At Ocean Breeze Animal Hospital in Jensen Beach, FL, we understand that cats are a little… different. Your feline friend may rule the roost at home, but she’s likely not thrilled about vet visits. Still, regular cat wellness exams are one of the best things you can do to keep Fluffy healthy, comfortable, and ready to knock things off your counters for years to come. From annual checkups for indoor cats to senior cat health screenings, our team is here to support you with feline-focused care.
Wondering how often cats should go to the vet? You’re not alone—and we’ve got answers.
Why Indoor Cats Still Need Wellness Exams
It’s a common myth that indoor cats don’t need vet care as often as their outdoor counterparts. But here’s the truth: even indoor kitties are prone to chronic conditions, dental disease, and age-related changes. Many health problems—especially in cats—develop silently, with no obvious symptoms until they’ve progressed.
Regular checkups at our veterinary clinic in Jensen Beach, FL help us:
- Detect early signs of disease
- Monitor weight and mobility
- Provide dental care and cleanings
- Update vaccines and parasite prevention
- Offer lifestyle, nutrition, and enrichment tips tailored to your kitty
Fun fact: According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners, cats age much faster than humans. A 2-year-old cat is roughly the equivalent of a 24-year-old person!
What Happens During a Cat Wellness Exam?
A visit to Ocean Breeze Animal Hospital includes a calm, compassionate exam experience. We understand cats—and we’re all about minimizing stress.
Here’s what a typical wellness exam includes:
- Full-body exam: Eyes, ears, teeth, heart, lungs, coat, skin, abdomen, and joints
- Weight and nutrition check: Ideal weight is crucial, especially in Florida where warmer temperatures can affect appetite and activity
- Vaccines: We’ll review core vaccines like rabies and FVRCP, as well as optional ones like FeLV for at-risk cats
- Parasite control: Fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites can still affect indoor cats in coastal Florida
- Behavioral review: Scratching, hiding, or vocalizing more? Let’s talk about it
- Diagnostics for seniors: For older cats, we may recommend bloodwork, urinalysis, and blood pressure checks
How Often Should Cats Go to the Vet?
Here’s a general timeline based on age and life stage:
- Kittens (under 1 year): Every 3–4 weeks for vaccines and growth checks
- Adult cats (1–7 years): Once a year for routine exams, vaccines, and preventive care
- Senior cats (7+ years): Every 6 months for full health screenings and early disease detection
Even if Fluffy seems perfectly fine, she may be hiding discomfort. Cats are subtle and stoic—and often only show signs when an illness has advanced. Regular cat wellness exams give your vet the opportunity to catch problems before they impact your feline companion’s quality of life.
Senior Cat Health Screenings
Senior cats often develop:
- Kidney disease
- Hyperthyroidism
- Arthritis
- Dental disease
- Vision or hearing loss
At Ocean Breeze Animal Hospital, we recommend senior cat health screenings every six months, which may include:
- Comprehensive bloodwork and urine testing
- Blood pressure measurement
- Dental evaluations
- Mobility and pain assessments
We’ll also discuss changes in behavior, appetite, grooming habits, or litter box usage—all of which can point to underlying health concerns.
Why Florida Cats Need Special Attention
Living in Jensen Beach means year-round sunshine—and while your feline overlord may enjoy basking in a sunbeam, the Florida climate does present some unique challenges:
- Humidity and heat: Can affect hydration and exacerbate respiratory issues
- Mosquitoes: Can transmit heartworm (yes, even in cats!)
- Indoor-outdoor transitions: Screen porches, open doors, and shared patios can expose cats to pests and pathogens
- Stress and boredom: Long, hot summers may limit activity; enrichment is essential for indoor cats
Our vet clinic team can offer advice on hydration, grooming, air circulation, and boredom-busting strategies to keep your kitty cool and content year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do indoor cats really need to go to the vet?
At least once a year. Even if your cat stays indoors, she can develop chronic conditions or dental disease that require regular monitoring.
What vaccines does my cat need?
Core vaccines like rabies and FVRCP are essential. Based on your cat’s lifestyle, we may also recommend FeLV or others.
My cat gets anxious at the vet. Can you help?
Yes! We use cat-friendly handling techniques and can provide calming tips or medications to reduce stress.
What should I bring to the exam?
A list of any recent behavior changes, your cat’s diet, medications, and any questions you have about her health or care. Your vet may require a stool sample: ask in advance.
Can you check for kidney disease during an exam?
Absolutely. We recommend regular bloodwork and urinalysis for senior cats to monitor kidney function and catch problems early.
Visit Our Jensen Beach, FL Veterinary Clinic for Cat Wellness Exams
At Ocean Breeze Animal Hospital in Jensen Beach, FL, we love cats—and we love keeping them healthy. Our gentle, thorough cat wellness exams are designed to detect health issues early, provide age-appropriate care, and support you through every chapter of your feline companion’s life. Whether Fluffy is a curious kitten or a graceful senior, our experienced veterinarians are here to help. Schedule your kitty’s wellness exam at our trusted vet clinic today.
This article is for educational purposes only. Please consult your veterinarian for personalized care recommendations tailored to your cat’s health and lifestyle.
