On August 22nd, we will be celebrating “Take Your Cat to the Vet Day.” On this day, we emphasize the issues of cat pain relief and making sure that your feline pal is receiving proper health care.
Cats are considered low-maintenance animals; a common misconception that leads to infrequent visits to the veterinarian and alack of monitoring potential health issues.
Cats are secretive creatures and notorious for hiding their pain and suffering. Because of this, it’s important to make sure that they visit the vet yearly for a routine checkup. Veterinarians are trained professionals that detect issues in your pet that you may not. At these visits, the vet will perform a routine physical examination and update vaccines to ensure that your furry friend is in good health. If necessary, they may also administer urine or blood tests. These practices can prevent illnesses and catch diseases early on when they are most treatable.
Sometimes, additional veterinary visits are necessary. Although cats don’t always make it obvious that they are unwell, there are signs
that you can look for. These include but are not limited to:
- lack of appetite
- low energy or hiding
- reluctance to jump, run, or climb
- Not using the litter box
- Change in grooming habits
These symptoms can be a red flag that your pet needs medical attention immediately.
If your cat is experiencing pain, call your veterinarian as soon as possible. You should never administer aspirin to your pet unless given permission and specific dosage instructions. Cats do not have the enzymes in their bodies to break down the drug, which can cause serious side effects.
This year on “Take Your Cat to the Vet Day” give your pet’s veterinarian a call and make an appointment for a checkup. A healthy cat is a happy cat!