National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day - August 22, 2024

National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day reminds us how much we love our friendly, furry, kitty companions.

In fact, we love them even if they’re not that furry — or friendly, for that matter! And since we’re responsible for their health and wellbeing (they can’t very well make an appointment to see the vet on their own,) we appreciate August 22 a lot.

From insightful and interesting tidbits on feline anatomy and history — to some choice gifts you can score in honor of our beloved cats, we’ve got what you need to know. Let’s have a look right meow — ahem, right now!

Veterinary education came to the U.S.

The Iowa Agricultural College (now Iowa State University) became the first land-grant institution of higher learning in the United States to establish a veterinary school.

1844

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons established

The United Kingdom's Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons still exists to this day. It regulates veterinary surgeons and monitors standards.

1762

The first veterinary school founded

Claude Bourgelat observed that the cattle plague was killing French herds. So, he gave up a law career and opened a veterinary college in Lyon, France.

3200 B.C.

The first veterinarians began practicing

Archaeological evidence indicates that veterinary procedures were performed during the Neolithic period, around the time cats became domesticated.

7500 B.C.

Cat domestication got underway

Legend tells us that cats domesticated themselves by abandoning their wild behavior for human companionship.

5 Purrfectly Incredible Facts About Cats

They sleep — a lot

Cats spend between 12 and 16 hours a day sleeping.

Longest cat, ever

According to the Guinness World Records, the longest domestic cat ever was a Maine Coon that measured 48.5 inches long.

Purring has multiple meanings

Cats purr when they're content, but also when they're feeling stressed.

There's no place like home

In 2013, a cat found its way home to Florida, traveling 200 miles after being lost for two months.

National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day Activities

Spay or neuter your kitty

These procedures not only keep the feline population in check but they also help ensure your kitty's life will be a long and healthy one. Cats that are spayed or neutered are less likely to wander away from home. Furthermore, spaying your cat means she's less likely to develop uterine infections or breast tumors. And neutering your tom protects him from testicular cancer and prostate problems.

Implant a microchip

This simple procedure provides cat owners with a little peace of mind. Microchips are mini-transponders, typically the size of a grain of rice. Your vet implants one in your kitty's skin, usually near the shoulder blades. No anesthesia is required, and the implant should last the rest of your cat's life.

Keep regular vet appointments

You know when your pet needs a trip to the vet. But sometimes it's easy to forget such an important task. That's why you should make regular vet appointments for your cat. You'll feel better, and your cat will get the care it deserves.

Why We Love National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day

They make us happy — we keep them healthy

Cats are one of the world's most popular pets — and have been for many thousands of years. We take them to the vet once a year (at least) to make sure they're healthy.

Cats have 1 life (not 9)

Kitty's acrobatics, ability to escape, and the old saying that they have nine lives may make our feline companions seem invincible. But they're not. They need us — and the vet — to take care of them.

Doc knows best

Our veterinarians can keep us informed about what treatments and shots our cats need. Plus, vets keep us up-to-date on medical alerts and recalled foods that may affects our cats.

Also on Thu Aug 22, 2024...