
Preventive Care for Your Cat’s Health in Denver
What We Check During Your Cat’s Exam
Cats are experts at hiding signs of pain and illness, which makes it difficult to detect that they are sick until it becomes severe. If your cat avoids socializing and refuses to eat properly, it may indicate a serious health issue that needs immediate attention. Regular vet exams are important for preventing these issues, monitoring your cat's overall health, and detecting serious conditions early.
For cat preventive care in Denver, we recommend taking your cat for 1 or 2 annual visits. During the health check, our proficient vet at Founders Green will examine your cat and thoroughly assess its overall health, looking for signs of possible health problems.
- Eyes, ears, and nose: Observing for indicators of infections or abnormalities.
- The teeth and gums: Looking for signs of gum disease, which is prevalent in cats and can result in very serious complications, such as heart disease.
- Skin & fur: Looking for fleas, parasites, or any existing skin problems.
- Muscles and joints: Evaluating your cat for mobility issues, arthritis, or stiffness, particularly if your cat is older.
- Abdomen: Checking for any irregularities in their internal organs.
- Body weight and composition: Weight change is tracked to monitor any loss or gain related to feline obesity.
- Heart and lungs: Monitoring your cat's heartbeat and breathing rhythm for signs of any issues with their heart or lungs.
- Temperature: Looking for fever or infection.
We recommend the above measures, and having your cat tested annually for parasites and heartworm if your cat is at risk. If these problems are identified early, they can readily be treated.
We’ll also discuss your cat's behavior and changes in its habits, such as increased or decreased activity, eating habits, and interactions with other domestic pets.
Vaccines That Keep Your Cat Safe
Core Vaccines for Cat
- Rabies: More virulent and contagious than other lyssavirus variants, which are fatal and can also be transmitted to humans.
- FVRCP: A combined vaccine protecting against 3 deadly viruses which can be fatal or cause severe illness, including Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia.
Non-Core Vaccines for Cat
- Feline Leukemia (FeLV): For cats that go outside or live with multiple cats in the household, as it is severe and fatal.
Parasite Prevention for a Healthy Cat

- Fleas: Fleas are not only a nuisance in the house and car but can also cause potentially life-threatening reactions, such as severe skin problems and tapeworm infestations. Flea control is a necessity, especially during warmer seasons.
- Ticks: Cats that like to roam outside, especially in wooded or grassy areas, are at risk of ticks that can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and Bartonella.
- Heartworms: Even though they are more common in felines, they can also affect dogs, leading to serious lung and heart problems. Preventative care and medications are necessary to protect against heartworms, particularly in cats that go outside.
- Internal Parasites: Roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms are frequently found in cats and kittens and require regular fecal exams to be detected early and begin treatment.
Microchip Your Cat for Peace of Mind
The loss of a pet can be scary, but having your cat microchipped can improve your chances of reuniting if they ever get lost. Microchips are tiny, about the size of a grain of rice, and are implanted under the skin quickly with a minimally invasive procedure.
After implanting the microchip in your cat, it is recorded in a national database where your cat's identification number is linked to your contact details. When your cat is lost, animal shelters or vets can scan the microchip and contact you directly to help ensure your cat's quick return.
Micro-chipping is completely safe and reliable and is advised for all cats, even if they like to stay indoors.
Personalized Nutrition Plans for Your Cat’s Health
Obesity is a major health issue for cats and can cause diabetes, arthritis, and heart problems. Nutrition and proper weight management can help maintain your cat's overall health and also improve their quality of life.
At Founders Green, we offer personalized nutrition counseling services that help cater to your cat’s dietary requirements according to their age, breed, and health conditions. If your cat is overweight or needs to stay at a healthy weight, we can help you with guidance on portion control, food types, and feeding schedules.
Cats with specialized dietary requirements, including those with food allergies, IBS, and diabetes, will have foods recommended to help control these conditions. Monitoring your cat’s weight and nutritional needs ensures they remain in optimal health at all times.
We also suggest getting your cat to exercise to keep them active and to help prevent obesity-related health problems. Playing with a few toys and scratch posts can also make a huge difference in keeping your cat physically active.
