Take Your Cat to the Vet Day
August 22 is National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day. There is no comparable day for dogs, so why is this annual reminder necessary? The answer is simple: Even though there are more pet cats than dogs in America, owners take their cats to the veterinarian about half as often as they take their dogs.
There are many reasons people are reluctant to take their cats to the vet regularly. Cats are seen as low-maintenance compared to dogs, and while this might be true overall, when it comes to medical care it is simply not the case. A cat should see his veterinarian once a year whether he has any symptoms or not. This applies even if yours is a young, sprightly, indoor-only cat.
Another problem for many cat owners is cost. Veterinarian visits aren’t cheap, but spending the money for a checkup annually can catch problems early, when they are easier to treat, thus saving you money in the long run.
Many owners resist taking their cats to the vet because it is so stressful for the cat. Cats are notoriously nervous about vet visits. Since most cats only get in their carriers and take car rides on vet day, no wonder they run and hide at the first sight of the carrier. The solution is to create positive associations with the carrier. Leave it out on the floor with the door open in a room your cat frequents. Line it with a comfy blanket and occasionally put a few treats, toys or a sprinkling of catnip inside. Your cat will come to see it as just another piece of furniture, and might even take naps inside. You can also put him in the carrier and take him on short drives that don’t end up at the vet’s office.
Another good reason for yearly exams is so your vet can get to know your cat, which will make it easier for her to diagnose what’s wrong with him if he develops symptoms. Establishing a good relationship with a vet also makes it easier for you to trust her judgment in matters of treatment.
Once you’ve gotten your cat to the vet, a vet tech will first weigh him. Then comes the indignity of having his temperature taken with a rectal thermometer. The veterinarian will do a thorough check of your cat’s eyes, ears, nose, mouth and teeth, looking for inflammation, discharge and other problems. She will listen to your cat’s heart and lungs with a stethoscope. She will also examine his paws, genitals and anus, and comb through his fur looking for evidence of fleas. Next, she will gently examine your cat’s body, looking for bumps, swelling or other abnormalities. If this is your cat’s first visit to a particular vet, she might want to do blood work to establish baseline values to compare against later tests.
Talk to your vet about flea control, deworming and dental care. The handling of these issues will depend on your individual cat’s circumstances. Vaccinations are another topic to discuss with your vet. While rabies shots area regulated by law, most other vaccinations are given at the owner’s discretion. Some vaccinations are recommended to be given annually, but increasingly vets are waiting three years between shots. Work out a plan that both you and your vet can live with. Don’t hesitate to ask questions; your vet can also offer advice and guidance regarding diet, behavior problems or any other concerns you have.
As your cat ages into his senior years, he should visit the vet more often and be checked for arthritis, diabetes, kidney problems, thyroid issues, heart disease and other conditions common in older cats. If you’ve been assiduous about regular checkups with a trusted vet when your cat was young, you’ll be in good hands if you have to face a serious illness.
About the Author: Lisa King is a freelance writer living in Southern California. She is the former managing editor of Pet Product News International, Dogs USA, and Natural Dog magazines. Lisa is also the author of the well-received murder mystery novel “Death in a Wine Dark Sea” and the recently released “Vulture au Vin.”
I definitely agree– taking your cat to the vet annually is a great way to get to know your pet. This way, in the future, you will be able to diagnose anything wrong before it gets too serious. I recommend bringing your cat at least once a year for a checkup.
I am worried about taking my cat to the vet because she always seems so scared when we go. There is nothing wrong with her, but I know the importance of the routine checkups. I had not thought of the idea that the more that I take her to the vet the more comfortable she will be with him/her. I also like the idea of making the carrier a positive area by putting treats in it and making it comfortable. Thanks for the help!
I had no idea that a cat should go to the vet at least once a year. I can see why it would be important to have regularly schedule appointments to ensure the cat is healthy. My sister is thinking about buying a cat for her family. I’ll have to point out to her the importance of going to a professional every year.
That makes sense that cats hide from the carrier because it’s associated with the vet. I guess it could be valuable to train a cat to get used to the carrier? Just because it’s hard to go to vet, doesn’t mean it’s not necessary. You need to make sure cats have their shots and verify their health with a professional.
My kids and I recently took in a stray cat, and we’re all trying to learn what we can to best take care of her. I had no idea that cats are notoriously nervous at the vet, but it’s really good to know the importance of creating a positive association with them and a pet carrier. It seems to me like the importance of taking your cat to the vet should not be underestimated! Thank you for the information.
I totally agree with what you said that many owners resist cats to the veterinarians because of the stress that the cats might get from it. My cousin gave me her cat which she could not take care anymore. I believe that it’ll be best for me to take her to a veterinarian so she can get a prescription for vitamins. My concern is the stress it might give her so I’m glad I came across your blog for tips. I’d make sure to schedule a visit soon with a specialist.