VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital

Busting Cat Myths

On average, cats visit the veterinarian less than half as often as dogs. Many cat owners hold the belief that cats don’t require the same routine care as dogs or don’t get sick as often—and this cat myth is just not true! The natural behavior of cats is to hide disease and this is why one or two routine yearly visits to the veterinarian are critical to maintain your cat’s health.

While cats are healthier and tend to live longer when they live indoors, it is a common cat myth that indoor cats do not get sick. While outdoor cats are more susceptible to predators and trauma, both indoor and outdoor cats can be affected by infectious diseases. Insects carrying disease can come inside through open
windows and doors; soil and other debris carrying
disease may be tracked inside on an owner’s shoes
or from other pets that go outdoors. Additionally,
indoor cats can develop metabolic diseases
—meaning internally developed disease that
has nothing to do with exposure to the
outdoor environment.

cat training cat myths
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Specialty Care

Sometimes sick or injured pets need the care of a veterinary medical specialist. When that happens, VCA specialty hospitals work closely with the general practitioner veterinarians who refer cases to us in order to provide seamless veterinary care to your pet. When your pet is facing any kind of serious illness or injury, our specialty referral hospitals will provide the compassionate and expert care your beloved pet needs.

Our goal is to make sure that when you and your pet are in need that you have access to board certified specialists who are up to date on the very latest developments in their field. In our state of the art hospitals, our specialists also have access to the most sophisticated diagnostic and treatment tools and techniques from ultrasonography and endoscopy to CAT scans and even MRI.

We have over 40 specialty hospitals across the US so there may be one near you. Our specialized services include: behavior, cardiology, critical care, dentistry, dermatology, integrative medicine, internal medicine, neurology, oncology, ophthalmology, radiology, rehabilitation, reproduction, and surgery.

Find a VCA Specialty Care Animal Hospital near you:

 

See all VCA Animal Hospitals >

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Emergency Care

OUR EMERGENCY NUMBER - 703-823-3601

VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital is here for you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can count on our critical care team to be here when you need them the most.

Your pet's health deserves the finest care. Each member of our team strives for the advancement of veterinary medicine. When you bring your pet to us, you can be certain you will receive the dedication and compassion that makes our hospital stand out in patient care. 

Please call us at 703-823-3601 immediately if you believe your pet is experiencing an emergency.

Find out what might constitute an Emergencyor read more about our Services.

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