Pet care: Secretly sick. Don’t let your cat fool you

Do you examine your cat’s mouth? That would mean putting him on a table under a bright light with an assistant gently holding his shoulders as you slowly open his mouth big enough to see all of his teeth. Actually, about the only time that really happens is during the annual physical exam. What? Your cat doesn’t see the doctor every year? Mmmm. Well, don’t feel bad. Pretty much everybody hates going to the doctor.

There is a widespread disinformation campaign, surely promulgated by our cats, that they need little in the way of medical care. Nonsense! They are lying because they’re scared. Other than hiding their illnesses, kitties are no different from the rest of us. They aren’t programmed to fuss and belly ache because it would expose them as vulnerable to predators.

A study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association established a strong link between chronic dental disease and kidney failure. Examining the medical records of 169,242 cats over a 12-year span, researchers found the risk greatest in those with more advanced periodontal disease. The giveaway was that two-thirds of the cats in this massive group had no gum disease. They stayed healthier and lived longer.

The kidneys of all cats wear out as they age, making failure of these vital organs the leading cause of death in feline seniors. If I were a cat (my litter pan habits suggest that I may be), I would want a pain-free, healthy mouth and a long life.

I also study behavioral research. You can bet that most cats who freak out in the veterinary clinic were inadvertently frightened during an earlier visit. This species is very good at “one-event learning.”

Does your cat hate the veterinary staff? Have you caught her posting on anti-veterinarian social media sites? Kitties can be easily frightened; they desperately need gentle handling. Veterinarians who are Fear Free certified have the training and compassion to help you and your cat stay happy together longer. Go to fearfreepets.com to find one near you.

For help with behavior problems, you can sign up for a Zoom group conference at drjeffnichol.com

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