Vet Visits for Cats - Why They Matter More Than Most Owners Realize
“My cat seems fine.” “They’re just an indoor cat.” These are two common reasons cat owners give for not taking their cat to the vet. On average, 80% of dogs have regular vet visits, compared to about 40% of cats.
Vet visits for cats are just as important as they are for dogs. So, why is it that cats don’t see the vet as often? Why the discrepancy?
In this blog, we’ll look at why cats see the vet far less than they should, why regular visits matter, and what owners can do to change that.
Why Vet Visits for Cats Get Skipped
So, why are so many cats not going to the vet? Let’s look at key reasons cats aren’t getting the regular vet care they deserve.
Everything Seems Fine
Many owners assume no news is good news when it comes to their cats. “Everything seems fine.” But, how do we really know that just because it seems that way?
Cats are stoic creatures and masters at hiding pain. It’s inherent in their nature to hide pain. In the wild, as prey creatures, a cat that shows weakness becomes vulnerable. So, even though your cat doesn’t live in the wild, but in your house, it still carries around that innate instinct to hide weakness or pain.
This means that pain in cats often goes unnoticed and untreated, especially with conditions like arthritis, which affects the majority of cats over the age of twelve.
Cats mask pain, often appearing fine even when something is wrong. Regular vet visits give your veterinarian the opportunity to examine, handle, and observe your cat, and to ask important questions to help identify issues early.
It’s Too Stressful
Cats are overwhelmingly more stressed going to the vet than dogs. They feel safest in their own home and are simply homebodies at heart.
Going to the vet includes unfamiliar smells, sounds, and strangers. This can cause major anxiety, not just for them, but for their owners as well. But it’s not just being at the vet that is stressful; it’s also the journey to get there.
Carriers and car rides are not a cat’s favorite activity. They’d much rather be at home curled up in their favorite spot, catching some zzz’s.
With all this stress of taking cats to the vets, it’s no wonder many owners avoid vet visits altogether. After all, everything seems fine anyway, right?
Despite the stress, regular veterinary care remains crucial for your cat’s long-term health. Later in this blog, we’ll share ways to make vet visits easier for your cat and easier on you.
Just an Indoor Cat
An estimated two-thirds of cats are indoor-only. Owners keep their cats strictly indoors, mainly for safety reasons. Accidents, predators, and diseases are among the main reasons for doing so.
There’s a common myth that indoor cats aren’t exposed to diseases from parasites the way outdoor cats are. In reality, parasites like fleas can be brought into the home on shoes, clothing, or other pets in a multi-pet household.
Viruses and bacteria don’t require cats to go outside to pose a risk, which is why indoor cats still benefit from regular veterinary care and vaccinations.
All fears aside, indoor cats still need regular vet visits. While staying inside may reduce certain dangers, it doesn’t eliminate the need for preventive care.
Indoor cats still need to see the vet.
Why Does Taking Cats to the Vet Matter
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommends vet visits for cats at least once a year, possibly more depending on age, health, or lifestyle.
Vet visits aren’t just about prevention; they also allow veterinarians to monitor, track, and identify health concerns that cats are notorious for hiding from their owners.
Hidden Health Concerns
Because cats often hide signs of illness, regular veterinary visits are key to catching health issues early.
Weight Gain and Obesity: Cats are generally less active than dogs. Limited activity can lead to extra pounds, which increase the risk of arthritis and diabetes. Read more in our blog Is Your Pet Overweight? Understanding Pet Obesity - Buddy's Vets.
Dental Disease: Plaque buildup and gum inflammation can cause pain, infection, and tooth loss, often without obvious signs. This is why yearly dental cleanings are an important reason for cats to see the veterinarian. Learn more here: Don't Neglect Your Pet's Teeth - The Importance of Pet Dentals - Buddy's Vets.
Silent Organ Diseases: Health conditions such as kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and heart disease can develop quietly and may go unnoticed until they’re advanced.
Arthritis and Chronic Pain: Subtle changes in mobility or activity are often mistaken for normal aging.
Behavioral and Stress-Related Issues: Litter box avoidance, aggression, hiding, and over-grooming may indicate medical problems or stress, particularly in indoor cats. These behaviors are often your cat’s way of trying to communicate to you that something is wrong.
These health issues are easier to detect and manage when caught early, which is why you shouldn't skip taking your cat to the vet.
Litter box issues can be a sign of something more.
What Your Vet Sees (That You May Not)
Your vet sees things you may not. Those subtle changes in your cat’s behavior, appetite, or activity might just seem like a quirk or part of the aging process, but the truth is they can be signs of something more serious.
Regular exams help veterinarians identify:
During your cat’s visit to the vet, they’ll get:
Getting bloodwork helps your vet get a baseline of your cat's health.
These exams help your vet understand what’s normal for your cat’s health. Every part of the exam is a valuable tool your vet uses to catch potential health issues as early as possible.
Making Vet Visits for Cats Easier
Trips to the vet can be stressful for cats. But with a little preparation, you can help make the experience smoother and calmer. Below are tips on how to do just that.
Carrier Training: Keep the carrier out at home with cozy blankets and treats so your cat sees it as a safe spot.
Pre-visit medications: For extra-nervous cats, your vet may suggest calming meds to give before the visit.
Pheromones: A quick spray of Feliway in the carrier can help your cat feel more secure.
Music & Comfort: Soft music, a quiet ride, and even covering the carrier with a blanket can go a long way.
Practice Trips: Take your cat in the carrier around the house or down the driveway before a real vet visit so they get used to movement and travel.
Stay Calm: Cats pick up on their owner’s anxiety. Keeping yourself calm can help them feel secure.
By implementing these tips, you’ll be setting your cat up for a much less stressful vet trip and a happier experience for everyone. For additional information on stress-free vet visits, check out this article on How to Reduce Stress With Your Cat at the Vet - AAHA.
For some cats, all the preparation may not be enough. Check whether your veterinarian offers home visits. These can not only reduce your cat’s stress, but also give your vet an extra advantage of seeing your cat in their home environment.
At Buddy’s Vets, we offer in-home visits. Read our blog on the advantages of Stress-Free Veterinary Care for Your Pet with Mobile Vet Services - Buddy's Vets.
Dr. Becky during an in-home visit.
Cats Need to See the Vet Too!
We all want our cats to live long, healthy lives, and regular veterinary care is key to making that possible. Vet visits for cats help monitor their health over time, allowing veterinarians to notice subtle changes that owners might miss and catch hidden health issues early.
At Buddy’s Vets, we understand how stressful visits can be for cats and their owners, and our team is committed to making them as stress-free as possible. If it has been a while since your cat’s last visit, now is the perfect time to schedule an appointment.