A study of “cat owners and their relationship with the vet” shows: Only 40 percent of all cats receive veterinary care, with dogs it’s at least 60 percent. Especially scary: Only 50 percent of all cat owners visit a vet with their new kitten. Regular visits to the vet and, ultimately, your cat’s health are affected by the sanitary measures that owners routinely do in the first year of their cat’s life.
Why do cat owners avoid vet visits?
There are many reasons cat owners postpone their visit to the vet. Of particular importance are:
- Presumption that minor health problems will resolve themselves (38%)
- Visiting the vet too stressful (22%)
- Visiting the financially stressful vet (17%)
- Fear of unnecessary treatment (14%)
The result: More than 50% of all cat owners only go to the vet if their cat shows symptoms of illness or is injured.
“Indeed, it is often too late. When cats are unwell, they are naturally more likely to retreat. Therefore, they often show symptoms of the disease only when they are at an advanced stage, ”says Claudia Rade, veterinary surgeon for animal nutrition and dietetics. Royal Canin. It is precisely this behavior that makes it difficult for cat owners to recognize the symptoms of the disease and consult a veterinarian in time.
5 reasons why regular vet visits are important
For these reasons, cats should use it regularly Check for visits to the vet be started as soon as possible:
- Regular checkups help ensure that cats live long, happy and healthy lives.
- Cats age much faster than humans.
- Cats are great at hiding disease and pain.
- Visits to the vet are always a good opportunity to talk about changes in behavior or weight, for example.
- Prevention is better than cure.
“A number of common diseases in cats could be caused regular checks prevented or recognized and treated more quickly. Healthcare is important, right from the start. A prerequisite for this is a good experience with the visit to the vet, both for the cat and its owner, “says Claudia Rade.
Visit the vet without stress – that’s how it works
To make the visit to the vet more comfortable for the cat and therefore for yourself, you should use the following tips American Association of Feline Practitioners Note:
- Get your cat used to the carrier. Place them at home so that the cat can sleep and play there.
- Invest in a good transport box: Especially recommended are secure and stable rigid boxes with removable shelves that can be opened from the top and the front.
- Visit a cat-friendly veterinary office. These usually have a quiet waiting area just for cats.
Cover the transport box with a towel or blanket – this protects the cat from the surrounding environment and unfamiliar noises. - Let your cat rest after visiting the vet.
Campaign for healthy cats: “Take your cat to the vet”
Promote the health of cats and improve their health care, Royal Canin countryside “Take your cat to the vet” brought to life. A particular focus this year is on raising awareness among cat owners for the Benefits of early health care with her cat. It also supports Royal Canin Veterinary practices are adapting their rooms to cats to make visits as pleasant as possible. This includes:
- separate areas for dogs and cats in the waiting rooms
- Training of practice staff in handling frightened cats
- Equipping veterinary practices with elevated storage locations for transport boxes, as cats feel safer in high places