February is National Cat Health Month

February is National Cat Health Month

               Cats are unique, beautiful animals but it can be difficult to get them to the vet. Cats need routine veterinary care as much as dogs and cats are good at hiding illnesses often not showing symptoms until a disease is advanced.  Yearly check ups and routine bloodwork are key--especially as our cats age--in preventing or catching disease early and helping your cat live a full, healthy life.  February is National Cat Health Month. Let’s learn more about how to keep your cat healthy!

               Cats can be notoriously tricky to bring to the veterinary hospital.  One look at that cat carrier and most cats disappear into thin air or grow six extra legs when you try to put them into the carrier.  Fear not! There are ways to make it easier to get your cat in for her checkup.

• Leave the carrier out in the open—many cats do not see the carrier except once or twice a year when they visit the vet. It’s new. It’s scary. It might evoke memories of a not-so-good car ride.  If you leave the carrier out where your cat can always see it, explore it, find tasty treats inside and/or teach your kitten to go in and out, carry him around in the carrier, take short rides, the carrier becomes less scary and one less thing to stress about.
• Better living through pharmaceuticals—that’s right, give your cat drugs. The stress of a car ride and vet visit can be minimized by giving your cat calming medication such as gabapentin before his appointment. If your cat gets car-sick, an anti-nausea medication like Cerenia may help. No one wants to feel stressed out and woozy on a trip to the doctor.  These medications are very safe and can help you cat have a better visit.
• Consider bringing favorite treats, popping some catnip into the carrier if your cat enjoys the ‘nip or using a pheromone spray like Feliway to keep your cat calm. A blanket or t-shirt from home can also be calming to you kitty.

Cats should see their veterinarians at least once a year (every 6 months for seniors). Your veterinarian may be able to pick up subtle changes in weight, dental disease, arthritis/mobility changes or heart murmurs on physical exam.  Older cats may have underlying kidney or other diseases  that may be uncovered early by doing annual blood tests to follow trends.  Approximately 25-30% of cats over the age of ten are affected by kidney disease.  The early we diagnose your cat, the better the chance we have of treating, slowing progression and extending your cat’s life.

Mobility changes are also very common in senior cats—if your cat is no longer jumping up onto a favorite perch, struggles to get onto furniture or go up a flight of stairs, or has a change in litter box habits, she may have arthritis.  There are many options for treating arthritis in cats such as pain medications (yes, these cats have some degree of pain), supplements like fish oil and glucosamine and new treatments like monthly Solensia injections.

Cats who venture outdoors are also prone to bite wounds, injuries, and exposure to parasites, bacterial infections, and viral infections like feline leukemia or FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency).  Routine vaccination and exams are the best way to keep your outdoor cat healthy.  But don’t forget, indoor-only cats need vaccines, too!  Rabies is required for ALL cats in the state of Pennsylvania.  Feline herpes, calicivirus and panleukopenia vaccines should also be given as a core vaccine to all cats and outdoor kitties should be protected against feline leukemia.  Flea/tick/intestinal parasite control is also a must for cats whether they live indoors or outside.  Even indoor cats can get fleas and intestinal parasites like roundworms.  Keep them protected with a quality multi-parasite product like Revolution.

We love our cats and want them to live and be healthy for as long as possible.  While it may not be easy, it is well worth it to make sure your cat gets annual veterinary care throughout his or her life.  Work with your vet to help your cat live his or her best life! Make an appointment for your cat today!

This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.