FELINE FINE!
How to keep your cat in good health
Cats are Australia’s second most common pet, but their health issues are often overlooked and dismissed compared to that of their canine counterparts.
Royal Canin veterinarian and International Society of Feline Medicine member Dr Chantelle Mcgowan explains that it’s the subtle body language of cats that makes it more challenging for owners to know something might be wrong.
“Cats are masters of disguise – they are hunting animals but are also prey themselves,” she says. “Cats naturally hide any signs of pain or illness as a way of protecting themselves from being preyed upon.
“For cat owners, this often means that health issues can be missed and go undiagnosed or untreated for long periods of time.”
Combine this with the fact that research from Royal Canin found that cat owners are 20 per cent less likely than dog owners to regularly take their pet to the vet. This means our feline friends may be experiencing a myriad of health concerns, without any treatment.
According to Dr Mcgowan, “The undermedicalisation of cats means that common health issues can turn into serious illnesses due to lack of treatment and veterinary care. Prevention is better than cure!”
COMMON AILMENT
Dr Mcgowan says it’s common for cat owners to dismiss health issues such as arthritis or joint concerns as a matter of old age. However they can have a devastating effect on your cat’s quality of life, and shouldn’t be ignored. Another issue she regularly sees in cats is obesity or weight problems, with as many as one in two cats overweight. “Feeding your cat a nutritionally balanced diet is critical for their health. Just like humans, our pets are what they eat,” explains Dr Mcgowan. “By opting for a tailored and complete cat food that’s suitable for their life stage, breed and size, you’ll ensure you’re supporting your cat in the best way possible between vet visits.”
It’s important to never assume minor health issues will resolve themselves, with Dr Mcgowan revealing 38 per cent of owners fall into that trap. “This isn’t the case,” she says. “It’s important to contact your vet if there are any changes in your cat’s behaviour.”
SIGNS TO SPOT
If your cat is acting differently to usual, no matter how slight, it could be a sign that there’s an underlying health issue.
“Signs such as abnormal litter box behaviour, repeated vomiting, sleeping more, change in appetite, weight loss, frequent hairballs and even subtle behavioural changes, such as slightly more or less interaction with caregivers, can be signs that there may be an underlying health concern,” Dr Mcgowan explains.
VET VISITS
One of the best ways to help keep your cat in good health is with regular vet visits.
“By visiting your vet twice a year for regular check-ups, it enables your vet to pick up on any changes that may have occurred between visits and ensure any health issues are addressed early,” she says.
CARRIER CALM
“The stress of visiting the vet can often start at home well before the appointment time,” says Dr Mcgowan. “Cats are neophobic and do not like change, so it’s important to make them feel comfortable with the experience.”
Dr Mcgowan says you can begin by getting your cat used to its carrier.
“Start by leaving your cat carrier out in your home as part of the furniture, as a way to encourage your cat to feel safe and secure around it,” she says. “This is the biggest hurdle to overcome, but once your cat is familiar with the carrier, it will make every vet visit much easier.
“Once your cat is securely inside the carrier, cover [it] with an old towel that smells like home.”
By reducing the stress associated with vet visits, you can ensure your cat receives all the treatment they require.
“Cat owners shouldn’t have to choose between stressing their cat out and getting them the health care they need!” says Dr Mcgowan.