You love your cat dearly! Regular vet visits are crucial to keep them healthy and happy for as long as possible. On our Hohenwald, our vets guide you on how often your cat should have routine checkups and preventive care.
How often do you take a cat to the vet?
Ensuring your cat lives a happy, healthy life requires early detection and prevention of serious illnesses. Regular vet visits allow for monitoring of your cat's health, spotting early signs of disease, and providing tailored preventive care recommendations.
At Hohenwald Animal Hospital, we acknowledge that the expense of routine checkups and preventive care can be daunting, particularly when your cat appears healthy. However, being proactive about your cat's health today can help you avoid costly treatments down the line.
What is a cat checkup?
Taking your cat for a regular wellness exam is similar to your own physical checkup at the doctor's. The frequency of these visits depends on your cat's age, way of life, and overall health. For a healthy adult cat, we suggest an annual checkup. However, kittens, older cats, or those with health issues should visit us more often.
How often should kittens see a vet?
If you have a kitten under one year old, visiting our office monthly is a good idea. Their first check-up should happen when they're about two months old.
In the first year, kittens need several vaccinations to defend against widespread diseases. These include the Feline Leukemia and FVRCP vaccines. FVRCP shields your kitten from three major feline diseases: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FHV-1), Feline Calicivirus (FCV), and Feline Panleukopenia (FPL).
Over approximately four months, your kitten will receive all the necessary shots, crucial for their long-term health. The exact schedule may vary based on where you live and your kitten's health status.
We also recommend having your kitten spayed or neutered between five to six months of age. This can help prevent certain diseases, behavior problems, and unexpected kitten litters.
How often should middle-aged cats see a vet?
We suggest an annual vet visit for your healthy adult cat, aged between 1 to 10 years. These routine checkups ensure your cat's health is up to the mark.
During these visits, the vet carries out a thorough examination of your cat, from head to tail, to detect early signs of potential health problems, like parasites, joint pain, or dental issues.
Your vet will administer necessary vaccines and boosters, discuss your cat's diet and nutrition, and suggest suitable parasite prevention measures.
In case of any emerging health concerns, your vet will discuss their findings and recommend further actions.
How often should senior cats see a vet?
When your cat turns 11 years old, it's generally seen as a senior. As cats age, they're more prone to injuries and illnesses, so it's a good idea to visit our Hohenwald vets every six months. These biannual wellness check-ups for your older cat cover everything mentioned earlier, but also include extra tests to provide a clearer picture of your cat's health.
We suggest certain tests like blood work and urinalysis for older cats to catch early signs of potential issues like kidney disease or diabetes.
As your cat gets older, we focus more on keeping them comfortable, especially as conditions like joint pain become more prevalent. If you own a senior cat, discuss with your vet how frequently you should schedule 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.