Finding a vet you can trust is one of the most important things you need to do as a cat owner. You know you might need to take your cat to the vet if they are ill or injured, and you also need to make some vet visits to check up on your cat's health.
But just how often should you take your cat to the vet?
Regular Vet Visits for Young Kittens and Adult Cats
The first thing to consider is regular checkups for your cat. Starting from when you get your cat, it's important to see a vet regularly, even if they're not ill. They should get their first round of vaccinations and then keep their vaccine boosters up to date.
Generally, an adult cat should have annual checkups to check on their health and receive vaccine boosters. An annual checkup allows the vet to carry out a physical examination, look at your cat's teeth, and talk to you about any concerns that you might have. Although there's no hard and fast rule, most vets recommend a yearly checkup for healthy adult cats.
Their regular vaccine boosters might include feline leukemia, rabies vaccine, FIV, FPV, and cat flu. Your vet can discuss which are most important for your cat. You might also need to check your pet insurance to see if they require vaccines to be up to date. Even indoor cats benefit from vaccines.
When Might Cats Need to See the Vet More Often?
Some cats might benefit from more frequent vet visits than annual check ups. This can be due to your cat's age or any medical conditions they might have. Regular wellness visits could be beneficial to monitor their health more closely.
Senior Cats
As cats get older, they can experience more health issues, just like humans. Throughout your cat's life, their health can change. Older cats might be more likely to develop a dental disease or have other health problems. More frequent senior cat vet visits can make early detection of any underlying health issues easier. Some experts recommend that your senior cat (older than 10 years) should go to the veterinarian at least twice a year.
Cats with Health Concerns
Cats who have an existing medical problem might need to go to the vet's office more often too. In particular, if your cat has a chronic condition, you might find yourself making a vet visit more frequently. How often you need to take your cat to the vet will depend on their condition and the recommendation of your vet.
How much does a vet visit cost?
The average vet visit for a cat going in for a yearly check up is around $50-$250. Certain vet visits can cost more or less than the average depending on which procedures or treatments need to be done.
When to See the Vet at Other Times
Of course, you might need to go to the veterinary clinic when your cat's health is not at its best or you're looking for advice. Your vet can check for common diseases, provide advice on preventative care, carry out a physical exam, do blood work, and offer advice on weight loss, exercise recommendations, combatting parasites such as tick prevention, and more.
If you notice your pet is unwell or injured, your veterinary clinic can advise on whether they need an emergency, urgent, or routine appointment.
Talk to your veterinarian about pet care and how often a veterinary visit is needed for your cat. Cat owners can benefit from getting professional advice tailored to their cats.
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Cat Vet FAQ's
When to take cat to the emergency vet?
While annual check-ups are important, there are times when your cat may need to see a veterinarian sooner due to specific health concerns. It's crucial to be vigilant about your cat's well-being and recognize signs that warrant immediate veterinary attention. Here are some signs to take your cat to the emergency vet:
- Sudden Changes in Behavior
- Lack of Appetite or Thirst
- Vomiting or Diarrhea
- Difficulty Breathing
- Excessive Scratching or Grooming
- Blood in Urine or Stool
- Limping or Mobility Issues
- Unexplained Weight Loss
- Excessive Thirst and Urination
- Seizures or Fainting
Do indoor cats need to go to the vet?
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