Why regular wellness exams are essential for cats of all ages
While it may be common knowledge that humans need regular health screenings to detect underlying disease, cat owners may be surprised to learn that the same is true for cats. All About Cats Veterinary Hospital is speaking out to cat owners. They say "silent killer" health problems are common for cats of all ages, including those in their prime.
The feline "silent killer" illnesses include high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, thyroid disease, diabetes and even cancer. Cat owners are reminded that regular wellness exams are essential for feline health.
Just as humans receive regular blood pressure and cholesterol checks, the cat clinic recommends that cats receive similar wellness care exams to detect illnesses that may not yet be presenting obvious signs. These exams evaluate a cat's health and allow for early intervention and treatment.
“Not all cat owners realize that annual exams are important for cats, including those that appear healthy and active" said Dr. Terri Koppe, All About Cats Veterinary Hospital. "Cats are masters at hiding the symptoms of illness. Consequently, symptoms may not become evident until it is too late to effectively treat them."
The cat hospital recommends proactive wellness care to identify and treat problems before a cat's health is compromised. Wellness care exams start with a consultation with the veterinarian which includes a nutrition assessment and a complete physical exam from head to tail. The cat clinic then tailors testing recommendations to a cat's life stage.
As published by the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), the six feline life stages are: The kitten stage from birth to six months; junior stage from six months to two years; prime stage from three to six years; mature stage from seven to ten years; senior stage from 11 to 14 years; and geriatric stage of 15 years or older.
The cat hospital suggests wellness exams, diagnostic tests, and weight management for every feline life stage. For example, the clinic advises that weight gain is a problem for many older cats and can lead to additional health complications. Nutrition and weight management services help to set the stage for long-term feline health. In addition to educating cat owners about the importance of feline wellness care, the clinic also announced that it is offering discounted wellness exams and screening tests.
"We have bundled and discounted the screening tests for each life stage to be affordable for cat owners," said Dr. Koppe. "Just as humans have tests at certain stages, such as mammograms and colonoscopies, cats need health screenings through the course of their life stages too."
All About Cats Veterinary Hospital is located at 4370 South Durango Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89147
We hope this advice helps you help kitty stay healthy!
Susan, Taurus and Gemini
Article first published in National Cats, Examiner.com
