Preventive Care Tailored for Indoor Cats: Why Lifestyle Matters at Dupont
We all know that the life of an outdoor cat is inherently risky—especially one that’s semi-feral. But if you assume indoor cats are safe from most health risks because they’re not outdoor cats, you’d only be partially correct.
There’s a different set of issues that can affect indoor cats, from obesity to diabetes. Because of this, indoor cat wellness hinges on preventive and lifestyle-based veterinary care. Here’s what Dupont Veterinary Clinic wants you to know about caring for your indoor kitties.
Indoor Cats: The Unique Health Risks
Indoor cats tend to avoid hazards like cars and wild predators (or dogs), which plague our outdoor feline friends. But they face their own sets of challenges, from dental disease and weight gain to urinary tract issues and stress-related behaviors.
For example, the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) reports that more than half of all indoor cats in the United States are overweight. This puts these kitties at risk of developing issues like diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease.
So, what’s a pet parent to do?
Stay proactive when it comes to lifestyle-based vet care, that’s what.
The Best Feline Preventive Care
Lifestyle-based vet care means understanding your cat’s risks and using lifestyle changes to help prevent them before they happen.
For instance, if your pet tends to love chowing down on kibble, you may want to emphasize appropriate portions and daily exercise. If your pet’s breed is predisposed to certain health conditions, taking proactive steps to lower their risk is key.
This is where preventive care comes in. Veterinary preventive care establishes a baseline for your cat’s health. With routine, annual or biannual visits, your vet uses updated bloodwork and physical exams to compare your cat’s baseline health to her current health and identify any risk areas.
Lifestyle-based care also means paying attention to your kitty’s daily habits. Make note of what’s normal when it comes to litterbox use, hydration, nutrition, and exercise. If your cat starts showing unusual behaviors, keep track of when they happen. Then, contact your vet for further assistance.
If your veterinarian offers tailored cat health plans, any changes speak volumes and go a long way toward keeping your kitty healthy.
Indoor Cat Wellness Plans in Fort Wayne, Indiana
For indoor cat wellness in Fort Wayne, the caring team at Dupont Veterinary Clinic offers personalized health plans. Our focus is on lifestyle-based wellness and prevention—we want to see your cat long before any risks turn into realities. Reach out to get started with your feline family member’s unique health care plan.
Call us at (260) 637-7676 to schedule an appointment today.