While it’s clear that cats like me should be celebrated every month, it is, in my oh-so-humble opinion, pretty important to set aside some real-time in the calendar to consider our unique health challenges and demands. I know, I know, compared to dogs, cats seem like low-maintenance pets, like we can basically take care of ourselves, and while we do take a certain amount of pride in being independent, we still need regular wellness care.
Did you know that a lot of cat owners never step foot inside a veterinary clinic after their kittens’ first few visits? That is not good.
Cats are masters at hiding illness and injury, so without regular check-ups, you may not know there’s anything wrong until it’s too late. This is especially true when it comes to life-threatening kidney disease—which 1 in 3 cats will develop in their lifetimes. That’s why early diagnosis with check-ups and blood tests is so important.
Another potentially dangerous health issue for cats as they get older is hyperthyroidism, which occurs when your cat’s thyroid gland produces an excess of thyroid hormone. Left untreated it can lead to problems with the heart, kidneys, and other organs. Catch it early, though, and it’s easy managed with medication and/or diet.
Okay, real truth time. Taking cats to the vet can be a challenge. Most don’t enjoy it – I certainly didn’t – and we don’t make it easy. Luckily, the team of animal lovers at Tri-County has a lot of experience with gentle handling, and they have always made my visits as pleasant and stress-free as possible. Getting your cat used to the carrier prior to vet appointments will help, as will placing a towel over the carrier in the car and at the vet. Trust me – a little prep goes a very long way toward getting your pet used to traveling away from home.
If it’s been over a year since your feline friend has seen the vet, don’t wait–make an appointment online or call my favorite veterinary hospital at (865) 435-1374 today!