People who share their homes with cats are definitely a lucky bunch, but not because they have to visit the vet less. Alarmingly, however, the prevailing perception is that indoor cats require less veterinary attention. Sure, certain risk factors associated with outdoor exploration are significantly reduced, but indoor cat care should still include disease prevention on numerous fronts.
Reasons Why
We know well that cats generally dislike the travel kennel, driving in the car, and leaving their territory. It can be extremely threatening for cats to smell, hear, and see other cats and/or dogs in the waiting room. Now add to this the cost of wellness visits – especially when cats are otherwise healthy – and the draw of the internet to diagnose possible problems.
What’s the result? Fewer cats receiving the support and care necessary to sustain lifelong health and wellness.
Feline Subtleties
Cats not only age much faster than their human owners, but they’re also notoriously skilled at hiding symptoms of illness or injury. In fact, subtle shifts in feline behavior or habits commonly escape the notice of even the most involved owner. Many cats end up suffering from a problem long before they’re actually seen by a vet, but we’re determined to stop this trend.
Indoor Cat Care
Regular wellness care allows for great insight into your cat’s overall health. After discussing the components of lifestyle, we thoroughly examine the following aspects of indoor cat care:
- Eyes and ears
- Mouth, teeth, and gums
- Muscle tone
- Coat quality, texture, and appearance
- Weight and nutritional needs
- Heart rate
- Breathing quality
- Spine and joint health
- Disease prevention via vaccinations
Additionally, indoor cats still deserve protection from parasites. Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes can come inside your home, exposing an otherwise unprotected animal to various diseases and health conditions.
Preventive medications (and regular de-worming) help indoor cats keep a healthy immune system intact. Heartworm, carried by infected mosquitoes, is especially damaging to cats, and there is no cure.
Do Cats Brush Their Teeth?
Like the care of all pets, indoor cat care must include regular dental care at home. We also recommend routine cleanings under anesthesia to keep your cat’s dental health in peak condition.
The Reality
Regular wellness exams give us the opportunity to establish your cat’s healthy baseline, so we know how to compare results when your cat has a health problem. When we see your cat 1-2 times a year, early detection and treatment of developing diseases yield better results. For instance, obesity, diabetes, arthritis, periodontal disease, cancer, and kidney disease can affect all cats whether they lead strictly indoor lifestyles or not.
Big Picture
Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns about indoor cat care or would like to discuss solutions for crate training and traveling. Together, we can help your cat live a long, full, and healthy life.
