Cat Health Exams: Why Yearly Vet Visits Matter

Cats are experts at hiding illness. By the time obvious symptoms appear, problems may already be advanced. At Coit Hedgcoxe Animal Hospital, your trusted veterinary clinic in Frisco, TX, we emphasize the importance of annual cat health exams. These visits allow veterinarians to catch issues early, provide preventive care, and keep your feline companion healthy for years to come.

Why Yearly Exams Are Essential

Even healthy cats benefit from yearly exams. Regular checkups give veterinarians a chance to establish baselines for weight, heart health, and dental condition. Subtle changes are easier to detect when we have consistent records.

Annual exams also ensure cats stay up to date on vaccinations and parasite prevention, which are just as important for indoor cats as outdoor ones.

What Happens During a Cat Health Exam

A comprehensive exam at our Frisco veterinary hospital typically includes:

• Physical assessment: Checking eyes, ears, mouth, skin, and coat.
  
• Weight and body condition score: Monitoring changes that may indicate illness.
  
• Dental evaluation: Looking for tartar, gingivitis, or tooth resorption.
  
• Heart and lungs: Listening for murmurs or abnormal breathing.
  
• Abdomen check: Palpating for organ enlargement or masses.
  
• Behavioral review: Discussing litter box use, appetite, and activity.
  

Bloodwork, urinalysis, or imaging may also be recommended depending on age or symptoms.

Preventive Care for Cats

Prevention is a major focus during yearly exams. Services may include:

• Vaccinations: Protecting against rabies, feline distemper, and other diseases.  (Click here for our blog on kitty vaccines)
  
• Parasite prevention: Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention for all cats.
  
• Nutrition guidance: Adjusting diets for weight management or special needs.
  
• Behavior support: Addressing issues like stress, scratching, or aggression.
  

Our veterinarians in Frisco customize recommendations to match each cat’s lifestyle and health.

Special Considerations for Senior Cats

Cats over the age of 10 benefit from more frequent exams, often every six months. Senior cat health exams may include additional tests to monitor kidney function, thyroid levels, or blood pressure. Catching age-related issues early can significantly improve quality of life.

Indoor Cats Still Need Exams

It’s a common myth that indoor cats don’t need veterinary visits. While they may be safe from outdoor hazards, indoor cats remain at risk for obesity, dental disease, arthritis, and even infections brought in on shoes or clothing.

Annual exams are the only way to ensure these problems don’t go unnoticed.

Fun Facts About Cat Health Exams

• Cats often hide signs of illness until they are very sick, a survival trait from their wild ancestors.
  
• Dental disease is one of the most common findings during routine exams.
  
• Indoor cats can still contract parasites like fleas or heartworms.
  
• Cats that see the vet regularly tend to live longer lives.
  

WebMD wrote a helpful article about choosing the right vet. Click here to read it. WebMD wrote a helpful article about choosing the right vet. Click here to read it. 

FAQ About Cat Health Exams

How often should my cat see the vet?

At least once a year. Senior cats may need checkups every six months.

Do indoor cats need vaccines?

Yes. Indoor cats still benefit from core vaccines like rabies and feline distemper.

What if my cat gets stressed at the vet?

Bring familiar items, use calming carriers, and ask about feline-friendly handling options.

Are blood tests necessary every year?

For middle-aged and senior cats, bloodwork helps detect hidden conditions early.

Can I skip exams if my cat looks healthy?

No. Many illnesses are invisible until advanced, making exams the best preventive tool.

Visit Our Frisco, TX Veterinary Clinic for Cat Exams

At Coit Hedgcoxe Animal Hospital, our veterinarians in Frisco, TX provide thorough yearly exams to keep cats healthy. From preventive care to early detection of disease, we help feline companions enjoy longer, happier lives. If you’ve been searching for a vet near me for feline wellness, call today to schedule your cat’s exam.

Visit our Services page here to learn more about our Plano, TX vet clinic and the services we offer. 

This blog is for informational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment tailored to your cat.