Cat Wellness Exam

Lucky the Kitten

Routine cat wellness exams are one of the most important things you can do to keep your feline companion healthy throughout every stage of life. Even if your cat seems perfectly healthy, regular exams allow us to catch subtle changes early, provide personalized preventive care, and detect problems before they become serious.

At Deer Park Veterinary Hospital in Cincinnati, OH, we focus on compassionate, comprehensive wellness care designed to support your cat’s long-term health and comfort.

What Is a Cat Wellness Exam?

A cat wellness exam is a thorough, routine veterinary check-in that evaluates your cat’s overall health when they are not sick. These exams are vital because cats instinctively mask signs of illness, making regular veterinary evaluation essential.

Your cat’s wellness visit includes a physical exam, health history review, and recommendations for preventive care based on age, lifestyle, and risk factors.

Recommended Wellness Exam Schedule for Cats

How often your cat should be examined depends on age and individual health:

  • Kittens: Monthly visits during the first few months, including vaccinations and growth tracking

  • Adult Cats (1–9 years): At least once per year

  • Senior Cats (10+ years): Twice per year

Regular exams help us track changes over time and tailor care that best fits your cat’s needs.

What Happens During a Cat Wellness Exam?

During a wellness visit, your veterinarian will:

  • Listen to the heart and lungs

  • Check the eyes, ears, and nose

  • Evaluate the mouth and teeth

  • Assess skin and coat condition

  • Check weight and body condition

  • Palpate the abdomen

  • Evaluate hydration and vital signs

  • Screen for lumps, bumps, or abnormalities

Based on findings, we’ll recommend age-appropriate preventive care such as vaccines, parasite prevention, dental evaluation, and nutrition guidance.

Important Diagnostic Tests for a Complete Wellness Evaluation

Preventive testing helps detect hidden issues earlier when treatment is most effective. Common diagnostic components include:

Blood Work

  • Complete Blood Count (CBC)

  • Chemistry panel to evaluate organ function

Urinalysis

  • Assesses kidney health and urinary system function

Fecal Testing

  • Screens for intestinal parasites

Senior Screening

  • Thyroid testing and blood pressure for older cats

These tests provide a deeper look at your cat’s internal health and help identify conditions before symptoms arise.

How Wellness Exams Support Long-Term Health

Routine wellness care gives your cat the best chance at a long, healthy life by:

  • Detecting disease early when treatment is most effective

  • Reducing the risk of emergency health crises

  • Guiding nutrition and weight management

  • Improving dental health outcomes

  • Supporting overall well-being and quality of life

Many serious conditions such as kidney disease, dental disease, diabetes, and thyroid disorders develop gradually with minimal outward signs — regular exams help catch these early.

Signs Your Cat May Need a Veterinary Checkup

While routine wellness exams are scheduled proactively, you should also call Deer Park Veterinary Hospital if you notice:

  • Changes in appetite or water intake

  • Weight loss or gain

  • Vomiting or diarrhea

  • Increased urination or straining

  • Litter box changes

  • Limping or reduced mobility

  • Hiding, lethargy, or behavior changes

  • Bad breath or dental issues

  • Eye or nasal discharge

Prompt evaluation often leads to better outcomes and faster relief.

Why Wellness Exams Are Critical for Cats

Cats age faster than humans, and many diseases progress silently. Preventive care and regular exams allow us to spot problems early, develop effective treatment plans, and tailor care based on your cat’s life stage and health history.

Staying ahead of disease helps protect your cat’s comfort, longevity, and quality of life while reducing long-term veterinary costs.

Schedule Your Cat’s Wellness Exam in Cincinnati, Ohio

Routine wellness exams are a cornerstone of quality veterinary care for cats. At Deer Park Veterinary Hospital, we are committed to helping cats stay healthy and thrive at every stage of life.

Call (513) 791-8550 or email us at [email protected] to schedule your cat’s wellness exam, or contact us with any questions you may have.