How often should a cat go to the vet?

Kitten vet visit schedule

Kittens need more frequent vet visits than adult cats to support long-term health. These early visits help protect against disease, treat common issues and give you the chance to ask about your kitten’s diet, behavior and care.

Proactive vet care is key for young cats since kittens are more vulnerable to certain illnesses. As they grow, most will need fewer checkups — usually once or twice a year.

What vaccines do kittens need?

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), kittens that nurse from their mother get temporary antibodies for the first six weeks or so of life. After that, they need vaccines to help protect against common diseases. Most vaccines start around six to eight weeks of age and continue through 16 weeks.

One of the most important vaccines is FVRCP — a combination shot that protects against:

• Feline viral rhinotracheitis (also called feline herpesvirus 1)
• Calicivirus
• Panleukopenia

These are considered core vaccines, meaning every cat should have them.

Kitten vaccination schedule by age

» LEARN: Does pet insurance cover vaccines?

What should I expect on my kitten’s first visit?

It’s best to take your kitten to the vet within a week of bringing them home, no matter its age. At this first visit, the vet will:

• Do a nose-to-tail exam to check for birth defects like hernias or heart murmurs
• Make sure your kitten is hitting healthy growth milestones
• Discuss vaccines, diet, litter box habits and any early behavior concerns

Most kittens are born with intestinal worms, so deworming is usually recommended every two weeks from three to nine weeks old. Your vet will suggest a schedule based on your kitten’s risk factors. It’s also common for kittens to have fleas; your vet can check and recommend a safe treatment if needed.

Your vet may also test for FeLV and FIV — viruses that weaken the immune system and can be passed from mother to kitten before birth. These are known as retroviruses because they can stay in the body for life.

How can pet insurance help my kitten stay healthy?

While pet insurance typically doesn’t cover routine care like exams and vaccines, it does cover accidents and illnesses, in most cases, which kittens are more prone to.

From broken bones to sickness, pet insurance can help offset the cost. Some providers, like Lemonade, offer special wellness add-ons for kittens to help cover vaccines and routine checkups as they grow.

Adult cat vet visit frequency

The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends that all adult cats visit the vet at least once a year. These annual checkups help your vet monitor subtle health changes and decide if more testing is needed. Blood work is often recommended to establish a baseline and catch early signs of disease.

Annual visits also help address the following common health concerns in adult cats:

• Dental health: Cornell University reports that 50% to 90% of cats over age four have some form of dental disease. If untreated, it can cause pain, eating problems or serious infection. Your vet may recommend a cleaning based on your cat’s condition.
• Weight management: Obesity is common and can raise the risk of diabetes, arthritis and more. Your vet can help with weight goals, diet and ways to keep your cat active.
• Vaccine updates: Core vaccines like FVRCP and rabies need boosters. If your cat goes outdoors or interacts with other cats, your vet may also suggest noncore vaccines like FeLV.
• Parasite prevention: Even indoor cats can face risks from fleas, ticks and heartworm. Your vet can recommend the right prevention plan for your cat’s lifestyle.

Between visits, keep an eye out for changes in appetite, weight, litter box habits or behavior. If something seems off, don’t wait — call your vet.

Pet insurance can help with unexpected illnesses or injuries. Getting coverage early also helps you avoid exclusions for preexisting conditions.

As your cat gets older, more frequent vet visits can help catch age-related health issues before they become serious.

» COMPARE: Best pet insurance companies

Senior cat health monitoring

According to Cornell University, cats are living longer than ever. Once they reach 12 to 14 years old, they’re considered seniors. As your cat ages, it’s important to monitor its health and behavior closely, as many age-related changes can be gradual.

Senior cats should visit the vet at least every six months, with blood work and X-rays at least yearly. These exams help catch early signs of common senior issues like chronic kidney disease, hyperthyroidism and arthritis. Your vet may also recommend additional tests to monitor changes in mobility, weight or cognitive function.

Vaccines and parasite prevention are still important in your cat’s later years. Regular protection against fleas, ticks and heartworm helps reduce common risks.

Even if your senior cat already has a health condition, pet insurance can still be valuable. It can help cover the costs of managing new or emerging conditions as they arise, giving you peace of mind while you focus on providing your cat with the care they need.

How much is a vet visit for a cat?

The average cost of a vet visit for a cat in 2024 was $138, but prices vary depending on the type of care, your location and the clinic. To give a general idea, here are sample prices from Access Veterinary Care, a clinic in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Actual costs in your area may differ.

Estimated costs for common cat-specific services

Estimated costs for general veterinary care

It’s always a good idea to call ahead and ask your clinic for specific pricing information so you can better plan for the costs involved. By being prepared, you can manage financial expectations and avoid surprises during your cat's visits.

How to afford your cat’s vet care

Vet visits can be expensive, especially if your cat gets sick or needs urgent care. Here are a few ways to manage costs:

• Pet insurance: Most pet insurance plans reimburse 70% to 90% of eligible expenses after you pay the bill. Getting coverage early can help avoid exclusions for preexisting conditions. Some companies also offer wellness add-ons for routine care like vaccines and dental cleanings.
• Emergency fund: Set aside a little money each month for unexpected vet bills. Even a small cushion can help when costs add up.
• Payment plans: Ask your clinic if it offers financing, like CareCredit, to break up larger bills.
• Low-cost clinics: Humane societies and animal welfare groups often provide basic care, like spaying, neutering and vaccinations at reduced prices.