There’s something special about cats. Maybe it’s their silky fur and gracefully fluid movements, their love of cardboard boxes, or the way they wind themselves around our ankles when we arrive home after a long day at work. Regardless of the reason, cats hold a special place in our hearts, and it’s hard to imagine life without them.
February is National Cat Health Month, and we couldn’t be more excited here at Berkeley Veterinary Center. Our feline patients are so important to us. It’s our pleasure to share our top tips for cat health and wellness with our readers!
Cat Health Month Celebrates Wellness
Statistics show that cat owners take their cats to the vet for wellness examinations significantly less often than dog owners. It’s easy to put your cat’s wellness on the backburner, especially when getting to the vet’s office is a challenge, but regular veterinary checkups are key to a healthy lifestyle for all pets.
Cats are skilled at hiding signs of illness or injury, and you may not know there is a problem until it has advanced. Preventing health issues through regular checkups is easier, cheaper, and more effective than attempting to treat them once they’ve begun.
A Longer Life Indoors
There is clear evidence that cats who live exclusively indoors enjoy a significantly longer lifespan than their outdoor relatives, as well as protection from many illnesses and injuries that may plague outdoor cats. However, life inside four walls can get boring and lead to weight gain, anxiety, and behavior issues. Make sure your indoor cat gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation by providing scratching surfaces, cat trees, platforms, and hiding spots, and playing and interacting with them daily.
Those Pearly Whites
Good dental care can add up to 2 years to your pet’s life, and prevent the pain and tooth loss so often associated with dental disease. Your veterinarian will examine your pet’s mouth at each wellness visit and make recommendations for follow-up home and professional dental care.
Cat Friendly and Proud
We know how difficult it can be to bring your cat in to see the veterinarian. That’s why we make every effort to ensure that you and your cat enjoy a comfortable, low-stress experience here at Berkeley. We are proud to be a Cat Friendly Certified Practice, and you can expect the following from us:
- A trained staff that understands the unique needs of feline patients and how to approach them in a gentle and caring manner
- An environment designed specifically to reduce stress and discomfort in cats
- Equipment and facilities engineered toward diagnosing and treating feline illness
- Ongoing Cat Friendly training for all employees
If you would like to set up an appointment, please contact the staff at Berkeley Veterinary Center. And don’t forget to celebrate Cat Health Month with some extra playtime for your furry feline!
Tags: Cat Health, Cat Health Month, cats, Healthy Cats, Keeping Kitty Happy, Pet Health