August 22nd is “Take Your Cat to the Vet Day.” This day was created to help give cat owners a reminder that their feline family members need to have routine checkups just as much as their canine and human counterparts.

The world loves grumpy cats (just ask Grumpy Cat herself). We tend to think of our feline friends as sassy, independent, and apathetic creatures—and for many cat lovers, that low-key attitude is all just a part of their charm. But are our cats really unhappy? In honor of Happy Healthy Cat Month, here are six ways you’ll know if your cat is living his best life (even if he’ll never admit it).

One popular myth about cats is they’re happiest having the freedom to go outside. This is far from the truth. There are many cats who are born and raised indoors who have no interest in going outside and would panic if they found themselves on the wrong side of the door.

Did you know you can get clues about how your pet is feeling just by looking at his/her tongue or feeling his/her pulse?

Sometimes it seem as if there’s a battery of vaccinations, especially if your cat is young and you may wonder if they’re all necessary.

Truth is, veterinarians generally divide cat vaccinations into “core” and “noncore” vaccines and the “core” ones are certainly needed as part of your cat’s health protocol. For example, the rabies vaccine is legally required around the country. Which is a good thing because you wouldn’t want your kitty facing a rabid creature -- at all, but certainly not without protection.

Congratulations on the adoption of your new pet!  We are thrilled that you decided to adopt a pet from the shelter and save a life! 

When a dog or cat is adopted from the shelter, he/she is most likely current on vaccines, has been spayed or neutered and has been microchipped.  The shelters work hard to make adopting a pet as easy as possible.  However, it is still very important to follow up with your veterinarian soon after adoption.