June 25, 2014 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 13 Veterinary checkups for cats are a necessity Some people prefer cats, while others’ loyalty lies with dogs. Dogs and cats have different personalities, which is what draws people to them for one reason or another. Though different, cats and dogs need to visit the veterinar- ian for routine checkups. Still, it seems dogs head to the vet more frequently than cats. Organizations like the American Association of Feline Practitioners and others have uncovered the disparity in care among dogs and cats. Cats are less likely to receive veterinary health care than dogs, as research shows that cats make up about one-quarter of patients at small animal veterinary clinics. Cats have long been second to dogs as the most popular pet. However, cats may be edging out dogs as the preferred pet, particularly because they seem to need less attention and maintenance. These same qualities that make cats attractive pets could be putting their health at risk. Cats that tend to fend for themselves act aloof and may not give their owners any indication that they are sick. As a result, pet owners can become complacent about cat care, simply because they don’t spend as much time with cats as they may with a dog. People tend to interact more with their dogs by taking them for walks and playing with them. So it is more notice- able when something is not right with a dog. Cats, how- ever, are more stoic. When they don’t feel well, cats will run away and hide. Changing vaccine schedules for many animals may also affect how often cats visit the vet. Immunizations have changed so some shots can be offered every two or three years instead of annually. Therefore, pet owners may not see the need to visit the vet unless the animal is due for a shot. This can put a cat at risk because it is usually during routine exams when vets uncover something the pet owner • Discussion of the animal’s medical history • Testing of the cat’s stool • Examination of the cat’s nose and nasal passages for signs of infection • Examination of the gums, teeth, and tongue • Examination of the ears to check for mites or any dis- charge • Examination of the eyes • Examination of the body for parasites or skin disease • Check for any abnormal growths or tenderness • Examination of heart and lung sounds • Collection of blood to test for heartworm, feline leuke- mia, and feline immunodeficiency virus If any abnormalities are suspected, more intensive test- ing may be prescribed. Cats are prized for their ability to be self-sufficient and not need the same level of attention as most dogs. However, these traits should not preclude them from receiving rou- tine medical wellness exams. may not have noticed. The American Animal Hospital Association urges cat owners to remember that every year that passes for a cat is equivalent to several years for a person, making it impera- tive for cats to receive wellness examinations, including laboratory testing, once a year. Healthy senior cats should be examined once every six months, as illnesses and changes in an older cat’s health can progress quickly. A veterinarian will go over a number of things at an annual wellness visit. Here is a list of some things to expect: