Feline Wellness Visits and Vaccinations
We recommend bringing your cat in once a year for a wellness exam. These regular visits are key to maintaining your cat’s overall health and catching potential issues early.
What to Expect During a Cat Wellness Exam
A cat wellness exam is a routine checkup—usually every 12 months— focused on keeping your pet healthy and detecting potential issues early. During the exam, your veterinarian will:
- Vital signs are taken (temperature, pulse, and respiration)
- Listen to your pet’s heart and lungs with a stethoscope
- Check the eyes, ears, and teeth
- Examine the skin, coat, and paws
- Feel the lymph nodes and check under the tail
- Perform a thorough musculoskeletal and joint assessment
We’ll also review your cat’s lifestyle, behavior, and diet, and talk through any questions or concerns you may have.
What Do We Look for During a Wellness Exam?
We perform a thorough assessment to identify any changes or warning signs, including:
- Lumps or bumps
- Eye cloudiness or discharge
- Redness or wax buildup in the ears
- Gum disease or damaged teeth
- Skin irritation or parasites
- Joint stiffness or signs of pain
- Heart murmurs or abnormal lung sounds
Even subtle findings can provide clues about your cat’s health.
Beyond the Exam: What Else is Recommended at my cat’s wellness visit?
In addition to the physical exam, we often recommend annual bloodwork to monitor your cat’s internal health and a broad-spectrum dewormer to protect against common intestinal parasites.
Learn more about Senior Wellness visits: HERE.
Baseline bloodwork is especially valuable—it gives us a reference point for your cat’s normal health and helps us detect subtle changes over time. If we find anything concerning during the exam, such as a lump, irritated skin or ears, or a heart murmur, we may recommend additional diagnostics like x-rays or lab tests to better understand what’s going on and ensure timely treatment if needed.
We will always communicate clearly with you and only proceed with any additional testing once we have your approval. If needed, we can provide a detailed treatment plan so you know exactly what to expect.
During your cat’s wellness visit, we may also discuss:
- Flea, tick, and intestinal parasite prevention
- Importance of spaying and neutering if needed
- Weight management tips and guidance if needed
- Possible in-office dental cleaning
- Nutrition recommendations tailored to your cat’s needs
What Core Vaccines Are Recommended for Cats?
Core vaccines are essential for all cats, regardless of lifestyle, because they protect against serious and potentially fatal diseases. At Whittington Veterinary Clinic, we recommend the following core vaccines:
- FVRCP – A combination vaccine that protects against:
◦ Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (a respiratory virus)
◦ Calicivirus (a cause of respiratory illness and oral ulcers)
◦ Panleukopenia (feline distemper, a highly contagious and deadly virus)
- Rabies – Required by law in Louisiana, this vaccine protects against the fatal rabies virus, which can affect both animals and humans.
- FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) – Considered a core vaccine for kittens and at-risk adult cats, FeLV is a contagious virus that can suppress the immune system and lead to serious illness.
How Do Wellness Exams Support Long-Term Health?
Wellness exams allow us to prevent problems before they start. Early detection of disease often leads to better outcomes and less invasive treatment. With regular checkups, we can help your cat stay active, comfortable, and healthy well into their senior years.
What Are Signs My Cat May Not Be Feeling Well?
Cats are great at hiding discomfort. Watch for:
- Hiding more than usual
- Decreased grooming
- Dropping food or avoiding the litter box
- Limping or reluctance to jump
- Changes in appetite, thirst, or behavior
Why Is Early Detection So Important?
Detecting disease early gives your cat the best chance at successful treatment—or even a cure. In many cases, early intervention can slow progression and preserve quality of life. If you notice anything unusual, please give us a call.
Can My Cat’s Environment Affect Their Health?
Yes. Outdoor cats face increased risk of disease and injury. Other environmental factors include:
- Parasites
- Allergens
- Temperature extremes
- Household stressors or changes in routine
Cats thrive on consistency, so even small changes can impact their wellbeing.
Your cat’s wellness exam is one of the most important steps in lifelong care. Whether you have a new kitten or a senior cat, our team is here to provide expert, compassionate care every step of the way.
Call Whittington Veterinary Clinic at (337) 893-8522 to schedule your cat’s wellness exam. We look forward to seeing you and your feline friend soon!