Royal Canin U.S. marked National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day on August 22 with survey findings that point to lingering myths about feline health, even as annual wellness visits increase. In a poll of 380 U.S. cat owners, 51 percent said cats are naturally self-sufficient and do not need much medical care, underscoring the gap between perceptions and preventive needs, according to the company.
Fewer than half of respondents strongly agreed they understand the health risks when cats do not receive regular veterinary care, and only one in two strongly agreed that cats should see the veterinarian as often as dogs. The company noted that cats can mask pain and illness, which makes problems harder for owners to detect without routine exams.
Views formed in kittenhood also influence long-term care. While 94 percent agreed early veterinary care is important, 41 percent said it is only necessary to visit the vet during the kitten stage. As cats age, about one in five owners reported going to the vet only when something seems wrong.
“Let this be a reminder to schedule a wellness checkup and advocate for your pet’s health,” said Racquel White, vice president of corporate affairs at Royal Canin North America. The company framed the findings as a call for consistent preventive care across all life stages.