Why indoor cats need regular check-ups too!
January 1st, 2012 Posted in UncategorizedQ: I have a cat that never goes outdoors. Does it need to go see a vet?
A: Yes, indoor cats need to go see a veterinarian on a regular basis. It is just as important for them as it is for an outdoor cat, or for a dog.
All dogs and cats should have an annual physical exam. This allows for early detection of disease. If caught early, most diseases can be successfully treated, and the prognosis is much better than if the animal is presented once it is showing clinical signs of illness.
In some ways, indoor cats are more prone to disease than outdoor cats. Yes, they are at lower risk for infectious diseases and getting attacked by other animals, but they have a more sedentary lifestyle than outdoor cats. This makes them more susceptible to obesity, diabetes, urinary tract disease, heart disease, and arthritis. Indoor cats are also more prone to behavioural problems and housesoiling. It’s important to identify any of these issues while they are still easy to treat.
And, whether they go outdoors or live inside all of the time, all cats can get dental disease. As many as 70% of cats have periodontal disease by age three. And many cats suffer cavity-like tooth disease called Tooth Resorption or Resorptive Lesions. Dental disease hurts! Most animals do not show signs of oral discomfort, but rather suffer silently. They have the same dental structures that we do, and need dental treatment just like we do. And, not only will they feel better, but they’ll live longer too! Statistics show that dogs and cats who receive regular dental care can expect to live an average of 3 years longer than those who do not!
Most cat owners find it difficult to examine the teeth near the back of their cats’ mouths. That’s just one of the things we will check when your kitty comes in for an exam. We’ll also assess your cats body score (is it at an ideal weight?), listen to the chest with a stethescope, feel the spine and joints, look in the ears and eyes, and examine the skin.
Dogs and cats age approximately 6-7 years for each human year. Taking your cat to the vet every 3 years would the same as you or I getting a check-up once every 20 years. Once a year is the bare recommended minimum, and twice a year preferred for older pets.
In addition, booster vaccinations at prescribed intervals help protect your cat by maintaining a strong resistance to disease. Many of the diseases we inoculate against are very serious and prevention is the only way to avoid death or disabling illness. Many are so contagious that even indoor pets are at risk. They can be exposed to respiratory viruses carried in the air or germs carried on your clothing or shoes. Cats do not have to go outdoors at all to be at risk.
Rabies is a significant human health hazard. Rabies is a frightening disease because it is 100% fatal for humans and for pets. There is post-exposure treatment for exposed individuals before they actually come down with the infection, but once an animal or human is showing clinical signs, there is no cure. Why take a chance with your family’s and your pet’s life with a disease as scary as rabies! That’s why rabies vaccinations are mandatory by law for all dogs and cats in Ontario . That includes indoor cats too. Indoor cats usually get exposed to rabies when a bat gets inside the house, or when they accidentally get let outdoors.
Your indoor cat is an important family member. Why not ensure it gets the very best medical care, and help ensure it lives a long and happy life.
