. . . Sometimes it seems like cats just don't get the attention they deserve. Maybe it's because dogs are more adept at getting our attention - like as soon as we walk in the front door! Or maybe it's because cats tend to be more reclusive and independent.
Whether this is perception or reality we'd like to focus on Cats this month because cats deserve veterinary care too!
All too often we hear from clients who have dogs that their cat 
hasn't been seen by a veterinarian in years. They seem to be under the impression that cats are self-sufficient and don't need to see a doctor! This is so far from the truth. The truth about cats is that they, as a species, hide their illness and pain - or show very subtle signs until they can no longer fight it and by then they may be so ill there is no way to get them back to their normal state of health.
Cats are amazing, beautiful and wonderful pets and they deserve the same level of care as their canine counterparts. That care starts with a full wellness exam. So what kind of problems would the doctor be looking for in the exam? The three most common problems we see in cats are renal disease, hyperthyroidism and diabetes, all of which have similar symptoms and tend to occur more in older cats.
Renal Disease or chronic kidney failure occurs when the kidneys can no longer excrete waste products, produce hormones and regulate the chemical composition of body fluids, all of which are crucial functions for your cat's health.
The following signs may be indicative of kidney failure. Notify your veterinarian if you see any of these signs in your pet.
- Excessive drinking
- Increased urination
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Bad breath
- Not eating for more than one day
- Weakness or lack of coordination when walking
- Depression
- Weight loss or wasting of muscle tissue
Hyperthyroidism is a tricky disease which affects older felines. The reason it is tricky is because theses cats usually are eating very well and owners may not realize they are sick until they have lost a lot of weight, or the increased thyroid levels have damaged their other organs, like the heart and the kidneys. These older cats also will drink more and lose weight, and they may be restless at night and even act restless and more kitten-like during the day. This disease can also cause hypertension which in cats may lead to blindness. Hyperthyroidism is one of the few feline diseases that is treatable and can be controlled very well with medication.
Diabetes is a condition that develops when your cat cannot use sugar (glucose) effectively and control the sugar level in the blood. Insulin, which is made on the pancreas, is essential for regulating the use and storage of blood glucose. Insufficient insulin production is potentially life threatening. Factors that increase the chance that your cat will develop diabetes include obesity, age and breed. Sign of diabetes may include increased thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, poor appetite, fatigue and vomiting.
In addition external and internal parasites, dental disease, arthritis and obesity are frequently occuring problems found in felines. Let's take a closer look at each of these health threats.
Parasites, both internal and external, can cause a host of problems. Because the cat as a species is so fastidious about grooming, pet owners often have no clue that their feline family members even have fleas and they often don't realize they have tapeworm for the same reason. Cats, like dogs, need year-round protection against fleas, heartworm and internal parasites including roundworm, hookworm and whipworm.
Dental disease is one of the most under-diagnoses problems facing our feline population. Once again, they hide their problems and I am often amazed at the severity of the infected and painful teeth I see when examining cats. Take a look if you can. Are the gums red? Is there brown yucky discharge on the teeth? Does your cat have bad breath? Dental disease robs our cats of their health! Regular hygiene is important and highly recommended.
Arthritis is a very common problem for older felines and most often goes undiagnosed, because once again our cats hide their symptoms so well. Have you noticed your kitty slowing down or not jumping up like she used too? Talk to your vet! Even something as simple as glucosamine supplements can help with the progression of arthritis! Weight loss also will really help if they are overweight.
Obesity has become a chronic problem in veterinary medicine. Just as in people, obesity is a problem that may lead to many other health problems. Cats suffer loss of mobility and discomfort from chronic arthritis. We also may see diabetes in cats as a result of obesity.
During your pet's physical exam, ask the doctor or veterinary nurse where your pet fits on the Body Condition Scale we use (1 is very thin and 5 is obese).What should you do if your cat is overweight? Exercise and reduce caloric intake. Just like in people there are many diets available to help us help our pets reduce. For cats, exercise can be challenging. You must be creative to get them to use up their excess calories. Cat dancers, which we carry in our store, are wonderful toys to get your cat up and around.
Travel Tip Do you have problems getting your feline friends into their carrier and to the vet? We recommend a hard sided crate with a opening at the top and in front, so your kitty can be easily loaded in. Place the carrier on the back seat of the car and use the seat belt through the handle of the carrier to secure him or her for the ride. Cats often like to have a towel over their carrier to help with motion sickness. To help your cat from vomiting or eliminating in their carrier it is best not to feed them for at least 3 hours before the exam. If your cat gets upset going to the vet ask us for ways to make them calmer. We may prescribe a mild sedative or recommend the spray pheromone called Feliway that helps cats to relax.
Dr. Rhonda Stallings
2004. She has worked in the two most opposite of career paths; animals and food, both are great passions for Elizabeth. She began her career in the culinary arts, previously involved in her family's business, Artisan Bakery. She wanted to expand her career path to her next passion for animals and came to Arroyo to learn more about the profession. Those who know Elizabeth know that she has a menagerie of exotic cats by breed and medically speaking! She also loves her brood of dogs and brings them to work to keep her company on occasion. 