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Healthy Cats are Happy Cats #GetHealthyHappy


What cat likes going to the vet? Can I see a show of paws? Hmmm, Waffles may be the only one. I’m gonna bet that not too many dogs like going to the vet either. This is a big problem for pet parents who love their pets and don’t like to see them stressed but know that the only way to catch illness early is by annual vet visits. That’s why Hill’s has started the #GetHealthyHappy campaign and I’m honored to be promoting it.


I know some of you may decide that Fluffy or Fido are fine and that maybe you’ll skip this year’s visit. You may think they’re happy and you may think you’re saving money but you’re wrong on both accounts. To back me up, the American Pet Products Association’s National Pet Owner Survey for 2013-2014 found that emergency and illness vet visits can be $50-$200 more expensive than a routine wellness visit. Cat owners reported routine visits average $193, illness visits $248 and emergency visits cost $393 on average. You can do the math.

Hill’s has some important tips for making the trip to the vet easier on you and your human. TW always gets the PTU out days in advance so I get used to it and take naps on top of it. Since they don’t have a car, they can’t take me for regular drives so I get used to cruising down the highway in my PTU. I’m good about getting into the PTU cos I love my blue towel. If you aren’t, your human can put a favorite toy or some kibble inside to lure you in. Yeah, I sound like a traitor but you’ll thank me for adding some years onto your life. If you’re really stressed, there are mobile vets who will come to your house although some may not be equipped to do extensive work like blood workups, x-rays, etc.

TW hasn’t been to the doctor in almost two years. Unfortunately I can’t stick her into a box and force her to go. If I hadn’t been to the vet in two years, it would be the equivalent of 10 human years. I’ll admit I haven’t always been a good patient and we missed a visit mainly because my first vet mishandled and almost killed me. We had to find another vet, which isn’t easy up here in Little Cuba. Finding a vet who spoke English, who we trusted and who specialized in cats was next to impossible. Still the peeps were not gonna bring me back to Hoboken.

Two years ago, we started going to the Secaucus Animal Hospital and this year I met Dr. D. Not only does she love cats but she keeps in touch with me through social media. I know if I’m having a problem like I was with “aggression" recently, I can message her and she’ll reply. That means no unnecessary long cab rides and less stress on me.

I axed Dr. D., resident vet at the Secaucus Animal Hospital, to share some of her wisdom about why cats need annual exams. She stresses that “cats are far more likely to hide a serious or chronic illness compared to dogs. Cats need annual exams to make sure their teeth are in good shape for biting, their hearts are in good shape for purring, their bellies are in good shape for eating and their skin is in good shape for petting.” She ends with this advice for my furrends: “Tell your peeps to take you to the vet at least once a year!"

As Dr. D. notes, serious illness don’t always present noticeable symptoms. A vet’s trained eye is needed which means I will be coming face to face with Dr. D. many times in the coming years. I will not become a statistic like the 26 percent of dogs and 17 percent of cats who only go to the vet when they are sick. I am not one of the 28 percent of cats who only went to the vet because of illness in the past 12 months.

Watch this short video on three easy ways to keep your pet healthy and happy narrated by Dr. Ashley Gallagher, who also has an informative blog you may want to follow. Dr. Gallagher is a vet at the Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, DC.


I am Stunning Keisha and I deserve, no, I demand the best care and that includes getting forced into a PTU to visit Dr. D. I said when I was first adopted that I’m gonna live 36 years and regular vet checkups will ensure I’m happy and healthy for that length of time. I want to be here to enjoy Pop’s retirement 4 years from now. We’re cats—aren’t we worth it?

Now my assistant, LaTasha, will tell you how you can enter to win $100 toward your next vet checkup.


Or if you prefer, this graphic provided by Hills will give you the information. Click the graphic or here for the form.

© Hill’s Pet Nutrition

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Hill’s and the Blogpaws Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight Food, but Stunning Keisha only shares information I feel is relevant to my readers. Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.

Would you like to comment?

  1. Um, I guess I'm the only kitty who thinks I'm at a weird kind of cat show when I go to the vet, 'cause when I go I do all my show moves! You probably think I'm totally privileged and spoiled because of my background, but I am going to try to work as hard as Sparkle (who had a pretty nice pedigree herself) to help less fortunate kitties!

    BTW, my human says thank you for your caring and kind words after Sparkle was gone. She misses her lots.

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  2. I like going to da vet - I even roll over for belly rubs. Da vetman luvs me too - he has even volunteered multiple times to take me if momma ever decides she don't want me. Like dat are gonna happen. Get in line vetman.

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  3. Well your vet is definitely right - cats love to hide their sickies! Great post CK. You've got some good tips about the PTU too.

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  4. Yikes we don't like going to the blood stealers but she insists and I have to say even the treats don't make up for it. Ho hum at least it is only once a year paws crossed. Have a marvellous Monday.
    Best wishes Molly

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  5. You're totally right, CK. We hide it when we are sick as long as we can, because we don't want to have to get in a PTU and go to the vet.

