The best way to be sure your cat enjoys longevity and a healthy and long-lasting life is to avoid severe illnesses or catch them before they can be treated more easily.
A visit to your cat’s vet frequently gives your vet the opportunity to check on your cat’s overall health and physical health, look out for early signs of disease, and give suggestions for preventive products that will suit your cat’s needs most.
We know that the cost of routine checks and preventive treatments is a major concern particularly if your cat is healthy. Preventive, proactive approach to your cat’s or kitten’s overall health, however can help you save money on costly treatments later on.
What is a cat exam?
The idea of taking your cat to the vet to have regular wellness checks is similar to taking your pet to the vet to have a physical exam. Similar to humans the frequency at which your cat will need an examination depends on the cat’s age, lifestyle and general health.
We typically recommend annual wellness checks for healthy adult cats however senior cats, kittens, and kitties who have health problems should visit their veterinarian more often.
What is the recommended frequency for kittens to go to an animal vet?
If your cat is less than a year old then we suggest taking them to the vet every month beginning when they’re around eight weeks old.
Kittens will require several rounds of vaccinations during their first year in order to keep them safe from common illnesses. Kittens must receive vaccinations such as the Feline Leukemia vaccine as well as the FVRCP vaccine, which helps protect your cat from three highly infectious and deadly feline illnesses: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FHV-1), Feline Calicivirus (FCV) along with Feline Panleukopenia (FPL).
A kitten is supplied with these vaccinations during the period of around 16 weeks. This can go a long way in keeping them healthy throughout their entire lives.
The exact timeframe for the kitten’s vaccinations can vary dependent on the location you live in and the general health of your pet.
Our veterinarians suggest having your kitten neutered or spayed when they reach 5 and 6 months old in order to stop various unwanted behaviors and diseases and undesirable litters.
How often should older cats visit a veterinarian?
If you are blessed with a healthy adult cat who is between the age of one and ten We recommend taking your cat in for an examination at least once per year. The exams are yearly physicals that must be taken even the cat is in good health.
Through your adult cat’s routine check-up, your vet will perform an examination of the head and tail to look for signs that indicate early signs of illness or other problems that could be causing joint discomfort or tooth decay.
The vet will also provide your cat with the required shots or vaccines, talk to you regarding your cat’s nutritional needs and diet and suggest the most appropriate parasite protection products.
If your doctor detects symptoms of an illness the vet will be able to explain the findings to you and advise you on you the steps that should be taken next.
When should older cats go to an animal vet?
Cats are generally considered to be older when they reach the age of 11 years old.
Since many feline illnesses as well as injuries can be more prevalent in older cats, we suggest going to the vet at least every six months. All the tests and suggestions mentioned above will be covered in your cat’s two-yearly wellness checks, and some other diagnostic tests to gain further insight into the overall health of your pet.
A few diagnostic tests that we suggest for our elderly patients include the urinalysis test and blood tests to look for early indications of diabetes or kidney disease.
Cats with a chronic illness also offers a proactive approach to keep your cat comfortable as the effects of aging, such as joint pain are more prevalent. If you own an older cat, talk to your vet about when you need to bring your pet in for a routine check-up.
Please note that the information provided in this article is meant for informational purposes only and is not medical advice for pets. To get a precise diagnosis of the condition of your pet it is recommended to book an appointment with your vet.
