Cats Are Part of the Family
According to a 2009 survey on pet statistics by the Humane Society of the United States, there are approximately 93.6 million pet cats and 77.5 million pet dogs in the United States. No doubt we love our cats. Yet, according to a 2009 survey by Feline Pine1, fewer than 50% of pet cats visit the vet unless they are sick.
Many of these people said they didn't realize they needed to. Cats are masters at "hiding" illness, so by the time people realize they are sick, they may be quite sick. Routine veterinary exams alert people about possible health problems, health risks, and signs to watch for.
Take Your Cat to the Vet Week is August 22 - 28, 2011. Here are some tips and reasons why it is important to take your cat to the vet.
Visiting The Vet With Your Cat
With time and practice, some cats can be quite comfortable with carriers and travel. Starting out with short car rides and vet visits as a kitten will help familiarize your cat with the car and veterinary office. Older cats need attention too - vet checkups for senior cats will monitor for diseases such as kidney failure, hyperthyroidism and diabetes, common in senior cats.
But as we all know, for some cats, going to the vet is a major struggle and avoided at all costs by cats and their humans. This is why Feline Pine started the National Take Your Cat to the Vet event; to raise awareness about feline health and the importance of regular veterinary checkups and care.
Has YOUR Cat Seen the Vet Lately?
Cats are notorious for being stressed out by a car ride and vet visit. But it doesn't have to be that way. Here are some tips to reduce cat stress in the car and at the vet as well as tips for finding a veterinarian that works for your cat(s).
Find additional take your cat to the vet info at PetFinder.com, this year's host for Take Your Cat to the Vet Week.
Readers Respond:
Suggested Reading
- Should I Call The Vet?
- Normal changes seen with age in senior cats
- When it is time to see the vet with your senior cat
- What age I take my new kitten to the vet?
Image: Mo at the Vet © Bill in Ash Vegas on Flickr
1Reference: Feline Pine press release
Comments