Your cat is undoubtedly precious to you, and you wish to do everything possible to ensure its longevity, well-being, and contentment. Our vets in Natick have provided guidance on how frequently you should schedule routine check-ups and preventive care visits for your feline companion.
How often do you take a cat to the vet?
To ensure your cat enjoys a healthy and happy life, preventing serious illnesses and detecting them at the earliest stage possible is crucial.
Regular visits to the vet allow your vet to monitor your cat's overall health, identify emerging illnesses, and recommend preventive care products suited to your cat's needs.
At Wellesley-Natick Veterinary Hospital, we understand the cost of routine check-ups and preventive care may be a concern, especially if your cat appears to be healthy. However, taking a proactive approach to your cat's health can save you from the expense of more complicated treatments in the future.
What is a cat check-up?
Bringing your cat in to see us for a routine wellness exam is like bringing them to the doctor for a physical check-up. As with people, how often your cat should have a physical examination depends on their age, lifestyle, and overall health.
It is advisable to schedule an annual wellness exam for your healthy adult cat. However, kittens, senior cats, or cats with underlying health conditions require more frequent visits to ensure their well-being. Please bring them in to see us accordingly.
How often should kittens see a vet?
If your cat is less than 1 year old, we advise that you bring them into our office at least once each month. Their first veterinary appointment should take place when they are around 8 weeks (or two months) old.
Throughout their first year, kittens require multiple rounds of vaccinations to help protect them from common infectious diseases. Kittens should get the Feline Leukemia vaccine and the FVRCP vaccine which helps protect your feline friend from 3 highly contagious and life-threatening feline diseases, Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FHV-1), Feline Calicivirus (FCV), and Feline Panleukopenia (FPL).
Your cute little feline friend will need several vaccinations over a 16-week period to maintain good health throughout their life. The exact timing of these vaccinations will vary based on their location and overall well-being.
Our veterinarians suggest having your kitten spayed or neutered between 5-6 months old to prevent potential health issues, undesirable behavior, and unwanted litters of kittens.
How often should middle-aged cats see a vet?
It is recommended that you bring your adult cat, who is healthy and aged between 1 to 10 years old, for an annual check-up. During this routine examination, our veterinarian will conduct a comprehensive head-to-tail examination to ensure that your cat is in good health and to detect any early signs of diseases or other issues such as parasites, joint pain, or tooth decay.
Your veterinarian will also provide your cat with all necessary vaccines and booster shots and discuss your cat's diet and nutritional requirements with you. We will also suggest appropriate preventive products and treatments to protect your cat from parasites.
In case your vet detects any signs of a potential health issue, they will explain their findings and recommend the next steps. It's essential to keep your cat healthy and safe, and regular check-ups are crucial for their overall well-being.
How often should senior cats see a vet?
Cats are typically considered to be senior when they reach 11 years of age.
Since many cat injuries and disease will tend to be more common in older pets, we advise that you bring your feline friend in to see our Natick vets every 6 months or so. Twice-yearly wellness check-ups for your geriatric cat will include all of the checks and advice listed above but with a few additional diagnostic tests to obtain extra insights into your furry friend's overall health.
We suggest specific diagnostic tests for senior cats, such as blood tests and urinalysis, to identify any early indications of illnesses like diabetes or kidney disease. As cats age, they are prone to joint pain and other age-related issues, so it's essential to take a more proactive approach to their care.
If you have a senior cat, consult with your veterinarian to determine how frequently you should bring them in for regular check-ups to keep them comfortable and healthy.
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. Preventive care includes regular check-ups to help give your pet their best chance at a long, healthy, and happy life.