How Often Should Your Senior Cat See a Vet?

Getting your cat to the vet can be a real hassle.

Getting it into the carrier is a battle all on its own, more often than not resulting in scratches up and down your arms and a thick layer of animosity between pet and owner as you drive to the office, your beloved pet hissing and growling the entire way.

If your kitty seems healthy and you haven’t noticed any physical changes, you might find yourself wondering if any of this is worth it.

But visiting a cat hospital regularly, before something is wrong, can extend your cats’ life and significantly improve their quality of life (even though the sounds coming from the backseat might convince you otherwise).

To book an appointment at a dog and cat hospital in Vancouver, click here.

The first year of life

Early on, when your cat is still a kitten, it will need the visit a cat hospital frequently, up to 6 times during the first year of its life. This is essential for ensuring your pet gets the vaccines it needs on a proper schedule. During these visits, the vet will also monitor your pet’s growth and keep an eye out for any abnormalities that you might not notice, such as tumours or symptoms of a genetic condition.

As your kitty ages, these visits usually occur less often, typically only once per year to administer booster shots and, again, monitor for changes.

Your Senior Cat’s Checkups

Once your cat reaches 7 years of age, it’s already a senior. At this point in time, your vet may suggest you start bringing them in twice a year.

Most cats are solitary creatures, and they might become even less interactive as they get older. Because of this, it can be difficult for cat owners to notice physical or personality changes in their pets. Age-related diseases can come on quickly for animals, and regular visits to a vet are instrumental in catching symptoms that might otherwise go unnoticed, preventing your cat from aging gracefully.

To reach a cat hospital in Vancouver, click here to book a checkup for your senior kitty.

Tips On Making Your Visit Less Painful

A little forethought can really ease your kitty’s stress when it comes time for a visit to the vet.

• Practice putting your cat in its carrier, even if you’re not taking it to the vet. This will help your pet disassociate its carrier with the vet.
• Use a familiar carrier and blankets.
• Stay calm. Your cat will pick up on your stress levels, which will in turn stress it out.
• Consider visiting a cat-only clinic, as the smell of dogs in the waiting room can really set your kitty off.

For a full list of services routinely offered at a cat hospital in Vancouver, click here.