When Should You Call Your Vet
Apart from taking your cat in for regular checkups, you should also keep an eye on her health at home. If you notice sudden breathing changes, coughing, and sneezing, discharge of the eyes, ears, or nose, unusual lumps or bumps, continuous vomiting or diarrhea, changes in litter box usage, lack of appetite, trauma sustained from a fight or an accident, obvious signs of distress like crying, hiding, limping, or sudden behavioral changes, see your vet right away.
Your cat is a member of your family, and she depends on you to keep her healthy and happy. Just as you go to the doctor for regular wellness visits, your cat should, too. Stick to the schedule suggested above to ensure youre maintaining her health so shell be with you for years to come.
Editors’ Recommendations
If You Observe Strange Behaviors & Symptoms: Take Your Pet To The Vet Immediately
Adult Pets Up To 7 Years Of Age
If you have a healthy, active adult cat between 1 – 7 years old, yearly routine exams are recommended. These examinations are annual physical checkups that are done while your pet seems completely healthy.
During your adult pet’s routine exam your vet will perform a head-to-tail examination of your pet to look for early signs of illness or other issues, such as tooth decay, joint pain, or parasites.
Your veterinarian will also administer any required vaccines, speak to you about your cat’s diet and nutritional requirements, recommend appropriate parasite protection, and discuss any training or behavioral issues you may be noticing.
If your vet detects any signs of developing health issues they will discuss their findings with you and recommend the next steps.
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Why Do I Need To Take My Indoor Cat To The Vet
Written bySmall Door’s medical experts
Its a common misconception that indoor cats dont need to go to the vet. While its true that contagious feline illnesses are often contracted via contact with animals in the outside world, there are nonetheless many reasons that regular vet visits are important for indoor cats, from the administration of legally required vaccines to catching issues before they become serious.
In This Article
When Should You Be Concerned And Take Your Cat To The Vet Otherwise
The best time to take your cat to a vet is the minute you notice anything strange with them. The truth is, no one knows your cat better than you. So, if youre feeling like there is something not right with them, consult with your veterinarian.
Some common ailments that may require a consultation with a veterinarian for medical assistance are:
Urinary tract issues: you will easily notice this as a frequent urge for your feline to urinate, noticeable pain when urinating, and/or the inability to pass the right amount of urine
Fleas/ticks/worms: cats hate pests. Fleas are a common occurrence in cats. They not only make them uncomfortable but can also quickly spread throughout your household. The same case applies to ticks and worms. So, always take your cat to the vet immediately you notice a flea or tick on their skin, which will mostly cause them to scratch their skin or want to rub against you or items around the house.
As for worms, your cat should have a regular deworming schedule. However, if you seem to forget or notice traces of worms in their poop, its time to schedule that much-needed appointment.
Coughing/runny nose/sneezing: if your cat is exhibiting cold/flu signs, you should take them to see a specialist. Never try to self-medicate, as you never know the cause of the problem.
Changes in eating/drinking/elimination habits: are a clear indication of underlying issues that should be dealt with by a vet.
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Do Cats Need To See A Vet Every Year
Your cat needs to see a vet at least once a year to make sure its not having any health issues. Moreover, your cat needs to take the annual vaccinations to be free from infectious and life-threatening diseases. Thats why your cat needs to see a vet every year, even if it looks healthy, active, and having no health-related issues.
How Often Should Cats Go To The Vet
Pet owners often ask when and how often their cat should go to the vet, and there are multiple variables that contribute to the answer to this question. Age, health status and lifestyle will all play a role in your cats vet schedule. That said, the American Animal Hospital Association recommends taking your adult cat in for a checkup at least once a year.
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Is It Bad To Not Take Your Cat To The Vet
If you do not take your cat to the vet at least once a year, it cannot be very good for your cats overall health condition. As cats are experts at hiding their discomfort, they need to visit the vet at least once a year to get a comprehensive health check-up.
If you ignore a yearly vet visit, your cat can get affected by several diseases, including Diabetes, Hyperthyroidism, Renal Diseases, Oral infections, Cat flu, Rabies, Feline infectious enteritis, etc.
