My Pet World: Adopt these New Year's Resolutions for your own cat
I hearby resolve to work with the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) to lead a revolution to support cats in 2015.
Here's why: By all accounts, you'd think Americans have a love affair with cats. In fact, cats -- rather than dogs -- are man's best friends. According to the 2012 American Veterinary Medical Association U.S. Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook, cats outnumber dogs, with just over 74 million pet cats, compared to about 70 million dogs.
However, the truth about cats is unfortunate, even appalling. Cats are the Rodney Dangerfields of the pet world: They get no respect.
For starters, many cats don't receive adequate veterinary care. Most never see a veterinarian for annual checkups. About 80 percent of cat owners think their pets are so self-sufficient that regular exams are unnecessary (according to Bayer Health Care Feline Findings, 2013). About 60 percent of all veterinary clients are dogs.
As a result, many cats are suffering from illnesses which in many cases could have been prevented.
The problem doesn't end there. Cats are more often given up at shelters than dogs -- and far more cats are euthanized in shelters than dogs. Also, among lost or stolen animals entering shelters, 15 to 30 percent of dogs are reclaimed by their owners, while only a meager 5 percent of cats are reclaimed, according to the Humane Society of the United States. In part, this is because people tend not to microchip or use ID tags for cats as often as for dogs. And, sadly, too many people who lose a cat don't bother searching for their pet.
In conjunction with AAFP, I resolve to support education to enhance the quality of life for all cats. Certainly, millions of people love their felines, and I believe their hearts are in the right place.
Here are our 2015 resolutions for cats (from AAFP and myself). Follow them and I guarantee your cats will be better off:
1. Routine checkups: All cats should get a preventive care checkup at least once a year, and more frequently for senior cats and those with chronic conditions. During the exam, veterinarians assess current health and may detect conditions early. This can prevent suffering and even be life-saving, as well as being easier on cat owners' wallets. Read more at: http://youtu.be/uQ2Atcm0ZxU?list=PLMeziP7OYVUhXxDgA5pyF7_dQlI6GAQzF
2. Don't rely on "Dr. Google": The Internet doesn't have a stethoscope and can't do blood work on your cat. Also, there's lots of misinformation posted online. Anytime there's a change in your cat's behavior, this could signal a medical problem, so see your veterinarian, not a website!
...continued
(c) 2015 DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
