There are a lot of misconceptions about cats. One of the biggest is that they don’t need as much care as dogs do. This simply isn’t true! Cats need just as much love and attention as any other pet.
In this article, we will discuss 10 things your vet wishes you knew about your cat. We’ll cover everything from diet to health to behavior, so that you can make sure your cat is living a healthy and happy life!
#1 – Your Cat Probably Has Dental Disease
As a cat owner, it’s important to be aware of the many health risks your furry friend faces. One common, but often overlooked, issue is dental disease. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, over 70% of cats over the age of three have some form of dental disease.
The most common form is gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to more serious problems such as tooth decay and infection. There are several things you can do to help prevent dental disease in your cat. First, give them plenty of toys to chew on, as this will help keep their teeth clean. You should also brush their teeth regularly with a pet-safe toothpaste.
Finally, make sure to take them to the vet for regular checkups so that any problems can be caught early and treated accordingly. By taking these simple steps, you can help ensure that your cat stays healthy and happy for years to come.
#2 – Osteoarthritis Is Common In Older And Overweight Cats
Just like humans, cats can suffer from osteoarthritis, especially as they age. This condition is caused by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints, which leads to pain and inflammation. Overweight cats are especially vulnerable to osteoarthritis, since excess weight puts additional strain on the joints.
If you think your cat might be suffering from osteoarthritis, there are a few things you can do to help. First, talk to your vet about possible treatments, such as pain medication or supplements. You can also make sure your cat is getting plenty of exercise, which will help to keep their joints healthy.
Finally, try to maintain a healthy weight for your cat, as this will help to reduce the risk of osteoarthritis. By following these simple tips, you can help your cat stay healthy and pain-free into their senior years.
#3 – It’s Important To Plan Ahead For Veterinary Bills
As a responsible pet owner, it’s important to plan ahead for your animal’s medical needs. Veterinary bills can be expensive, and unexpected illnesses or injuries can quickly put a strain on your finances. Here are some tips to help you prepare for veterinary bills:
- Know what your insurance covers. Many pet insurance policies have limits on coverage, so it’s important to know what’s included in your policy.
- Save up for emergencies. Setting aside money each month into a savings account can help you cover the cost of unexpected veterinary bills.
- Create a budget. Work out how much you can afford to spend on your pet each month and stick to it. This will help you stay within your means and avoid any financial surprises down the road.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that you’re prepared for any veterinary bills that may come up.
#4 – Annual Exams Are Critical To Your Cat’s Health And Well-Being
Just like people, our feline friends need to see their doctor for regular checkups. In fact, cats age more quickly than humans, so it’s even more important to make sure they stay up-to-date on their vaccinations and exams.
During your cat’s annual exam, the veterinarian will check their weight and temperature, listen to their heart and lungs, and feel their abdomen for any abnormalities. This is also a great time to ask any questions you have about your cat’s health or behavior. The vet will also give them routine deworming and update their vaccinations. For indoor cats, we recommend adding the feline leukemia vaccine to their annual regimen.
If you have a senior cat, they may need to see the vet more often for additional tests and screenings. We recommend semi-annual exams for senior cats to help catch any problems early and keep them feeling their best. Annual exams are critical to your cat’s health and well-being, so make sure to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian today.
#5 – Cats Can Get Heartworm Disease, Too
Just like dogs, cats can get heartworm disease. In fact, vets have seen a sharp increase in the number of heartworm-positive cats in recent years. The good news is that there are now several effective treatments available. However, prevention is still the best medicine. Here are a few things your vet wishes you knew about heartworm disease in cats:
- Heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquitoes. Just like with dogs, mosquitoes can transmit heartworm larvae to your cat.
- Cats infected with heartworms often don’t show any symptoms. Unfortunately, this means that many owners don’t realize their cat has the disease until it’s too late. That’s why it’s so important to have your cat tested regularly.
- There is no cure for heartworm disease. Once your cat is infected, the only thing that can be done is to manage the symptoms and hope for the best.
- Treatment for heartworm disease in cats is different from treatment for dogs. If your cat is infected, your vet will likely recommend a course of injections to kill the worms. Surgery is also sometimes necessary to remove particularly large worms from the heart or lungs.
- Prevention is always better than cure. There are now several effective products available to prevent heartworm disease in cats. Talk to your vet about which one is right for your feline friend.
#6 – Obesity Causes BIG Problems
Just like with people, obesity in cats is a serious problem that can lead to a host of health issues. Here are some things your vet wishes you knew about feline obesity and how to help your kitty slim down.
