Get Curious About Your Cat’s Health
Courtesy of the Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society

 

Adopting and fostering pets continues nationwide as people add furry friends to their families for company during these unprecedented times. However, building a bond is just the first step to pet ownership; curiosity and care for your pet’s health lasts their entire life. Strong bonds with pets are among the more positive outcomes of the pandemic. Nearly 40 percent of people agree they couldn’t have made it through quarantine without their pets. However, more than half of pets do not receive a yearly veterinary exam.

Cats are typically stoic, so if they are giving obvious indications of not feeling well, they need an exam which may include bloodwork and tests. Accordingly, the Niagara Frontier Veterinary Association offer tips for becoming more curious about your cat’s health.

Potential health signals. If your cat is otherwise acting normal, there may be a few hints that they aren’t feeling well. Watch for weight loss, changes in appetite or water intake, coughing or sneezing, lethargy, vomiting, changes in stool quality, and more or less urine in the litter box.  Call your veterinary hospital if there’s anything unusual going on with your cat or if you have concerns. The staff at your clinic can help you determine if a visit is necessary.

Accessing veterinary care. Many clinics now offer curbside services allowing pet owners to remain outside as your cat is retrieved from your car. You can tell your veterinarian about your concerns over the phone while they examine your cat. Another popular option is mobile pet care for routine, sick, hospice, or specialized care visits. Emergency veterinary clinics and specialty hospitals are also open, and some veterinarians are offering telehealth services for pet owners. Royal Canin, a popular pet food company, offers cat owners free access to a chat service, which provides access to licensed veterinarians from the safety of your home 24/7. Simply sign up at Ask.Vet or text “chatnow” to 67076 to be connected with a veterinarian who can answer pet health-related questions.

Preparing for a visit. Especially for cats not accustomed to regular vet visits, a trip when they’re already feeling unwell can be stressful. Consider these tips to help ease the experience:

  • Keep your cat carrier somewhere your cat can become familiar and comfortable with the way it looks and smells.
  • Consider placing the cat carrier near or next to her food dish or occasionally putting food in the carrier.
  • Make daily time for activities like brushing and nail trims that help desensitize your cat to being touched.
  • Use pheromone wipes and sprays to help relax your cat and reduce stress before the trip.
  • Play calming music at an appropriate volume to help calm cats at home and in the car on the way to the vet.

The Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society consists of more than 75 small animal hospitals and 200 veterinarians in Erie and Niagara counties. Learn more at www.nfveterinarysociety.org