Meet Norman — The Dog You Can Feed Right on Our Website!
Meet the Mascots · June 18, 2024 · 4 min read
Norman is our happy, bouncy shop dog who lives right here on Michelle's Pet Shop. You can feed him, throw him a ball, and even teach him tricks — all without leaving the page!
Cats are notoriously stoic about illness and pain — a survival instinct that makes them challenging patients. By the time a cat shows obvious signs of being sick, they've often been unwell for days or weeks. Understanding the basics of feline health, knowing what's normal for your individual cat, and maintaining a relationship with a trusted veterinarian are the three pillars of keeping your cat healthy for their full potential lifespan of 15–20 years.
The Importance of Regular Veterinary Care for Cats
Many cat owners skip annual vet visits because their cat "seems fine" and the trip is stressful. This is a significant mistake. Many of the most common and serious cat diseases — kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and dental disease — progress silently for months or years before showing obvious symptoms. By the time symptoms appear, the disease is often advanced and harder to treat. Annual blood work and urinalysis can detect these conditions years earlier, when treatment is most effective and least expensive.
Common Health Issues in Cats by Age
| Age Group | Most Common Issues | Recommended Screening |
|---|---|---|
| Kitten (0–1 year) | Parasites, URI, FeLV/FIV | Full exam, vaccines, fecal test |
| Young Adult (1–6 years) | Dental disease, obesity, UTI | Annual exam, dental check |
| Middle Age (7–10 years) | Hyperthyroidism, kidney disease | Annual blood work, urinalysis |
| Senior (10–14 years) | Kidney disease, diabetes, arthritis | Bi-annual exam, blood work |
| Geriatric (15+ years) | Multiple organ issues, cancer | Quarterly check-ins |
Feline Vaccination Schedule
Core vaccines for cats include: FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia) given as a series in kittens then every 1–3 years in adults, and rabies vaccine (required by law in most states). Non-core vaccines include FeLV (feline leukemia virus, recommended for outdoor cats and kittens), FIV, and Bordetella. Discuss your cat's lifestyle with your vet to determine which vaccines are appropriate.
Dental Health in Cats
Dental disease is the most common health problem in cats — affecting over 85% of cats over 3 years old. Unlike dogs, cats rarely show obvious signs of dental pain: they continue eating even with severely infected teeth because the alternative (not eating) triggers hepatic lipidosis. Signs of dental disease include: bad breath, drooling, pawing at the mouth, dropping food, and changes in food preference (preferring soft food). Annual professional dental cleanings are recommended for most adult cats.
Cat Health Products
- Cat Dental Treats — VOHC-approved dental treats help reduce tartar between professional cleanings. Look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal of acceptance on the packaging.
- Cat Water Fountain — Cats are attracted to moving water and drink significantly more from fountains than from still bowls. Increased water intake is one of the most effective ways to prevent urinary tract disease and kidney disease in cats.
- Cat Probiotic — Probiotics support digestive health, immune function, and can reduce hairball-related vomiting. Particularly useful for cats with chronic digestive issues or during antibiotic treatment.
- Cat Joint Supplement — Arthritis is extremely common in senior cats but rarely diagnosed because cats hide pain so effectively. Joint supplements with omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin can improve mobility and quality of life in arthritic cats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I take my cat to the vet?
A: Healthy adult cats (1–7 years) should have annual wellness exams. Senior cats (7+ years) should have exams every 6 months. Kittens need a series of visits in their first year for vaccines and parasite treatment. Cats with chronic conditions may need more frequent monitoring.
Q: Should indoor cats get vaccines?
A: Yes. Core vaccines (FVRCP and rabies) are recommended for all cats regardless of lifestyle. Indoor cats can still be exposed to viruses through open windows, on clothing, or during veterinary visits. Rabies vaccination is required by law in most states regardless of indoor/outdoor status.
Q: My cat has bad breath. Is this normal?
A: No — significant bad breath in cats almost always indicates dental disease, which affects the vast majority of adult cats. Mild fishy breath after eating fish-based food is normal, but persistent bad breath warrants a dental examination. Untreated dental disease causes pain and can affect kidney, heart, and liver health.
Q: How do I give my cat a pill?
A: The easiest method is to hide the pill in a small amount of a strong-smelling food (cream cheese, tuna, pill pockets). If your cat eats around the pill, you can try the 'burrito method' — wrap the cat in a towel, tilt the head back, open the mouth, place the pill as far back on the tongue as possible, close the mouth, and gently blow on the nose to trigger swallowing. Ask your vet about liquid or transdermal formulations as alternatives.
Always consult your veterinarian for personalized advice about your pet's health. This article is for informational purposes only.
Practical Tips for Every Pet Owner
Regardless of the specific topic covered in this guide, there are universal principles that apply to all pet ownership. The most fundamental is observation: the more closely you observe your pet's normal behavior, the more quickly you'll notice when something is wrong. Changes in appetite, energy level, elimination habits, and social behavior are often the first signs of illness or stress.
Establishing routines benefits both pets and owners. Regular feeding times, exercise schedules, and grooming routines create predictability that reduces stress for most pets. Dogs and cats are particularly sensitive to routine disruptions — changes in schedule can trigger anxiety and behavioral problems even when the underlying cause isn't obvious.
The Importance of Preventive Care
Preventive veterinary care is significantly more cost-effective than treating illness after it develops. Annual wellness exams, appropriate vaccinations, parasite prevention, and dental care prevent conditions that are expensive and difficult to treat once established. Many pet owners are surprised to learn that dental disease — one of the most common preventable conditions in pets — can lead to heart, kidney, and liver disease when left untreated.
Pet insurance is worth considering for any pet, but especially for breeds prone to specific health conditions. The cost of unexpected veterinary care can be substantial — a single emergency visit can cost $1,000–$5,000 or more. Pet insurance provides peace of mind and ensures that financial constraints don't force difficult decisions about your pet's care.
Microchipping and proper identification are essential safety measures that every pet owner should prioritize. A microchip significantly increases the chance of being reunited with a lost pet. Keep your contact information updated in the microchip registry — an outdated address or phone number defeats the purpose of the chip.
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