For pet owners, knowing how often to take their cats to the vet is important. Missing visits can prevent your cat from getting the proper vaccinations and tests it needs. But how often do cats need to go to the vet, and why are these visits so necessary?
How often you should take your cat to the vet depends mostly on its age. Generally, kittens and senior pets should visit the veterinarian more frequently. Adult cats need only to see a vet once a year unless problems arise. Although cats are relatively self-sufficient pets, they should regularly go to the vet to get vaccinations and check-ups. If you’re concerned about your cat’s health, you should take it to the vet right away.
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How Often Should My Cat Go to the Vet?
Cats need their annual check-up, just like humans. However, kittens and senior cats might need to go to the vet more frequently because of their age. If you’re unsure how often to take your cat to the vet, ask. Your veterinarian can tell you.
Kittens
Just like newborn babies need to go to the doctor, kittens need to visit the vet often in their first several months of life. Every few weeks, your cat should go to the vet to get its necessary vaccinations. Domestic pets need lots of shots to keep them and your family safe. This process is usually staggered and will happen over the first few months of your kitten’s life or after adoption.
These frequent visits early on will also allow your veterinarian to examine your cat. They’ll want to know about your cat’s behaviors and how it’s adjusting to its new life. Your vet will measure your cat’s weight and length to see if it’s growing healthily. These regular visits are important to make sure your kitten is happy and healthy in its first several months of life.
Adult Cats
Again, paralleling adult humans and doctor’s visits, once cats mature, they do not need to see a vet as often. Annual check-ups will usually suffice. Taking your adult cat to the vet once a year will allow your veterinarian to check its weight, ask about its activities, and assess its health.
These visits are for vets to identify potential underlying issues that you might not be seeing as a pet owner. Think of it like your yearly doctor’s visit. It’s important to check in with a veterinarian at least once a year to ensure your furry friend is well.
Senior Cats
When your cat reaches ten years of age, it is best to take it to the vet twice a year. As cats age, more complications can arise. Weakened bones or lack of mobility in elderly cats can call for a change in diet or exercise. A veterinarian can assess your senior cat and advise you on altering its lifestyle to fit its changing needs.
Elderly cats are more prone to illness and bodily problems. At these biannual visits, your vet will test your pet for the common issues found in elderly cats. Not only will these tests give you peace of mind, but they can identify problems quickly. More frequent vet visits are necessary for senior pets to keep them healthy as they age.
Not all cats are the same. Some have complications or chronic illnesses that require more regular vet visits. If that’s the case, your veterinarian will develop a schedule to see your cat based on its needs.
When Should I Take My Cat to the Vet?
If you notice any obvious changes in your cat’s behavior, call your vet. You don’t have to wait until your next scheduled appointment if you have cause for concern about your cat’s health. Here are some indications that it’s time to take your cat for a check-up sooner than you thought.
Lack of Appetite
Animals refuse food when something is wrong. A lack of appetite could indicate several issues, ranging from cancer to kidney failure. If your cat has stopped eating, take it to the vet. There might be some underlying problems you weren’t aware of. It could also be that your cat just doesn’t like its food. Whatever the case, a professional can assess your cat and identify the reasons for its lack of appetite.
Changes in Behavior
Has your cat’s personality seemingly changed overnight? It could be because your cat is anxious or depressed. Yes, these issues can affect your pet too. If your cat has become aggressive or skittish, you should take it to the vet. While there might be nothing physically wrong with your cat, you can tell that something’s off. Your vet can give you advice on how to reassure your cat and get it back to its normal self.
Injury
If your cat has been injured and is noticeably in pain, take it to the vet. Don’t wait, as injuries can worsen over time. Injuries can happen even if you didn’t witness them. If your cat has become less mobile or won’t let you touch a certain area of its body, it might have sustained an injury. If that’s the case, take your cat to the vet as soon as possible.
If you’re worried about your cat’s wellbeing, taking it to the vet is the smartest thing to do. A veterinarian can address your worries and can prescribe treatment. Your pet sitter can also help watch for signs of injury or illness while you’re out of town. Having an extra set of eyes helping to watch your pet can help you figure out when to take them to the vet.
Call the Atlanta Cat Sitters at Critter Sitters Today
When life takes you away from your cat, leaving it in the right hands can ease worry. For trusted care while you’re away, call the Alpharetta cat sitters at Critter Sitters today at (404) 793-6178.
