Did you know that August 22nd is National Bring Your Cat to the Vet Day? You do now! Promoted with #Cat2VetDay on social media (and referred to by some as “Take Your Cat to the Vet Day”), this date was established by the American Association of Feline Practitioners to bring attention to the importance of routine check-ups with your cat’s veterinarian.
While around 83% of new pet cats visit the vet in their first year, the statistics drop to only about 50% that return for regular visits after year one. A lot can happen to your feline friend during their lifetime (anywhere from 15-20 years for many breeds!) that can easily be managed or avoided with some simple preemptive care. Yearly vaccinations are essential to maintaining prevention of the more common and dangerous diseases, and having a vet’s trained eye give your kitty a good once-over can help catch potential health concerns early and hopefully care for any issues before the problem is too advanced.
Cats are notoriously independent and definitely one of the more self-sufficient pets. It is likely these traits that lead some owners to feel that for the most part, their cats can take care of themselves and intervention isn’t really a necessity. While we advocate respecting your cat’s independence, it’s also a good idea to care for their well-being and take actions to ensure they live a long and healthy life. If it’s been a while since your cat last visited the vet, we encourage you to, as this “holiday” dictates, bring your cat to the vet!
Check out the infographic below from the American Association of Feline Practitioners to learn why regular visits are vital and visit our Facebook pages to learn more too.