Taking your cat to the vet for their annual check-up is essential to keeping them happy and healthy. But how often do they have to go?
According to feline preventive health guidelines from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), all cats should visit their veterinarian for a wellness exam at least once a year. However, some medical needs may require more frequent visits.
Here’s more information about how often your cat should go to the vet and how to know if he needs to be seen by a vet.
Summary
How often should cats see a vet by age
Kittens and older cats may need to visit the vet more often than middle-aged adult cats. Kittens usually require multiple rounds of vaccines, while older adults may have greater medical needs.
The following list contains general guidelines for veterinary visits based on age. However, this may vary depending on the cat, so consult your vet.
- Kittens (up to one year): Every three to four weeks as needed for vaccinations, tests and other procedures
- Adult cats (from one to 10 years): At least once a year or as needed
- Elderly cats (10 years or older): Once every six months, but not less than once a year
How often should kittens see a vet?
Your cat’s first year will likely require many trips to the vet.
Young kittens will receive a head-to-tail exam during their first visit to find out any medical needs. Blood tests and other tests may be performed. They will also receive their first round of vaccinations.
Vaccinations are an extremely effective way to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. By law, many states require that all pets receive the rabies vaccine. Beyond that, your vet may recommend injections based on your location, your cat’s lifestyle, and risk.
The AAHA has guidelines for core vaccines that domestic cats should receive. The main vaccines include:
- Feline panleukopenia (FPV), also known as feline distemper
- Feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1), also known as feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR)
- Feline calicivirus (FCV)
- Feline Leukemia Vaccine (FeLV)
- Anger
Some vaccines can protect against a combination of the above diseases, such as the FVRCP vaccine, which protects against FVR, FCV and FPV.
You may want to have your cat spayed or neutered, which can be done once your cat is five or six months old. Spay and neuter procedures prevent your cat from reproducing, thus helping to control the number of unwanted pets in animal shelters. Although veterinarians commonly recommend the procedure, it is not necessary. Be sure to ask your vet any questions you have before deciding.
Once all of your kitten’s vaccinations and other procedures are complete, your cat will be able to visit your kitten annually for wellness checks.
How often should adult cats see a veterinarian?
Healthy adult cats typically need to see a veterinarian once a year for their wellness exam. During this exam, your vet will check your cat’s overall health. Your vet will examine the skin, teeth, eyes, heart, lungs, abdomen, joints, and lymph nodes.
They may also conduct the following routine tests, which require laboratory work:
- Blood analysis
- Fecal test
- Urine analysis
It is also necessary to stay updated on vaccination boosters. Your cat’s vaccination schedule may vary, but he typically needs booster doses every one to three years, depending on the vaccine.
In addition to annual wellness visits, your cat may need to go to the vet for illnesses, health conditions, injuries or medical emergencies. Always consult your veterinary care team if you have any concerns about your cat’s health.
How often should older cats see a veterinarian?
Older cats still need to visit the vet for their annual physical checkup, but your vet may recommend that you visit more often, such as every six months.
As your cat ages, he may develop various health problems associated with aging. Some of the most common include kidney disease, diabetes, dental disease, tumors, cancer, and hyperthyroidism. Your feline friend can often be treated, so it is important to take him to the vet.
Signs you should take your cat to the vet
Your cat may need care throughout the year in addition to the annual checkup. They could develop an illness or become injured. Sometimes it’s hard to figure out what’s wrong, so here are some signs that you might need to go to the vet:
- Abnormal vomiting and diarrhea
- Crying, howling, hiding and other signs indicate that they are in trouble
- Changes in appetite and eating or drinking habits
- Changes in litter box habits (especially if they have difficulty)
- Difficult breathing
- Cough
- Runny nose or eyes
- Difficulty walking
- Extremely tired
- Mood changes
- If they were involved in an accident or had a fight with another animal
- If you notice a lump or something else wrong
- If they had eaten something they shouldn’t have
When in doubt, it is always best to call your vet to determine if you need to take your cat to the vet. If your veterinarian deems it an emergency, he or she may refer you to an emergency veterinarian’s office.
Does pet insurance cover my cat’s vet visit?
Your cat’s veterinary visits may be covered by pet insurance, depending on the type of coverage you have. Traditional pet insurance itself does not cover the cost of preventative care, including wellness exams. However, many of the best pet insurance companies offer add-ons to your pet wellness plan.
If your cat needs to go to the vet for an accident or illness, the visit may be covered by traditional pet insurance depending on your policy. Always check with your insurer to see if such tests are covered.
How often should you take your cat to the vet? Frequent questions
How often should indoor cats go to the vet?
How much does a visit to the vet cost?
The cost of a routine veterinary visit can vary by location and vet. However, on average, they cost between $25 and $186, according to the average pet welfare study conducted by ASQ 360° on behalf of CareCredit.
Are annual veterinary visits necessary for cats?
Annual veterinary visits are recommended for all cats according to the AAHA-AVMA feline preventive health guidelines. Many people think that cats don’t need to visit the vet regularly, but this is a common misconception. You should still take your cat to the vet every year because this benefits the animal’s health. It can also help uncover any medical conditions that need treatment.
Summary of Money’s guide on how often to take a cat to the vet
Regular checkups are essential for your cat’s well-being to live a healthy life. The AAHA-AVMA Feline Preventative Health Guidelines suggest that all cats visit the veterinarian at least once a year for their annual physical exam. However, depending on your cat’s needs, your cat may need more frequent visits than other treatments.
Here are general guidelines based on the age of the cat, although these may vary depending on the cat:
- Kittens (up to one year): Every three to four weeks as needed for vaccinations, tests and other procedures
- Adult cats (from one to 10 years): At least once a year or as needed
- Elderly cats (10 years or older): Once every six months, but not less than once a year
Always consult your veterinarian about how often your cat should go to the vet. Also, if you notice anything wrong with your cat, such as changes in behavior or habits, call your vet to see if you need an appointment.