So, taking your cat to the vet and get it checked every six months to one year is highly recommended to make your feline partner healthy and active.
When Do I Take My Cat To The Vet
Lets get the obvious out of the way first – medical emergencies. If your cat has any kind of medical emergency, you should take it to the vet. Things like constant diarrhea or vomiting, trauma, bleeding, or clear signs of pain are considered medical emergencies. They all need veterinary attention, and you should take your cat to the nearest pet ER.
However, if you have a generally healthy cat that mostly lives indoor, the answer to that question can be tricky. If theres no medical emergency and your cat is mostly fine, many of us avoid going unnecessarily to the vet. However, regular vet controls are a part of every responsible cat owners life.
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Give Your Cat A Safe And Secure Environment
Give your cat a safe and secure environment in your household. If it is a multi-cat household, make sure each cat is getting enough love and care.
If you have kids in your house, tell them not to bother the cats, especially when they eat, rest, or sleep. Keep an eye on your cats regular activities and daily routine.
Do Cats Need Yearly Checkups
Whether you have a new kitten or an older cat, you should be taking your fur baby to the vet at least once a year. Most veterinarians recommend checkups every six months. While this may seem excessive, taking your cat to the vet regularly can not only lead to early detection of health problems, but it also means your cat will be familiar with the vet. Most fur babies hate going to the vet and we sympathize but if your cat is accustomed to regular checkups, going in for an exam will be much less stressful for her.
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How Often Do You Take A Cat To The Vet Heres The Answer
Going to the veterinarian can be a stressful experience for both animals and humans alike. We dont like to see our animals go through that experience more than need be, but how many times is normal?
Cats in particular have to go through a bigger ordeal when it comes to a vet visit. This involves placing them into a pet carrier where they are taken to an unfamiliar environment.
But, what should you expect in terms of the number of veterinarian visits for your feline?
Trips To The Vet With Your Cat: Concluding Thoughts
All cats should be seen by a professional veterinarian at least once a year, if not more depending on their age.
Kittens younger than four months are expected to be seen once a month to keep an eye on their overall body condition.
They then go in every three to four weeks for the necessary vaccinations. An adult cat should be taken to the vet for yearly examinations unless there are any sudden problems or concerns.
This can also change depending on whether your feline is an outdoor dweller, or if they stay indoors. Geriatric cats are recommended to be seen by a vet every six months, though most opt for once a year.
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How Often Do I Take My Kitten To Get A Veterinary Care Exam
Congratulations on the impending arrival of your new kitten!
Becoming the proud parent to a sweet little kitty is a wonderfully rewarding experience. However, it all comes with a great deal of responsibility since your furbaby is limited in the number of ways in which she can take care of herself. Fortunately, between you and your veterinarian in Miramar Beach, FL, you can take positive steps to ensure that she lives a life that is as long and healthy as possible.
One of the most effective ways in which you can maintain the wellbeing of your kitty is to take her for regular veterinary care exams.
How Often Should Indoor Cats Go To The Vet
As indoor cats live much longer than outdoor or stray cats, its necessary to regularly take them to the vet for a comprehensive health check-up.
The average life span of an indoor cat is around 14 15 years, whereas an outdoor cat generally has a shorter lifespan as they encounter many threats and dangers in the outside world.
Moreover, your indoor cats get your constant love and care that makes them healthy, disease-free, and active.
So as a cat owner, you should take your feline partner to the vet at least once every six months to one year. However, your cats visit to the vet may depend on its age and physical condition.
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Do Outdoor Cats Need More Frequent Vet Visits
Although you might think of outdoor cats as more self-sufficient than indoor cats, its important to consider how much more outdoor cats are exposed to, including parasites and other cats and animals with diseases. One disease that commonly spreads between cats is feline leukemia, for which there is a vaccine.
If you plan to let your cat spend any time outdoors, make sure to tell your veterinarian so they can get the proper vaccinations and flea and tick prevention medications. This is both a courtesy to your cat and others. Also, be prepared for a higher chance of injury. Because theyll be exposed to the elements and other animals while living outdoors, theres simply more risk.
