Cats are known for being highly independent animals. First-time cat parents, casual outdoor kitty caretakers, old-fashioned cat owners, and many others are often misled by the self-sufficient nature of their feline family members. Cats are typically low-maintenance pets; this benefit to cat ownership can contribute to the common misconception that cats don’t need regular veterinary care, but they do.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Taking your cat to the vet helps maintain their preventative care so that they can live a long and happy life.
So, how often do you take a cat to the vet? Depending on a few factors, you might consider bringing your cat to the vet multiple times a year, but at least once a year is necessary. Keep reading to learn more about vet visit frequency guidelines based on your cat’s life stage.
Do cats need to go to the vet every year?
Yes. Vets recommend that cats have a comprehensive physical exam performed at least once a year. Many veterinary clinics and pet insurances offer wellness or preventative care programs that include one to two checkups. Discussing factors such as your cat’s age, lifestyle, and overall well-being can help you and your vet determine how often is most appropriate for your pet.
“Regular vet visits are so important because they allow you to work collaboratively with your veterinarian to ensure that your cat is healthy. A thorough history in combination with a complete physical exam are invaluable in preventing, catching, or treating any issues that your cat may have.” – Laria Herod, DVM
Because you spend the most time with your cat, you will know your cat best and are the first line of defense in noticing any health or behavioral changes. Trust your intuition: if you ever feel that something is wrong with your cat, contact your vet immediately to set up an appointment.
Let’s break down what is typically recommended for vet visits.
Overview: How often do you take a cat to the vet?
- Kittens: Every 3–4 weeks from 6–8 weeks old until 16–20 weeks old, then at 6 months and 1 year.
- Adult Cats (1–7 years): Annually, or every other year for indoor-only cats.
- Senior Cats (7–15 years): Twice per year.
- Senior Cats (15+ years): Every 4 months.
Cats with compromised immune systems (due to FIV, FeLV, cancer, etc.) may need to visit the vet more often. Your veterinarian will recommend the best care plan to manage their condition.
At the end of the day, your cat’s health and your peace of mind are always worth calling and scheduling an appointment. If you have concerns, veterinarians want to address those concerns and equip you with tools to prevent, manage, or resolve them. Managing your pets' health is a joint effort between your family and your veterinarian.
Now that we have established how often you should take your healthy cat to the vet, read about the reasons you should take your cat to the vet outside of wellness visits.
How often should you take your cat to the vet?
Kitten vet visit schedule
The first few months of a young kitten’s life are filled with vet visits to ensure your kitten is dewormed, tested, vaccinated, and spayed or neutered. This is the perfect time to practice familiarizing your kitten with the vet office and asking the veterinary staff all your questions.
Recommended kitten vet visit schedule:
- 6–8 weeks old: First visit for a health checkup, deworming, and initial vaccines.
- Every 3–4 weeks until 16–20 weeks old: Regular visits for booster shots and exams, and discussion about spaying or neutering.
- 6 months–1 year old: Final booster shots.
Remember that the AAHA and AAFP (American Animal Hospital Association and the American Association of Feline Practitioners) recommend core vaccines like Feline Panleukopenia (FPV), Herpesvirus (FHV-1), Calicivirus (FCV), Rabies, and Feline Leukemia (FeLV) vaccines for kittens.
Vaccines aside, your kitten will get a complete physical exam at each of these visits. You will work with your veterinarian to determine next steps such as if and/or when to spay or neuter, monthly preventative medications, food recommendations, etc.
It is recommended to sterilize kittens by 5 months to help with overpopulation and reduce certain health risks. For females, spaying or altering them by 5 months of age reduces their risk of developing mammary cancer. In males, neutering can reduce marking behaviors, also known as spraying. Furthermore, young kittens recover from this procedure remarkably fast and are better off for it.
Adult cat vet visit schedule
Healthy adult cats (ages 1–7) generally require less frequent visits, but annual checkups are still critical for maintaining good health.
Recommended adult cat vet visit schedule:
- Annually: Comprehensive exam, vaccine updates, and preventive care (e.g., flea, tick, and heartworm medications).
- Every 2 years (for indoor-only cats): May be appropriate, but should be discussed with your vet.
For adult cats with chronic yet stable medical conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease, more frequent visits will likely be requested to ensure that they are doing well and make changes as needed.
Even if your cat seems healthy, annual visits allow for early detection of potential problems. While an exception can be made for indoor-only cats between ages 2 and 7 to be seen every other year, that is a decision that should be made in conjunction with your veterinarian.
