National Bring Your Cat to the Vet Day

Our whole family gets annual check-ups but did you remember to take your cat in for their checkup?

According to the US Census Reporting there are 84.6 million pet households with 38 percent owning cats. After all our cats are part of our family and just like our family they too need preventive care through regular check-ups to be the healthiest they can be.

The physical exam allows your veterinarian create to help your cat stay healthy. Regular exams can help avoid your cat having a medical emergency since your vet can often detect conditions or diseases that can affect your cats health way before they become significant, painful and costly to treat.

Top 5 reasons routine vet visits are a vital part for your cat to live a long, healthy life:

Cats age more rapidly than humans.

A cat reaches the approximate human age of 15 during its first year, and then 24 at age 2. Each year thereafter, they age approximately four "cat years" for every calendar year. So your 8-year-old cat would be 48 in cat years. Veterinary care is crucial because a lot can happen in four “cat years,” which is why yearly visits are so important.

Cats are masters at hiding illness

Cat's natural behaviors make them excellent at hiding how they feel when they are sick or in pain. Your

cat could be developing a health condition long before you notice anything is wrong. Veterinarians are

trained to spot changes or abnormalities that could be overlooked and detect many problems before

they advance or become more difficult to treat

Over 50% of cats are overweight or obese

Your veterinarian will check your cat's weight at every visit and provide nutritional and

enrichment recommendations to help keep your cat at an ideal weight. Just a few extra

pounds can put cats at risk for diabetes; heart, respiratory, and kidney disease; and more.

Preventive care is better than reactive care

Information discussed, along with a thorough physical examination, provides you and your

veterinarian with a plan to help your cat remain healthy. Regular exams can help avoid

medical emergencies since veterinarians can often detect conditions or diseases that may

affect your cat’s health long before they become significant, painful, or more costly to treat

Kittens have 26 teeth, while adult cats have 30

That equates to a lot of dental care! Periodontal disease is considered the most prevalent

disease in cats three years of age and older. Often there are no obvious signs of dental

disease. Most cats with dental disease still eat without a noticeable change in appetite!

Discuss your cat’s teeth at their routine preventive care veterinary visit.

For more information visit catvets.com

To find an AAFP veterinarian or Cat Friendly Practice® in your area, click here

About the American Association of Feline Practitioners

The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) is an organization of veterinary professionals who are dedicated to the health and welfare of cats by supporting high standards of practice, continuing education, and scientific investigation.

The AAFP has a long-standing reputation and track record in the veterinary community for facilitating high standards of practice and publishes guidelines for practice excellence which are available to veterinarians on the AAFP website (www.catvets.com). Over the years, the AAFP has encouraged veterinarians to continuously re-evaluate preconceived notions of practice strategies in an effort to advance the quality of feline medicine practiced.

Launched in 2012, the Cat Friendly Practice® (CFP) program was created to improve the treatment, handling, and overall healthcare provided to cats. Its purpose is to equip veterinary practices with the tools and resources to reduce stress associated with the visit and elevate the standard of care provided to cats.

Courtesy: American Association of Feline Practitioners

Photo Courtesy: Ty_Swartz CCO 1.0 from pixabay.com