Cats are twice less likely to see the vet than a dog.
Over the past two decades the cat has surpassed the dog as the most popular pet in American. The latest stats* show that felines outnumber canines as household pets at 82 million vs. 72 million.
Despite the growing popularity of the cat as companion animal, the data also shows cats are twice less likely to visit the vet as dogs. It is not because cat owners lack love or caring. Then why?
Some Reasons:
- Cats need special handling. Some owners find it difficult to catch, place in a carrier and take the cat to the veterinary hospital.
- Cats are “Silent Sufferers” and masters at hiding illness and pain. They can be sick or uncomfortable without anyone knowing.
- Often stressful visits to the veterinarian are avoided to preserve the special bond between cats and their owners.
To overcome these obstacles, the following are some useful tips for getting your feline friend the care they deserve.
It can be much easier to get your cat in and out of a top load carrier.
1.) Cats need special handling. Useful tips for transporting and handling your cat prior to the vet visit.
Use a carrier that is easier to take the cat in and out of such as a top-loading carrier with a flip-open access. Cats feel more comfortable when down inside of a safe place. Often times the complete examination can be performed while the cat stays inside of the lower half of a carrier.
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Spray the carrier with a pheromone spray such as Feliway to help curb stress related behaviors.
- Take the cat for short car rides to places other than the vet hospital.
- Take the carrier out a day or two prior to the vet visit.
- Don’t feed the cat for a few hours prior – cats travel better on an empty stomach.
- Bring favorite treats and toys on the visit to the vet.
- Practice regular cat at home like grooming, nail trimming and teeth brushing.
- Pretend to do regular vet care on the cat at home by touching the cat’s face, mouth, paws, ears and tail.
- Bring the cat in for less stressful interactions often such as a weight check rather than a procedure.
2.) Cats are masters at hiding illness and pain. They can be sick or uncomfortable without anyone knowing. Useful tips for recognizing subtle signs that may indicate sickness or pain.
- Inappropriate elimination behavior. Urinating of defecating outside of the litter box. Not a sign of he/she is “trying to get back at you.”
- Changes in interaction. Cats are social; changes in the way they interact with cat or human family can be a sign of disease, fear anxiety or even pain.
- Changes in activity. Cats don’t usually slow down as they age, Decrease or increase in activity can be a sign of a number of conditions. Decreased activity can be indicative of joint disease or a systemic illness. Hyperthyroidism can cause an increase in activity.
- Changes in sleeping habits. Cats spend 16-18 hrs a day sleeping. The key to differentiating abnormal lethargy from normal napping is knowing your cat’s sleeping patterns and noting any changes.
- Change in food and water consumption. Most cats are not finicky eaters. Look for changes such as decrease or increase in consumption of food or water. Increase in water can be an early indicator of thyroid problems, kidney disease, diabetes or other illnesses. Also pay attention to how the cat chews. Are they favoring one side over another, are they chewing their food or swallowing it whole?
- Changes in grooming. Cats are typically fastidious groomers. Decrease in grooming behaviors can indicate a number of conditions including fear, anxiety, obesity, etc…Increase in grooming can be a sign of a skin problem.
- Signs of stress. Cats can have stress despite having an “easy life.” Boredom & sudden changes are common causes of stress in cats. Stressed cats may demonstrate increased grooming and social interaction, spend more time awake and scanning their environment hide more, withdraw and exhibit signs of depression increased or decreased appetite.
- Changes in vocalization. More common in older cats. Increased vocalization or howling can indicate an underlying issue, pain or anxiety.
- Bad Breath. Dental disease is considered a silent disease so it is important that cats receive frequent thorough examinations to avoid bad breath, tooth loss and spread of infection other organs.
3.) Often stressful visits to the veterinarian are avoided to preserve the special bond between cats and their owners. The doctors and staff at Animal Health Services understand the importance of preserving the bond between an owner and their kitty. By training our staff in “Feline Friendly Handling,” they:
- Have learned to better understand cats and why they react as they do as seen from their point-of view.
- Understand the Leyhausen body posture and facial expression scales which enables them to read a cat’s body language to anticipate response or behavior.
- Use quiet, respectful handling techniques and use minimal restraint.
- Practice speaking calmly and quietly to the cat and client at all times.
- Understand that the accuracy of tests will be enhanced when fear and anxiety are minimized.
- Offer treats (when provided by owner) for all positive behavior. (e.g. good behavior is acting calm, playing, purring or sitting quietly during examination.)
Getting proper and frequent medical care for your cat is a team effort. By using the above techniques to get your pet to the veterinarian, we can use feline friendly techniques to assure your kitty’s visit to the vet is a positive experience.
Remember, cats are considered silent sufferers because they cannot tell us when there is a problem. (and often times do not show us) By having semi-annual examinations and wellness testing, it will allow your veterinarian to recognize an illness before it becomes severe and costly. Schedule you cat for a visit today!
*(Stats from AVMA Pet Ownership & Demographics Sourcebook, 2007 Ed.)
