How Often Should My Cat Have a Health Check?

September 7th, 2023

Share
on

Cat parents often wonder how frequently their furry companions require health checks. Like humans, our feline friend needs preventive care to lower the risk of serious illnesses and enhance their health and quality of life. Our team at All About Cats Veterinary Hospital in Kirkland, WA, is all about prevention to help our furry patients enjoy long and healthy lives. 

Why Are Routine Health Checks Important?

Routine health checks are necessary to keep your feline friend’s health in tip-top shape. From vaccinations to parasite prevention and keeping preventable diseases at bay, we cannot overemphasize the importance of regular preventive care. 

Cats are experts in masking any signs of illness. Maintaining routine visits helps us identify signs of diseases in their earliest stages when easiest to treat, preventing them from progressing and requiring involved treatments down the road.

How Often Should Your Cat See a Vet?

The frequency of vet visits will depend on your cat’s unique needs. In general, most adult cats need yearly health checks at the time of their annual vaccinations. Senior pets and kittens require more frequent care, as do cats with chronic health conditions or acute illnesses. 

• Kittens: New kittens receive their first set of immunizations around 6-8 weeks and typically require health checks every 3 to 4 weeks until about 16 weeks old. We discuss parasite prevention, nutrition, behavior management, and any topics relevant to your tiny feline friend. 
• Adult Cats: Once your cat is one year old, annual health checks are usually sufficient, given that your cat is healthy. Adult vet visits focus on preventive care, including vaccination, parasite prevention, weight management, and ensuring your cat’s health stays in check. 
• Senior Cats: Cats are considered seniors around age 7-11, depending on the breed. Senior cats are more prone to age-related health concerns like dental problems, arthritis, and kidney disease, which is why they typically need twice-yearly health checks. 

If you are concerned about your cat’s health between visits, don’t wait. Visit All About Cats Veterinary Hospital to ensure we get your furry friend’s health back on track and prevent minor health problems from becoming more significant ones down the road. 

What Can You Expect During a Health Check?

Here’s a look at what you can expect during your cat’s appointment: 

• Physical Examination: We will start by evaluating your cat’s weight, temperature, heart rate, and overall body condition. 
• Vaccination Review: We will ensure core vaccinations are up-to-date and may recommend non-core vaccinations based on your furry friend’s lifestyle and risks. 
• Parasite Control: We will check for fleas, ticks, heartworms, and internal parasites and discuss parasite prevention to keep your cat healthy. 
• Dental Evaluation: We will examine your cat’s teeth and gums for signs of oral health problems and may recommend a dental cleaning, if needed, to keep your cat’s mouth healthy. 
• Blood Work: Depending on your cat’s age and unique healthcare needs, we may recommend blood tests to assess organ function or detect underlying concerns.
• Discussion: We will discuss any findings and may make recommendations to keep your cat healthy and vibrant. This is a perfect time to discuss your cat’s diet, behavior, or any concerns you may have. 

Feline Preventive Care Near Me in Kirkland, WA

Contact All About Cats Veterinary Hospital in Kirkland, WA, to learn more about prevention for long-time healthy meows. Our dedicated team looks forward to partnering with you to ensure your furry companion lives a long, healthy, and active life. You can always count on us for trusted cat care because, after all, we are all about cats!