Have We Seen Your Cat Lately?

Current research indicats that there are 82 million pet cats in the U.S., compared with 72 million dogs. That makes cats the most popular pet. Yet studies show that the number of feline veterinary visits is declining steadily each year.

The disparity may be related to common Myths about cat health, such as:

• Myth:  Cats are naturally healthier and more problem free than dogs.  
• Truth:Cats over 6 years of age have several common diseases - see below.

• Myth:Feline health problems come from outside and don't affect indoor cats.
• Truth:Fleas carry many diseases and we can easily bring them in on our clothing along with intestinal parasites and viruses on our shoes.

• Myth:Cats will display visible signs of illness like dogs do.
• Truth:Cats have not lived with people long enough to be domesticated like dogs.  Because they are not domesticated, they instinctly hide the illness until they are so sick, they no longer have the energy to hide it.

• Myth:Cats don't need vaccines if they live indoors.
• Truth:How many cats do you see around your yard?  Respiratory viruses are airborne, just like the flu, cats can easily get these diseases from other cats outside.

• Myth:It is common for cats to vomit up hair balls all the time.
• Truth:Not so, vomiting can be a sign of disease.

The truth is, cats need regular veterinary care, including annual exams and vaccinations, just like dogs do.  And because they are naturally adept at hisding signs of illness, annual exams are especially important for early diagnosis of health problems.

Cats over the age of 6 years old are at higher risk for common diseases such as kidney (renal) disease, heart disease, diabetes (especially if overweight), and thyroid disease.  These diseases can be life threatening as they progress.  Annual bloodwork and physical exams can detect these diseases while they are in the early stages.  Once detected, your veterinarian can help you manage these diseases before they become life threatening. These diseases are easily detected with simple blood and urine tests.  At our hospital we recommend annual urinalysis and bloodwork to all our feline patients over the age of 6 years of age.  We put together a feline diagnostic profile that will detect these diseases for a reasonable price.  We try to keep the costs as low as possible to help client's budgets.

Dental disease is very common in cats of all ages.  Broken teeth are painful and can easily become infected.  Gingivitis is infection of the gums which can eventually lead to diseased bone and infected tooth roots (abscessed teeth).  Some cats need annual or every other year dental cleanings.  Plaque is bacteria that can eventually turn into tartar that becomes cemented to the teeth and can only be removed with professional cleaning under general anesthesia.  It is not uncommon in those cats that don't get their teeth cleaned, either at home with a tooth brush or at the veterinarian's office, to loose all their teeth.

That is why we feel it is important for cats to have annual health care visits.  That is why Catapuss Veterinary Services and Adamson Veterinary Services encourages all cat owners to call their veterinarians this week to schedule their annual or semi-annual wellness exms for their cats.