No matter your cat's age, routine veterinary care will help you support their ongoing health and wellbeing. Here, our Kent vets talk about why routine exams are essential and how often you should take your cat to the vet for checkups.
How Often to Take a Cat to the Vet
To help your cat stay happy and healthy during its lifetime, you'll need to take your kitty to see the vet regularly. When you bring your cat to the vet, you give your veterinarian the chance to check in on your cat's physical health and overall well-being, identify any early signs of disease, and offer recommendations for suitable preventive care products for your feline friend.
At our Kent veterinary hospital, our vets understand that many pet parents are concerned with the potential cost of routine checkups and preventive care, especially if your kitty companion seems to be in great health. With these routine exams, we can help you avoid more costly future visits later to treat serious health conditions that could have been detected during a wellness exam.
Cat Checkups at Clover Veterinary Hospital
Think of routine wellness exams as a physical veterinary checkup for your cat. How often your cat should visit the vet will depend on several factors, including their age, health, and lifestyle.
We typically recommend annual wellness exams for healthy adult cats. However, kittens, cats with underlying health conditions, and senior cats should see their vet more frequently for an examination.
When to Bring Your Kitten to the Vet
If you've recently brought home a new kitten, prepare to bring them in for a monthly appointment until they reach a year old.
Kittens need multiple rounds of vaccinations during their first year to help protect them from common infectious diseases. Kittens should have the Feline Leukemia vaccine and the FVRCP vaccine, which helps protect your young cat from three highly contagious and life-threatening feline diseases: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FHV-1), Feline Calicivirus (FCV), and Feline Panleukopenia (FPL)
Your kitten will receive these vaccinations during the first 16 weeks of their life. These shots will help support their immune system in protecting the body from various diseases over their lifetime.
Talk to your vet to determine the right wellness exam schedule for your four-legged friend.
Our vets recommend having your kitten spayed or neutered when they are between five and six months old to prevent a host of diseases and undesirable behaviors as well as unwanted litters of kittens.
When to Take Your Adult Cat to the Vet
If you have a healthy adult cat, your vet will likely recommend bringing them once each year for a full examination. Your vet will check over your cat, and perform any necessary diagnostics, dental care, or testing needed.
Throughout your adult cat's routine exam, your vet will implement a head-to-tail examination to look for early signs of diseases or other issues, such as parasites, joint pain, or tooth decay.
Your veterinarian will also provide your kitty with any required vaccines or booster shots, and have a conversation with you about your cat's diet and nutritional requirements, as well as recommend the appropriate parasite protection products.
If your vet happens to spot any concerns they will share their findings and offer their recommendations on the next steps.
When to Take Your Senior Pet to the Vet?
Once your cat is a senior, around 11 years of age, they will have some new considerations when it comes to their care.
To do this, your vet will likely suggest that you bring your cat in every six months. 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.
Some diagnostic tests we recommend for our senior patients include blood tests and urinalysis to check for early signs of problems such as kidney disease or diabetes.
Geriatric care for cats also includes a more proactive approach to keeping your feline companion comfortable as age-related issues such as joint pain become more common. If you have a senior cat, ask your vet how often you should bring your pet in for a routine exam.
How Our Team at Clover Veterinary Hospital can Help Care for Your Cat?
Your vet will be able to recommend a treatment plan that best suits your cat's specific needs.
Ultimately, following the advice of your vet can help to ensure that all of your cat's needs are being met. Routine care at Clover Veterinary Hospital will be a vital part of keeping your feline friends safe and healthy while allowing your vet to monitor them for any potential conditions and issues that may arise.
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.