If you look around enough on the web, you’ll realize there’s a holiday for just about everything on just about every day of the year.  Well, we recently had National Take Your Cat to the Vet day.  Although this was last week, it’s still important enough to mention now.

 

While many people in the US own cats, not many of these cats see the vet on a routine basis.  When asked, pet owners often say their cats are healthy and don’t need to see the vet.  Or they stay inside and don’t need vaccines.  Also, most cats dislike carriers, car rides, and going to the vet, and pet owners don’t like upsetting their beloved felines.

http://www.suburbananimalclinic.com/our-feline-friends

 

One thing to know about cats is that they are excellent at hiding illnesses, often until it’s too late to treat.  In the wild, it’s survival of the fittest, which in part means that you do your best not to show injury or illness.  Showing injury or illness invites predators.  Most domesticated animals have retained that instinct and often hide illness or injury as best as possible.

 

Cats need routine exams to help detect any possible problem such as dental problems, heart murmurs, thyroid imbalance, and kidney disease.  Regular vet visits also help monitor weight changes, which can signal a problem.  Many people think a fat cat is a happy cat.  In reality, a fat cat is an unhappy cat!  Obesity leads to joint issues, heart strain, and diabetes.  Overweight cats are also unable to properly groom themselves, leading to poor skin and hair coat as well as skin infections.

 

Young otherwise apparently healthy cats should visit the veterinarian annually.  As cats age, they should see the vet more often, usually 2 or 3 times a year.

 

There are vaccines that cats should have, even indoor only cats.  Rabies is the most important since it’s transferable to other pets and to humans.  Bats are the number one carrier in Franklin County, and have been known to get into homes.  Flying bats are tempting toys for cats.  Don’t risk your feline friend’s life by not vaccinating!  Ask your veterinarian what vaccines are recommended based on your cat’s lifestyle.

http://www.suburbananimalclinic.com/fvrcp-whats-in-that-cat-vaccine

http://www.suburbananimalclinic.com/feline-vaccine-changes-at-suburban

 

Most cats don’t like carriers and car rides because to them, it means one thing: the vet!  Instead of storing your carriers in a closet, leave them out and open, with bedding and a toy.  You’ll soon find your cat happily napping inside.  When it’s time to go to the vet, you can also put your cat in a small room, such as a bathroom with very few places to hide, then bring in the carrier.

 

Feliway can be helpful in helping calm your cat in the carrier and the car.  Feliway is available in a spray that you can spray in the carrier about 30 minutes prior to leaving.

http://www.suburbananimalclinic.com/cats-carriers

 

For more information on Feline health, visit the blog links above or the Cornell Feline Health Center ( Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine) at www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/

 

Also remember that Suburban is a Cat Friendly Practice!  Click the blog link below to read more!

http://www.suburbananimalclinic.com/suburban-is-cat-friendly

 

Suburban Animal Clinic is located in West Columbus off I-70 near I-270. Suburban Animal Clinic serves Galloway, Hilltop, West Side, Georgesville, West Jefferson, Grove City, Grandview, Upper Arlington (including OSU Campus area), Hilliard and Dublin.