How Often Do You Take a Cat to the Vet?

Routine veterinary care is an important part of ensuring your cat's overall health which helps to prevent urgent care situations. Today, our Westminster veterinary specialists talk about how often you should take your cat to the vet based on their age and what to do in an emergency.

How often do you take a cat to the vet?

By bringing your cat in for an annual checkup you can help prevent a number of serious conditions which could turn deadly if left untreated. Your vet will use these wellness exams to look for any signs that issues may be arising and make treatment recommendations as soon as possible.

While the cost of routine care may be concerning for some, it may actually balance out in the future since you may be able to avoid the costs that would normally be associated with treatment for serious conditions and diseases, Taking a proactive, preventive approach to your cat or kitten's health, on the other hand, may save you money on more expensive treatments later on. 

The Importance of Bringing Your Cat to the Vet

A routine veterinary exam is nearly the same as a doctor's visit for humans. The frequency at which your cat will need to visit the vet depends on their circumstances including their age and health concerns.

We usually recommend annual wellness exams for healthy adult cats, but kittens, senior cats, and kitties with underlying health issues should see their vet more frequently.

How often do you take a kitten to the vet?

For the first year of your cat's life, you should bring them in for monthly examinations.

One of the most important parts of routine kitten care is vaccinations which will help protect them against a number of serious and potentially fatal diseases. Kittens should receive the Feline Leukemia vaccine as well as the FVRCP vaccine, which protects your feline friend from three highly contagious and potentially fatal feline diseases: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FHV-1), Feline Calicivirus (FCV), and Feline Panleukopenia (FPL).

The initial vaccines that your kitten receives up until they are 16 weeks of age will help to provide a strong layer of protection.

Your vet will be able to help you determine the vaccine schedule that will work best for your kitten and their needs.

You should have your kitten spayed or neutered when they are between 5 - 6 months in order to prevent a host of diseases and undesirable behaviors as well as unwanted litters of kittens.

How often do you take an adult cat to the vet?

Once your cat is an adult you can resume with annual wellness exams, as long as they are no health concerns. Even if your cat isn't currently experiencing any obvious signs of health issues these checkups are crucial.

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, have a conversation with you about your cat's diet and nutritional requirements, as well as recommend the appropriate parasite protection products.

If there are any concerns of illness or disease your vet will be sure to thoroughly explain these to you and offer recommendations for moving forward with treatment.

How often do you take a senior cat to the vet?

Cats are typically considered to be senior when they reach 11 years of age.

Because many feline diseases and injuries are more common in senior cats, we recommend taking your senior companion to the vet every 6 months. All of the checks and advice listed above will be included in your geriatric cat's twice-yearly wellness check-ups, along with a few additional diagnostic tests to gain additional 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.

When to Seek Emergency Veterinary Care

While routine care is crucial for keeping your cat healthy there are certain instances where you should bring them in for care as soon as possible.

Some of the signs that your cat is in need of emergency veterinary care are:

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.