My Cat Hasn’t Been to The Vet in Years: Is it Normal?

If your cat hasn’t visited the veterinarian in years, it’s time to visit. Your cat may require vaccinations and an examination. Furthermore, if your cat exhibits any indications of injury or illness, it is crucial to get them checked by a veterinarian immediately. Routine veterinary care is essential for pets of all ages.

During a routine visit to the veterinarian, your cat will be checked out thoroughly. The veterinarian will examine the pet’s eyes, ears, mouth, and epidermis for oddities. In addition, they will listen to the patient’s pulse and lungs and lookat their abdomen for evidence of illness.

If necessary, your cat will also receive a vaccination boost. Rabies and feline leukemia are among the most lethal diseases that cats are prone to, so they require regular additional shots. If you’re anxious about bringing your cat to the veterinarian, consult a nearby humane association or rescue organization for suggestions on low-stress veterinarians in your area.

Through some preparation, you can ensure that your cat has an enjoyable visit to the veterinarian! Continue reading if you want to learn more about why my cat hasn’t been to the veterinarian in years!

How Often Should You Take Your Cat to the Vet? 

Keeping your cat healthy and happy requires regular veterinary care. At least once a year, you should take your cat to the vet for a comprehensive exam. Similar to a physical for humans. During this check-up, your veterinarian will diagnose and treat potential medical problems and assess your cat’s overall health.  

If your cat is older or has pre-existing conditions, you may need to visit more often, maybe every six months. It varies from cat to cat, but seniors may require more frequent medical monitoring, especially if undergoing treatment. In humans, this life stage can bring more health concerns.

More than half of the countries in the United States require cats to get rabies vaccinations. In this case, you will need to take your pet to the vet, and they will keep a record of the mandatory vaccinations your pet has received. Depending on your state, rabies laws may differ.

Research your state’s rabies laws before buying a cat. It is strongly recommended that cats receive vaccinations regardless of legal requirements. Most veterinarians recommend core vaccinations for cats to protectagainst disease spread and their health, including rabies, feline herpesvirus,feline panleukopenia, and feline calicivirus. 

Why People Don’t Take Their Cats to The Vet

Cats aren’t taken to the vet for several reasons. You may worry about money or bad news, especially if your cat is older. In addition, the cat may become anxious in the cat carriers required for transport to the veterinarian. Other pet owners may believe their pet appears in good health, so why bother visiting their veterinarian?

Finances, in particular, pose a number of valid concerns. However, it is possible to find affordable veterinary care. Try overcoming your other reasons for not going to the veterinarian once you’ve seen one within your budget. In addition to the reasons above, neglecting your cat’s vet appointments can expose your pet to significant risks.

How Do I Re-establish Vet Care for My Cat?

Re-establishing your cat’s vet care by following a few steps is possible. Let’s begin by discussing some questions or reasons for hitting pause.

• Is your veterinarian going to shame you?

It doesn’t matter to your vet that you didn’t visit earlier or what has occurred to bring you to this place. Right now, all that matters is getting your cat to the veterinarian. If they are clever, they won’t tell you what they think, or you might go to a different vet who is more compassionate.

• Does the vet plan on ordering a lot of tests?

When your cat visits the vet, the vet may order tests. The results of the exam usually determine this. Your last visit may have marked a significant change in the situation. Despite this, if you ask analytical questions, you will better understand whether and why the tests are necessary, as well as the cost. If a particular test is out of your budget, don’t hesitate to ask whether it will change your treatment plan. Ask for alternatives if the cost is too high.

• How much will it cost? 

There will be a minimum charge for exam fees and vaccinations. When you make the appointment, we suggest asking the billing department how much the cost will be for those services so that you are prepared for the cost. Contact a local veterinary clinic or vet if the prices are too high. 

The average fee for an examination is between $50 and 70 dollars, and vaccinations can cost approximately $30 per piece. For an annual vaccination, you should expect to spend roughly $150.

Your cat may need a booster shot in a few weeks since it hasn’t been to the vet for a long time. Different vaccines, tests, or preventatives exist for an indoor or outdoor cat. 

You don’t have to do any of them if you don’t want to. Consider low-cost options for your cat’s care when you discuss your financial situation with your veterinarian.

Should I Take My 20-Year-Old Cat To The Vet?

