Many cat owners only take their cat to the veterinarian when something seems visibly wrong. But cats are masters at hiding illness and pain — a survival instinct from their wild ancestors. Regular veterinary checkups catch problems early, often before they become serious or expensive to treat.
What Happens During the Exam
A complete physical examination typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. The veterinarian will weigh your cat, check temperature, and examine eyes, ears, mouth, skin, coat, heart, lungs, and abdomen. They will also palpate the thyroid gland, check lymph nodes, and evaluate joint mobility. The exam is thorough because many serious conditions show early signs in these physical findings.
Blood Work: When Is It Necessary?
Annual blood work is not universally recommended for young healthy cats, but it establishes a baseline that becomes invaluable as your cat ages. For cats seven years and older, annual blood panels are widely recommended to check kidney function, liver enzymes, blood glucose, and thyroid hormone levels. Early detection of kidney disease — extremely common in older cats — allows for dietary and medical management that significantly extends quality life.
Vaccinations
Core vaccinations (rabies and the FVRCP combination for feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia) are typically boostered every one to three years depending on the vaccine type and your cat's risk profile. Outdoor cats or cats in multi-cat households may benefit from additional vaccines such as FeLV (feline leukemia).
Dental Examination
Your veterinarian will examine your cat's mouth as part of the physical. But a thorough dental evaluation requires anesthesia — the vet cannot properly assess gum pockets or tooth roots in a conscious cat. Dental disease is one of the most underdiagnosed health issues in cats, affecting the majority of cats over age three.