The American veterinary Medical Association released a publication in December of 2007 that discussed the disparity between cats and dogs in regard to veterinary care. One of the statistics that struck me the hardest was that “only 63.7% of cat-owning households had at least one veterinary visit in 2006”. This meant that there were 0.7 visits/cat/year compared to 1.5 visits/dog/year during that year. These statistics are especially interesting when you consider the survey also found feline-owners owned an average of 2.2 cats, while canine-owners owned an average of 1.7 dogs. The article went on to suggest that the three-year schedule for certain vaccines may be partially responsible for many owners’ failure to bring in their feline companions for at least a yearly wellness examination.
Vaccines are actually a very small part of a yearly visit to your Veterinarian. Many potential health and behavioral problems associated with your feline friend can be discovered, addressed and treated prior to becoming a full blown health or social hazard. A complete examination should always include a weight check, temperature, and auscultation of heart and lungs. Your cat’s ears should be checked for ear mites and bacterial/yeast infections. The health of the hair and skin should be evaluated, as well as the eyes, lips, mouth and teeth checked for abnormalities and/or infection. Your kitty’s general demeanor (alertness, brightness of eyes, etc…) should be evaluated.
This is also your time, as caregiver, to ask your doctor about any concerns you have about your cat’s health or behavior. Has your kitty suddenly started attacking your other cat, is he or she suddenly ignoring you or refusing to eat certain foods? All of these situations indicate a “change in behavior” and may be the clue that your veterinarian needs to determine if there is a health problem that needs to be addressed. Your doctor may determine that certain laboratory tests are needed to further diagnose a problem.
Also, keep in mind that your feline companion “ages” faster than you do. Due to this fact, he or she may undergo metabolic changes and other aging processes in a matter of months rather than in years. This is the reason why it is so important to have yearly physicals and dental evaluations in cats less than 5 years of age. Older cats (remember they age faster than we do) need to be evaluated twice a year if at all possible. Those cats having blatant medical problems may need more medical supervision so that they may have the best life possible.
Our feline companions are living long lives and thus are exhibiting aging changes and diseases seen in geriatric humans. Senility, arthritis, high blood pressure, and type-2 Diabetes are a few of these conditions. Veterinary medicine has a come a long way in treatment and/or easing of many of these conditions in your faithful friend. All of your pets deserve the best medical care that you are able to give them. If economically, you are only able to care well for one, then just have one and offer him or her the best possible life. This includes your love, a good home, sustenance, and excellent medical care. In return you will receive the most valuable gift in the world…“unconditional love.”