Just as a car may have issues that can’t be seen unless you look under the hood or run a diagnostic test, our cats can experience the same type of phenomenon. Cats are notorious for hiding illness. They are exceptionally good at it. Although they may seem to be doing fine, the only way to really tell is to do a comprehensive checkup, inside and out. But how often do you take a cat to the vet? And what other things can you do at home to help maintain their health? In this post, we'll explore the answers to these questions and offer helpful tips for what to do in between these routine vet visits to keep your cat in tip top shape!
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy here for more details
First, let's address the question at hand: how often do you take a cat to the vet? The answer depends on several factors, including their age, overall health, and whether or not they have any chronic conditions. As a general rule, most cats should see the vet at least twice a year for a check-up and any necessary vaccinations. If your cat is older or has a pre-existing condition, they may need to visit the vet more frequently. It's also important to take your cat to the vet immediately if you notice any concerning symptoms or changes in behavior. This can include litter box habits, meowing before or after using the litter box, changes in eating or drinking habits, lethargy, or vomiting and diarrhea. “Why so often?” you may ask? Well, cats and dogs age faster than we do. One year of our lives is approximately equal to 7-8 years for them. So a vet visit every six months really equates to every 3.5-4 years for them!
Why is it important to go to the vet if my cat isn’t sick?
At the vet, your cat will have his or her vital signs taken. This means a thorough check of their weight, temperature, heart, lungs, eyes, nose, and ears. This establishes a baseline for your pet when they are healthy. If your pet were to get sick, now there is a gauge to compare against. Keeping track of these vital signs can also identify if your pet is losing weight, or is running a fever.
If you're bringing home a new pet, it's important to check them for transmittable diseases like worms, so that they don't spread them to other pets in your household (or yourself!)
My Cat Gets Too Stressed at the Vet!
Many cats dislike visiting the vet and often display aggressive or frightened behavior. But do you know that regular visits can help alleviate your cat's fears by making the process more routine? A simple routine check-up can do a lot to detect any medical issues and address them early, saving you time and money in the long run. Prevention is always better than cure, and that applies to cat care too. Looking for a new vet? There is a feline-friendly vet certification program which ensures that staff are specially trained on the skills and knowledge to handle cats in a stress-free way. You can read more about finding a great cat vet in our article here!
The Vet is Too Expensive!
Being a pet lover, I completely understand this concern. However, it is cheaper to do routine visits than to have to go to the emergency vet! A routine checkup (without vaccines) will vary in cost, but could run you a hundred, to a few hundred dollars depending on what needs to be done. Call and ask before visiting, and see if the vet you are considering offers a free first visit. You can also see if there is a low cost vet clinic nearby! I also strongly recommend pet insurance, if possible.
What can you do to optimize your cat’s health in between visits?
At home, there is a lot you can do to monitor your cat’s health and prolong their healthy lives. Keeping track of eating and drinking habits, litter box habits, and behavioral habits are the most important. Also, routine grooming and brushing is a great time to check for lumps and bumps on him or her. If you have a scale at home, it’s a good idea to check their weight periodically to ensure they aren’t losing weight unexpectedly. Also, brushing your cat’s teeth can help you promote good dental hygiene, and also is a good opportunity for you to keep an eye on their oral health as well. Want to try brushing your cat’s teeth at home? Check out our article which outlines how to brush a cat’s teeth here!
Healthy Cat Checklist!
Food and Water- We love this Petlibro Water Fountain and their Automatic Pet Feeder! Both are great for multiple cats!
Litter box- Our favorite is the Purina Breeze Hooded Litter Box. There are lots of different options. It’s easy to clean and it’s so good at masking smell! You can read our full review on it here!
Dental Health- We love the Enzadent Poultry Flavor Toothbrush Kit which is for cats and dogs and both of my cats love the flavor!
Grooming- Furminator Deshedding Tool is our favorite- works great and is so easy to clean!
Cat Carrier- Love this one because it’s a little bigger than a traditional carrier. It also opens on the top and on the side. It fits well in the car seat and doesn’t tip over as easier as some other carriers.
Anxiety prevention- Even vet offices use this Feliway spray which has calming pheromones for cats. You can spray it in their carrier prior to a trip, or on a blanket or towel that they like to lay on before heading to the vet!