Feline Wellness Focus

Did you KNOW?

The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommend a minimum of one annual wellness exam for cats, with more frequent exams for senior and geriatric patients and cats with medical problems.

Common MYTHS and MISUNDERSTANDINGS About Cat Health Care:

• Cats are “lower maintenance”  and have fewer health care problems than dogs
• Indoor cats do not have the same health issues as outdoor cats
• Cats will display signs of illness like dogs or people do

The REALITY is that cats are good at keeping secrets: 

• All cats need regular veterinary care, especially annual exams 
• Indoor cats have the potential for the same health problems as outdoor cats
• Cats are better at hiding their signs of illness than dogs

With regular veterinary care, the TRUTH is:
Disease prevention is always better than treatment

• you will be able to find illness in its earlier stages
• you save money with timely treatment
• you can give your cat a longer lifespan and a better quality of life

Reducing Feline Stress at Veterinary Visits

• Use a top loading carrier for easier loading and extraction at the animal hospital
• Ideally the top ½ of the carrier should come completely off allowing the cat to remain in the bottom ½ during the exam
• Leave the carrier out and open for several days before the appointment
• Create a comfortable environment inside the carrier with blanket or clothing from a favorite person
• Reinforce the cat’s positive associations with the carrier using treats, food, calm praise
• Once the cat is comfortable with the carrier, go for a few short car rides, trying to create a positive experience
• Consider withholding food and water before the trip to reduce motion-sickness, sometime covering the carrier with a towel will also help
• 30 prior to leaving home, spray synthetic feline pheromone (like Feliway) in the carrier to help calm your cat
• See “Getting Your Cat to the Veterinarian”  at www.catvets.com

Important and Reliable LINKS:
American Associattion of Feline Practitioners
International Society of Feline Medicine
Cornell Feline Health Center