You adore your cat and strive to ensure they enjoy a long, healthy life by your side. Today, our Mooresville vets will discuss when and how often you should be taking your cat to the vet for routine check-ups and preventive care.
How often do you take a cat to the vet?
Ensure your kitty enjoys a long and healthy life by preventing serious illnesses or catching them early for easier treatment.
Regularly bringing your cat to the vet allows your veterinarian to monitor your kitty's overall well-being and physical health actively. They can watch for the earliest signs of disease and offer recommendations for preventive care products that best suit your feline friend.
We understand that the potential cost of routine check-ups and preventive care can be concerning, especially if your feline friend seems healthy. However, taking a proactive, preventive approach to your cat or kitten's health may ultimately save you money on more expensive treatments in the future.
What is a cat check-up?
Bringing your cat to the vet for routine wellness exams is similar to taking them to the doctor for a physical check-up. Like humans, the frequency of your cat's physical examination depends on its age, lifestyle, and overall health.
We typically advise annual wellness exams for healthy adult cats. However, kittens, senior cats, and those with underlying health issues should visit their vet more frequently.
How often should kittens see a vet?
If your kitten is under a year old, we recommend taking it to the vet once a month, starting around eight weeks old.
Throughout their first year, kittens need multiple rounds of vaccinations to protect them from common infectious diseases. They should receive the Feline Leukemia vaccine and the FVRCP vaccine, guarding against three highly contagious and potentially fatal feline diseases: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FHV-1), Feline Calicivirus (FCV), and Feline Panleukopenia (FPL).
Your kitten will receive these vaccines over approximately 16 weeks, significantly contributing to their lifelong health.
The timing of your kitten's vaccinations will depend on your location and your furry friend's overall health.
Our vets recommend spaying or neutering your kitten between 5 and 6 months old to prevent various diseases, undesirable behaviors, and unwanted litters.
How often should middle-aged cats see a vet?
We advise scheduling an annual exam for healthy adult cats aged between one and ten. It's important to bring them in even if they seem perfectly healthy.
During the routine exam, your vet will conduct a thorough head-to-tail examination to detect early signs of diseases or other issues, such as parasites, joint pain, or tooth decay.
Additionally, your veterinarian will administer any necessary vaccines or booster shots and discuss your cat's diet and nutritional needs. They'll also recommend suitable parasite protection products.
If any health issues are detected, your vet will explain their findings and suggest the necessary next steps.
How often should senior cats see a vet?
Cats typically reach senior status at 11 years of age. Due to the increased prevalence of feline diseases and injuries in senior cats, we advise scheduling vet visits every six months for your senior companion.
Your geriatric cat's biannual wellness check-ups will encompass all necessary examinations and guidance, alongside additional diagnostic tests to provide further insights into your cat's overall health.
Recommended diagnostic tests for senior cats include blood tests and urinalysis to detect early signs of conditions like kidney disease or diabetes.
Geriatric cat care also involves a proactive approach to ensuring your feline friend's comfort as age-related issues like joint pain become more frequent. If you have a senior cat, consult your vet regarding the frequency of routine exams for your pet.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.