{"id":16359,"date":"2025-06-11T10:50:00","date_gmt":"2025-06-11T07:50:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/?p=16359"},"modified":"2025-06-04T21:28:31","modified_gmt":"2025-06-04T18:28:31","slug":"a-long-and-healthy-life-for-your-cat-all-about-annual-check-ups-vaccination-and-parasite-control","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/a-long-and-healthy-life-for-your-cat-all-about-annual-check-ups-vaccination-and-parasite-control","title":{"rendered":"A long and healthy life for your cat: All about annual check-ups, vaccination, and parasite control"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Pet cats have long been fully fledged members of the family, so looking after their health is a necessity rather than a luxury. Regular check-ups, timely jabs, and systematic parasite control can add several years to your cat\u2019s life<\/strong> and save you money on treatment later on \u2013 more on this over at Tvaryny<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below you\u2019ll find a detailed guide, from a kitten\u2019s first check-up to a senior cat\u2019s health plan. Everything is explained in plain language and backed up with tables, lists, and tips that are easy to put into practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why routine health checks matter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  • Early disease detection.<\/strong> Most kidney, heart, and dental problems start without obvious signs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Keeping vaccinations up to date.<\/strong> Your vet tracks booster dates and tailors a schedule.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Parasite monitoring.<\/strong> Faecal tests and skin exams spot endo- and ectoparasites in good time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Diet tweaks.<\/strong> The vet assesses body condition (BCS) and recommends food to suit your cat\u2019s needs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Behaviour advice.<\/strong> Help with aggression, stress, spraying, or overeating.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    According to the AAFP, cats seen at least once a year fall ill 25\u201330 per cent less often, and live on average 1.5\u20132 years longer than those taken to the surgery only in an emergency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    What a standard yearly check-up includes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    1. Clinical exam: teeth, ears, eyes, heart, lungs, abdominal palpation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Weigh-in and BCS assessment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Complete and biochemical blood tests.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Faecal examination every 6\u201312\u00a0months.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    5. Urinalysis and protein\/crystal test (if needed).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    6. Review of vaccination status and booster plan.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    7. Setting the parasite-treatment timetable.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Cat vaccinations: the full schedule<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Vaccination is the cornerstone of preventive veterinary medicine<\/strong>. In Ukraine both core<\/em> and non-core<\/em> vaccines are used. Follow the latest WSAVA guidelines (2023), adjusted to local conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Age<\/th>Vaccine<\/th>Protects against<\/th>Booster<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
      8\u20139 weeks<\/td>FPV + FCV + FHV-1<\/td>panleukopenia, calicivirus, herpesvirus<\/td>after 3\u20134 weeks<\/td><\/tr>
      12\u201313 weeks<\/td>FPV + FCV + FHV-1<\/td>as above<\/td>after 12 months<\/td><\/tr>
      16\u201317 weeks<\/td>Rabies<\/td>rabies<\/td>yearly or every 3 years*<\/td><\/tr>
      Annually<\/td>FeLV (if required)<\/td>feline leukaemia<\/td>every 12 months<\/td><\/tr>
      Every 3 years<\/td>FPV + FCV + FHV-1 (booster)<\/td>core immunity<\/td>\u2014<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      *Depends on vaccine type and local regulations.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Tip:<\/strong> after each jab, snap a photo of the passport page \u2013 handy when travelling or moving house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Parasite treatments: external and internal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      Fleas, ticks, nematodes and tapeworms can trigger dermatitis, allergies, anaemia and even life-threatening illness. Here\u2019s the treatment timetable<\/strong> for an indoor cat that occasionally ventures onto the balcony or goes for harness walks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Frequency<\/th>Product (form)<\/th>Target<\/th>How to use<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
      Monthly (March\u2013November)<\/td>Spot-on (fipronil, selamectin)<\/td>fleas, ticks, lice<\/td>Apply after bathing; avoid bathing for 48 h<\/td><\/tr>
      Every 3 months<\/td>Tablet or paste (milbemycin, praziquantel)<\/td>round- and tapeworms<\/td>Give with food for better uptake<\/td><\/tr>
      Yearly<\/td>Faecal + blood test<\/td>toxocariasis, dirofilariasis<\/td>Sooner if symptoms appear<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      Preparing your cat for the vet visit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
        \n
      • Carrier.<\/strong> Get your cat used to sleeping in it so the context feels safe.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Pheromone spray.<\/strong> Mist the inside with Feliway\u00ae 30\u00a0minutes before leaving.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Light fasting.<\/strong> Four hours without food makes blood sampling easier and reduces travel sickness.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Quiet return.<\/strong> After the surgery, let your cat hide and settle down.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Nutrition with added benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        A quality diet accounts for 70 per cent of preventive care<\/strong>. Choose foods labelled AAFCO or FEDIAF complete & balanced<\/em> and containing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • taurine of at least 0.1\u00a0per\u00a0cent (dry matter)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • omega-3 (EPA\/DHA) for skin and joints<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • L-carnitine for weight control<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • MOS\/FOS prebiotics for healthy digestion<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          Cats prone to urinary stones need food with a controlled pH (6.2\u20136.4), low magnesium and extra moisture (wet food or mixed feeding).