As a cat owner, your furry friend is a top priority and you want to ensure they have a happy and healthy life. Our expert veterinarians at O’Fallon are here to guide you on the optimal frequency for routine vet checkups and preventive care for your cat. Keep reading to learn more!
How often do cats need to go to the vet?
To ensure that your furry friend has a long and healthy life, preventing serious illnesses or catching them early when they're easier to treat is important. You can do this by regularly taking your cat to the vet. This allows your vet to keep an eye on your cat's overall health, spot any potential health issues early on, and recommend preventive care products that are best for your cat's needs.
We understand that the cost of routine checkups and preventive care may be a concern, especially if your cat appears to be in good health. However, being proactive and taking preventative measures for your cat's health can actually save you money in the long run by preventing the need for more costly treatments. At Gentle Doctor Animal Hospital, we're here to help you take the best possible care of your feline friend.
What is a cat checkup?
Regular wellness exams for your cat are important, just like humans going for a physical checkup. How often your cat needs to see the vet for an examination depends on their age, lifestyle, and overall health. For healthy adult cats, it's usually recommended to have an annual wellness exam. However, if your cat is a kitten, a senior, or has an underlying health condition, they may need to see their vet more frequently.
How often should kittens see a vet?
As a new kitten owner, it's important to prioritize your furry friend's health by taking them to the vet once a month if they are less than a year old. Your kitty's first vet visit should be at around 8 weeks old. During their first year, kittens need several rounds of vaccinations to protect them from common infectious diseases, such as Feline Leukemia and FVRCP. These vaccines safeguard your kitten from Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Feline Calicivirus, and Feline Panleukopenia, which are highly contagious and life-threatening feline diseases.
These vaccines are administered over approximately 16 weeks, providing your kitten with long-lasting protection. The timing of your kitten's vaccinations may vary depending on your location and your kitten's overall health. To prevent several diseases, undesirable behaviors, and unwanted litters of kittens, it's advisable to have your kitten spayed or neutered when they are between 5-6 months old, as recommended by our vets.
How often should middle-aged cats see a vet?
If you have a healthy adult cat aged between 1 to 10 years, it is recommended that you take them to the vet once a year for a routine checkup. Even if your cat seems perfectly healthy, these yearly physical exams can help detect early signs of diseases or issues like parasites, joint pain, or tooth decay. During the checkup, your veterinarian will conduct a thorough head-to-tail examination to ensure your cat's overall health.
They will also administer any necessary vaccines or booster shots and discuss your cat's diet and nutritional requirements. Additionally, they may recommend appropriate products to protect your cat from parasites. In case the vet identifies any potential health problems, they will explain their findings to you and suggest the next steps to take. Overall, annual cat checkups are essential to maintaining your furry friend's health and well-being.
How often should senior cats see a vet?
Cats are considered seniors when they reach 11 years old, and as they age, they become more prone to diseases and injuries. It's recommended to take your senior cat to the vet every six months for a wellness check-up, which includes additional diagnostic tests such as blood tests and urinalysis to catch early signs of health problems like kidney disease or diabetes. As your cat ages, joint pain may become an issue, so it's important to be proactive in keeping them comfortable. If you have a senior cat, ask your vet how often you should bring them in for a routine exam.
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.