Did you know Aug. 22 is National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day? In celebration of this important reminder, we’re sharing a few reasons why you should maintain a regularly scheduled checkup for your furry friend.

Get a Microchip

Has your kitty gotten a microchip yet? This is such an easy, inexpensive way to make sure your cat never gets lost. And let’s face it – even those who are indoor-only know how to get into mischief. Give yourself peace of mind with a microchip. These are very tiny – about the size of a grain of rice – and are implanted quickly and nearly painlessly, requiring no anesthesia.

Cats Hide Their Illnesses

Most cats will instinctively hide their illnesses, pains, and other health issues, a survival skill utilized by their wild ancestors. Because of that, many cats might be suffering from an injury, bacterial infection, or serious illness and their owners might never know until the pain becomes severe or, worse, until it’s too late to treat the ailment. Prevent this scenario by having a yearly checkup with your vet.

Keep Their Weight in Check

A regular visit to the vet will help you keep your cat’s weight regulated. Cats tend to be more prone to obesity than dogs (partly because we love them so much and want to give them extra treats). Nip weight gain in the bud by having a vet regularly examine them.

Be Mindful of Their Dental Health

Dental health can be a major issue for most domesticated, indoor pets who don’t have access to methods used by their wild ancestors for keeping their teeth healthy. While it might not seem like a big deal, dental issues are actually quite serious. Without occasional dental work, cats can develop painful abscesses, they might lose teeth, and worse, they might develop bacterial infections that can threaten their life. This is why it’s so important to have regular dental exams and procedures.

Prevention Is Cheaper Than Treatment

If you worry about budgeting for yearly exams for your cat, remember that preventive care is far less expensive than treating serious health issues. Keeping your cat healthy with regular visits to the vet is actually the smartest way to spend your money.

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