Why Is this? Is it because dogs are more notorious for getting into trouble? Is the stress of bringing your cat to the vet worse than a yearly check-up is worth?
According to Purina, the first two years of a cat’s life is equal to 25 human years, and then every year after age by 4 human years. This means your 12 year old cat is considered a senior (65 years). Changes to your kitty’s health can happen fast; how much you have changed in 4 years health wise?
No matter how hissy your kitty becomes when they walk through the doors of the vet clinic, our team at Cypress View want to help! We have come up with 5 reasons your feline should take a trip to the vet:
1.) Cats do not like to show when they are not feeling well and often times hide symptoms. Once your cat starts to actually show their illness (weight loss, anorexia, lethargic, etc.) sometimes the damage to internal organs can be irreversible. Bringing your cat in for an exam when they are first showing signs of being off their normal self, or an annual physical exam can help catch illness and disease early for better treatment.
2.) Having a close VCPR (Vet Client Patient Relationship) will help your Veterinarian build a relationship with you and your pet (which can be for many years!) and provide better preventative care and more efficient treatment.
3.) Yearly check-ups can be a time to discuss behavioral changes in your cat. For example, if your cat is suddenly showing aggression over someone in the household, or is starting to urinate outside the litterbox, these behaviors could be a sign of something going on internally.
4.) Cats can be prone to a very painful tooth condition called FORLS (Feline odontoclastic resorption lesions). This is where the body attacks the enamel of a tooth and exposes the sensitive pulp; cats often “chatter” their teeth when the painful spot is touched. Most often cats will continue to eat even with a painful mouth, as they do not like showing pain. During an annual exam the Veterinarian will examine the mouth for any gingivitis or lesions on the teeth that could be causing your cat discomfort.
5.) Annual Veterinary exams help your kitty live longer! Cats are living longer than ever (into the late ‘teens!) because of advances in Veterinary medicine and nutrition.
If your cute kitty becomes a furious lion as soon as they enter the clinic, please let us know and our team can try to work with you and your cat to make the Veterinary visit as least stressful as possible beforehand and during the Veterinary visit.