The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and the Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FelineVMA) have developed the Feline Lifestage Guidelines to help veterinarians and cat owners keep cats healthy and happy. All medical professionals are increasing their reliance on scientifically grounded clinical guidelines like these to improve patient health, quality of care, and quality of life. Veterinarians recognize the usefulness of these guidelines in elevating the standard of care they provide for their feline patients.
We know that most cats do not receive the level of veterinary care that they need and deserve, mostly because they do not visit their veterinarian frequently enough. These cats are missing out on regular wellness care and, in turn, their owners are not taking advantage of professional health guidance from their veterinarians, which can help extend cats’ lives.
How will these guidelines benefit my cat?
Preventive care and early intervention in diseases provide well-established and well-accepted benefits in human medicine and human dentistry. Now that cats are living longer, they are developing age-related illnesses and issues, such as osteoarthritis, kidney disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and cancer.
"Now that cats are living longer, they are developing age-related illnesses and issues."
Your veterinary healthcare team plays an essential role in maintaining your cat’s health and wellness. Part of their goal is to help you understand the importance of preventing diseases or at least catching them early, when they are more manageable. The guidelines provide a coherent and straightforward plan that promotes prevention and early intervention, which can ultimately help cats live longer and healthier lives.
How are these guidelines different from what I find on the internet?
The Feline Lifestage Guidelines reflect the best available scientific and clinical information for enhancing your cat’s health and quality of life at various life stages. This information is often challenging for pet owners to find on their own. In addition, the guidelines translate evidence-based medicine into everyday, actionable best practices, empowering veterinary healthcare teams and cat owners to work together in the cat’s best interest.
What preventive healthcare guidelines apply to my cat?
The guidelines recommend that all cats receive a complete veterinary examination at least once a year, although many cats should be seen more frequently, depending on their individual needs and health concerns. The visit should include a review of the cat’s recent history, lifestyle, life stage, activities of daily living, general behavior, and diet. The physical examination should include a dental assessment, pain assessment, and body condition scoring.
Will every visit with my veterinarian be the same for my cat?
Each visit will be different for several reasons. Medical knowledge and understanding of disease prevalence and processes is constantly expanding. The Feline Lifestage Guidelines are designed to be modified and updated as newer information about keeping cats healthy becomes available.
In addition, veterinarians already understand that, as cats age, their needs change, and their risk for various diseases increases. Kittens have different preventive health care needs than young adults, and senior cats have their own unique needs.
Year to year, the details of a cat’s veterinary visits will change, but the underlying emphasis will remain the same: maximizing our feline companions’ health, wellness, and quality of life.
