Routine exams are one of the most important health choices you make for your cat. This year, National Bring Your Cat to the Vet Day is on August 22, 2020. This annual event is a great reminder to schedule a check-up to assure your feline family member gets proper care.

Sometimes vet visits can be stressful for both the cat and the owner. Routine exams actually help cats get used to the idea of going to the vet, which is helpful for check-ups and for unexpected emergency visits. It’s important to have your pets screened for health issues that may not be apparent in their daily life. Here are four essential reasons to schedule an exam right away:

1. Cats Need Preventative Care

Cats need regular healthcare exams much like their human counterparts. Annual check-ups give a good overview of your pet’s general wellness. Veterinarians may do additional tests if your cat is older or has other risk factors. Detecting disease or illness early improves the treatment options and lessens the painful progression of symptoms for your cat.

2. Cats Hide Symptoms and Pain

Cats are clever at hiding illness and pain. Your pet may have symptoms that are difficult for you to detect. Your veterinarian is trained to recognize behaviors and actions when your pet is not feeling well. Cats that hide conditions may have advanced disease that could be detected by an annual exam.

3. Cats Experience Weight Problems

Obesity is a serious feline health condition. Over 50% of cats are overweight, which puts them at risk of these diseases:

•       Heart
•       Respiratory
•       Diabetes
•       Kidney

Helping your cat maintain proper weight is vital for a long, healthy life. Veterinarians can regularly check weight, recommend proper foods and discuss weight-maintenance options for your pet.

4. Cats Require Aging Care

Cats age rapidly in contrast to human years. While they may look youthful, there are potentially many aging effects taking place in their bodies. This may not always lead to disease or illness, but aging issues may require medications, treatments or lifestyle adjustments to sustain good health.

Veterinary care is increasingly concerned with geriatric conditions in felines. Elderly felines can suffer from chronic pain, joint deterioration and immune-system depression affecting their quality of life. Changes in grooming routines, movement or eating are areas that vets will track on yearly visits.

Cats of all ages — kitten, mature, senior or geriatric — need continuing annual check-ups and veterinarian care. Put the National Bring Your Cat to the Vet Day on your calendar as a reminder to schedule your cat’s visit.

The Best in Pet Care

You can put your trust in Pet Hospitals of Hawaii for the best in veterinary pet care. Our doctors, nurses and technicians care for your pets as we do our own. Please call or text today, because your pet’s well-being is our most important job.