[Veterinarian Explains] The Importance of Cat Health Check-ups: Tests, Frequency, and At-Home Care Guide

As humans, we have opportunities to receive regular health check-ups at work or school. Health check-ups not only inform us about our current health status but also play a crucial role in the early detection of diseases. Similarly, it is recommended that cats also receive regular health check-ups.

This article will explain in detail the importance of health check-ups.

Reasons why cat health check-ups are important

Cats are descended from the African wildcat and lived a wild existence. Therefore, they constantly lived in an environment where they were attacked by enemies. If an enemy saw that they were unwell or weak, there was a risk of immediate attack, so they would act as if they were not unwell or hide and not come out.

It is said to be a remnant of their wild days that when a cat's death approaches, they may suddenly become more energetic than before or hide and not come out. For this reason, cats are known as animals that hide their poor health.

By the time their condition worsens and they are taken to a veterinary hospital, it is not uncommon for them to be in a terminal stage and given a prognosis of limited time. In order to detect diseases as early as possible, cat health check-ups are extremely important.

Cat health check-ups are necessary for all cat breeds and ages. In particular, for breeds prone to genetic diseases, or if there are such diseases in their bloodline, it is recommended to have health check-ups from a young age.

There is no specific timing for health check-ups, but many hospitals recommend regular check-ups from one year of age. Since cats are in their growth phase until they are one year old, some blood test items may show high values. After one year of age, blood data stabilizes, so health check-ups are recommended from that point. However, as mentioned earlier, if there is a possibility of genetic disease, it may be advisable to start check-ups from around six months of age.

The tests performed during a health check-up may vary depending on the hospital, but sometimes the items are more limited than those performed during a regular consultation. If there are symptoms, it is better to have a consultation and the necessary tests rather than just a health check-up.

Basic tests for cat health check-ups

The content of health check-ups varies depending on the veterinary hospital, so please inquire with the hospital for detailed test contents.

General Examination

Tests performed during a health check-up include问诊 (asking about symptoms and history), 視診 (visual inspection), 聴診 (auscultation), 触診 (palpation), blood tests, X-rays, ultrasound, fecal tests, urine tests, blood pressure measurement, and electrocardiogram measurement. There may be several different health check-up courses, so you can consult with your veterinarian to decide.

Interviews, visual inspections, auscultation, and palpation do not put much stress on cats and can help detect major abnormalities. Since these are tests that rely on human senses, their accuracy varies depending on the experience and skill of the veterinarian in charge.

Blood test, urine test

Blood tests involve restraining the cat to draw blood, which can be stressful for them. However, they play a crucial role in assessing unseen aspects of health, such as detecting internal organ conditions, blood disorders, and infections.

Urine tests are useful for the early detection of kidney disease and urinary stones. In the early stages of chronic kidney disease, blood tests may not show abnormalities, but urine tests may reveal low urine specific gravity (diluted urine).

Imaging tests

X-rays and ultrasounds allow for visual confirmation of the internal organs. Even if blood tests show no abnormalities, imaging tests may detect them. X-rays are black and white images used to assess shape and size. The advantage of X-rays is that a wide area can be examined with a single shot.

They can detect fluid accumulation, stones, and tumors within the body. Ultrasound allows for a focused view of the structure of internal organs and the heart. The advantage of ultrasound is that it can provide detailed information about the intestinal tract, which may be difficult to discern with X-rays. However, since it is typically performed with the cat on its back, the cat must be restrained, the examination takes time, and it is not suitable for evaluating the entire body. Furthermore, the accuracy can vary depending on the skill of the veterinarian.

Additionally, endoscopy, cardiac ultrasound, and cancer screenings may also be performed.

Age and frequency of cat health check-ups

Frequency of diagnosis from kitten to senior cat

During kittenhood, up to one year of age, blood tests and X-rays are performed when spaying or neutering.

Regular health check-ups are recommended once a year from ages 1 to 6, and twice a year for senior cats aged 7 and older.

Special examinations for different cat ages

A general health check-up should be sufficient for cats up to 6 years of age, but for cats aged 7 and older, various diseases can emerge, so it is advisable to increase the number of examination items. Diseases commonly seen in senior cats include osteoarthritis, chronic kidney disease, and hyperthyroidism. Recommended tests for senior cats include X-rays of the limbs, blood pressure measurement, and thyroid hormone measurement.

The risks and consequences of neglecting regular check-ups

If you receive regular health check-ups, the accumulated past test data may reveal changes. This can lead to the early detection of diseases. Neglecting health check-ups makes it difficult to detect diseases early, and they may only be discovered when they have already progressed.

After your beloved cat has a health check-up

If the health check-up results are good, you can continue with your cat's usual lifestyle. However, a single health check-up is not enough, so it's essential to have them regularly.

If the results indicate a cause for concern or an abnormality, follow your veterinarian's instructions. In some cases, immediate treatment may be necessary. Afterward, continue with regular check-ups as directed by your veterinarian.

What to prepare before a health check-up

Help your cat relax.

If you hastily take out the carrier or rush around on the day of the health check-up, your cat will also become anxious, hide, or get angry. Some cats may also become aggressive due to nervousness even after arriving at the clinic. It is known that blood pressure readings can be high in such cases.

First, it's a good idea to practice getting your cat used to the carrier beforehand so that they can enter it on their own. For cats that are easily stressed, it may be helpful to cover the carrier with a towel to block their vision after they are inside.

For cats that are too nervous or aggressive, we sometimes ask owners to administer a sedative at home before coming to the clinic.

What to check before a health check-up

Health check-ups are often done by appointment, so it may not be possible to have one on the same day if you request it. Please check in advance by phone or at the reception desk about how to get a health check-up and what courses are available. Also, since examinations may require fasting, confirm any dietary restrictions. Additionally, inquire about any other necessary information when making an appointment.

Summary

It is important for even healthy cats to have regular health check-ups. Especially for senior cats aged 7 and older, various diseases can emerge, so two health check-ups per year are necessary. Strive for early detection of diseases by getting regular health check-ups.

If there are symptoms, it is better to have a consultation rather than a health check-up.