10 reasons to take your cats to the vet
Each year, the next to last Saturday in August is observed as National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day. Here are more facts from about the importance of taking your cats to the vet from Thomas F. Dock, director of communications/public information office for Noah’s Animal Hospitals.
1. The unfortunate truth is that our feline friends are much less likely to see their doctor than our canine companions.
2. More than 50% of cats have not seen their veterinarian in more than a year and this can lead to some serious issues. We all know that cats are masters at hiding their illnesses, so having an examination done by a licensed veterinarian at least once a year is really what’s best.
3. If your cat is one of the 59% of felines considered to be overweight or obese, many health problems can arise. Diabetes, respiratory and heart problems, or even kidney disease are just a few of the many issues that can shorten our kitties’ lifespans.
4. Veterinary experts estimate that 1-3% of ALL cats of all ages have chronic kidney disease and these numbers jump to more than 50% by the time the cat is 15 years old! While kidney disease is not curable, we can MANAGE the symptoms and disease so that the kitty has a better quality of life.
5. Finally, a recent study showed that more than 24% of client owned cats in North America had a least one intestinal parasite, including roundworms, which can be transmitted to their human family members.
6. When asked why they don’t take their cats to the veterinarian, most pet owners will discuss the challenges of getting their feline to the veterinary clinic. These include getting the cat into the carrier in the first place, the long, stressful car ride, and then the fear the owners perceive their cat is experiencing at the veterinary hospital.
7. Other reasons for avoiding the vet include the perception that the cat is independent and can take care of herself.
8. Even during our on-going COVID-19 pandemic makes a trip to the veterinarian a little different, veterinarians will still encourage this trip in order to find those little issues before they turn into big problems.
9. Feline veterinarians recommend leaving the cat carrier out so that the kitty won’t associate the carrier solely with trips to the veterinarian.
10. Ask your veterinarian about their use of feline pheromones, such as Feli-Way or the availability of “cat only” appointments in the practice. In some cases, a house-call veterinarian may work better for your special pet.
For more from Noah’s Animal Hospitals, visit their website.