Wellness Exams For Cats

As a cat parent, one of the most important things you can do to contribute to the long-term health of your feline family member is to schedule a cat wellness exam with your vet at least once a year. During a wellness exam, your vet will help diagnose any potential health concerns and assist you in keeping your cat up-to-date on important preventive healthcare.

Before you schedule your next cat wellness exam, you might wonder how much a wellness exam for a cat costs. Cat wellness exam costs can vary depending on the services your vet provides.

However, we can tell you the average cost of a cat wellness exam is $45–$55 for the basic physical. From here, additional tests and services can range from $25 to $300. Therefore, the total bill for your cat wellness exam will depend on your cat’s specific needs. In this guide, we’ll talk about what to expect from a wellness exam, the typical services included, and where you should go to get a wellness exam for your cat.

What Is Included in a Wellness Exam for a Cat?

Part of the reason it is hard to define the exact cost of a cat wellness exam is that the services included will depend on your cat’s specific needs. During a cat wellness exam, your vet may offer any of the following services:

• A physical exam: Your cat’s vet visit will include a basic physical examination. During this exam, your vet will inspect your cat for visual signs of health. Often, your vet will assess your cat’s weight, feel it over for any concerning bumps or lumps, and look at the condition of its coat and skin. Your animal doctor will pay attention to how your cat is acting, inspect its nose, mouth, teeth, ears, and paws, and use a stethoscope to listen to your cat’s heart and breathing.
• A fecal exam: Your vet may recommend that you bring in a sample of your cat’s stool. This can be analyzed in the lab to look for signs of parasites.
• A blood panel and urinalysis: At least once a year, most vets will recommend blood work and a urinalysis for your cat. This will help your vet assess the health of your cat’s internal organs.
• A heartworm test: If your cat has potentially been exposed to mosquitos, your vet may request a heartworm test. This is particularly important if you do not have your cat on heartworm prevention yet or you missed a dose.

• Vaccinations: It is important for your cat to stay up-to-date on its core vaccines, which include rabies, feline distemper, feline viral rhinotracheitis, and feline caliciviral disease. Your vet may also recommend additional vaccines based on your cat’s potential exposure to diseases.
• A discussion about your cat’s health: Along with examining your cat and running important labwork, your vet will also take time to ask you questions about your cat’s health. Typically, a vet will want to know about your cat’s daily behaviors, activity levels, and nutrition. Animal doctors can also help advise you on the best diet for your cat’s needs and can provide suggestions for supplements that can contribute to its health as well. This is particularly helpful when you have specific concerns about your cat’s health. For example, if your cat struggles with hairballs, your vet might suggest a special diet designed to assist with hairball control.

While the average cost of a cat wellness exam is around $45–$55 for the baseline physical, each additional test and exam will add to your total bill. It is also worth noting that as your cat ages, tests may become more extensive to ensure that you are aware of any potential health concerns early on.

Where Should I Go To Get a Cat Wellness Exam?

Scheduling a cat wellness exam is one of the best ways to care for your feline family member. There are numerous options available for scheduling this important exam. In most locations, you’ll have the choice between animal clinics, animal hospitals, and veterinary practices. Additionally, some pet stores have vet clinics attached to their location.

Ideally, you’ll want to locate a veterinarian in your area that offers a wide range of services. This will allow you to bring your cat to the same provider for all your needs. Establishing a long-term relationship with your vet can put both you and your cat at ease. Your cat will get to know your vet, which can help alleviate its anxiety, and your vet will be able to develop a deeper knowledge of your cat’s health history.

To find a quality veterinarian in your area, search online and compare reviews. Make sure to look for a vet that specializes in feline care. Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and ask the clinic questions before booking an exam. You can ask about pricing, services offered, and whether or not the clinic accepts pet insurance.

Contributing to Your Cat’s Healthy Tomorrow

Cat wellness exams are an important part of providing your cat with a loving home. During your next vet visit, make sure that you ask about the right nutrition for your feline family member. At Wellness, we carry a wide selection of cat food options designed to meet the specific needs of cats. If you are interested in giving one of these foods a try, ask your vet which may be the best choice for your cat’s wellness needs.