How Often Should My Cat Go to the Vet?

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How Often Should My Cat Go to the Vet?

Many feline parents have the misconception that cats do not need veterinary care. However, cats are prone to several conditions and issues with hormones, weight, tumors, and genes. Though they remain indoors, they may occasionally encounter other animals.



These could be your visitors’ pets or others that may stray into your home. For these reasons and more, your cat needs to have regular visits to the vet. Their visits vary depending on their age.


 

Kittens



If you are a proud parent of infant kittens, schedule an appointment with a vet as soon as possible. During the initial visit, discuss your pet’s future care. Baby kittens under four months old need monthly visits to the vet until they reach five months old. At this time, they will receive all the necessary feline vaccinations.



Neutering or spaying should happen once they are six months old. Afterward, they may live on to one year without requiring wellness vet visits unless there is an emergency. Vets view this as the onset of cat adulthood.


 

Adult Cats



At this age, your cat needs to visit the vet twice a year, preferably once every six months. Veterinarian appointments may include inspections, dental cleanings, and additional vaccinations. Indoor cats are not exempt since they must receive vaccines for rabies and distemper.



The vaccines are valid for around three years. Many pet owners worry about losing track of the dates, but this should not be an issue. Your vet can always test your pet’s immunity level to ensure they get optimal treatment, and they should also have records of all your pet’s past visits.



Wellness checks allow the veterinarian to catch illnesses early before they cause irreversible damage. During this time, you may also discuss the changes your pet is going through. These may be behavioral or result from changes in diet or age.


 

Senior Cats



Senior cats are those that are seven years or older. Not many cats live to this age without proper medical care. For this reason, it is advisable to schedule two annual exams every six months. The frequency of the visits can increase when the cat has health issues. At this age, your pet is prone to several problems, such as liver or kidney issues and obesity. Close monitoring of their health is vital to ensure the treatment of any diseases as soon as possible.



Your feline friend may live to age 15 and older with enough care. At this age, they are similar to octogenarians in humans.


 

What to Do When Moving Houses



If you are planning to shift your residence, contact your vet about what your cat may need. For instance, your pet may need additional vaccines if they might spend more time outdoors. If you notice behavioral changes later, schedule a post-move checkup.


 

Preparing for a Vet Visit



Taking your cat for a vet visit can be an uphill task, especially if it spends most time indoors. Take time to acclimatize the animal to its carrier in advance. Make their cages as hospitable as possible with blankets, treats, or toys.



 

For more about how often your cat should go to the vet, contact Highland Veterinary Clinic at our Evansville, Indiana office. Call 812-710-4300 to schedule an appointment today.