Health & Wellness
Preventive Care for Cats
Help your cat live a longer, happier life.
Preventive care is an essential part of keeping your cat happy and healthy. It will give you peace of mind and increase the odds of detecting underlying health conditions before they become advanced and expensive.
Routine Veterinary Care
Your cat needs preventive care examinations or checkups at least once a year. Senior cats 10-15 years old should have checkups at least every 6 months and cats over 15 years old should be seen every 4 months. Cats with ongoing health issues may need more frequent checkups.
These visits are a comprehensive assessment of your cat's health. The veterinarian will discuss and assess topics such as:
- Nutrition
- Lifestyle
- Behavior
- Ears & Eyes
- Dental Health
- Coat & Skin
- Internal Organs
- Vaccination Status
- Bloodwork (assess metabolic function)
- Exercise & Environmental Enrichment
- Parasite Control (internal and external)
Based on the findings, your veterinarian will discuss any concerns, make recommendations and work with you to keep your cat as healthy as possible. As a helpful reference, please take a look at this printable list of "The Top 6 Reasons to Visit the Vet" flyer.
Bathing, Grooming & Hygiene
A sizeable portion of a cat's health involves self-bathing and grooming. A cat can manage its own skin, fur, and digestive health through self-grooming. However, there are things you can and should do as a cat owner to help ensure optimal hygiene by following a simple preventive care regimen. This includes:
- Brushing your cat's hair regularly to limit knots and furballs
- Trimming your cat's claws
- Physical interactions including petting and playing to maintain a healthy comfort level with interaction and engage the cat's senses
Keep in mind, the temperament and disposition of your cat can affect your ability to maintain this regimen.