Most cat owners know their feline friends are truly special and lavish them with love at home. But a study of feline health found that only slightly more than half of the 74 million cats in the U.S. are receiving regular veterinary care. Your cat may seem independent, healthy, and living without pain, but cats still benefit from annual exams and preventative care between check-ups. How can you help your cat live their best and most healthy life?
1. Keep an Eye on Your Cat’s Weight
Cats may be cute with a little extra padding, but excess weight can take a long-term toll on their health. Carrying around just a few extra pounds may seem insignificant, but feline obesity is linked to cancer, diabetes, joint issues, and skin issues. Additionally, excess weight slows your cat down, making it less fun for them to engage in play and get around.
Your cat’s age, health history, and activity level all make a difference in their metabolism and dietary needs. Choosing the right food and feeding schedule can be difficult, especially when your cat has their own opinion on what and when they eat. Make an appointment today and we’ll create a plan to help your cat lose weight safely.
2. Care for Your Cat’s Dental Needs
Cats need dental care just like we do. Dental disease can lead to a loss of appetite and malnutrition when left unchecked, as a cat will avoid eating when chewing hurts. In fact, cats face a wide array of dental issues that can cause pain and discomfort, including gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth resorption.
If you’ve noticed your cat isn’t enthusiastic for their favorite meals, it may be a sign to get their teeth checked. There’s no need for your kitty to be afraid of the dentist, because our staff has been trained to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress during their visit. Your cat’s comfort is our top priority.
3. Watch for Signs of Chronic Pain
Cats can disguise their pain better than almost any other creature, a skill that helped them survive in the wild. While our house cats no longer need to hide when they’re hurting, they still do, making recognizing pain in your cat more difficult. In fact, some cats can live for years with chronic pain without showing symptoms of their condition. Keeping an eye out for subtle signs of pain can help you know when to bring your cat in for a visit.
Symptoms in chronic pain in cats include
- A sudden change in normal activities
- Hiding more frequently
- Loss or lack of appetite
- Having accidents outside of the litter box
- Aggression toward you, family members, or other pets
If you notice any of these signs in your cat, make an appointment to see us. We can assess and diagnose your cat and put her back on track for a healthy life.
4. Spend Quality Time with Your Cat
In spite of their reputation for being aloof, most cats love spending time with humans. Whether it’s sitting in your lap, being pet from head-to-tail, or playing with a toy, spending extra time engaging in these activities can make your cat’s life better. In fact, your cat’s purring can help them heal. Why not help them exercise the healing power of purring more often?
Not sure where to start? Introduce new toys, catnip, and a scratching post. Then set aside time daily to engage your cat in play. Cats can stay mentally stimulated while you’re at work with a cat perch by the window. They’ll love to watch the world unfold just beyond the glass. Don’t forget to invite your cat to hang out and relax during your downtime.
5. Don’t Skip Your Cat’s Annual Exams
Your cat’s health is important to us. Help celebrate Bring Your Cat to the Vet Day on August 22nd by scheduling an appointment for a visit. Whether it’s a vaccine update, microchip implant, or an exam for a nagging health concern, we’ll get your cat feeling their best.
Nobody enjoys hearing pitiful meowing from the back seat of the car. As a Fear-Free vet, we can recommend ways to keep your cat calm when it’s time to come into our clinic. We’re committed to your cat’s physical and mental wellbeing by helping them handle stress and anxiety.
Help Your Cat Have an Awesome August!
Providing for your cat’s physical and mental health can be as simple as watching their diet, engaging in play, and bringing them in for a check-up annually. Don’t let August slip by without making an appointment for your feline roommate. It may be the dog days of summer, but observing Bring Your Cat to the Vet Day makes for a healthy, happy cat.
Photo Credit: dima_sidelnikov / iStock / Getty Images Plus