RESULTS OF A survey were recently released that shows that cats average 26 percent fewer visits to the veterinarian than dogs. Photo courtesy of Viki Eierdam.
Bayer Healthcare recently released some eye-opening statistics about cats that has spread rapidly among the animal community lately. According to a 2011-12 survey “of the cats that do visit the veterinarian, they average 26 percent fewer visits than dogs.”
This study goes on to share that “in the United States, there are 86 million owned cats and 78 million owned dogs.” In response, the logical question is, if there are millions more companion cats than dogs, why aren’t cats being seen by a veterinarian as much as dogs?
Dr. Dijana Katan, veterinarian practicing at VCA Battle Ground Animal Hospital, offered some insight.
“I think the biggest reason is that cats are difficult to get into clinics and it stresses cats to come in so owners are stressed by it,“ Katan said.
She goes on to explain that dogs have a greater familiarity with leaving the house than cats do. Whether that be to go on a walk or tag along on a car ride to the grocery store or spend a weekend camping with their owners, a dogs’ interaction with the world is much broader.
Of course, it doesn’t help the owner when the ordeal of putting a cat in a carrier to go to the vet is stressful for their pet. In the end, it just seems better for everyone if Fluffy is allowed to rest stress-free curled up on her blanket on the couch.
Katan cautions that the stress of transporting an animal should not override the importance of regular veterinary visits. Cats tend to live longer than dogs so, as a course, cats spend more time as seniors. Common knowledge is that dogs age about seven years to a human’s one year. Though the math for cats is slightly more complicated, generally speaking one can use the same analogy. Katan’s point is to imagine if a person only went to the doctor once every seven years. A lot can happen to a body in that amount of time and so it goes with animals, as well.
Even if a cat doesn’t appear to be sick, yearly blood work and twice-yearly vet visits is highly recommended.
Katan said, “Cats tend to hide diseases better than dogs do so people can look at their cats and they seem OK when really there’s more going on.”
Some elder-age concerns would be liver function, kidneys and the thyroid. As animals age, their thyroid tends to become over-active. This condition manifests as the cat eating a lot and drinking a lot while simultaneously losing weight and muscle mass. Ironically, many cat owners see their pet eating and figure it must be fine.
Other issues to note with cats, even indoor cats, is the risk of parasites. Katan offered that 15 percent of houseplants carry round worm and parents should pay particular attention since there are some parasites that carry from animals to humans. No worms in a cats’ stool does not necessarily mean there’s not a problem. Careful examination under a microscope is the only way to rule out exposure. This is not to spark fear in the hearts of area cat owners but, rather, increase awareness.
A terrific way to address the stress associated with transporting a cat in a carrier is to leave it in plain sight for several days at a time rather than taking it out just when it’s time for a trip in the car. Kitty has the opportunity to sniff it, rub up against it and maybe even crawl into it.
To combat a cat’s stress level, Katan encourages owners to start early. The quicker a routine pattern of veterinary care is established, the sooner the cat will become accustomed to it. This should lead to less stress from car rides and the doctor’s office as the animal ages and needs more visits.
“We really try to promote wellness visits because often times we can pick up things just on examination,” Katan said.
VCA Battle Ground Animal Hospital is located at 9804 NE 219 St, Battle Ground and can be reached at (360) 687-7151.