That doesnt mean that indoor cats are safe from illness they need vaccines and thorough physical exams, too.
Why Do Indoor Cats Need To Go To The Vet
Indoor cats can develop many illnesses and conditions that have nothing to do with the outside world, such as issues with weight, hormone problems, genetic conditions, and tumors, among other maladies, so its important for them to see the vet for regular check-ups.
Plus, even if they never leave the house, indoor cats can be affected by the outside world, particularly if theyre exposed to any other pets that go outside, such as your dog someone elses pet who comes to visit the occasional stray who wanders into the backyard or a foster pet. Rodents can also become part of the household without your knowledge. Finally, even you and your family members may inadvertently bring in dangers from outside.
Also, as you know, pets cant talk to us, and cats in particular are very good at hiding pain and illness. They have a natural instinct to hide any signs of weakness, a skill that would keep them from being easy targets for predators and competitors in the wild.
However, the fact that theyre so good at keeping problems hidden means that by the time they show any symptoms, the problem has likely already become advanced.
Prevention is often far easier, less expensive, and more effective than treatment when it comes to health issues, which is why its vital to keep abreast of any changes in your indoor cats health through annual vet visits.
Even subtle changes could signal diseases that could be developingdiseases you should catch and handle before its too late.
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How Often Should Middle
If your adult cat is generally healthy and between 1 and 10 years old, we recommend bringing them in for routine checkups once each year. These examinations are yearly physical checkups on your cat’s health that are meant to monitor their well-being and identify health issues before they have a chance to properly take hold.
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, and have a conversation with you about your cat’s diet and nutritional requirements, as well as recommend the appropriate parasite protection products.
If your vet detects any signs of an arising health issue they will explain their findings to you and recommend the next steps.
Vaccination And Other Issues
Your indoor cat must go to the vet once a year for vaccinations and health exams. Generally, Rabies and Flu vaccinations are needed annually. However, your vet will tell you about the required vaccinations for your feline partner after conducting a comprehensive health check-up.
Again, if you see anything unusual in your cats behavior, such as loss of appetite, continuous shaking or trembling, physical discomfort or pain, you should consult the vet without any delay.
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Geriatric Care For Senior Cats
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 cats twice-yearly wellness check-ups, along with a few additional diagnostic tests to gain additional insights into your furry friends overall health.
Blood tests and urinalysis are two diagnostic tests we recommend for our senior patients to look for early signs of problems such as kidney disease or diabetes.
As age-related issues such as joint pain become more common, geriatric care for cats includes a more proactive approach to keeping your feline companion comfortable. If you have a senior cat, inquire with your veterinarian about how frequently you should bring your pet in for a routine exam.
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 pets condition, please make an appointment with your vet.
The Vet Is Your Friend
So, how often do you take a cat to the vet? Now you know that an annual vet visit is a good rule of thumbbut there are countless other reasons to see your veterinarian a bit more often. Depending on your cats life stage, lifestyle, and health habits, its good to have your vets phone number handy at any time.
Do cats need to see a vet every year?
A good rule of thumb is to take your cat to the vet every year for a checkup. But depending on your cats life stage, lifestyle, and health habits, annual vet checkups may not be necessary. Talk to your veterinarian about whats best for your cat.
Does pet insurance cover vet checkups?
The type of coverage that you get on vet checkups depends on what pet insurance you choosesome only cover emergency care while others provide preventative care such as vaccines and wellness visits. Typically, its less expensive when you get pet insurance while your cat is young, as compared to older cats who have a higher risk of cancer, kidney failure, thyroid problems, heart disease, and more.
Can you negotiate vet bills?
It is not typical practice to negotiate vet bills. In extreme special circumstances, your vet may be willing to offer you a payment plan or drop certain service fees from the bill.
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Sydney Animal Hospital And Specialist Vet
Sydney Vet Specialists is dedicated to providing quality 24 hour veterinary care for your pets, as well as specialist services for a wide range of conditions.
To speak to one of caring, professional team members, call us on 02 9197 5800, or contact us online.
Book an appointment for your pet between Monday and Friday 8:30am-6pm or call us for emergency veterinarian services and after hours care.