The pet health nutrition company is calling on cat owners to schedule their annual veterinary visit

ST. LOUIS, Aug. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- An increasing number of cat owners are visiting their veterinarian and recognize the value of preventive care, but many myths around feline health still exist. A recent survey by ROYAL CANIN^® U.S., a global leader in pet health nutrition and one of the billion-dollar brands of Mars, Incorporated, featuring 380 U.S. cat owners found that while frequency of wellness visits at least once a year are up from 2023¹, about half of cat owners surveyed (51%) still believe cats are naturally self-sufficient and don't need much medical care. In honor of National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day on Aug. 22, Royal Canin is sharing insights around the facts and fiction impacting feline veterinary health at all stages of life.

The frequency and priority of preventive care for cats is impacted by ongoing myths and misconceptions. Less than half of cat owners strongly agree that they are familiar with the health risks cats face when they don't receive regular veterinary care, while only 1 in 2 cat owners strongly agree that cat owners should visit the veterinarian as often as dogs should. Cats can often hide signs of pain and illness as a protection instinct, which can make it difficult for owners to recognize when additional care is needed.

Pet owner perceptions around annual and preventive care begins with kittens at start of life. Most cat owners know and agree that kittens need early care, but some don't feel veterinary care is necessary once their cat gets older. Nearly all cat owners (94%) agree that early veterinary care is important for a cat's long-term health and wellbeing, but 2 in 5 (41%) only feel it's only necessary to take their cat to the vet when they're a kitten. After kittenhood and as cats continue to age, approximately 1 in 5 cat owners decide to only take their cat to the vet only when something seems wrong.  

"While cats are important parts of owners' lives and families, misconceptions about the level of care needed impacts our conversations around feline health and the priority of routine veterinary appointments," said Racquel White, vice president of corporate affairs, Royal Canin North America. "Let National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day be your reminder to schedule a wellness checkup and to advocate for your pet's health."

To celebrate National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day and to learn more about feline health, visit https://www.royalcanin.com/us/cats or https://www.instagram.com/royalcaninus/.

1. Veterinary Practice News, July 2023

About ROYAL CANIN^®

ROYAL CANIN^® is part of the Royal Canin Division in the Mars, Incorporated group, and a global leader in Health Through Nutrition for cats and dogs fulfilling its Purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS. Founded in 1968 by French veterinarian, Dr. Jean Cathary, ROYAL CANIN^® designs precise, science-based nutrition for cats and dogs available at pet specialty retailers and veterinary practices worldwide.

Over the years, ROYAL CANIN^® has pushed the limits of nutrition and knowledge in partnership with pet professionals, including breeders and veterinarians. Its unique business approach puts the nutritional requirements of cats and dogs at the heart of innovation. Pet's age, lifestyle, size, breed, and sensitivities are studied through science and observation to produce diets that meet their specific needs.

ROYAL CANIN^® generates value not only for pets, but also for people and the planet. This means being mutually beneficial to the ecosystem, empowering Associates, building enduring relationships with stakeholders, and always thinking about how to ensure a viable future for generations to come.

To learn more about ROYAL CANIN^®, visit www.royalcanin.com

About MARS, INCORPORATED
Mars, Incorporated is driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. As an approximately $55bn, family-owned business with 150,000 Associates, our diverse portfolio of leading pet care products and veterinary services serve pets all around the world and our quality snacking and food products delights millions of people every day. We produce some of the world's best-loved brands including ROYAL CANIN®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, CESAR®, DOVE®, EXTRA®, M&M'S®, SNICKERS® and BEN'S ORIGINAL™. Our international networks of pet hospitals, including BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, VCA™ and ANICURA™ deliver high quality veterinary care and ANTECH ™ offers breakthrough capabilities in pet diagnostics. For more information about Mars, please visit https://www.mars.com/. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

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SOURCE Royal Canin