Vet checks and everyday health

You don't need to panic about every sneeze. You do need a baseline of prevention and a low threshold for "this isn't normal."

The routine baseline

Discuss a schedule with your vet; typical pillars include:

• Vaccinations - core vaccines and boosters on a vet-recommended timetable
• Neutering - timing advice from your vet/rescue; widely recommended for pets
• Microchipping - required for cats in Great Britain; keep database details updated
• Flea and worm control - year-round or as advised; outdoor cats often need consistent cover
• Health checks - annual for many adults; more frequent for seniors or cats with conditions

Insurance or a dedicated savings pot isn't glamorous. It's how emergencies hurt less.

Weight, teeth, and coat

Between vet visits, you are the early-warning system:

• Weight - feel the ribs monthly; sudden loss or gain matters
• Teeth / breath - bad breath, drooling, or chewing on one side deserve a check
• Coat and litter habits - hide-away behaviour, coat grease, or litter changes can signal pain
• Water and wee - drinking much more, or straining in the tray, needs prompt advice (urinary blockages in male cats are emergencies)

When to contact a vet sooner

Don't wait for the next annual slot if you see:

• Breathing difficulty, collapse, or unresponsive behaviour
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea
• Not eating for more than a day (sooner for kittens / overweight cats at risk of liver issues)
• Straining to pee, bloody urine, or crying in the tray
• Known toxin exposure
• Eye injuries, fights with puncture wounds, or limping that doesn't settle

If unsure, call the practice or an out-of-hours line and describe what you're seeing.

New kitten or new adult

Book a check soon after arrival: confirm vaccines, parasite plan, chip scan, and any concerns from the previous home. Bring paperwork.

See Finding a kitten and Kitten vs adult.

Pedigree notes

Some breeds have conditions worth discussing (for example heart screening conversations in certain breeds). Ask sellers/rescues what testing was done. A shrug is information.

Making visits easier

• Carrier kept out as furniture, not only a "vet box"
• Practice short carrier sits with treats at home
• Vet-recommended calming options if your cat panics
• List your questions on your phone before you go

Quick checklist

• [ ] Registered with a local practice
• [ ] Vaccines / boosters planned
• [ ] Parasite prevention sorted
• [ ] Microchip details current
• [ ] Emergency fund or insurance considered
• [ ] Know where out-of-hours care is

Related: Feeding basics · Litter & toilet · Care guides