YOUR CAT QUESTIONS ANSWERED |
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According to the latest statistics (2017) there are 95.6 million owned cats in the United States, compared with 89.7 million pet dogs, making cats the most popular pet. A third of U.S. households own at least one cat and more than half of those own at least two. Despite the fact that in the last five years the number of pet cats has increased the number of feline veterinarian visits is declining. Compared with dogs, nearly three times as many cats did not receive any veterinary care in the past year.
The American Association of Feline Practitioners and American Animal Hospital Association recommend a minimum of one annual wellness exam for cats, with more frequent exams for senior and geriatric patients, or those cats with medical or behavioral conditions. Cats age faster than we do, so an annual exam for them is similar to you visiting your doctor or dentist every four to five years. Prevention is always safer and less expensive than treatment, and is why your cat needs to be seen at least once a year by your veterinarian. Cat owners love their cats, so why are cat veterinary visits on the decline? There are multiple reason for this decline. There are many commonly held misconceptions regarding feline veterinary needs. One common misconception is that cats are more self-sufficient than dogs. The truth is that cats require the same amount of attention as dogs. They need proper nutrition, clean water, socialization, play, exercise, and veterinary care. Another common misconception is that cats are healthier and experience fewer health problems than dogs. The truth is that cats are no more or less healthy than dogs, and require annual veterinary exams as much as dogs do. Cat owners may also mistakenly believe that cats will show signs of illness, just as dogs do. The truth is cats are masters at hiding illness and for this reason alone they need regular veterinary wellness exams. As more cats are being kept indoors owners may perceive that cats are not exposed to disease or illness. But even indoor cats can become injured or ill. Vaccination protocols have changed for the better in recent years and many veterinarians aren’t recommending annual vaccinations. This does not mean that cats don’t need annual wellness exams. Misconceptions aside, probably the biggest reason cat owners don’t bring their cats in for annual exams is that the whole experience is just so stressful for the cat and human. Picture frazzled owner chasing frightened cat around the home trying to catch the poor creature and stuff him into a dark, scary box. Usually this scenario ends with the owner getting scratched and or bitten and the cat traumatized before he is even at the veterinary practice. In the car the cat may experience motion sickness and might vomit, urinate, defecate or salivate excessively. Once at the veterinary practice the cat, possibly soaked in vomit, urine, stool, or saliva, will have to sit in a waiting area where there are strange animals, and scary sounds and smells. No doubt the cat owner is also highly stressed and this only makes things worse for the sensitive cat. When cats are stressed and frightened they are more likely to act out in an aggressive manner, making handling for a thorough exam very difficult. These cat owners believe their cat hates going to the vet, and they are right. Sadly, it is possible that the veterinarian and his or her staff don’t enjoy working with cats and aren’t adept at the special handling that the feline species requires. Cats must be approached in a very different way to dogs because there are fundamental differences between the behaviour of these species. Cats are well-armed with teeth and claws, and they know how to use them. Teeth and claws harbor bacteria, and anyone unfortunate enough to be scratched or bitten may suffer from a serious infection; in fact, a cat bite nearly always results in a serious infection if it’s not treated immediately. Complications from cat bites are a leading cause of permanent disability for veterinarians and their staff. According to a 2013 Bayer Veterinary Usage study, just 17 percent of veterinarians prefer cats in general, while 48 percent prefer dogs—although 70 percent own cats and 81 percent own dogs. Twenty percent of veterinarians examined their cats less than once a year. According to the survey, 65 percent of veterinarians found cats easy to work with during examinations, in comparison with 90 percent for dogs. Fifty-seven percent found it challenging to diagnose conditions in cats, in comparison with 34 percent for dogs. According to this same study, 78 percent of veterinary practice owners say cats represent one of the most significant missed opportunities for the profession. The study found that many, but not most, practices are taking steps to increase feline veterinary visits. It is obvious that the veterinary profession in general is failing its feline patients. Much more needs to be done by veterinarians to elevate the status of cats in the veterinary world and cat owners need to demand and seek out appropriate care for their cats. What veterinarians can do to increase cat visits: -Find the un-served/underserved cats in the practice by asking about other household pets on every visit and tracking reminder compliance. -Educate cat owners on carrier use and transporting cats. -Make the waiting room as cat-welcoming as possible by establishing separate areas for dogs and cats and installing visual barriers. -Reserve one or more exam rooms for cats only. -Train all staff regularly in cat-friendly handling. -Review and refine feline exam protocols. -Talk through the exam with cat owners. -Use and dispense feline-friendly medications. -Send home an exam report every time. -Schedule the next exam before the cat leaves the practice. -Join AAFP and become a certified Cat Friendly Practice. Participating in the AAFP’s Cat Friendly Practice Program is one approach for companion animal practices to use in making changes to improve the quantity and quality of feline veterinary visits. The AAFP launched the member program in late January 2012. The program allows practices to evaluate their care of feline patients, their environment for cats, and the relevant skills, training, and education of their personnel. |
AuthorElizabeth Llewellyn lives in South Burlington, Vermont with her three cats. She has owned a cat sitting service since 2002 and has worked professionally with cats in a variety of settings including, veterinary, boarding and breeding catteries, and rescue organizations. Elizabeth is a qualified feline welfare and behaviour specialist. Archives
July 2024
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