Cat lover and actress Kat Dennings has teamed up with Royal Canin, a global leader in cat nutrition, to encourage cat owners across the United States to pledge to take their cats to the veterinarian every year. Veterinarian and reality TV star Dr. Diarra Blue and kitten rescue and humane educator Hannah Shaw (Kitten Lady) have joined Kat for the campaign and public service announcement to get the message out to all cat parents that even though cats may seem healthy, they need regular wellness visits with their veterinarian.
We all know that cats are masters at hiding symptoms of illness or injury – and that’s why it’s so important that cats go to the veterinarian on a regular basis.
Now in its sixth year, Royal Canin’s Take Your Cat to the Vet initiative helps raise awareness about this important issue of cat health and help break down the barriers that prevent cats from going to the vet more often and improve cats’ overall well-being.
I had the chance to have a chat with Kat about the initiative as well as the wonderful world of cats!
Catster: Tell us about the Royal Canin partnership.
Kat: I’ve always loved cats. I am obsessed with my 8-year-old cat, Millie, and it’s super important for me to learn about her health during each stage of her life. In fact, staying curious about her health is how I found out about Royal Canin. I love everything they advocate for surrounding cat health, fostering and more. When I learned about Royal Canin’s Take Your Cat to the Vet initiative, it was an automatic win for me. Unfortunately, in the United States, half of all cats don’t receive veterinary care regularly. I want to help change that because cats are amazing and deserve the best and longest life possible! Even when they’re acting normal or healthy, it doesn’t mean there aren’t underlying issues. Taking cats to the vet regularly will help cat owners understand their pet’s needs, habits and the signs that something may be wrong. That’s why Royal Canin and I are asking everyone to sign the pledge to take their cats to the vet every year. Take the pledge at www.royalcanin.com/cathealth!
Tell us about your cat, Millie. How has she made an impact on your life?
Millie has been a massive part of my life ever since I adopted her. She has also been a rock for me during the past year and a half during the pandemic and during so many ups and downs in my life. The bond we have has encouraged me to stay curious about her health and make her veterinary appointments a top priority.
Have you been a cat lover all your life?
Yes! I’ve always been a huge animal lover, especially cats! I’ve always been active in the cat community – especially when it comes to fostering. When working with Royal Canin on the PSA, they had two kittens on set. The cat handler on set told me they were up for adoption, and I knew I had to help. The kittens got their happy ending and have moved into a permanent home!
How do you give back to the animal community?
Fostering is a huge passion point of mine – every year, thousands of motherless kittens are at risk of death on the streets and in animal shelters. Without a mother to care for them, kittens can’t survive without specialized care. Through the partnership with Royal Canin, I did a PSA to support Orphan Kitten Club’s Mightycat grant program. Orphan Kitten Club funds the care and protection of neonatal kittens, a first of its kind. The grant allows organizations that are dedicated to saving kittens’ lives continue their important work. They’ve done some really incredible things to save these most vulnerable felines!
What do you love the most about cats?
I love the joy cats can bring. They provide us with comfort, friendship and unconditional love. They are also REALLY cute.
Do you have any plans for the future as far as animal welfare?
I hope to keep using my platform to help as many animals get adopted as possible!