Cats are generally considered more resilient than other pets. However, this doesn't mean that you shouldn’t keep up with your cat's health and wellness. So, how often do you take a cat to the vet?
The general rule of thumb for taking your cat to the vet is to bring it in about once a year for preventive care. That said, some cats may require more frequent checks than others —it mostly depends on their age.
How Often Should You Take Your Baby Kitten to The Vet?
If you have a kitten, the first thing you should do is schedule an appointment with a veterinarian so they can monitor your pet's health and make sure everything is going well. After that, you can book a monthly checkup to keep tabs on things like their vaccinations and how they’re developing until they are 5 - 6 months old.
However, if you notice anything unusual about your kitten’s condition or behavior, contact your vet as soon as possible so they can take appropriate action without delay!
How Often Should You Take Your Adult Cat to The Vet?
This depends on your cat's lifestyle and health needs, but in general, adult cats should get a checkup about twice a year. These visits are for routine vaccinations and wellness exams such as weight checkups and dental cleanings.
If your cat has a medical condition —such as diabetes or flea dirt— they may need to see the vet more frequently. You can get a better idea of how often to take your cat to the vet by talking with your veterinarian about what they recommend.
How Often Should You Take Your Elderly Cat to The Vet?
As cats get older, they tend to experience more illnesses and injuries than younger cats do. Because of this fact, it’s important that they visit their vet on a regular basis so that any issues can be addressed before they become life-threatening conditions.
If your cat is between seven and ten years old, you should take them to the vet at least three times a year. Once they are over ten years old, however, you should increase the frequency to four times a year.
Signs You Should Take A Cat To The Vet
There are a lot of reasons why you might want to take your cat to the vet. For example, if your cat is exhibiting severe signs of illness (drooling, vomiting, etc.), it's important to get it checked out right away.
If you notice any injuries or other changes that might suggest an underlying medical problem (ie, constipation), it's also a good idea to visit the vet right away. Or, if there’s anything out of the ordinary with your cat's behavior—for example if he seems uncharacteristically anxious or aggressive— it's worth taking him in for a checkup as well.
Other reasons to take your cat to the vet are:
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Lumps anywhere on the body
- Agitated breathing or changes in it.
- Secretion of both nasal and ocular fluids
Is It Traumatic for Cats To Go to The Vet?
Going to the veterinarian can be a scary experience for cats. Think that you’re exposing your pet to an unknown environment, so it doesn’t know what to expect. Besides, if you take it to the vet in a carrier, they might get too scared or stressed out by being confined inside it.
However, there are ways to make it less traumatic for your cat and help it overcome any fears it might have when going to the vet. For example, if you bring along some treats and try to be as calm and relaxed as possible, your cat may not feel as anxious about going to the vet. You could also try using a harness or leash instead of a carrier to help keep your cat close to you while in the veterinary clinic.
And, if your cat is a bit of a snuggler, try taking it to the vet wearing a blanket or shirt that smells like home. This helps your cat associate the smell with being at home and feeling safe.
Final Thoughts
Cats are typically pretty self-sufficient, so it's not surprising that many people don't realize that their cat may need to see a veterinarian. However, you shouldn't wait until your cat is sick before you take it to the veterinarian!
To find out exactly how often your cat needs to visit the vet, contact a professional. They can give you an estimate tailored to your cat's specific situation.