By Medical Director Dr. Becky Rhoades
Did you know that cats outnumber dogs as the most popular family pet? Unfortunately, it seems that going to see their veterinarian for a checkup is just not as important as it is with our dogs. But why?
Because cats never leave the house or yard, so cat owners figure they are never exposed to diseases like our dogs are when they visit the dog park? Or because cats are considered “low maintenance pets” and just don’t have as many medical issues as dogs? Is it because cat owners figure they can go to the vet every couple of years? Or maybe it’s because it’s just too stressful to load them up in the car and take them to see their veterinarian?
Well, I challenge all of the above bogus reasoning for not taking your cat to their vet at least once a year. Cats age more rapidly than we do so preventive care examinations are a crucial part of a healthy lifestyle. Cats can suffer from a multitude of conditions (e.g. kidney compromise, thyroid disease or diabetes) that don’t show any outward symptoms until the condition becomes very serious or life threatening. All cats should see their veterinarian a minimum of once yearly, and more frequently for senior cats and those with chronic conditions.
I too have a hard time loading up my cat in a crate, and she hates to ride in the car. So I feed her in the crate for a week before the appointment to get her used to it again. And in the car, I cover the crate with a dark towel, which seems to help her settle down a bit.
August 22 is “Take your cat to the vet day” and is a good reminder to make that long overdue appointment for your cat’s yearly wellness exam. You know what they say about an ounce of prevention. Please make sure your cat is seen by his or her veterinarian regularly.
