OG Anunoby Partners with Royal Canin to Promote Cat Vet Visits

OG Anunoby Advocates for Veterinary Care for Cats

In an effort to promote feline health and preventive care, basketball superstar OG Anunoby has teamed up with Royal Canin and VCA Animal Hospitals. This collaboration aims to raise awareness among cat owners about the importance of regular veterinary visits, especially in honor of National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day on August 22, 2026. Anunoby, a known pet health advocate, emphasizes that just like athletes benefit from regular check-ups, cats require routine medical attention to maintain their health.

Having previously initiated the successful 'OG's Starting Five' adoption program, Anunoby is taking his commitment to animal welfare further. Drawing on his personal experiences as a cat lover-in-training, Anunoby wants to enlighten pet owners about responsible ownership. He remarks, "Cats often conceal their discomfort, making regular veterinary assessments essential." The basketball player's platform allows him to reach a wide audience with this critical message about preventive care.

Recent data from Mars Veterinary Health showcases a notable disparity in veterinary visits between cats and dogs. In 2025, it was found that dogs represented a staggering 80% of total pets seen at U.S. veterinary facilities, while cats accounted for only about 20%. Furthermore, the average number of visits for cats was significantly lower—approximately two per year compared to nearly three for dogs. Royal Canin's General Manager Jennifer Cullen states, "Our partnership with OG Anunoby aims to tackle this awareness gap. We believe that nutrition and preventive veterinary care are key for cats' long, healthy lives."

Focusing on young adult cats (ages 1 to 3), the data reveals rising health concerns, with conditions such as dental disease and obesity starting to emerge during these formative years. Alarmingly, there was a 26% drop in veterinary visits from juvenile to young adulthood among cats. Specifically, during 2025, nearly 30% of young adult cats were found to have dental calculus, 10% were classified as overweight, and approximately 10% suffered from gingivitis.

Dr. Julia Georgesen, Chief Medical Officer at VCA Animal Hospitals, highlights the crucial role of routine preventive care in extending cats' lifespans. Regular visits not only enable early detection of problems but also allow for tailored health recommendations specific to each cat's needs. However, the current trends indicate that many cat owners do not prioritize regular veterinary check-ups.

In response, VCA Animal Hospitals is striving to make veterinary care more digestible and accessible through programs like CareClub Paws and Access plans, ensuring pets receive wellness care at every life stage. With references to the health benefits associated with routine check-ups emphasized heavily, owners are encouraged to act.

For more insights or to schedule an appointment, interested individuals can visit Royal Canin's website or contact their nearest VCA Animal Hospitals. Each small step, like scheduling an annual vet visit, can significantly impact the quality of life that our beloved feline companions lead, something OG Anunoby passionately supports.

About Royal Canin

Royal Canin, a leader in pet health nutrition, was founded in 1968. It aims to create custom nutritional solutions aimed at meeting the specific health needs of pets, reinforcing the message that tailored care can lead to better health outcomes.

About VCA Animal Hospitals

VCA cares for over four million pets annually, providing comprehensive veterinary services. As part of a larger commitment to improving pet health, VCA strives to leverage cutting-edge tools and training to meet the evolving needs of pet owners and their companions.

About Mars, Incorporated

Mars, Incorporated operates on principles that emphasize the future of pet care through innovation and responsible business practices, dedicating efforts toward both pet wellbeing and community support.