Regular visits to a vet and an observant owner are keys to keeping cats health.

Regular visits to a vet and an observant owner are keys to keeping cats health.

Most people view cat care a little differently than dog care.

It's a popular myth that if a cat is an indoor-only pet, it does not need regular vet visits and vaccinations. But just like dogs, cats need to see a vet at least once a year.

Not only do even strictly indoor cats need regular vaccinations, but vet visits are necessary for more than just shots.

There are many benefits to routine vet care for cats.

SOCIALIZATION: Regular wellness exams can help with a cat’s socialization skills. Having exposure to new people, places and environments, and not being relegated to just the family home, also helps decrease stress and anxiety.

HEALTH BENEFITS: Annual vet care can help detect illness. It is often hard to tell when the family feline is under the weather because cats are known for concealing sickness and pain.

This is especially true for chronic conditions like heart disease, and dental and kidney issues. Owners may not know there is a problem until the condition is advanced when there are no physical signs something is wrong.

Regular checkups with the vet and being observant of a cat’s physical appearance and behaviors are important for early detection of a possible medical problem.

Signs of illness may be changes in the following:

If the family feline is not acting normal, a trip to the vet is needed.

CHANGES IN BEHAVIOR: Vet visits are necessary to discuss behavioral changes such as suddenly not using the litter box, or new, out-of-character aggressiveness.

These are often signs of an underlying issue, such as pain (arthritis, urinary tract or bladder infection, etc.), stress (new pet or baby, change in routine, new living arrangements, etc.), or an undiagnosed medical condition.

Behavioral problems are some of the most common reasons why cats are surrendered to shelters, banned from living indoors or even euthanized, so let your vet help find what's behind them before taking drastic measures.

PREVENTATIVES: Regular checkups are also a great time to discuss and evaluate flea and parasite medications. Even indoor-only cats should be on regular preventatives. Indoor cats can still get fleas, intestinal worms, ear mites and heartworms.

Make sure your cat has a proper pet carrier to be transported in for vet visits. Believe me, you do not want to drive in a car with a loose cat. 

AUG. 6: From 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Animal Rescue New Orleans will be at Saints Training Camp, 5800 Airline Drive, Metairie, with adoptable dogs and puppies. For more info, email adopt@animalrescueneworleans.org

Traci D. Howerton is the volunteer coordinator for Animal Rescue New Orleans, a nonprofit, volunteer-based, no-kill shelter. For more info on ARNO, visit animalrescueneworleans.org.

Traci D. Howerton is the volunteer coordinator for Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO), a nonprofit, volunteer-based, no-kill shelter. For topic suggestions, email animalrescuecolumn@gmail.com or for more info on ARNO, visit www.animalrescueneworleans.org.

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