Have we seen your cat lately?

There are 82 million pet cats in the U.S., compared with 72 million dogs,¹ making cats the most popular pet. Yet studies show the number of feline veterinary visits is declining steadily each year. For example, a recent industry survey revealed that compared with dogs, almost three times as many cats hadn’t received veterinary care in the past year.²

The disparity may be related to common myths about cat health, such as:

• Cats are naturally healthier and more problem-free than dogs
• Feline health problems come from outside and don’t affect indoor cats
• Cats will display visible signs of illness like dogs do

The truth is, cats need regular veterinary care, including annual exams and vaccinations, just like dogs do. And because they are naturally adept at hiding signs of illness, annual exams are especially important for early diagnosis of health problems.

That’s why Twin Maples Veterinary Hospital is participating in the “Have we seen your cat lately?” national awareness campaign and taking steps to raise awareness about the importance of regular veterinary care for cats.  The doctors and Twin Maples Veterinary Hospital have been long term members of the American Association of Feline Practitioners and The American Animal Hospital Association, organizations known for their concern about cat care and important advocates for standards of excellence for feline practitioners.  Twin Maples is cat friendly with separate dog and cat waiting rooms and wards, to minimize the stress veterinary visits can cause our feline friends.  We can also offer tips on making visits to the hospital less stressful, such as teaching your cat to like his or her carrier and acclimating to car rides and exam.

"Cats naturally hide signs of illness." said Dr. Clouse.    "They will sleep more and do not seek attention or whine like our canine patients.  Because an annual visit corresponds to a person seeing their doctor every 5 to 7 years, there can be many significant changes in their health, especially in older cats.  Through examination and tests we often find severe illnesses in our feline patients that if diagnosed earlier could be much more successfully treated."

Twin Maples Veterinary Hospital encourages all cat owners to call their veterinarians to schedule regular wellness exams for their cats. 

Above: A video showing ear mites. Ear mites are invisible to the "naked eye" and must be viewed through a microscope. Ear mites can effect all cats but are seen mostly in kittens and young cats. A yearly exam can help prevent your cat from developing large infestation.

The nationwide “Have we seen your cat lately?” awareness program is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.

¹AVMA. U.S. Pet Ownership & Demographics Sourcebook. 2007 ed.
Schaumburg, IL: American Veterinary Medical Association; 2007:1-27.
²2009 – 2010 APPA national pet owners survey. Greenwich, CT:
American Pet Products Association, Inc.; 2010.

©2010 Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. Used with permission.
Have we seen your cat lately? is a trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.