Pet Health & Wellness

For generations of cat lovers and veterinary professionals, three letters brought devastating news: FIP. Feline infectious peritonitis develops when a common feline coronavirus mutates inside an individual cat, causing an inflammatory disease that can affect the stomach, chest, nervous system or other organs. It occurs most often in young cats, and until recently, there was little veterinarians could do to stop it. “FIP had a very high fatality rate,” explained Animal League America Chief of Veterinary Staff Dr. Mark Verdino. “Now however, we can treat it.” That remarkable change is giving cats like Crayon and Violet a future.

February is widely recognized as American Heart Month, a national campaign to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease in people. But it’s also the perfect time to focus on the hearts beating quietly beside us every day — our dogs and cats.

August is National Pet Immunization Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of vaccinations and to encourage pet owners to ensure their animals are up to date on all immunizations. Vaccines protect not only individual pets but also the health of the entire pet community.

With each new year, many of us reflect on goals to improve our lives. Why not extend that opportunity for positive change to our pets? New Year’s resolutions aren’t just for humans — they can be a fun and impactful way to ensure our furry family members live their happiest, healthiest lives. Here are some ideas to inspire resolutions tailored for your pet's well-being.