Cat Wellness Exams

How often should your cat have wellness exams?

Healthy adult cats typically benefit from an annual wellness exam. However, for cats aged 7 and older - or those managing chronic health conditions - twice-yearly visits may be recommended to ensure optimal care.

What does the physical exam include?

During your cat’s physical exam, we’ll begin by gathering a health history—how they’re doing at home, dietary habits, and any behavioral concerns. The exam itself is a comprehensive, nose-to-tail assessment: checking body condition, alertness, teeth and gums, eyes and ears, skin and coat, joints, and signs of illness. We also listen to their heart and lungs, check for murmurs or abnormalities, and gently palpate the abdomen to assess internal organs. It’s all part of making sure your cat stays healthy and comfortable.

What vaccines does my cat need? 

Core vaccines for cats include the rabies vaccine—which is legally required due to its risk to humans—and the FVRCP vaccine, which protects against common upper respiratory illnesses. If appropriate, we offer a three-year vaccine schedule for these core immunizations. We also provide the feline leukemia vaccine as a non-core option, depending on your cat’s lifestyle, health status, and history.

What types of tests does my cat need?

We recommend an annual fecal exam to screen for intestinal parasites. In addition, routine blood work - such as a complete blood count (CBC) and serum chemistry - can help evaluate red and white blood cells, platelets, and organ function. A urinalysis may also be useful in detecting crystals, infection, or inflammation within the urinary tract.

What parasite prevention does my cat need?

We recommend year-round heartworm prevention for all cats, including those kept exclusively indoors. Intestinal parasite prevention should also be administered monthly. Treatment plans can be tailored based on fecal test results. For more information, we encourage you to watch our educational video on feline heartworm disease.

What should my cat be eating? 

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require a meat-based diet to thrive. It’s important to feed a food specifically formulated for cats and appropriate for their life stage—kitten, adult, or senior. Whether you choose dry, canned, or a mix of both, make sure it’s nutritionally balanced for your cat’s age and needs.

How much should my cat be eating?

Feeding guidelines on pet food packaging provide a useful starting point, but adjustments should be made based on your cat's individual metabolism and body condition. Regularly assess body condition by feeling for ribs, evaluating the abdomen, and running your hands along the spine to check for excess weight or muscle loss. Feeding amounts should be tailored to maintain an ideal weight and physical condition.

Are there any specific dietary recommendations for my cat's health conditions?

We’re happy to discuss nutritional options with you. There are prescription and specialty diets available for cats with sensitive stomachs, and we tailor our recommendations to suit your cat’s individual health needs.

Will my cat need dental care as well?

As part of the physical exam, we carefully evaluate your cat’s mouth for signs of dental disease—including gum redness, tartar buildup, swelling, and abnormal masses. If any concerns are found, we’ll recommend appropriate dental care. For more insight, we encourage you to checkout our video on cat dentistry.

How can I maintain my cat's dental health?

Daily toothbrushing is a valuable part of your cat’s dental care routine. Many cats can learn to enjoy the experience, especially with pet-safe flavored toothpastes. For guidance and tips, we recommend watching our instructional video on brushing your pet’s teeth.

Should I ask my vet about my cat's behavior during wellness exams?

We welcome your questions - especially when it comes to your cat's behavior. We believe that supporting the bond between you and your pet is key to a happy, healthy life. During wellness exams, we encourage you to bring up any behavioral concerns so we can offer guidance and care tailored to your cat’s needs.

Why are wellness exams important?

Annual wellness exams are a vital part of feline preventive care. Cats are especially skilled at concealing signs of illness, and they can't verbally communicate discomfort. These checkups allow us to perform a thorough physical exam and recommended testing, helping detect health issues early and support your cat in living a healthy, comfortable life.

What should I do to prepare for my cat's wellness exam?

Before your cat’s appointment, consider offering a smaller breakfast to help encourage treat-based engagement during the visit. We also recommend acclimating your cat to their carrier and travel routine, and we have a helpful video available to support that process. If your cat is prone to stress during transport or at the clinic, we can discuss individualized anxiety medication options to ensure a positive experience for both you and your pet.