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How Often Should You Take Your Cat to the Vet? Here’s a Quick Guide!

If you’re a new cat owner, congratulations! Welcome to the ranks of over 36 million American households who contain furry, feline friends.

If your kitty and you go way back, you’ll still need to take them to the vet regularly to make sure they’re staying as healthy as possible. Regardless of your situation, you probably have a lot of questions.

How often do cats need shots? What sort of special care do senior cats need? How often should you take your cat to the vet for a cat check up?

Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. Read on for all the answers you’ll need!

How Often Should You Take Your Cat to the Vet?

There’s not a one size fits all answer to this question. You’ll need to take a few key things into consideration when answering this question. This includes:

  • Your cat’s age
  • Your cat’s lifestyle
  • Any special symptoms you might notice

Answer these questions to help you get a better idea of how often your cat needs a vet checkup!

Age Matters

When it comes to the regularity of your kitty’s vet appointments, their age matters.

Kittens, for instance, should have at least four exams in their youth. There is a whole slew of first-time vaccinations and tests they need, too. They should also be spayed or neutered, which helps to prevent cancer in addition to unwanted pregnancies!

Middle-aged kitties should have an annual check-up every year. Symptoms of various feline ailments are hard to notice to the untrained eye, so it’s important to have a professional make sure your cat’s health is tops.

Senior kitties require some special attention. As cats age, their behavior and capabilities change along with them. Try to find a vet who specializes in senior cat care to be sure they’re covering all your kitty’s bases.

Your Kitty’s Lifestyle

Is your cat indoor-only, outdoor-only, or indoor-outdoor? This is essential to consider when deciding how often you’ll take your cat to the vet.

The outdoors pose a whole new world of risks for a feline. If you’re planning on introducing your cat to the great outdoors, they’ll need certain vaccinations to be sure the transition goes smoothly.

Other lifestyle changes can affect a cat’s health, too. Planning to move soon?

Moving is a big stressor for cats, which only makes your move harder. Visit your vet before you make the move for a full check-up and to talk about how to make it as easy as possible for your little buddy.

Notice Something Off?

Finally, don’t forget to live by this old adage when it comes to your cat’s health: if you see something, say something.

Cats are excellent at dealing with discomfort. They won’t whine and let you know they’re in pain like a dog will. This means it’s up to you to keep an eye on them.

If you notice changes in their feces, appetite, or energy levels, it might be time to visit the vet. Same goes for increased meowing, behavioral changes, or limping.

If you’re unsure whether or not to visit the vet, it’s always a safe bet to make the appointment. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Your Little Buddy

By now, hopefully, you’ve got all the information you need to make a smart decision about your kitty’s regular healthcare. You can stop Googling “how often should you take your cat to the vet?” and answer your own questions about your kitty’s health!

Need us to answer them for you? We’re always here to help! Get in touch to talk about all things feline, or make their appointment today!