Importance of routine health examinations for cats and cat-friendly practices

Abstract

This review provides information on the importance of routine health examinations for cats and examines the role of cat-friendly clinic practices in reducing stress for feline patients during clinic visits. Cats instinctively hide their discomfort and illnesses, a behavior that aids survival in the wild. As such, preventive veterinary care is essential for their well-being. Educating cat owners about the importance of routine health examinations is crucial, as it leads to increased veterinary visits. Cats typically experience more stress than dogs during clinic visits, which can create challenging situations and potentially leave a negative impression on pet owners. Although the benefits of preventative health care for felines are well-established, barriers to veterinary care highlight the need for improvements in this area. The implementation of cat-friendly clinic practices and the expansion of accreditation programs in Turkey are expected to enhance the quality of veterinary care for feline patients by creating a more accommodating environment that meets their specific needs, thus reducing their stress and improving their experiences during routine health examinations and hospitalizations.