The importance of routine vet care for cats

We get it - you're busy, you've been meaning to take your cat for a pet health checkup for a while now, but you just can't find the time. It's okay; things can run away from us sometimes.

But - and we know you probably know this - routine vet care is really important to keep your cat fit and healthy. Some owners think their cat, especially if they're an indoor one, doesn't need regular check-ups. This isn't true; all cats can benefit from some face-to-face time with their vet.

Here, we discuss what to expect at your next pet health checkup, the benefits and how often you should take your kitty to one.

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What's routine vet care for cats?

Routine vet care for cats means bringing your cat to the vet for a general check-up. It isn't for a specific problem; it's to proactively address your cat’s health generally which could include numerous issues, from behavioural symptoms to dental care.

It's a chance for your vet to take a good look at your cat and see what's working well, and for you to ask any questions you have.

What happens during a routine cat vet visit?

Typical parts of routine cat vet care include:

Physical examination

This will usually involve:

Abdomen checks

Your vet will feel the abdomen, checking for any bumps or lumps.

Behaviour

This will also likely include a discussion on your cat's wellbeing, behaviour, nutrition and lifestyle.

Checking vital signs

Looking into things like your cat's temperature and heart rate.

Eye and ear assessments

For signs of infections and disease.

Heart and lung checks

To listen look for unusual sounds or rhythms.

Lymph node assessments

Typically, a vet will feel look the lymph nodes to assess them for swelling or enlargement.

Reviewing coat quality

Looking for signs of overgrooming, parasites or skin conditions.

Testing joints and reflexes

Assessing their reflexes, joints, and mobility can help test for things like arthritis or neurological problems.

Bloodwork

This is more common in older cats or those with a pre-existing health condition. A vet will look at your cat's bloodwork to check markers and indications of disease, like diabetes and kidney issues. This can sometimes helps to spot things early before symptoms appear.

Our Standard Care Pre-existing plan can cover recent conditions.

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Remember: even healthy cats should go to routine check-ups. They're there to spot issues early and proactively solve problems.

Vaccinations

Early in your cat's life, a vet will often include primary vaccinations as part of a more general check-up. Ongoing annual booster vaccinations are usually recommended for most cats, along with a-check up. 

Weight checks

Your vet will look at your cat's weight and assess their diet. They'll use a system called a body condition score. Your vet may provide some tailored nutrition advice, too.

Dental check

There's a strong link between a cat's dental health and their overall health, so vets will always check your cat for dental trauma or underlying dental disease.

Neutering or spaying

Neutering or spaying will be part of routine care early on in a cat's life (and our cat neutering guide can help explain the ins and outs of it, like costs).

Parasite screening

Cats, even indoor cats, need regular parasite prevention to protect against things like fleas, ticks and worms. Your vet can discuss your pet’s risk profile and recommend effective products.

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Benefits of routine vet care for cats

• Catches dental issues early, which improves your cat's health, prevents pain and may reduce vet costs

• Detects illnesses early, which improves your cat's prognosis and may lead to lower vet costs

• Ensures things like your cat's parasite treatment and vaccinations are up to date

• Improves your cat's quality of life since regular pet health check-ups typically result in longer, healthier lives 

How often should cats see the vet?

It depends on your cat's age.

Kittens

Kittens will often have more frequent visits, especially since they'll need their primary vaccination course.

It's important your vet sees your kitten frequently in the first few months to monitor their growth, too. This will also help to ensure they are getting the correct doses of anti-parasite treatment.

The frequency of your visits will depend on your vet. Some practices offer regular weight checks with a veterinary nurse rather than a full exam each time, for example.

Adult cats

For adult cats, a vet will typically recommend annual check-ups which usually coincides with their annual vaccinations. It depends on your cat's health, though - a poorly cat may warrant more regular visits.

Senior cats

Senior cats - who are usually classed as senior above seven years old - will benefit from visits twice per year. Bloodwork, urine screens and blood pressure monitoring may be considered as part of their general checkups. 

Wellness exams, vaccinations and routine check-ups all proactively stop problems from occurring, and they're a key part of preventative pet care.

How much does routine vet care cost?

Honestly, sorry for giving a bit of a non-answer, but it depends. Each vet will have their own pricing model, and prices can vary depending on your cat's:

• Age

• Location

• Pre-existing health conditions

Thankfully, we studied vet practices across the UK to find the average cost of UK vet visits as well as the average costs for UK vaccinations.  

Signs your cat needs a vet visit outside of routine care

While routine vet care is important, you shouldn't rely on it entirely. You should see a vet much sooner if you notice worrying symptoms like:

• Aggression

• Behavioural changes, like sudden anxiety or hiding

• Changes in coat quality

• Excessive grooming or scratching

• Lethargy

• Significant changes in eating, drinking or litter box habits

• Unexpected weight change

This isn't an exhaustive list, but the key point is to remember that routine care is there to support, not replace, good care for your cat. Always visit a vet if you're concerned about something. 

How cat insurance can help

Cat insurance doesn't cover routine check-ups. But it can cover the costs of unexpected health accidents and issues a routine check-up can find.

Rest easy with up to £20,000 vet fee cover on our Complete Care cat insurance plan, 24/7 video vet calls and a host of ManyPets Perks.

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We know your cat knows best. But let's keep them protected from any unexpected accidents or illnesses - just in case.

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