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Physical activity: more play, fewer problems<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          Just 15\u201320 minutes of interactive play each day cuts the risk of obesity by 40 per cent<\/strong>. Try feather wands, bouncy balls, and laser pointers (never shine the beam in their eyes). Add vertical space: a cat tree<\/em>, shelves, or a radiator hammock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Dental care<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          More than 70 per cent of cats over three have tartar or gingivitis. Follow this routine:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          1. Brush with an enzymatic paste 2\u20133\u00a0times a week.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          2. Offer dental sticks or DDD<\/abbr> kibbles as treats.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          3. Professional scaling and polish under light anaesthesia once a year.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            Kitten-care timetable<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            The first year is the most dynamic for immunity and behaviour. Use this checklist<\/strong> to stay on track:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Age<\/th>Action<\/th>Note<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
            2 weeks<\/td>Parasite check, deworming<\/td>fenbendazole-based pastes<\/td><\/tr>
            4 weeks<\/td>Introduce solid food<\/td>moistened kitten kibbles<\/td><\/tr>
            8\u20139 weeks<\/td>First FPV\/FCV\/FHV-1 jab<\/td>deworm at the same time<\/td><\/tr>
            12 weeks<\/td>Second jab + microchip<\/td>essential for travel<\/td><\/tr>
            16 weeks<\/td>Rabies shot<\/td>mandatory for going abroad<\/td><\/tr>
            5\u20137 months<\/td>Spay\/neuter<\/td>lowers risk of tumours and spraying<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

            Caring for senior cats<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            From seven to eight years a cat is considered a \u201csenior\u201d. At this stage you should:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            • book twice-yearly<\/strong> check-ups with extended blood chemistry (heart, kidneys, thyroid)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • add glucosamine and chondroitin to the diet<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • provide more low-level resting spots<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • watch the weight \u2013 every \u00b1200\u00a0g counts<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • monitor urination frequency and coat quality (signs of endocrine disorders)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              Common owner mistakes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                \n
              1. \u201cMy indoor cat doesn\u2019t need jabs.\u201d<\/strong> Pathogens hitch a ride on shoes or clothes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              2. \u201cI only worm when I see worms.\u201d<\/strong> Ninety per cent of infestations show no symptoms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              3. \u201cCats regulate their own appetite.\u201d<\/strong> Indoor cats often overeat and gain weight.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              4. \u201cDry food cleans teeth.\u201d<\/strong> Tartar builds up despite kibble texture.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                Quick owner checklist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                  \n
                • Vaccination: core jabs + rabies, boosters on schedule.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Deworming: every 3\u00a0months or faecal test.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Fleas\/ticks: monthly March\u2013November.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Vet visit: once a year (up to 7\u00a0yrs), twice a year (7\u00a0yrs+).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Food: complete & balanced<\/em> + water 24\/7.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Play: 15\u201320\u00a0minutes daily.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                  Useful sources and further reading<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                  For deeper insight, consult the official WSAVA protocols, the AAFP guidelines, and ESVD resources on parasitology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                  Cats are experts at hiding pain, so prevention is the only reliable way<\/strong> to safeguard their health. Stick to the vaccination calendar, follow the parasite-treatment plan, and see the vet at least once a year. That way you\u2019ll give your feline friend many years of active, happy life.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                  Pet cats have long been fully fledged members of the family, so looking after their health is a necessity rather than a luxury. Regular check-ups, timely\u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":16323,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4425,4423],"tags":[],"moimportance":[],"class_list":["post-16359","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-cats-guides-en","category-cats-health-en"],"views":75,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16359","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16359"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16359\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16360,"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16359\/revisions\/16360"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16323"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16359"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16359"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16359"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=16359"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}