Your cat is very important to you, and you want to make sure they stay healthy and happy for a long time. Our vets at Grants Pass can help you achieve this by providing routine checkups and preventive care. Read on to learn how often you should bring your cat to see us.
How often do you take a cat to the vet?
To ensure your cat's health and happiness, it's important to prevent and catch illnesses early on. When you bring your cat to the vet, your vet can monitor their health, detect early signs of illness, and recommend preventive care products.
At Lincoln Road Veterinary Clinic, we understand the cost of checkups and preventive care may worry you, but being proactive now can save you money on more costly treatments later.
What is a cat checkup?
Bringing your cat to us for a routine wellness exam is similar to taking them to a doctor for a checkup. The frequency of the checkup depends on their age, lifestyle, and overall health. For healthy adult cats, we suggest visiting us once a year. But if you have kittens, senior cats, or cats with health issues, it's better to bring them more often.
How often should kittens see a vet?
If you have a kitten that's less than a year old, it's important to bring them to our office once a month. You should schedule their first visit when they're about 8 weeks (or 2 months) old. During their first year, kittens need several vaccinations to protect them from common diseases. They should get the Feline Leukemia and FVRCP vaccines, which protect against 3 serious and contagious feline diseases: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FHV-1), Feline Calicivirus (FCV), and Feline Panleukopenia (FPL).
Your cute kitten will receive these vaccinations over a period of about 16 weeks, which will help keep them healthy for their entire life. The timing of their vaccinations will depend on where you live and their overall health. Our veterinarians recommend spaying or neutering your kitten when they're between 5 and 6 months old. This can prevent a variety of illnesses and unwanted behaviors, as well as unwanted litters of kittens.
How often should middle-aged cats see a vet?
If you have a healthy adult cat aged 1-10 years old, we suggest bringing them to see us once a year. We will check them over thoroughly to make sure they're really healthy. During this checkup, your vet will examine your cat from head to tail to detect early signs of any diseases or problems, such as parasites, joint pain, or tooth decay.
We can also give your cat any necessary vaccines and booster shots, as well as talk to you about their diet and nutrition. Additionally, we will suggest appropriate treatments and products to prevent parasites. If we find any signs of a health issue, we will explain the situation to you and recommend what to do next.
How often should senior cats see a vet?
As cats grow older, they are considered senior when they turn 11 years old. Since older cats are more prone to injuries and diseases, it's recommended that you take your senior cat to see our vets every 6 months for a wellness check-up. These check-ups include all the standard checks and advice, but with extra tests to monitor your cat's overall health.
For senior cats, we recommend diagnostic tests such as blood tests and urinalysis to detect early signs of kidney disease or diabetes. We also take a proactive approach to keep your senior cat comfortable, especially with age-related issues like joint pain. If you have a senior cat, ask your vet how often you should schedule routine exams.
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.
