
All cats should have a yearly physical exam.
A recent Bayer Veterinary Care study found that cats make up 39% of the veterinary patient population in most practices (and in some cases only 15%), yet comprise 55% of the overall pet population in the United States. On the flip side, dogs make up 59% of veterinary patients, yet comprise only 45% of the pet population in the United States. We love our cats for their independent personalities, low-maintenance care, and sometimes for their ability to keep away pests. But cats are the underdog and are underserved when it comes to preventive care; they warrant equal attention.
Even though cats are independent, they cannot take themselves to the doctor. We know that preventive medicine is the BEST medicine. Recommendations vary, but there are fundamentals of preventive care that apply to all our feline friends:
Primarily, all cats should have a yearly physical exam. Cats tend to hide their illnesses much better than dogs. Many problems, such as new heart murmurs, changes in body weight, dental disease, etcetera, can be identified early upon routine physical examination. Additionally, vaccinations are vital to the prevention of communicable diseases. Vaccine protocols vary, but upper respiratory, feline leukemia, and rabies vaccines should be administered and kept up to date for all cats based on their exposure risk. Parasite prevention is another essential for keeping your cat healthy. Fleas can cause serious blood borne diseases, skin allergies, and internal parasites. Heartworm disease can afflict cats and, as prevalence rises, prevention should be seriously considered for all cats – even indoor cats! Although it is true that the risk of feline heartworm disease is lower than for dogs, the effect of heartworm disease on cats is typically more severe and does not have a definitive treatment. Finally, routine fecal testing, microchip placement, and dental care are other important preventive measures that should also be considered. For older cats, routine blood and urine screening, and blood pressure monitoring may be recommended as part of a complete wellness check-up.
There are often concerns that arise from these recommendations, such as – “Aren’t some anti-parasitic medications toxic? Can’t vaccines cause cancer? Dental cleaning is expensive! Why are these things important if my cat never leaves the house?” We frequently hear these concerns and others, and enjoy discussing them in greater detail. If it has been a while since your cat has been examined, we are here to help. Our goal here at Loomis Basin Veterinary Clinic is to help you give your cat the longest, healthiest life possible. We are here for you and your cat seven days a week but have created a dedicated Cat’s Night Out every Wednesday evening from 6-8:30pm. Read more about Cat’s Night Out.
by Sara Neilson, DVM
Learn more about Dr. Sara Neilson