Welcome to the Purr Patch– Where Happy Cats Begin!

By Dr. Kristen Mitchell

If you're the kind of person who treats your cat like family (or royalty—we don't judge!), you're in the right place. At Exclusively Cat's Medical Center in Medford, we're all about helping you raise a healthier, happier feline friend. From nutrition tips and behavioral insights to holistic care and vet-approved advice, our goal is simple: to support your cat’s wellness journey every step of the way.

Whether you’re a new cat parent or a seasoned feline whisperer, we’re here to share reliable info, practical tips, and the occasional cat meme—because wellness should be fun, too.

Let’s help your kitty thrive—one purr at a time.

First topic - Wellness

Feline Wellness: Caring for Your Cat Through Every Life Stage

Our feline companions go through several important life stages — kitten, young adult, mature adult, and senior. Each stage brings unique health needs and opportunities to support your cat’s lifelong well-being. Regular annual or bi-annual wellness exams help us detect changes early and keep your cat healthy, active, and comfortable at every age.

Kitten Wellness

Kittens are growing and developing quickly, making this a crucial time to establish healthy routines and screen for any congenital or breed-related conditions. During kitten visits, we’ll discuss breed predispositions (such as cardiomyopathy in Maine Coons), address any findings from the physical exam, and set the stage for a lifetime of preventive care.

Young Adult Wellness

As cats enter adulthood, subtle shifts in behavior and health can begin to appear. During young adult wellness exams, we monitor grooming habits, activity levels, oral health, and behavior changes. This is also the stage when weight management and enrichment become particularly important, as boredom and obesity are common challenges. We’ll provide guidance on nutrition, play, and environmental stimulation to help your cat thrive both mentally and physically.

Mature Adult & Senior Wellness

In the mature and senior years, cats benefit from bi-annual wellness visits to track changes in muscle tone, weight, grooming, vocalization, and sleep patterns. Early detection of age-related diseases—such as kidney disease, arthritis, or hyperthyroidism—can significantly improve your cat’s comfort and quality of life. These visits allow us to tailor care plans to your cat’s evolving needs and maintain their health as they age.

Why Wellness Exams Matter

Wellness exams are more than just a check-up—they’re a dedicated time to focus on your cat’s overall health and happiness. These appointments offer an opportunity for open conversation between you and your veterinary team. Together, we’ll review your cat’s behavior, diet, water intake, grooming, nail care, elimination habits, and enrichment to ensure every aspect of their well-being is supported.

Your cat’s health journey is a partnership between you and your veterinarian. By staying proactive and attentive at each life stage, you’re giving your feline friend the best possible chance at a long, healthy, and joy-filled life.