Forgetting Our Feline Friends
Cats, cats and more cats! Why is it that cats make up the majority of household pet in America, but dogs are the most seen patients at veterinary clinics? Many people have the misconception that cats can take care of themselves, but the cats rely on us for more than just food, water and shelter. Their emotional and physical needs are just as important. Many people consider their cats as a member of the family. Some go as far as to call them their “furry children.” In our area, however, we do have cats that are strictly barn cats and live outdoors. Even these pets need healthcare, too. Here at Ash Veterinary Clinic, we want to make owners aware of the importance of feline healthcare.
Getting cats into the clinic can be a difficult first step to take. Sometimes the thought of trying to force a cat into a carrier, and the clawing and scratching that can come with it, can be enough to stop a person dead in their tracks. There are ways to acclimate your cat so they become more familiar with the carrier and do not associate it with bad trips to the vet. Try leaving the carrier someplace where your cat can go in and out of it freely. You can occasionally sneak treats into the carrier so when your cat enters, they will find a nice surprise and start to associate the carrier with a positive experience.
Preventative medicine matters. All cats, indoor and outdoor, need to see the veterinarian at least once a year for wellness visits, but twice yearly is even better. They need their rabies vaccinations, but they also may need additional vaccines based on their lifestyle. Any cat that encounters other cats, or their saliva or urine, is at risk of contracting certain infectious diseases like feline distemper and feline leukemia. Wellness visits are not only about vaccines. These checkups can identify subtle changes in your cat’s health that you were unaware of which could indicate disease. Did you know that 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by the age of three? Yearly blood screens check vital organ function and can help detect abnormalities before they develop into something more serious.
Heartworm disease and flea problems are two issues that many owners do not realize can affect their cats. Heartworm disease is transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Outdoor cats can come in contact with mosquitoes and fleas daily. Here in Michigan, we know that mosquitoes do not always stay outside, so our indoor cats can be bitten by infected mosquitoes as well. There is no cure for feline heartworm disease! Protecting your cat from this potentially fatal disease can be as inexpensive as $7.00 per month. For the ease of application, we also have a topical monthly medication that contains both flea and heartworm prevention.
Cats are masters of disguise when it comes to hiding disease. From the outside your cat may look like the picture of health. There are a few clues that you can look out for that may signal that your cat isn’t 100%. If your cat’s eating habits change, such as eating or drinking more or less than usual, this may indicate that they are not feeling well. Some other signs are changes in grooming habits and change in the sound or frequency of their meows. If you think your cat is experiencing any of these signs, please seek veterinary care.
At Ash Veterinary Clinic, in the past two years, our feline friends have only made up 24% of our patients compared to dogs making up 71%. These statistics are very similar to clinics around the country which may lead some experts to believe that cat owners just do not care about their cat’s health. Now, we know that this is not true! We believe that people are unaware that cats need just as much care as dogs do. That is why we want to educate owners about the importance of bringing your cat in for a yearly visit. If you have any questions regarding any of the information in this article or would like to schedule an appointment to bring your pet in, please call Ash Veterinary Clinic at 734-782-2827. We love cats!
