Ben Madilynn
From “Adopt a Shelter Cat Month” to the heartwarming “Hug Your Cat Day” on June 4 – and the hilarious “Cat World Domination Day” on June 24 – June is all about recognizing the companionship and joy that cats bring into our lives.
It’s also the purr-fect time to expand your knowledge about cat care to ensure their optimal wellbeing and comfort.
Whether you’ve loved many cats in your life or you’re thinking of adding your first feline friend to your family, Nationwide created the Pet HealthZone, a free online resource featuring 11 cat breeds and over 100 dog breeds. From the majestic Maine Coon to the sleek Sphynx, the Pet HealthZone offers detailed profiles of each breed, shedding light on their unique characteristics, temperaments, and healthcare needs. For prospective cat parents, this resource can serve as a roadmap, guiding them towards a breed that aligns with their lifestyle and preferences.
Written and edited by a team of veterinarians and breed experts, the Pet HealthZone is a trustworthy resource for veteran and newbie cat parents alike. What truly sets it apart is the health information, drawn from claims data from nearly half a million cats. This wealth of information allows cat owners to make informed decisions about their pet’s well-being, from healthcare to lifestyle choices.
Stay Ahead of Feline Health Issues
Start by visiting your cat’s breed page, then locate the Health Planner, which includes three high-risk conditions for each life stage. Taking note of the conditions in each stage – and observing their progression throughout your cat’s life – can offer valuable clues to watch for in your cat’s health. For example:
- Domestic Medium Hair kittens have a moderate risk (2-3x higher than all other cats) of having a foreign body ingestion, which makes sense since curious kitties may put things in their mouths. So monitor this behavior carefully. (Good news, though! As they mature, their risk lowers to be about the same as all other cats, so it seems most learn their lesson while they’re young.)
- Maine Coons start to develop above-average risk for cardiomyopathy, a serious heart condition, in their young adult years (ages 2-6). That risk continues to grow as they age, and by the time they reach senior status at age 11, their risk is more than 4x higher than all other cat breeds. So it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the early signs and be proactive in discussing the risk with your cat’s veterinary healthcare team.
Familiarize yourself with signs that might indicate your pet may be experiencing a health problem, including some that may seem vague (like coughing or open-mouth breathing, which can indicate heart disease) or unexpected (like hyperactivity). One Nationwide veterinarian reported treating an arthritic cat named Buzz whose only symptom was that he had mysteriously licked all the fur off his elbows. Cats (and dogs) often lick painful areas, and it turns out poor Buzz was licking to try and soothe his sore joints.
You can also do deeper dives into those conditions, with pages devoted to each that include signs to watch for, what might happen at the vet, and prevention tips. Make sure to check out the top 5 most common feline claims Nationwide saw in 2023:
Fun for the Feline Family
The Pet HealthZone isn’t just about sharing health info, though. You’ll also find fun facts, a quiz to discover out how unique your cat is (ever wondered how many other felines share their same name?) and lots more:
- Grooming tips, including when you should be concerned about your cat’s coat
- Enrichment ideas to keep cats happy and active indoors
- Ways to encourage appropriate scratching behaviors
- Best practices for litter box selection and placement
As we embrace the spirit of June’s feline festivities, let us not only shower our cats with affection but also equip ourselves with the knowledge and resources to ensure their long and healthy lives. With the Nationwide Pet HealthZone at your fingertips, you embark on a journey of understanding and appreciation for the diverse and enchanting world of cats.
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