Given my indoor cat seems healthy, exhibits normal behavior (eating, playing, sleeping), and is up-to-date on all vaccinations, how often should I take my cat to the vet for a routine check-up, considering factors like their age (she’s 5 years old), breed (Domestic Shorthair), and lifestyle (strictly indoor, no contact with other animals outside our home)?

Answer

Kittens (Up to 1 Year Old)

• Initial Series of Visits: Kittens require a series of veterinary visits to receive core vaccinations (feline distemper, herpesvirus, calicivirus, and rabies), deworming treatments, and parasite prevention (fleas, ticks, heartworms). Typically, these start around 6-8 weeks of age and continue every 3-4 weeks until around 16 weeks of age.
• Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) Testing: These tests are recommended for all kittens, especially if their mother’s status is unknown.
• Spaying/Neutering: Usually performed around 4-6 months of age.
• Follow-up: A general health check-up after the kitten series and spay/neuter procedure to ensure proper healing and overall health.

Adult Cats (1-10 Years Old)

• Annual Check-up: A yearly veterinary visit is recommended for adult cats. This visit includes a comprehensive physical examination, review of medical history and lifestyle, and discussion of any concerns you may have.
• Vaccinations: Boosters for core vaccines are given based on vaccine type and the cat’s risk factors. Some vaccines are given annually, while others are administered every 3 years.
• Parasite Prevention: Year-round flea, tick, and heartworm prevention is typically recommended, especially for outdoor cats.
• Dental Health Assessment: The vet will check for signs of dental disease, which is common in cats. Dental cleanings may be recommended as needed.
• Bloodwork: Your veterinarian may recommend a blood panel to screen for underlying conditions, assess organ function, and establish baseline values. This is especially useful to monitor changes in health over time.

Senior Cats (11+ Years Old)

• Semi-annual Check-ups: Senior cats benefit from more frequent veterinary visits (every 6 months) due to the increased risk of age-related health problems.
• Comprehensive Physical Examination: These examinations will be more extensive, with a focus on detecting early signs of arthritis, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and other common senior cat ailments.
• Bloodwork and Urinalysis: Annual or semi-annual blood work and urinalysis are highly recommended for senior cats to monitor organ function and detect early signs of disease.
• Blood Pressure Monitoring: High blood pressure (hypertension) is common in older cats and can lead to serious health problems.
• Pain Management: Assessment and management of any pain associated with arthritis or other conditions.
• Nutritional Counseling: Senior cats may require dietary adjustments to support kidney function or manage weight.

Factors Affecting Frequency:

• Underlying Health Conditions: Cats with chronic illnesses like diabetes, kidney disease, or heart disease may need more frequent veterinary visits for monitoring and treatment adjustments.
• Lifestyle: Outdoor cats are at higher risk for parasites, injuries, and infectious diseases and may need more frequent check-ups.
• Changes in Behavior or Appetite: Any significant changes in your cat’s behavior, appetite, thirst, urination, or litter box habits should prompt a veterinary visit.
• Medications: Cats taking medications require regular monitoring to assess their response to treatment and check for any potential side effects.
• Specific Breed Predispositions: Certain cat breeds are prone to specific health conditions, which may warrant more frequent monitoring.

In summary: Kittens need a series of visits, adult cats typically need annual check-ups, and senior cats benefit from semi-annual visits. However, the frequency of veterinary visits should be tailored to your cat’s individual needs, health status, and lifestyle, always in consultation with your veterinarian.