Cats often get a reputation for being more low-maintenance than dogs, but they still need regular vet visits. According to the American Animal Hospital Association (Trusted Source) , every cat should go to the veterinarian for a check-up at least once per year — but a cat’s lifestyle, age, or health status may require more frequent visits. A vet is the best resource for determining how often you should take your cat to see them.
In general, kittens and senior cats need extra love from a vet to be happy and comfortable. Let’s learn about the veterinary needs you can expect throughout your cat’s life.
Most shelters and breeders will require you to visit a vet soon after adoption. At this point, selecting a vet you trust and will return to for years is good. That way, your vet will thoroughly understand your cat’s medical history should they develop any new conditions. Take some time to prepare your kitten for a stress-free vet visit, as well.
👉Be sure to discuss your kitten’s vaccine schedule with your vet at your first visit.
Kittens generally go to the vet every 3–4 weeks until they are 4–5 months old. Your cat will also get a thorough physical exam during these early visits. The vet will ask many questions, such as what food you’re feeding, your plans for flea/tick/heartworm prevention, and whether you plan to let your cat outdoors. You should ask lots of questions, too! Vet visits help you and your vet learn about your kitten and their care.
👉 Kittens are curious and playful. They’re also more prone to illnesses and injuries that warrant an extra trip to the vet. Watch out for these symptoms:
After about a year, your cat will require fewer vet visits. You can probably ease into annual visits at this point, but it depends on a few factors, like whether your cat has any known health conditions or whether they live indoors or outdoors.
In general, your cat’s yearly checkups will be a lot like yours. They’ll be checked for abnormalities, given booster shots for their vaccines, and may have their teeth cleaned. This is a good chance to check in with your vet about any changes you notice, whether physical or behavioral.
👉 Federal and state laws require vets to establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (Trusted Source) (VCPR) to prescribe medication and treat your cat. Federal law does not set a specific period, but many state laws do set them (usually at 6–12 months).
Cats that are eight years or older are considered senior citizens. Older pets are likely to need more regular medical attention. Some vets recommend check-ups every six months for elderly cats. Unfortunately, older cats are prone to many health concerns. These are the five most common:
👉 Many health conditions can be prevented or managed before they become severe with regular checkups. It’s important to mention any changes you notice over time — even something simple, like drinking more water, could indicate a serious health concern.
If your cat is diagnosed with a disease or condition at any time, you may need more frequent vet visits to monitor them. Between visits, watch for flare-ups that may require immediate attention. You can discuss all of this — symptoms to watch out for, helpful medications, what to do in the event of a flare-up, how often you should come in for regular check-ins — with your vet.
Cats can be tough to read, but you know your baby better than anyone. If you notice any new symptoms or changes, it’s a good idea to get an opinion from your vet. Don’t worry about appearing dramatic — even the smallest differences can indicate that your cat is not feeling well.
👉 Watch for changes in behavior, mood, and habits. You know your cat best, so these changes are more obvious to you. Other signs may include:
🚨 This list is not exhaustive — If you’re worried, contact your vet for advice. Be sure to take some time before an issue occurs to learn when your pet needs the ER and what emergencies require immediate vet attention (Trusted Source) .
Outdoor cats may seem independent, but they face more risks of exposure to diseases, parasites (Trusted Source) , chemicals, weather, and numerous other hazards. Feline leukemia, a common cat disease, spreads easily. If your cat goes outside, let your vet know so they can get the right vaccines. They’ll also need flea and tick meds and heartworm prevention (Trusted Source) . This keeps your cat safe and helps others too. Outdoor cats also have higher chances of injury such as dog bite wounds, fights with other cats/animals, and car collisions. Some outdoor cats become the victims of animal cruelty such as shootings and poisonings. Not only that, but free-roaming cats damage the environment by killing wildlife, spreading disease, and overpopulation.
While most cats can get away with yearly visits to the vet, some need to check in more often. Kittens need regular visits to ensure they get vaccines, while adult cats usually don’t require such frequent trips. Senior cats can experience severe health problems, but early detection can see them live long, happy lives with treatment. As always, checking in with your vet when you feel uneasy about your cat’s health never hurts.
For routine care, you can expect a vet visit for a cat to cost between $90 and $200, including the exam fee. ER visits, specialist exams, and hospitalization will cost more.
What does the feline wellness exam include?
At a routine exam, your vet will weigh your cat and take its temperature. Then, they will check their eyes, nose, mouth and teeth, ears, heart and lungs, rear end, paws, and fur. In some cases, they may do a urine test, stool sample, or blood test.
Indoor cats should visit the vet at least once per year. If you’re concerned between visits, contact your vet to get their recommendation.
Yes! Annual visits help you and your vet keep track of any changes in your cat’s health. Also, Federal and state laws require regular visits to maintain a VCPR.
