Taking Your Cat To The Vet
Compared to dogs, cats are pretty good at taking care of themselves and most people assume that they don’t need to be taken to the vet for regular checkups like dogs.
However, this is untrue! Cats need regular trips to the vet to maintain optimum health just like dogs do. While indoor cats may not get into as many health-related predicaments as dogs since they stay indoors all the time, they will still need to be checked by a veterinarian on a regular basis.
So, how often do you take a cat to the vet?
When They’re Young
When you welcome a baby kitten into your family, you should take them to a veterinarian as soon as you can. This is essential in order to establish a future care plan for your new kitten, as well as get an idea of where their current health stands.
If the kitten is less than four months old, the veterinarian may want to see them monthly until they are older than five months.
Once They Reach Adulthood
Adult cats should go to the veterinarian every six months for a checkup. That’s twice a year and much more frequently than people realize!
Adult cat veterinarian checkups usually entail physical examinations, vaccines, and even dental cleanings. Regardless of them being indoor or outdoor cats, distemper and rabies vaccines are still required.
Some vaccinations can last up to three years, but it’s okay if you forget when your feline friend is due for another shot. Most vets keep up with those records for you. Plus, they can always check your cat’s immunity levels.
As They Age
A cat is considered elderly around the age of 7 and around that age is when their care schedule should start to change.
The veterinarian needs to be seen twice to three times a year once your cat reaches the age of 7 to 10 years old. When they get past the age of 10, they should go for an additional visit every year
Aging cats are prone to issues such as obesity, arthritis, and liver and kidney issues that can require extra treatments and more vet visits.
When Things Change
Anytime you plan on changing anything about your lifestyle that will disrupt your cat’s lifestyle as well, it’s always a good idea to consult with your cat’s veterinarian and take them in if need be.
For instance, if you plan on moving somewhere where your cat will be able to roam freely, you may need to update their vaccines. Or, if you move and find that your cat isn’t acting like their normal self, taking them to the vet will help you figure out if they are having a hard time adjusting, or if they are sick.
The answer to the question “how often do you take a cat to the vet?” depends largely on their age and other factors, such as their environment. But once you establish a routine with your veterinarian, caring for your feline friend is as simple as regular trips to the vet.
Just more frequently than you once thought!