“Silent Killer” Health Problems Increasingly Affecting Cats
Warns Veterinarians
All About Cats Veterinary Hospital is warning cat owners that “silent killer” health problems are common for cats of all ages, including those in their prime. While it may be common knowledge that humans need regular health screenings to detect underlying disease, cat owners may be surprised to learn that the same is true for cats. Just as humans receive regular blood pressure and cholesterol checks, the cat clinic recommends that cats receive similar wellness care exams to detect illnesses that may not yet be showing obvious signs. These exams evaluate a cat’s health and allow for early intervention and treatment.
All About Cats Veterinary Hospital is reminding cat owners that regular wellness exams are essential for feline health. So-called feline “silent killer” illnesses include high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, thyroid disease, diabetes and even cancer.
Not all cat owners realize that annual exams are important for cats, including those that appear healthy and active” said Las Vegas veterinarian Dr. Terri Koppe. “Cats are masters at hiding the symptoms of illness. Consequently, symptoms may not become evident until it is too late to effectively treat them.”
The cat hospital recommends proactive wellness care to identify and treat problems before a cat’s health is compromised. Wellness care exams start with a consultation with the veterinarian which includes a nutrition assessment and includes a complete physical exam from head to tail. The cat clinic then tailors testing recommendations to a cat’s life stage.
“There are six distinct feline life stages,” said Las Vegas veterinarian Dr. Alissa McCormick. “At each stage, cats require proactive veterinary care.”
Current guidelines from the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) recognize six distinct feline life stages. The kitten period is from birth to six months; junior cats are from six months to two years; prime is from three to six years; mature is seven to ten years; senior is 11 to 14 years; and geriatric is 15 years or older.
The cat hospital recommends wellness exams, diagnostic tests, and weight management for every feline life stage. For example, weight gain is a problem for many older cats, says the cat clinic, and can lead to additional health complications. Nutrition and weight management services help to set the stage for long-term feline health.
In addition to educating cat owners about the importance of feline wellness care, the clinic also announced that it is offering discounted wellness exams and screening tests.
“We have bundled and discounted the screening tests for each life stage to be affordable for cat owners,” said Las Vegas veterinarian Dr. Terri Koppe. “Just as humans have tests at certain stages, such as mammograms and colonoscopies, cats need health screenings through the course of their life stages too.”
Cat owners may learn more about discounted wellness exams by visiting
http://allaboutcatsonline.com All About Cats Veterinary Hospital 888-667-5235