Annual wellness visits are often undervalued, but the establishment of normal and early detection of unwanted changes are just a few things that your veterinarian is uniquely equipped to evaluate at these appointments.
Senior cat vet visit schedule
As cats age, their health needs become more complex, requiring more frequent checkups to monitor age-related conditions.
Recommended Schedule:
- 7–15 years old: Twice per year for exams and diagnostics to monitor health changes.
- 15+ years old: Every 4 months, or more frequently if they have chronic conditions.
Owners of senior cats with chronic diseases should devise a vet visit frequency with their veterinarian.
While every vet visit will include a diligent physical exam, particular care will be taken to minimize pain and stress during senior visits. The recommended vaccines and diagnostics for an adult cat carry over to seniors, but more diagnostics to evaluate organ system functioning and overall well-being may be recommended.
Much too often, owners unconsciously write of geriatric cats’ symptoms as old age, but your veterinarian can and will make recommendations to ensure that your cat's life is full of joy and vigor to the very end. It is always important to contact your veterinarian if you have concerns or notice changes with your cat; maintaining this open line of communication is increasingly crucial as cats age.
When should I take my cat to the vet?
In addition to regular checkups, there are certain situations when you should bring your cat to the vet sooner rather than later. Being proactive can prevent minor issues from becoming serious health problems. Here are some warning signs your cat needs help:
Sudden changes in behavior or appetite.
If your cat suddenly stops eating, drinks excessive amounts of water, or becomes unusually lethargic or vocal, these can be warning signs your cat is crying for help or has underlying health issues.
Vomiting or diarrhea
Persistent vomiting and stool irregularities can indicate more severe problems, such as bowel disease, parasites, or blockages.
Changes in bathroom routine
Blood in the urine or frequent trips to the litter box may indicate urinary tract infections or blockages. Identifying and treating these issues immediately is critical to your cat’s health as these can become life-threatening if left untreated, so immediate veterinary attention is essential.
Difficulty breathing or coughing
Heavy breathing or coughing can indicate respiratory issues and even heart disease. Breathing difficulties should always be treated with the utmost importance.
Difficulty moving
If your cat is limping, avoiding movement, or seems to be in pain when touched, they may have suffered an injury, arthritis, or another musculoskeletal issue.
Eye or ear issues
Red, swollen, or cloudy eyes, as well as discharge from the eyes or ears, can indicate infections or other health problems that need treatment. Early intervention can prevent permanent damage.
Weight changes
Unexplained weight loss or sudden weight gain can indicate a variety of health issues, from diabetes to thyroid problems, and should be checked by your vet.
Staying on top of your cat’s health is essential to ensure you are able to identify early signs of serious health problems and can address them without delay.
Products such as smart litter boxes allow you to receive daily insights into your cat’s weight and bathroom habits. Thanks to this technology, pet parents can more easily detect and get alerted about unusual bathroom behavior and weight changes, making it easier to catch early signs of disease.
Average cost of vet visit for cats
The cost of veterinary care for cats can vary widely based on your location, the type of care your cat needs, and the clinic itself. Here’s how much you can be expected to pay for vet visits without insurance:
- Routine vet visits: $80–$200 for a standard vet visit for a healthy cat. It typically includes a physical exam, weight check, and some basic diagnostics.
- Vaccinations: $50-$100 per vaccine. Vaccines such as rabies, feline panleukopenia, and herpesvirus are necessary during kittenhood and then periodically throughout your cat’s life.
- Spaying/neutering: $300–$600 for the procedure. These costs can vary based on the clinic or shelter, but many areas and shelters offer lower-cost and even free spay/neuter programs.
- Dental exam & cleaning: $300–$800. Cats can suffer from dental disease as they age, and cleanings under general anesthesia are often recommended to prevent infections or tooth loss.
- Emergency vet care: $200–$500 (or more) If your cat needs urgent care, the cost can increase rapidly depending on the severity of the issue. Diagnostics, x-rays, and treatment for conditions like urinary blockages or respiratory distress can add significant costs.
- Chronic conditions: $500+ annually For cats with chronic conditions like diabetes or kidney disease, the cost of regular monitoring and medication can add up over time.
To offset these costs, you might consider pet insurance or setting aside a budget for veterinary care. Many pet insurance plans cover preventive care and emergencies—but not pre-existing conditions—which can reduce the financial burden of unexpected health issues.
