Having a cat is a huge responsibility, as they not only need lots of love, care, and attention, but routine visits to the vet are a must as well. When it comes to your cat’s health and well-being, it’s definitely something that you will want to invest in.

Kittens (Birth to 1 year old)

During the first sixteen weeks of a kitten’s life, it’s recommended that they’re taken to the vet every three to four weeks. Aside from getting a physical exam and regular health checks performed, an appropriate series of vaccinations will also be administered to fight against serious ailments. The veterinarian will advise you on the ideal times to schedule the shots.

Adult Cats (1 year to 10 years old)

Once a cat is a year old, they normally only need to go to a vet about once a year for a physical examination. Your cat will be checked physically for any defects or conditions, such as lumps, skin conditions, or difficulty in movement. Any small issues could be signs of underlying problems and should not be ignored at any cost.

The cat’s oral health will also be checked, in which the vet will look for signs of plaque, tartar, or gingivitis. This is often more commonly found in cats aged 6 years or older. In this case, a professional dental cleaning will be recommended, depending of course on the gravity of the conditions presented.

Once your cat has passed the routine health check, then comes the time to update their vaccination records. The vet will tell you if any further vaccinations are recommended, based on the factors of your pet’s lifestyle and home environment.

Throughout the procedure, you shouldn’t hesitate to bring up any questions or concerns you may have. Additionally, inform your vet of any medications, supplements, or vitamins that your cat takes. This is important in helping your vet manage your cat’s health and dietary decisions.

Even if your cat’s health is in perfect condition, you may still want to look into optional blood work examinations while at the clinic. The results from these tests may turn out to be crucial in determining if your cat is at risk for any future conditions or diseases. In turn, this will help tremendously in setting a proper diet and exercise regime to keep your cat’s health intact.

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Senior Cats (10 years old and above)

Upon reaching ten years in age, a cat is considered to be in its senior years. At this point, your scheduled physical examinations best be doubled to two times a year. This is because there is a higher probability of your cat experiencing medical problems at this stage of life.

Cats are quite the secretive creatures, so if they’re experiencing any sort of pain or discomfort, it would be hard to tell. This is why it’s especially important to pay routine visits to the vet, in the interest of making sure all is right with your pet.

Always be mindful of your cat’s habits – take close note of how they walk, how they stand up, if they still jump around the house or run around outside. Although they may not sound like much, it’s still worth mentioning to your trusted veterinarian, who will then figure out if there are any signs of stiffness or general lethargy.

Browse through the Sugarland Vet Clinic in Bundaberg has to offer and determine which you’d be most comfortable taking your cat to regularly. For senior cats, certain tests will be done, such as a complete blood count, blood work chemistry, thyroid exam, and urinalysis. These serve to provide a complete picture of your cat’s health levels. Remember, early detection is the key to a long and high quality state of life.