and will be charged separately. The Healthy Pet Club members’ 10% discount is applicable to these additional charges.
Only one cat can be booked in per clinic.
