August 22 is National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day. It’s designed to raise awareness and remind cat owners that it’s time for an annual check-up for their feline companions. Bringing your cat in to the veterinarian for a regular appointment is beneficial for both of you. You can get ahead of potential health issues and enjoy her company for years to come. Here’s a look at why it’s a good idea to use August 22 as an annual date to schedule an appointment with Blue Sky Vet.

Cats Don’t Tell You When They’re Not Feeling Well

Cats have health problems the same as any other mammal. The difference with cats is that they have perfected the art of hiding their malaise from humans. You might not notice that your house panther is feeling a little off because she’s a little older and not as active as she once was. And because she won’t let her symptoms show for the most part, you won’t notice there’s something wrong. That’s why an annual checkup for your cat is important.

The Importance of a Physical Exam

When you’re at the appointment, the veterinary technician will collect baseline information for the vet to go over and determine if there are any abnormalities. Then the vet will perform a full physical exam to look for specific hallmarks of disease, check joints for signs of arthritis, determine a score for physical condition and check for eye problems. A veterinarian can learn a lot about your cat simply by putting their hands on her.

Routine Screening for Blood Values

Age-related issues in felines usually show up in blood work. Cats have normal ranges for specific values that show if they are healthy, starting to enter into the early stages of a disease or if the disease is active. Being able to refer to the results of previous years is an invaluable tool in determining when the problem began and how it has advanced so that your cat can be put on an appropriate treatment plan. Many feline health issues are easily managed and can extend life expectancy provided they’re caught early. Their quality of life improves when they receive the proper treatment for a discovered or existing condition.

Parasite Control and Prevention

If your cat is a couch potato, the likelihood of her having parasites is low. But if your cat likes the great outdoors, is a hunter or gets fleas, her risk of carrying parasites is high. While a house cat is less likely to have parasites, she should get checked for fleas. A cat can swallow a flea during her daily grooming session and potentially pick up tapeworms from the flea in that manner. An outdoor cat needs to get tested for parasite loads regularly, and a vet can help determine the frequency of testing and treatment plans during the annual checkup.

Cats are wonderful companions and can live long lives with proper veterinary care. Regular checkups mean you get to enjoy your cat for years to come and know that she’s living the best possible life.