I find dogs irresistible, from the tiniest Yorkie to massive
Mastiffs. Plain and simple, I love dogs.
My affection for cats, however, rivals my adoration of dogs to the nth
degree. Cats fascinate me with their intelligence, beauty, independence
and ability to thrust their people into servitude. This may seem obvious
to you if you have ever been around me or any veterinarian, so why am I
bringing this to your attention?
Well-known, yet troubling observations by veterinarians were confirmed recently
by the Bayer-American Association of Feline Practitioners Veterinary Care Usage
Study presented at the American Veterinary Medical Association conference in
July. This study showed that HALF as many cats get annual veterinary
exams compared to dogs. The study also found:
- 52% of cats haven’t been to the veterinarian in the past year
- 81% of pet owners believe cats are independent and self-sufficient,
therefore requiring little attention
The findings from this study, and others like it, are heartbreaking and
frustrating for me. While veterinarians have known about these observations for
a long time, we can’t seem to change this trend, no matter how vociferously we
advocate for our feline patients. The primary reasons cats do not visit
veterinarians as often as dogs, or at all, are twofold.
First, and probably foremost, cat owners find capturing and transporting cats
to be personal torture. Any cat fancier is well aware that you work for
your cat and cats do not like leaving the comforts of home. Why then would we
think these incredibly clever creatures would be content leaving their abodes
to go to the veterinarian where they are “poked and prodded?”
Transporting cats can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be a
dreaded drudge! A few simple hints can make these trips less
distressing. Just as we begin puppy training early in life, we must
kitten train as well. Without argument, the safest way to transport cats
(and small dogs) is in a pet carrier. This six sided safety zone needs to
be made into a comfy haven for cats of all ages, but starting early in the
kitten period will be more fruitful.
I encourage cat owners to purchase or create a six-sided pet carrier that can
be dismantled in to top and bottom halves, or that has side and top opening
doors. Line the carrier with a soft, enticing blanket or fleece and leave
it out in a comfortable area of your home for the cat to discover and become
accustomed to. Place favorite toys or food treats in the carrier as positive
reinforcements. Ask your veterinarian about a pheromone (Feliway) spray or
towelettes to make the carrier even more attractive to your cat. Over time,
your cat will bond with this new, alluring “hideout.”
When it is time to travel with your cat, place it in the carrier and cover it
with a cloth to decrease visual stimulation. To minimize your cat’s
stress when visiting your veterinarian, keep the cloth on the carrier until
your cat is in the exam room and ready to be handled by a veterinary
professional. Having your cat in a well protected hiding spot also
greatly diminishes the likelihood that it will scratch you when it becomes
frightened by its new surroundings and boisterous fellow patients.
Acknowledging their feline patients’ anxiety, veterinarians commonly examine
cats while resting in the bottom of their carriers. All veterinary
professionals will aspire to calm your cat by using soothing tones and gentle
touches, including chin rubs and ear massages.
The second reason cats do not frequent veterinary offices is they are
“great illusionists,” successfully hiding their potentially
life-threatening or chronic illnesses from their owners. In short, cats
regularly dupe their owners.
Cats were wild animals that we domesticated. In the wild, if you show
weakness, you become prey. Cats intuitively know this and continue to
conceal their illnesses from their owners until they can no longer do so;
then it’s too late to change their plight.
Veterinarians are trained to detect signs of illness in these feline masters of
disguise. My heart aches for countless feline patients that miss out on
annual wellness exams during which I could provide early detection, treatment,
and often cures, for their illnesses and diseases.
I know that there are cat people and there are dog people, and people like me,
who are both. But, if you love cats a little or a lot, please introduce
your cat to the possible pleasantries associated with pet carriers as well as
travel immediately upon adoption. And, don’t miss out on the opportunity
to have regular wellness exams for your cat. Let us help you guarantee a
longer, healthy, and high quality life for your cat.
Author: Dr. Bonnie Jones
