The History of National Cat Health Month

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National Cat Health Month is a time for pet owners to be reminded that it’s essential to make sure that your cat is receiving the regular checkups that he needs to stay healthy. February is the official month for this unique cat-centric celebration of our furry friends. Although it’s the shortest month of the year, it provides us with four full weeks to take care of business and make sure that our pets receive the attention to their health that they require to live happy and healthy lives.

The purpose of National Cat Health Month

According to The Drake Center, February is designated as National Cat Health Month. Many veterinary care centers participate in this national event that promotes better health for cats. It’s a month that you are reminded to schedule an appointment for a medical examination. This is something that should occur at least once a year, or every six months if there are existing issues. This is the time when your cat will get a re-evaluation of his diet and exercise. It’s also a time when you’re encouraged to check out his dental health and ensure that he has received all of the necessary vaccinations. It’s the ideal time to give him parasite prevention medication as well as making sure that his living environment is enriched with toys, a comfortable place to sleep and lots of snuggle time with his pet parents.

The history of National Cat Health Month

The month of February is a time when we’re reminded about the important aspects of cat care, but it really goes back to antiquity. Cats have been treasured pets since the ancient Egyptian eras. Evidence of pet cats has been found in archaeological digs according to National Today. Cats served a practical purpose back then. They killed venomous snakes and protected Pharaohs. They were even mummified upon their death. The history of our reverence for cats goes back some 3000 years. Cats were taken on voyages across the seas and introduced to other cultures until cat ownership became a global phenomenon. They help to keep mice and rats from invading our farms and homes, but more than anything else, they are loyal and entertaining companions that give us unconditional love. Here is the timeline that National Cat Health Month observes as the official historical record of the movement. Cats are believed to have first been domesticated around the year 7500 BC in the Near East. They went from being highly revered pets to the most hated, then back in the limelight again. They had survived by Black Death plague of 1492, and although they were blamed for the epidemic and killed by mass numbers, they found their way back to popularity around the year 1600. In 1993 cats became the number one choice of housepets over dogs.

When was the first National Cat Health Month observed?

Although we were not able to find any supporting information about which organization founded the first National Cat Health Month, we were able to confirm that it’s been an ongoing tradition at least since the year 2009. Since then it has become a tradition to observe the month of February to turn our focus on the health and well-being of our beloved pets. This is a concentrated effort made by veterinary health care providers to remind pet owners that it is time to take their cats in for a checkup. If you get a reminder from your pet’s health care provider it’s to celebrate this very special month that can help us all to kick off the new year the right way for our pets.

How you can make a difference during National Cat Health Month

Whether you are currently a cat owner or not, you can still support the cause by observing National Cat Health Month and making a difference in the lives of cats around the nation. There are numerous rescue shelters with more cats than they can find homes for. If you have room in your home, your life, and your heart for a pet you can adopt a cat from one of these shelters and change his life forever. If you’re not in a position to adopt a needy cat, then the next best thing that you can do is to donate resources to those who are struggling to care for abandoned and unwanted cats. Donations of healthy foods, supplies, and even monetary donations can go a long way in helping them to properly care for these disadvantaged animals. Most shelters do their best to make sure that the cats living in their care receive medical screenings, a warm and safe place to stay, and nutritious daily feedings.

Final Thoughts

February is National Cat Health Month and it is the continuation of a tradition started several years ago. This is a great time to stop and think about our kitties’ health and consider whether there is more that we need to do to provide a safe and healthy environment for them. You can’t always tell by looking at a cat if he or she is having health problems. Although there are some signs to watch for, it takes a trained eye and often medical testing to issue a clean bill of health. It’s always best to seek the advice of a professional health care provider to make sure that there isn’t a small issue that could become more serious over time. We owe it to our cats to be vigilant about their health and to provide them with as many advantages as possible. Every pet has the right to a healthy and happy life. February is a time when we’re given a gentle reminder that it’s time to take action on their behalf.