We know you’re afraid. You are the only one who can decide if you should take your old pet to the doctor. You probably understand the response deep down. You might worry that the journey will be too hard on it or that it might receive an evil report, meaning it will die soon. What happens if the vet says they should be put down?

No one can take your cat away from you; you are the only one who can decide if your cat needs surgery or medical care. But if you do not know, you can’t do anything. Your vet can help you keep your pet happy and healthy for as long as possible. They can also tell you if a factor is wrong and what to look for to ensure your cat has the highest standard of life available. They can also assist you in getting ready for your old cat’s peaceful death.

Make the Appointment

Therefore, we know your cat has not been to the vet in a long time. Making an appointment is the initial step in getting a vet again. Even though it might seem straightforward, communication is necessary. Handle matters one step at a time, especially if you’re afraid about taking your cat to the vet. Just remember that a doctor is the only one who can care for your beloved cat the right way.

When you call to set up the meeting, don’t forget to ask any questions you might have. Make a list before you call; that’s even better. We also suggest asking how much it will cost so you can plan your money. At this point, you can tell the doctor you want an annual check-up. But if you’re worried about your cat’s health, inform the vetbefore planning the appointment.

Maintaining a Cat’s Veterinary Care Plan

It shouldn’t just be one-time initial visits to the vet. Don’t forget to take care of your pet in one year, so put a reminder in your phone calendar. If you plan for consideration, you’ll better prepare that something happens health-wise instead of being surprised when symptoms appear.

Regularly checking your cat’s health prevents or detects disease early on and allows you to discuss nutrition, behavior, and other vital issues. It is possible to ensure a long, happy, and healthy life for your cat companion by maintaining a consistent veterinary schedule.

Do Cats Remember Vet Visits?

Memory is one of the most unique characteristics of cats. Others may not recall a specific experience at the vet, but some cats may associate it with a stressful time. 

As a result of unfamiliar surroundings, handling, or medical procedures, animals may exhibit signs of anxiety or stress during, before, or after a vet visit. In some instances, cats can experience these stressful events so intensely that they may experience short-term anxiety or signs of post-traumatic stress. 

A calm and quiet environment during vet visits and gentle handling are essential measures veterinarians and cat owners should take to minimize stress. Regular visits and treats can help cats deal with anxiety and make future vet visits more manageable by building a positive association with the cat carrier and the vet.

How Do I Help My Cat Calm Down at the Vet?

Make sure your cat feels relaxed during the vet visit by talking to it, petting, and cuddling it. It will help to know you’re there, and it will help to feel relaxed. Try to calm yourself down before going to the vet if you’re anxious about the situation. 

Unless instructed otherwise, feeding your cat a few hours before your vet’s appointment is not recommended; it might vomit if it gets too anxious. Cats that feel more secure in a carrier will be more comfortable at the vet. The last resort is to ask the vet for medications if your pet cannot cope with the vet’s office.  

FAQ

Is it OK if I never take my cat to the vet?

In addition to weight problems, hormone problems, genetic conditions, tumors, and other disorders, indoor cats can also develop illnesses and conditions that aren’t caused by outside factors. Hence, it’s essential to take them to the vet regularly.

Are cats supposed to go to the vet every year?

“Adult cats need to see the vet at least once a year, and more frequently if they are ill or have difficulties. Cats 12 years or older should see a vet every six months or sooner if they have a medical condition that requires it.

Is it worth taking an old cat to the vet?

The American Pet Products Association (APPA) finds that feline healthcare use has fallen. Experts in animal medicine claim that if health issues are detected and treated quickly, pets’ lives may be substantially extended. Check an older cat for problems like arthritis and obesity to help it reach maturity.

How can you tell how old a cat is without going to the vet?

Adult cat teeth should show signs of wear and tear. “We can also tell how old a cat is by the wear and tear and tartar build-up,” “Usually, a cat is between 1 and 2 years old if there is simply a tiny bit of tartar on its teeth, particularly along its cheek teeth, which run together the sides of its mouth.

Will my cat forgive me for taking her to the vet?

Your cat may have forgotten you took her to the doctor, but she’s probably happy to return to her familiar environment. Home is where the heart is; for her, it means associative memory.

Final Thoughts

Make sure your cat receives regular vet care to increase its lifespan. In the case of your cat’s health, ignorance is not bliss. Make an appointment with the veterinarian if you have not taken your cat to the vet for many years. It would be best to stay informed to ensure your cat will remain a companion for as long as possible.