Blog
Benefits of Routine Vet Visits
August 23, 2016
- Cats age more rapidly than humans.
A cat reaches the approximate human age of 18 during its first year and then 25 at age 2. Each year thereafter, they age four “cat years” for every calendar year. A lot can happen in “cat years,” which is why annual check-ups are so important.
- Cats are masters at hiding illness.
Cats instinctively hide how they feel when they are sick or in pain. Your cat could be developing a health condition long before you notice anything is wrong. A physical examination by a veterinarian may reveal changes or abnormalities that may otherwise be overlooked. Veterinarians are trained to detect problems before they advance or become more difficult to treat.
- Over 50% of cats are overweight or obese.
Routine check-ups allow your veterinarian to check your cat’s weight and provide recommendations for nutrition and exercise to help keep your cat at an ideal weight. Just a few extra pounds can put cats at a higher risk for diabetes; heart, respiratory, and kidney disease; other health concerns.
- Preventive care is better than reactive care.
Regular exams can help avoid medical emergencies since veterinarians can act as interpreters to detect conditions or diseases before they become significant, painful, or more costly to treat.
- Kittens have 26 teeth, while adult cats have 30.
That equates to a lot of dental care! Periodontal disease affects 70%-90% of cats three years of age and older. Often cats do not show obvious signs of dental disease. Many cats with dental disease eat without a noticeable change in appetite. Discuss your cat’s teeth at their routine preventive care veterinary visit.
Do your cat a favor, and contact us to schedule your feline family's annual check-up!
