Routine checkups and vaccinations: what to discuss with your vet

Healthy cats see the vet too

Cats are very good at hiding when they feel unwell, so owners often only find out about a problem once it becomes obvious. Routine checkups help catch changes earlier. International Cat Care recommends that every cat visits the vet at least once a year, and some cats need to go more often.

We covered the very first visit separately in “Your kitten's first vet visit”. This article is about regular visits throughout your cat's life.

How vaccination guidelines work

Your vet sets your cat's vaccination schedule, and we deliberately don't publish one on this site. But it helps to understand the general logic so you and your vet speak the same language.

International guidelines, including those of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), divide vaccines into two groups:

• core vaccines are recommended for all cats, including those that never go outside. They protect against feline panleukopenia and the herpesvirus and calicivirus infections. Rabies vaccination is considered core where the disease is present, and in some countries it's compulsory;
• non-core vaccines are the ones whose need depends on your cat's age, lifestyle, contact with other cats and where you live.

That's why the conversation about vaccination is always individual: your vet will consider whether your cat goes outdoors, whether there are other pets at home, and whether you're planning to travel or use a boarding cattery.

Questions to ask about vaccinations

• Which vaccinations have already been given, and what's recorded in the veterinary passport?
• Which core vaccinations are still needed, and when is the next visit?
• Are any non-core vaccines needed given our lifestyle?
• What will we need for travel abroad or for a boarding cattery?
• How might my cat feel after vaccination, and when should I call the clinic?

After a vaccination, a cat may be a little tired and the injection site may be tender. If you notice vomiting, diarrhea, limping or difficulty breathing, or if a swelling at the injection site doesn't go away or gets bigger, contact your vet.

Other things to cover at a checkup

• Weight and body condition. Your vet will check that your kitten is growing well or that your adult cat isn't carrying extra weight, and advise you on adjusting portions.
• Parasite prevention. Your vet will choose a flea and worm treatment plan based on your cat's age and lifestyle.
• Teeth. Ask for a look inside the mouth and a demonstration of how to brush your cat's teeth at home.
• Spaying or neutering. Ask your vet when the best time would be.
• Identification. Ask about microchipping and any documents you may need.
• Mobility. Munchkins have a distinctive leg structure, so it's worth asking your vet to pay attention at every checkup to how your cat moves, as well as to its back and joints. That gives you a baseline and makes any changes easier to spot early.

When not to wait for the next checkup

A routine checkup is no substitute for a visit when something is wrong. Changes in appetite or thirst, new litter tray habits, lethargy, hiding in unusual places, or reluctance to jump or play are all reasons to call your vet without waiting for the next scheduled appointment. Cats are good at hiding illness, so take even small changes seriously.

Making visits less stressful

• Get your cat used to the carrier: leave it open at home like a piece of furniture, put a familiar blanket inside and hide a treat in there now and then.
• A carrier that opens from the top is easier, because you won't have to pull your cat out.
• In the car, secure the carrier with a seat belt or place it in the footwell, and cover it with a cloth.
• At the clinic, keep the carrier off the floor — on a chair or your lap — and away from dogs.
• If you can, choose a clinic whose team handles cats calmly and gently.

Keep a health record at home

Alongside the veterinary passport, it's useful to keep your own notes: weight by date, food, parasite treatments, observations and questions you'd like to ask. Write them down in advance, because it's easy to forget things during the appointment. And if something isn't clear, don't hesitate to ask again: your vet wants you to know what to do at home.

The takeaway

A routine checkup at least once a year, even if your cat is healthy. Your vet will plan vaccinations individually: core vaccines for every cat, non-core ones depending on lifestyle. Bring a list of questions, and only give medicines or treatments your vet has prescribed.