    Finding a vet your peeps trust and having a good relationship with them really helps, even when your peeps have to turn the sofa upside down to get hold of you for the trip to to vet. (By "you" we mean "Ashton.")

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  6. I don't mind being AT the vet - it's getting TO the vet I hate. I will not....NOT.....get in my PTU. It's 14 years old and never been used thanks to my putting my foot (paw?) down and saying NO WAY. That's why I'm harness trained! The car ride is what does me in. I hate being in the car. Once I'm at the vet - I'm good as gold. We agree that no matter what - it's important to get those regular check ups - that's how we found out I have hyperthyroidism - rather common in cats my age. It was VERY important to start my meds to help me.

    Thanks for the reminder CK!
    Paws up!

    Hugs, Sammy

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  7. Very well said CK..we are super vigilant about taking the girls to the vets..and the pups..and the girls are not too bad..a bit of singing the song of their peeps but that's it..they get quite curious at the vets but not stressed..we took Marbles when we found a lump..next day...it was her rib...we have been watching her diet and she had finally lost a little weight..she was give early her yearly check an vac's diagnosed with having a rib (felt like idiots) and we took her home :) hugs Fozziemum xx

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  8. Sadly, The Staff always makes sure I go to the vet far too often!! She is OCD about it!

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  9. Great info, CK. We don't like going to the vet, but the mom drags us at least once a year...if not more.

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  10. That's so great that you found a nice vet who understands how special you are (and all kitties, too)! I think maybe you can clicker train TW to get into a box! hee hee!
    Your pals,
    Diane and Rocco

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  11. I must have a special kitty because her loves car rides. Guess I should mention that she thinks she is a dog.I agree that kitties should be seen yearly. Its a annual checkup nothing bad and we all get hamburgers or ice cream afterwards.

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  12. Very wise advice CK. The vet here is an hour and a half away so we only use him for emergencies. We go to the traveling clinic once a year for shots and check ups.

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  13. You are so right, CK. Regular checkup is so important to catch illness early.
    It's hard to find a good vet but glad you found Dr. D. She sounds very good vet!

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  14. Fantastic and informative post, CK. I always love your graphics SO much :)

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  15. Great advice, CK!
    As much as I hate to say it... I think I'm about do for my bi-annual visit.
    I hope they have their protective gloves ready.

    ; ) Katie

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  16. That was really great CK! We all love our Vet so we don't mind getting checked. Now that car ride is something else all together.

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  17. Great post CK you're absolutely right all kitties need their annual visit and even though it's not fun for most of us we can handle it pretty well. But wise words no doubt about it!

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  18. Ck....thiz bee a grate post N may bee if de kitteh iz two stressed bee for goin two de vet; or pup, bunnee, etc...a wee glass or CK merlot will help calm thoze nerves a way...couldna hurt rite !! ♥

    N yes, we meen for de peepulz N de petz ☺☺

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  19. I am very good to go in the PTU, but I sing my warrior songs all the way to the vet and back again. I went last week and they shaved my throat and stole my blood.

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  20. Good job CK - unfortunately for me. Sigh. My peeps take me to the vet at least once a year, and lately it's once a month for the diet i'm on. I don't like it much, even tho I get a treat when I come home. It's the idea of being forced to go somewhere. The people are very kind to me. i have no real complaints, I just don't like it.

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  21. You got that right, CK. We kitties are good at hiding our illnesses. That's why meowmeowmans and Mom take us for regular check ups and stuff. They even weigh us every week. Yikes.

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  22. The Human would gladly fork over the green papers to take me every year or even more often . . .if I were a more, um, normal kitty. As it is, once I get into a carrier I turn into DEVIL CAT and growl and spit and hiss and have to be sedated every time I go, which is not awfully good for me. I was there in May for my, uh, posterior problem (the gland issue). The Human does keep and eagle eye on me and at least now she knows she can catch me and shove me in da box when she has to. We have pondered a house call and might try it one of these days -- I don't like strangers, but it might be better than being carted around like an old salami. Sigh.
    Lubs you, XOXOXOXO

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  23. Very good advice, CK ! We don't like when Mum takes us to regular check-ups, but we know it's for our good (we just forget that part on the D-Day...) Purrs

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  24. When my cat suffered from a heart condition, I was actually adviced not to take him to the vet too often, because the stress might kill him :-(

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  25. Meez glad yous like yous VET, meez likes Dr. C even tho' meez gives hims a hawd time when meez in hims office. MOL It's vewy pawtant to see da VET to stay helffy so me dusn't weally mind.

    Luv ya'

    Dezi

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  26. Excellent post and we are so happy you have a great Vet, CK. I am great at the Vet, they usually love me...but I HATE travelling there, I get panic attacks and the whole nine yards..

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  27. Great post CK! Mom takes us all at least once a year and keeps in touch with our Vet with any questions. Mom is a huge believer in preventative care too!
    Marty

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  28. Awesome post! I really enjoyed reading this and appreciate your tips. Half of my animals don't mind going to a vet, and the other half drag their feet (paws). It's the same with me when I have to go to a Dr., I guess. I never enjoy it. Thanks for sharing!

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