Celebrate Take Your Cat to the Vet Day Every August 22

• By NSC
• 3 Comments.

 

 

Just like you, your cat needs regular checkups with the doctor – in this case a veterinarian. And August 22 is the perfect day to make that visit or make an appointment. It’s Take Your Cat to the Vet Day.

And apparently cat owners need the reminder.

According to the American Humane Society, we take our cats to the vet about half as often as our dogs. In fact, many people only schedule a vet visit when kitty’s sick.

Now many cats certainly don’t like getting in carriers and taking car rides. But that’s no excuse! Lots of kids make a horrendous fuss at the doctor’s and/or dentist’s office. But we don’t skip those visits just because it upsets the little darlin’s.

No, we know it’s what’s best for them.

Our cats are important members of our family, and we need to do what’s best for them, too. Right?

That means regular vet visits.

Although we haven’t been able to confirm it, several sources tell us that this day was started by Feline Pine in collaboration with Dr. Michele Gaspar, DVM and the University of Illinois Chicago Center for Veterinary Medicine. The first year was 2009.

 

Why You Need to Take Your Cat to the Vet Regularly

Even if your cat stays inside (which is safest for kitty), he or she can get any number of illnesses:

• Dental issues
• Kidney disease
• Upper respiratory infection
• Urinary tract infection
• Hyperthyroidism

 

None of these conditions cares if your pet is inside or outside. Some can be at least partly genetic. And bacteria are everywhere.

Your indoor cat can even get fleas. How? Well, you go outside. Fleas are tiny, can jump ridiculously far, and can easily hitch a ride on you into your home.

Cats are notoriously good at hiding how they’re feeling. So you may not even notice something’s wrong until the disease is pretty advanced. But your vet may notice the signs at a physical exam.

And just like in humans, these things are usually easier to treat when found early.

Your vet can run tests if he or she suspects something’s wrong.

Your cat also needs his vaccinations. Not every cat needs every shot available. Your vet can tell you which ones your cat should get. Most cats should at least have rabies and distemper vaccinations.

Many states and communities even require pets to get rabies shots. Where we live we’re supposed to register all our pets, and we’ll only get a license tag for them if they’re up to date on their rabies vaccination.

Of course, enforcing those laws requires people to be honest and register their pets. Not everybody does.

 

Tips for Making Regular Vet Visits Easier

Although the trip may never be pleasant—for either your or your cat—there are ways to make it somewhat easier.

Make the carrier less scary:

• Bring it out a few days before your scheduled appointment and leave it open. That way kitty will be used to seeing it and can explore it in a non-threatening environment.
• Put a favorite toy or blanket inside.
• Coax kitty into the carrier with favorite treats.

 

If all else fails, spray the carrier with one of the anti-anxiety sprays now available. These sprays contain pheromones that are supposed to make cats feel less anxious. Popular ones include

• Comfort Zone with Feliway
• Sentry Calming Pheromone Spray
• Pet Organics No-Stress Spray

 

Praise your cat during and after the trip. Gentle petting and treats can also be reassuring.

Admittedly these may not work on every cat. After a few years of taking the carrier out a few days before each cat’s appointment, we’ve started leaving it out always, in an out-of-the-way but accessible spot.

One cat has been known to take naps in it (we have a blanket in it). The other one, who freaks out for every vet visit, rarely goes anywhere near it.

And the one who freaks out is in no mood for treats once he’s in the carrier.

It’s also a good idea to have a list of questions you need answered so you can make the most of the visit. And not have to go back too soon. The last thing you want to do is forget to ask a question that your vet can only answer by examining kitty.

Scroll down for some ideas on celebrating this unofficial feline holiday.

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How to Celebrate Take Your Cat to the Vet Day

If you have a cat who hasn’t been to the vet in a year or more, this is the day to get that done!

Of course, call for an appointment first. ;-)

Some vets give discounts for bringing your cat in on this day. Some may even offer the discounts for the whole week.

Now, not all vets know about the day, so yours may not offer anything special. But now that you know how important a vet visit is for your feline, don’t let that stop you!

Consider spreading the word about this day, too. Some of your cat-loving friends may not realize the importance of vet visits. Remind them with posts on your favorite social media sites.

What other ideas do you have for celebrating Take Your Cat to the Vet Day?

 

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