Ask the Vet: Indoor Animals And Vet Trips

Veterinarian Stacey Wallach, owner of , answers pet owner questions. If you have a question for the vet, email it to Gabrielle.Biondo@Patch.com.

This week, she answers a recent question from one of her clients. 

Question:

How often do I need to take my 3-year-old, indoor cat to the vet?

Answer:

Just as with people, cats go through several life stages. Indoor cats need to see the veterinarian with each life stage change. Kittens will need to see a veterinarian frequently in their first year to receive their vaccination series, spaying or neutering and the occasional accident or illness. After the first year, it is recommended that adult indoor cats be seen at least every 12 months for physical examinations, necessary vaccinations and an evaluation of special health needs. As cats becomes seniors after the age of 7, it is recommended they see their veterinarian every six months. Yes, two times a year may seem like a lot, but cats age more rapidly and are very good at hiding signs of illness. In turn, by the time the cat has outward clinical signs of illness, the disease process is usually very advanced with limited treatment options and a more guarded prognosis.