22 August is Take Your Cat to the Vet Day, and if you’re like many cat owners, your first thought might be, “My cat seems perfectly healthy. Why would they need to see the vet?”
It’s a fair question.
Unlike dogs, cats are incredibly good at hiding illness. In fact, this is one of the reasons veterinarians are so passionate about encouraging regular health checks for our feline patients. By the time a cat shows obvious signs of illness, they have often been quietly coping with the problem for weeks—or even months.
At Cottage Vet Clinic, we frequently hear owners say, “I had no idea anything was wrong.” More often than not, they’re telling the truth. Cats are masters of disguise when it comes to pain and disease.
That’s exactly why Take Your Cat to the Vet Day exists.
Why Are Cats So Good at Hiding Illness?
Cats evolved as both predators and prey.
In the wild, showing weakness could make them vulnerable to predators or competition from other cats. As a result, they instinctively hide signs of illness for as long as possible.
Even our pampered house cats still have these instincts.
A cat with significant arthritis may simply stop jumping onto the kitchen counter.
A cat with kidney disease may drink slightly more water.
A cat with dental disease may continue eating, even though every mouthful is painful.
These changes are often so gradual that owners understandably assume they’re simply part of getting older.
What Can Your Vet Detect Before You Can?
One of the biggest benefits of an annual examination is identifying problems before they become serious.
During a routine consultation, your veterinarian isn’t simply checking vaccinations.
We’re assessing your cat from nose to tail.
At Cottage Vet Clinic, a routine examination may include assessing:
- Body weight and body condition
- Teeth and gums
- Eyes and ears
- Heart and lungs
- Skin and coat
- Mobility and joints
- Abdomen
- Lymph nodes
- Hydration
- Behavioural changes
These seemingly simple checks can reveal subtle abnormalities long before they become obvious at home.
Common Conditions We Pick Up Early
Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common illnesses affecting older cats.
Unfortunately, cats often continue behaving normally until a significant amount of kidney function has already been lost.
Routine examinations and blood tests can detect kidney disease much earlier, allowing treatment to begin sooner and often slowing the progression of the disease.
Dental Disease
Did you know that most adult cats have some degree of dental disease?
Cats rarely stop eating because of sore teeth, which means dental pain often goes unnoticed.
Bad breath, difficulty chewing or dropping food are usually signs that disease has already become advanced.
Regular dental examinations can identify problems before they cause significant pain.
Arthritis
Many people don’t realise that arthritis is extremely common in cats.
Unlike dogs, arthritic cats don’t usually limp.
Instead, they may:
- Sleep more
- Jump less
- Avoid stairs
- Stop climbing
- Become less interactive
- Miss the litter tray because climbing into it is uncomfortable
Because these changes happen gradually, they are often mistaken for “old age.”
The good news is that arthritis can often be managed very successfully once diagnosed.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is another common condition in older cats.
Typical signs include:
- Weight loss
- Increased appetite
- Increased activity
- Vomiting
- Increased thirst
Routine blood testing can confirm the diagnosis and allow treatment before complications develop.
Heart Disease
Some cats have significant heart disease without showing any outward signs.
During an examination, your veterinarian may detect a heart murmur or abnormal heart rhythm that warrants further investigation.
Early diagnosis helps us monitor the condition and manage potential complications.
Indoor Cats Need Veterinary Care Too
One of the biggest myths we hear is:
“My cat never goes outside, so they don’t need to see the vet.”
While indoor cats are protected from many injuries and infectious diseases, they are still susceptible to:
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Dental disease
- Arthritis
- Heart disease
- Obesity
- Cancer
- Hormonal disorders
Living indoors doesn’t protect them from the diseases associated with ageing.
In fact, indoor cats often become less active as they get older, increasing their risk of obesity and arthritis.
Senior Cats Benefit Even More
Once cats reach around seven years of age, annual health checks become even more important.
Many veterinarians recommend wellness blood tests for senior cats because they can identify diseases before obvious clinical signs appear.
Combined with a thorough physical examination, these tests allow us to monitor changes over time and tailor healthcare to your individual cat.
Early diagnosis often means:
- Simpler treatment
- Better quality of life
- Slower disease progression
- Longer survival
Making Vet Visits Less Stressful
We know that not every cat enjoys visiting the vet.
Fortunately, there are several things you can do to make the experience much easier.
Leave the carrier out at home throughout the year so your cat sees it as a safe place rather than something that only appears before a trip to the clinic.
Place familiar bedding inside the carrier and use treats or toys to create positive associations.
Covering the carrier with a towel during transport can also help many cats feel calmer.
If your cat becomes extremely anxious, speak to your veterinarian beforehand. There are safe medications that can significantly reduce stress before the appointment.
Prevention Is Always Better Than Treatment
One of the greatest advantages of routine veterinary care is that it allows us to prevent problems rather than simply react to them.
Vaccinations, parasite control, dental care, weight management and routine health screening all work together to help your cat enjoy a healthier, happier life.
At Cottage Vet Clinic, we believe that annual examinations are one of the most valuable investments you can make in your cat’s wellbeing. Many of the diseases we diagnose in older cats respond far better when identified early.
Celebrate Take Your Cat to the Vet Day
This Take Your Cat to the Vet Day, take a moment to ask yourself when your cat last had a thorough health examination.
Even if they seem perfectly healthy, your veterinarian may identify subtle changes that could make a significant difference to their future health.
After all, our goal isn’t simply to treat disease.
It’s to keep your cat healthy enough that disease never has the chance to take hold.
If your cat is due for a health check or you’d like to discuss preventative healthcare, contact Cottage Vet Clinic today. We’d love to help your feline companion enjoy many more happy, healthy years by your side.