Carrying around extra weight puts extra strain on your cat’s heart, lungs, and joints. It can also lead to diabetes, liver disease, and respiratory problems. In fact, obese cats are more likely to die at a younger age than their healthy counterparts.
The good news is that there are things you can do to help your cat lose weight. First, talk to your vet about your cat’s ideal weight and develop a plan to slowly help them reach that goal. This may include changes to their diet and/or increased exercise. Just like with people, it’s important not to try to crash diet your cat as this can be dangerous.
Making gradual changes is the best way to help them lose weight safely. Additionally, avoid letting your cat free-feed as this can make it easy for them to overeat. Instead, portion out their meals and offer multiple smaller meals throughout the day. With some time and effort, you can help your cat slim down and live a healthier life!
#7 – Indoor Cats Need Exercise And Mental Stimulation
Just because your feline friend lives indoors doesn’t mean they don’t need to exercise and be mentally stimulated. While it’s true that cats are natural predators and scavengers, their wild cousins spend most of their time hunting and searching for food – up to 16 hours a day!
Domestic cats may not have to worry about finding their next meal, but they still have the same instinctual drive to hunt. To keep your indoor cat happy and healthy, it’s important to provide them with opportunities to burn off energy and use their natural skills.
Offer a variety of toys, feeders, and climbers that encourage activity and provide mental stimulation. If you have an outdoor space, consider bringing your kitty friend outside in a secure carrier so they can enjoy the fresh air while supervised. With a little effort, you can help your indoor cat lead a long and happy life.
#8 – Cats Need Moisture From Their Food
Just like humans, cats need a balance of different nutrients in their diet to stay healthy. One of the most important nutrients for cats is moisture. Because cats are obligate carnivores, they get the majority of their moisture from the prey they eat.
In the wild, a diet of raw meat and organs would provide enough moisture for a cat to stay hydrated. However, most domestic cats eat dry food, which contains very little moisture. As a result, cats need to drink more water to make up for the lack of moisture in their diet. However, many cats don’t drink enough water to meet their needs. This can lead to dehydration, which can cause serious health problems.
If you’re concerned about your cat’s hydration levels, talk to your vet about ways to increase your cat’s intake of water. Adding wet food to your cat’s diet or getting a cat fountain can help encourage your cat to drink more water. Ensuring that your cat stays properly hydrated is an important part of being a responsible pet owner.
#9 – Poor Hygiene And Litter Box Etiquette Might Be Causing Your Cat’s Litter Box Problems
Most of us are pretty fastidious when it comes to our own hygiene. We take showers, brush our teeth, and wear clean clothes. We also generally make sure to keep our homes clean and tidy. But when it comes to our cats, we often let things slide a bit. We might not think twice about skipping a day or two of litter box cleaning, or neglecting to give them a regular bath.
However, poor hygiene can actually be a leading cause of litter box problems in cats. A dirty litter box is one of the most common reasons for cats to start eliminating outside the box. If the box is not scooped regularly, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria, which can irritate your cat’s skin and cause urinary tract infections.
In addition, if you do not keep up with their grooming, your cat’s fur can become matted and dirty, making them more likely to track litter and debris out of the box. Litter box etiquette is just as important for your cat’s health as good hygiene is for ours. So next time you’re tempted to skip a day of scooping, remember that it might be why your cat is having problems in the first place.
#10 – Veterinary Visits Don’t Have To Be Stressful
A trip to the vet doesn’t have to be a stressful event for you or your cat. By being prepared and knowing what to expect, you can help make the visit go smoothly. Here are a few things your vet wishes you knew about your cat:
Vets are trained to handle all kinds of animals, including those that may be fearful or anxious. Cats are no exception. Your vet will work to make your cat feel comfortable and relaxed during the exam.
You can help your cat stay calm by preparing ahead of time. Choose a carrier that is large enough for your cat to move around in and lined with a soft towel or blanket. Getting your cat used to the carrier ahead of time will also make the trip to the vet less stressful.
When you arrive at the vet’s office, let the receptionist know that you have a cat with you so they can be prepared. The receptionist may ask you to place your cat in a carrier or holding area while they complete the paperwork. This helps to keep both cats and people safe.
Veterinarians often recommend that cats be seen at least once a year for a wellness exam. This is a good time to ask any questions you have about your cat’s health or behavior. It’s also an opportunity for the vet to catch any problems early before they become more serious.
By following these tips, you can help make veterinary visits less stressful for both you and your cat.
Conclusion
By understanding your cat’s behavior and health, you can help keep them healthy and happy. If you have any questions or concerns about your pet, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian for advice. And remember, a little prevention goes a long way when it comes to keeping your kitty healthy! Thanks for reading. Have a perfect day!
