When was the last time your cat saw the Veterinarian? Cats are still the number one pet in the United States, yet most cats see a doctor when they are adopted and then at the time of euthanasia. There are about 85 million cats owned compared to 77 million dogs, yet cats visit with a veterinarian less frequently.
Cat owners know that our feline family members are the masters in the household. But did you know that they are also masters at hiding disease? As a result your cat could be developing a health condition long before you notice anything is wrong. Regular examinations with a veterinarian are paramount in detecting disease early. If caught early many disease are treatable or can be managed by slowing the progression of the disease. During your cats’ examination, your veterinarian will ask you questions that will help them in determining if your cat is not feeling its best. It is also recommended that routine blood sampling be performed. By performing regular evaluations your veterinarian can pick up on trends alerting her to the start of a serious illness in your cat. It’s important to remember that your cat ages more rapidly than you do. At 1 year of age, your cat is 15 in human years, at 2 your cat is 24 years old. Each year after that your cat ages 4 cat years for every calendar year. So your 8 year old cat would be 48 years old. This is why as your cat ages, it is often recommended to recheck blood or urine every 6 months when monitoring their condition.
Subtle changes in your cats’ normal behavior are usually the first sign that they may be developing a problem. Cat owners should know what to look for and when to contact their veterinarian.
- Inappropriate Elimination Behavior or Litter Box Use
- Changes in Interaction
- Changes in Activity
- Changes in Sleeping Habits
- Changes in Food and Water Consumption
- Unexplained Weight Gain or Loss
- Signs of Stress
- Changes in Vocalization
- Bad Breath
These are just a few indications that there may be a problem developing in your cat. It is important that your cat receives regular veterinary exams and blood work so these signs can be addressed early. At Alley Cats Mobile Veterinary Services we know that most cats do not enjoy being placed in a carrier and taken from their home. This is why we will come to you. Call today for your cat’s private in home physical exam.
American Pet Products Association, Inc.