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Healthy Cats: How to help your cat live all of its 9 lives
Did you know that cats outnumber dogs as pets in the U.S. by almost 10 million? Sure, they're popular pets – but it's not all good news. There are also more cats than dogs in animal shelters and in need of good homes, and studies show that cats are less likely to receive veterinary care than dogs.
That's where we come in – the AVMA and the CATalyst Council. Are cats loved less than dogs? No way. But the statistics do show that cat owners are more likely to assume that their cat doesn't need to see a vet – perhaps because they think that cats just don't get sick as often or need care for chronic conditions like gum disease or arthritis. So what are we doing about this? It all begins with education – making sure people are aware that cats need good homes and high-quality veterinary care. To that end, here are some resources for cat owners and veterinarians alike, about general health, wellness and welfare, to name a few of the topics we cover.
In addition, the CATalyst Council's Web site, www.catalystcouncil.org, provides many resources, including a cat owner's guide to optimum feline health. It's sort of an owner's manual for cats (although we all know the cats are pretty convinced they own us, not the other way around).
What can you do? One, if you choose to bring a cat into your life, consider adopting a shelter cat. Two, make sure your cat receives regular veterinary care to keep it healthy and happy. Three, be a responsible cat owner and provide for your cat's needs. The fourth one is easy: love your cat.
 General health and wellness resources for cat owners
Cat health and wellness resources for cat lovers and veterinarians, from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
 Cat ownership information
Cat ownership information and resources, from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
 Cat welfare
Cat welfare information and resources, from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
 AVMA policies related to cat health and welfare
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) policies related to cat health and welfare, for cat lovers and veterinarians.
 AVMA press releases related to cat health and welfare
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) press releases related to cat health and welfare.
 Cat-Related JAVMA News highlights
News related to cat health and wellness, from the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA).
 Scientific papers related to cat health and welfare, published in AVMA Collections
Scientific papers related to cat health and welfare, published in AVMA Collections.
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= AVMA/SAVMA Members Only
