Regular checkups with the vet

How often do we need to take our cat to the vet? A healthy cat, that is. Once a year? Is that something our vet will notify us of?

I actually don't know all these things because I moved to the US from Europe only a year and a half ago, and our cat is my first American pet (and my first cat, too - I used to have a dog). Back in Europe, it's usually your responsibility to keep track of your calendar and any doctor's appointments whatsoever.

Kittica's been with us since late November and has been tested for parasites, FeLV, ringworm... We had her spayed in January, she had a quick checkup after that, too. Has been dewormed, as well. She got all the necessary shots right away, too (as much as I recall right now, without seeing her papers, she got rabies and distemper ones, for sure). She has a microchip.

We've been doing just fine since and I hope it stays that way. She's an indoor cat, but does get to sniff our yard on a leash every once in a while, never unsupervised.

How often do you need to take them in? Once a year to get shots? More often?

I promise I'll learn all these things someday.

I think most vets send out reminders. Maybe because so many wait until something is wrong so vets try to get them to remember to come in before then. I just wish mine would mark that wellness check off when I've had the cat in a couple weeks earlier.

Not knowing what vacs were used, I can't tell you what the booster schedule will be. But usually the first year boosters are important, they all get done and then your cat is good until the schedule comes around again. There are some vacs you need to booster every three years. You can also get a rabies vac that is a three year vac.

Don't skip the checks and let your vet know your kitty goes outside a little bit. They'll help you adjust a deworming schedule as it's not hard to pick up worms or a flea from outside. ( flea topicals help, but can't stop a cat from ingesting a recently jumped on flea or a dead flea still in their fur)

My vet sends out check up cards for my 3. They go once a year and their teeth, ears, eyes, and heart are checked, along with a good feel for any lumps or bumps.

I've stopped their shots now because their indoor only cats

The two cats I have that don't have chronic health issues go once a year for basic checkups and whatever shots are due at the time (we usually get a postcard reminder from the vet on who's due for what).

An annual check up is a good idea. That way when you have a sick kitty or for some other reason need to go to a vet, you're already established as a patient and you have some "history" with the vet. I keep all my receipts from the vet in a folder for each kitty, so if I need to, I can check to see when we were there last.

Most vets send out postcard reminders or email reminders is your vet is that advanced.

I also agree an annual check up is a good idea, until you get to those 'mature' years, when it can be a good idea to kick it up to every six months - but that's for much older cats. Once you're on the client list, most vets will send a postcard reminder, or email these days as well. I seem to be getting both lately.

And what a cute name! BTW,and not to scare you, you might ask the vet about heartworm prevention care. Not everyone does the protocol, but it's something to discuss with your vet when you talk about good care practices...and I'm sure your vet loves you for being such a good pet parent.

Thanks for all your responses!

I guess an annual checkup is the right way to go, then. And, well, I hope we won't need to see the vet in between.

She's got all the anti-flea, anti-this-or-that, as well as all her first year shots. I'm still not home from work, so I can't really tell you what exactly they were. (We sure did spend a bunch of money on this furrybeast when we got her, so I'm kind of assuming we did just about everything one can do!)