It is estimated that barely 1 in 3 cats is regularly presented to the vet for an examination. A regular routine check-up is nevertheless very important to ensure timely detection and treatment of (chronic) conditions. Just because your cat looks healthy on the outside doesn't mean nothing could be wrong. An annual to 6-monthly check-up is highly recommended and its importance increases with age. Did you know that 1 year of a cat’s life is the equivalent of 4 to 7 human years?
Which diseases are most common in cats?
A study conducted with veterinarians showed that obesity is the most common problem in cats, followed by tartar and gingivitis.The list below shows the 10 most common feline conditions in the order of descending frequency:
- Excess weight and obesity
- Tartar
- Gum disease
- Ear mite infestation
- Flea infestation
- Ear infection
- Dry coat and dandruff
- Respiratory disorders
- Conjunctivitis of the eye
- Dental problem (broken or missing teeth)
Why does my cat need regular vet checkups?
Just because your cat looks healthy on the outside doesn't mean there could be nothing wrong. Chronic kidney disease, for example, only becomes visible externally when kidney function has already been impaired by 75%. Weight gain is often not clearly visible to the owner at first. Regular weigh-ins are important to notice weight gain early.
How often should I take my cat to the vet?
If you have just brought home a kitten or new cat, it is best to go for a consultation with the vet as soon as possible. Give your kitten a few days to get used to its new home so that it doesn't experience too much stress at once. In healthy adult cats, an annual to 6 monthly check-up is recommended and its importance increases as your cat gets older.
If your cat has health problems that require more frequent monitoring, your vet will advise you.
What is a routine vet checkup?
- Control identification & passport
- Weighing
- Full health check-up: auscultation, temperature, pulse, full physical exam
- Vaccination status check
Your adult cat must be vaccinated annually.
Young kittens should be vaccinated more frequently. You should get your kitten vaccinated to protect it from certain serious conditions, such as cat flu, feline leukemia and feline sickness. This usually happens between the ages of 8 and 12 weeks. The vaccination schedule may vary depending on the type of vaccine used. Your vet will advise you on this.
- Deworming
Until the age of 6 months, your kitten should be regularly dewormed. Traditionally, monthly deworming is recommended until that age. Afterward, the frequency can be reduced. Consult your vet for an adapted worming schedule for your cat.
- Possibly blood tests
- Nutritional advice
- Parenting tips
- Hygiene tips
- Information insurance
- Information about breed-specific deviations