Feline Wellness & Preventive Care

Feline Wellness & Preventive Care — Long Island, NY

West Hills Animal Hospital & Emergency Center | 800 W. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington, NY 11743 | Diagnostics available 24/7 | (631) 351-6116

At West Hills Animal Hospital, our feline wellness program is built around that reality. We use a combination of thorough physical exams, targeted diagnostics, and longitudinal health tracking to catch what cats do not show — early enough to make a genuine difference.

Preventive care is not just maintenance. It is the single most powerful investment you can make in your cat’s long-term health, happiness, and the number of years you spend together.

What Happens During a Feline Wellness Visit

Every feline wellness visit at West Hills is designed to minimize stress for your cat while gathering as much clinical information as possible. We move at your cat’s pace, handle gently, and use examination techniques proven to reduce feline anxiety — because a calm cat is a more accurately examined cat.

Weight and body condition — changes over time often signal early disease
Coat quality, skin health, and grooming patterns
Eyes, ears, nose, and oral cavity — dental disease affects over 70% of cats by age 3
Heart and lung assessment
Abdominal palpation for organ size and masses
Muscle mass and mobility evaluation
Behavioral patterns and litter box habits — both are important diagnostic indicators

Vaccinations — Tailored to Your Cat's Lifestyle

Indoor cats and outdoor cats have very different risk profiles. Our vaccine recommendations are not one-size-fits-all — they are built around how your cat actually lives.

✓ Core Vaccines (All Cats)

Rabies

Required by law in New York; fatal if untreated in humans and animals.

Feline distemper (FVRCP)

Protects against rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia.

✓ Parasite Prevention

Flea and tick prevention

Even indoor cats are at risk via humans and other pets.

Intestinal parasites

Routine fecal screening for roundworm, hookworm, and protozoa.

✓ Lifestyle Vaccines

Feline leukemia (FeLV)

Strongly recommended for cats with any outdoor access or multi-cat exposure.

✓ Visit Schedule

Kittens

Every 3-4 weeks from 8 to 16 weeks for the primary series.

Adult cats

Annual wellness exam.

Senior cats (10+)

Every 6 months with expanded screening.

Early Detection in Cats — Why Screening Is Non-Negotiable

Because cats hide illness so effectively, waiting for symptoms to appear before testing is a losing strategy. The following conditions are among the most common in cats — and all of them are far more manageable when detected early through routine screening:

Chronic kidney disease: the most common serious illness in older cats; no obvious symptoms until significant function is lost
Hyperthyroidism: extremely common in cats over 10; causes weight loss, increased appetite, and heart complications
Diabetes mellitus: manageable with early diagnosis; life-threatening if missed
Dental disease: directly linked to kidney, heart, and liver disease through bacterial spread
Hypertension: often secondary to kidney or thyroid disease; causes blindness and strokes if untreated
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP): more easily identified in early stages with appropriate screening

FAQs — Feline Wellness

My cat seems fine. Why do they need annual vet visits?

Because cats are designed to hide illness, a cat that appears perfectly fine may have early kidney disease, a developing mass, dental infections spreading to internal organs, or early diabetes. These conditions are caught through examination and bloodwork — not by waiting for your cat to act sick.

My cat hates the vet. What can you do?

We understand — and we take this seriously. Our team uses low-stress handling techniques, has experience with anxious cats, and can discuss anti-anxiety medications or pheromone sprays for the visit. Please let us know when you call so we can prepare.

When should I consider my cat a senior?

Cats are generally considered senior from around age 10, and geriatric from 15+. Senior cats benefit from twice-yearly exams and expanded bloodwork to catch the age-related conditions that appear — often silently — in older felines.

Your Pet Deserves the Best. We Are Ready Right Now.

800 W. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington, NY 11743 | Open 24/7, 365 days a year | (631) 351-6116