Blood panel recommended?

My cat Sam is probably near 8 or 9 years old. I have had him almost 3 years, and was told that he was 5 when I adopted him, but I am aware that he may have been older. I think that the owners may have lied to make him younger, and make him more adoptable.

I am thinking of having the vet do a blood panel for him, we've never had one done, and I thought this would be useful if only to establish base levels.

Does this make any sense? I am thinking about future issues like kidney and liver function, if we have base levels now, we have something to compare with if he has issues as he reached "senior" status.

Definately think that is a wise idea!

Having lost a cat last fall to CRF I think it makes perfect sense. To my knowledge it certainly wouldn't do any harm.

Having two senior kitties myself is would be a excellent idea to have it done once a year to start with. If anything concerning shows up the vet may or may not recommend it more often.

If he is thought to be 8 years plus (7 years is usually the break off point between adults and seniors if I read my info correctly), he would be considered senior by most accounts.

Good luck.

I agree that you should get one. You want to establish a baseline test to judge their health each year, and about 9-10 years old is a great starting point. The vet can use this baseline to identify any changes in health as your baby ages.

I agree completely....my vet's have what they call a geriatric panel and we do this on all my senior catizens when they first reach senior status, and then as needed based on any issues they are having.

Thanks for the replies. I scheduled Sam for blood work at his Rabies vaccination appointment this Monday. The assistant said that yes, this is something that they recommend in their practice.

This is a great idea! Check with your vet clinic if they can include a T4 (for thyroid). Most labs now offer "packages" that include the thyroid for no extra.
Deb E