February is National Cat Health Month. According to the most recent AVMA Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook, about 47% of cats come into veterinary clinics at least once a year for routine or preventative health care. That’s far below the number of dogs we see, which is nearly 79%. Cat owners may skip visits to the veterinarian for several reasons. However, it’s crucial for cats everywhere that we raise awareness about the importance of routine healthcare. How Often Should Cats See a Verinarian?
It’s a common misconception that cats (especially indoor cats) need doctor visits less often than dogs do. Part of this could be because of the decreased risk of disease and parasites in indoor cats. It’s true that vaccine and parasite prevention can be different for indoor cats than for outdoor cats, but that doesn’t mean they can skip trips to the clinic.
There are many common ailments we see in indoor cats including periodontal disease, diabetes, feline lower urinary tract disease, and kidney disease. As cats age, they can also be prone to cognitive decline and arthritis.
For cats that spend any time outside, there are more worries and risks such as respiratory illnesses, feline leukemia, rabies, and numerous parasites.
Indoor or outdoor, most cats should have wellness exams annually. Senior cats or those with chronic illnesses may need more than one annual visit. Regular wellness exams allow us to assess cats’ overall health, discuss lifestyle and behavior with owners, and identify any signs of pain or disease.
Cats are amazing when it comes to hiding pain and disease. Often, when they begin showing us signs that something isn’t right their health issues are already advanced. This is another major reason they need routine wellness exams. In order to prevent health problems or detect them in the early stages, we need to see them.
Another reason many cats don’t make it in to a clinic is that the process of getting them there can be stressful and difficult. It often includes a struggle to wrangle cats into a carrier and a noisy, tense car trip. Instead of foregoing the visit all together, use some of the following tips to make the experience smoother.
- Get cats used to the carrier long before a visit. Leave it out and open and use treats to encourage them to spend some unforced time in and around the carrier.
- Use calming pheromone diffusers and sprays in your home and in the carrier.
- Once your cat has made peace with the carrier, take short car rides to get them more accustomed to travel.
- Beginning at an early age, help your cat get comfortable with being handled. In a relaxing and unforced manner practice touching your cat’s paws, belly, and face.
- Get cats used to the carrier long before a visit. Leave it out and open and use treats to encourage them to spend some unforced time in and around the carrier.
- Use calming pheromone diffusers and sprays in your home and in the carrier.
- Once your cat has made peace with the carrier, take short car rides to get them more accustomed to travel.
- Beginning at an early age, help your cat get comfortable with being handled. In a relaxing and unforced manner practice touching your cat’s paws, belly, and face.
Whether a cat dwells exclusively inside a home or spends time outside, it’s equally important for them to see a veterinarian for regular wellness exams. Even when they appear outwardly strong and healthy, cats can suffer from illness and pain. Wellness exams can mean preventing problems or catching them and treating them early.
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