Cat Health Checks (Cat Docks): At What Age Should They Start? A Guide to Tests, Costs, and Important Considerations

Your cat is a precious member of your family. It is only natural to want them to stay happy and healthy forever.

However, cats are masters at hiding when they are feeling unwell. It can be worrying to think, "What if I don't notice they're sick?"

This is why we recommend a "health checkup." In this article, we will provide a detailed guide on cat health checkups, including what age to start, what kind of tests are performed, and how much they cost.

Why cats need health checkups

Compared to the past, cats are now able to live much longer lives. Factors contributing to this include keeping them exclusively indoors, improvements in diet, and advancements in veterinary medicine.

Even so, cats age four to five times faster than humans. Since they are known to hide their discomfort, by the time you notice something is wrong, the illness may have already progressed.

Regular health checkups are essential for the early detection of cat diseases.

Early detection can potentially lead to a full recovery or help manage symptoms.

It is also important to keep track of your cat’s health status. Be especially careful about obesity. The ideal weight varies by breed and age, so having it checked regularly provides peace of mind.

When should a cat's health checkup start, and how often is it needed?

Cat health checkups are necessary for "early detection and treatment of diseases" and for "monitoring health status."

But at what age should they start, and how frequently should they be done?

The first checkup should be around 6 months old

Around 6 months of age is when you should consider spay or neuter surgery. Be sure to have a health checkup before the surgery.

Kittens are prone to illness. It is a good idea to schedule their first checkup in conjunction with the vaccinations that start around 2 months of age.

Getting them used to the atmosphere of a veterinary clinic from a young age also has the benefit of reducing stress during future vet visits when they are adults.

After 1 year old, get a checkup once a year

Once your cat is over 1 year old, get a checkup once a year.

It is a good idea to schedule it around a special day, such as your cat's birthday or the day they joined your family. Jotting it down in your smartphone or a health record book will ensure you don't forget.

If you prefer to combine it with annual parasite prevention, spring is a recommended time for a yearly checkup.

For cats over 7, checkups twice a year are recommended

As cats reach their senior years, their activity levels drop significantly. Because the risk of diseases like kidney disease increases along with obesity, we recommend a health checkup every six months.

It is also good practice to observe their water intake and urination habits daily.

Get a checkup immediately after rescuing a cat

You might unexpectedly find yourself rescuing a cat one day. If the rescued cat is a small kitten, it can be quite overwhelming.

If you rescue a cat, first take them to a veterinary clinic for a health checkup. They will check for injuries, illnesses, and the presence of a microchip. The vet can also provide an estimate of their age and sex.

Additionally, blood tests and stool samples will be taken to check for infectious diseases. Deworming will be performed if necessary.

If you decide to welcome the cat into your home, you will need to arrange for vaccinations, parasite control, and spaying or neutering. Of course, be sure to continue with regular health checkups afterward.

What happens during a cat's health checkup? What tests are included?

A basic cat health checkup typically includes the following items:

• Physical examination
• Blood test
• Urine test
• Stool test

In the physical exam, the vet performs basic checks such as weight and temperature measurements, visual inspection, palpation, and auscultation. They examine the entire body, including the condition of the teeth and gums, presence of dermatitis or lumps, and the condition of the joints.

In the blood test, a sample is drawn to check for organ abnormalities. Just like in human health checkups, blood sugar and cholesterol levels are also measured.

Urine and stool samples are typically collected at home and brought to the clinic. If this is difficult, consult your vet as they may be able to assist with collection. The urine test checks for pH levels and bacteria, while the stool test looks for parasites or traces of blood.

Optional tests depending on age and health status

If your cat has a pre-existing condition or is a senior, the following tests may also be performed:

• X-ray examination
• Ultrasound (echo) examination
• Thyroid hormone test

X-rays help diagnose things that cannot be seen from the outside, such as organ placement and size, bone deformities, and joint abnormalities. Ultrasound examinations are used to check for lumps or urinary stones.

As cats reach their senior years, they become more prone to hyperthyroidism. For this reason, it is reassuring to include a thyroid hormone blood test.

How much does a cat's health checkup cost?

While health checkups are necessary, the cost is a common concern. For a basic checkup including physical exam, blood test, urine test, and stool test, the average cost ranges from 5,000 to 15,000 yen.

If you add optional tests such as X-rays, ultrasound, and thyroid hormone testing, the total is usually between 15,000 and 30,000 yen.

Pet insurance generally does not cover routine health checkups, so they are mostly an out-of-pocket expense. Some veterinary clinics offer "Animal Dock" or "Cat Dock" packages, which often have simplified pricing structures.

Costs can vary depending on your cat's age and weight. It is best to check in advance what tests your cat needs and how much they will cost.

Things to keep in mind for your cat's health checkup

There are a few things to keep in mind when taking your cat in for a checkup.

Confirming pre-existing conditions and current medications

During the interview before the checkup, you will be asked about any concerns, medical history, and medications your cat is taking. To ensure you provide accurate information, it is helpful to keep this summarized in a cat-specific health record book.

Whether fasting is required

Fasting may be required if a blood test is involved. If you receive instructions to fast when booking the appointment, be sure to follow them strictly.

Duration of the visit

A basic checkup takes about an hour, while more detailed exams with optional tests can take up to half a day. Confirm the estimated time when booking.

Preventing escape during transit

For an indoor cat, leaving the house for a checkup can be terrifying. Take thorough precautions to ensure they do not panic and escape.

Always use a sturdy carrier for travel. If they become agitated, you can keep them calm by "placing them in a laundry net" or "covering the carrier with a bath towel." If they are accustomed to a harness, put it on them with a leash attached before placing them in the carrier.

Summary

Even if they look healthy, they might actually be feeling unwell. Instinctively, cats try to hide their pain or discomfort. It can be very difficult for owners to notice minor signs of illness.

However, cats are at a high risk for kidney disease, and it is not uncommon for the condition to be quite advanced by the time it is noticed. Regular health checkups are very important for early detection and treatment.

Start yearly checkups when your cat is around 6 months old, around the time they get spayed or neutered. For senior cats over 7 or cats with pre-existing conditions, checkups every six months are recommended.

Also, keeping a record of test results when they are healthy makes it much easier to identify the cause if they eventually become ill.

Please try your best to get your cat to a checkup at least once a year.

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