Q: I have a cat that never goes outdoors. Does it need to go see a vet?

A: Yes, indoor cats need to go see a veterinarian on a regular basis. It is just as important for them as it is for an outdoor cat, or for a dog.

All dogs and cats should have an annual physical exam. This allows for early detection of disease. Some of the conditions that we look for include dental disease, heart murmurs, skin cancer, and obesity. If caught early, most diseases can be successfully treated, and the prognosis is much better than if the animal is presented once it is showing clinical signs of illness. Also, it is usually less expensive to treat a condition when it is caught early, rather than having to treat an advanced case.

As many as 70% of cats have periodontal disease by age three (see http://www.dr-dan.com/dental.htm). Dental disease hurts! Most animals do not show signs of oral discomfort, but rather suffer silently. They have the same dental structures that we do, and need dental treatment just like we do. Statistics show that pets who receive regular dental care can expect to live an average of 3 years longer than those who do not! For example, kidney disease is very common in older cats. I am convinced many of these cases are secondary to chronic untreated dental infections, where bacteria gain access to the bloodstream and then seed the kidneys.

Dogs and cats age approximately 6-7 years for each human year. Taking your cat to the vet every 3 years would the same as you or I getting a check-up once every 20 years. Once a year is the bare recommended minimum, and twice a year preferred for older pets. See http://www.ovma.org/pets/exam.html for more information on the importance of an annual physical exam.

In addition, booster vaccinations at prescribed intervals help protect your cat by maintaining a strong resistance to disease. Many of the diseases we inoculate against are very serious and prevention is the only way to avoid death or disabling illness. Many are so contagious that even indoor pets are at risk. They can be exposed to respiratory viruses carried in the air or germs carried on your clothing or shoes. Cats do not have to go outdoors at all to be at risk.

Rabies is a significant human health hazard. Rabies is a frightening disease because it is 100% fatal for humans and for pets. There is post-exposure treatment for exposed individuals before they actually come down with the infection, but once an animal or human is showing clinical signs, there is no cure. Death from rabies is not a pleasant death. Rabies vaccinations are mandatory by law for all dogs and cats in Ontario. That includes indoor cats too. Indoor cats usually get exposed to rabies when a bat gets inside the house, or when they accidentally get let outdoors.

Your indoor cat is an important family member. Why not ensure it gets the very best medical care, and help ensure it lives a long and happy life.

by: Louise Langlais-Burgess, D.V.M.
Hespeler Animal Hospital
210 Pinebush Road, Cambridge, ON
Tel.: (519) 740-7706