How Often Should You Take Your Cat to the Vet? Kitten to Senior

Cats are experts at hiding illness, which is exactly why regular checkups matter. Yet cats see the vet far less often than dogs: in the AVMA's 2024 survey, 57.3% of cat owners had taken their cat to a veterinarian in the past year, compared with 74.2% of dog owners. The guidelines written jointly by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) are clear that every cat needs at least one exam a year.

Recommended vet schedule for cats

Life stage	Age	How often to visit
Kitten	Birth to 1 year	Every few weeks until the vaccine series is complete (around 16–20 weeks), then at spay/neuter
Young adult	1–6 years	At least once a year
Mature adult	7–10 years	At least once a year
Senior	Over 10 years	At least every 6 months
End of life	Any age	As often as needed for comfort care

Source: AAHA/AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines. The guidelines note that these ages are general guides; some cats over 10 are in excellent condition and may be managed like mature adults at the vet's discretion.

Do indoor cats need to go to the vet every year?

Yes. Indoor cats are protected from fights, cars and many infections, but they get the same age-related diseases as outdoor cats: dental disease, obesity, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes and arthritis. They also still need rabies vaccination where state or local law requires it. An annual exam is the only way to spot these problems before your cat shows obvious signs, and cats usually don't show signs until a disease is advanced.

Why senior cats need a checkup every six months

From about age 10, chronic kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer become common. Blood work, urine tests and blood pressure checks every six months let your vet pick up changes early and adjust treatment. Weight loss of even a few ounces can be meaningful in a cat, and comparing weights every six months is one of the simplest early warnings.

What happens at a cat wellness visit

Weight and body condition score
Mouth and teeth (dental disease is very common in adult cats)
Heart and lung sounds, thyroid palpation, abdominal exam
Eyes, ears, skin and coat
Joint and mobility check (arthritis is underdiagnosed in cats)
Vaccines due, parasite control, and a discussion of diet, litter habits and behavior

See which cat vaccines are necessary and what a cat vet visit costs.

Signs your cat needs a vet now

Don't wait for the yearly appointment if your cat:

Is straining in the litter box or producing little or no urine (an emergency, especially in male cats)
Has trouble breathing or is breathing with an open mouth
Stops eating for more than a day, or stops drinking
Vomits repeatedly or has severe diarrhea
Has a seizure, collapses or cannot walk normally
May have eaten something toxic, such as lilies, medication or string

These match the AVMA's list of emergencies that need immediate care. See when to call an emergency vet.

Making vet visits less stressful for cats

Leave the carrier out at home with a blanket and treats so it isn't a signal for bad things.
Cover the carrier with a towel in the car and waiting room.
Look for cat-friendly clinics with separate cat waiting areas or cat-only hours.
Ask your vet about anti-anxiety medication before visits if your cat panics.

Find veterinarians near you and book your cat's next checkup.

Sources

This article is general information for pet owners, not veterinary, legal or financial advice. Prices vary by city and clinic; always ask your veterinarian or provider about your own pet.

How Often Should You Take Your Cat to the Vet?