Should You Bother Taking a Healthy Cat to the Vet?

30 August 2016
 Categories: , Blog


Your cat is fit as a fiddle, running around, eating well, and just generally loving life as a cat. You receive a card through the door, informing you that a check-up is due at the vet's office. Should you bother going? If your cat is fine, isn't it just a waste of time and money? No! You should never miss a check-up for your cat, as there are many, many issues that can pop up without you noticing.

Even if your cat seems fine, there could be underlying health problems that will get progressively worse if left untreated. Read on to find out exactly why it's so important to take your furry friend for his/her regular check-up.

Full body examination

The vet will thoroughly examine your cat from top to tail, making sure that there are no injuries or signs of disease. A cat who appears healthy may have hidden problems, and there are certain areas where these are hard to spot. For example, inside the ears, where ear mites may be present. These can be easily treated with a course of ear drops, but you wouldn't know this if you didn't go for a check.

The teeth and gums are another hidden area where problems like plaque and disease can occur. The vet will also weigh your cat to check for any changes since their last appointment. Sudden weight loss may indicate a digestive problem, while weight gain can cause problems for your kitty if not treated. Your vet can create a custom diet plan for your cat, and recommend special foods to help keep them in top shape.

Parasite check

Fleas, ticks and worms are common for many cats, and unpleasant for both pet and owner. If your vet discovers any parasites, then they will provide you with a detailed treatment plan to clear the problem up as soon as possible. You can also ask about preventative treatments, which are the best option. For fleas and worms, a regular, 'spot on' liquid treatment is easy to administer at home, and shouldn't cause any distress to your cat. Ticks can be removed with a specially designed tool provided by your vet. This tool removes the entire body of the tick, meaning there is less risk of infection.

Vaccination update

Your cat will have received vaccinations as a kitten, but it's important to stay up to date on all the booster jabs as well. These ensure that your cat remains immune to nasty diseases. Prevention is the best cure, and regular vaccinations will spare your cat a lot of pain down the line. You'll also save on the cost of expensive treatment for preventable diseases.


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