You adore your cat and aim to ensure they enjoy a long and healthy life with you. Today, our veterinarians in Murfreesboro share the recommended frequency for taking your cat to the vet for regular check-ups and preventive care.
How often do you take a cat to the vet?
Ensuring your kitty enjoys a long and healthy life involves preventing serious illnesses or detecting them early when they're easier to treat.
Regularly taking your cat to the vet allows your veterinarian to monitor your kitty's overall well-being and physical health, look out for the earliest signs of disease, and suggest appropriate preventive care products for your feline friend.
We recognize that the potential cost of routine check-ups and preventive care may raise concerns, especially if your cat seems healthy. However, taking a proactive approach to your cat or kitten's health can ultimately save you money on more costly treatments in the future.
What is a cat check-up?
Taking your cat to the vet for routine wellness exams resembles taking them to the doctor for a physical check-up. Like humans, the frequency of your cat's physical examination depends on their age, lifestyle, and overall health.
For healthy adult cats, we typically advise annual wellness exams. However, kittens, senior cats, and cats with underlying health issues should visit their vet more often.
How often should kittens see a vet?
If your kitten is under a year old, we recommend taking them to the vet once a month, starting at around 8 weeks of age.
During your kitten's first year, they will need multiple rounds of vaccinations to protect them from common infectious diseases. These vaccinations include the Feline Leukemia vaccine and the FVRCP vaccine, which guards 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 may vary depending on your location and your cat's overall health.
Our veterinarians recommend spaying or neutering your kitten when they reach 5 to 6 months of age. This helps prevent various diseases, undesirable behaviors, and unwanted litters of kittens.
How often should middle-aged cats see a vet?
If you have a healthy adult cat aged between one and ten years old, we suggest scheduling an annual exam for them. These yearly check-ups are essential, even if your cat seems perfectly healthy.
During your adult cat's regular exam, your vet will conduct a comprehensive head-to-tail examination to spot any early signs of diseases or potential problems, such as parasites, joint discomfort, or dental issues.
Additionally, your veterinarian will administer any necessary vaccines or booster shots for your cat and discuss their dietary needs and nutritional requirements with you. They will also suggest appropriate parasite protection products.
Should your vet identify any indications of a health concern, they will explain their findings and provide recommendations for the next steps.
How often should senior cats see a vet?
Cats typically become seniors at around 11 years of age. Since senior cats are more susceptible to various feline diseases and injuries, scheduling regular vet appointments for your older companion every six months is a good idea.
During these biannual wellness check-ups, your senior cat will receive all the necessary examinations and advice, along with a few additional diagnostic tests aimed at gaining further insights into your furry friend's overall health.
Some of the diagnostic tests we suggest for senior cats include blood tests and urinalysis to detect early signs of conditions like kidney disease or diabetes.
Taking a proactive approach to senior cat care also involves addressing age-related issues, such as joint pain, to ensure your feline companion remains comfortable.
If you have a senior cat, don't hesitate to consult your vet about the recommended frequency for routine exams.
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.