Annual Checkups: What to Test at Each Life Stage
Common exam panels for adult and senior cats, plus prep and report management that make checkups count.
Step-by-step checklist
- 01 Pick panels by life stage
- 02 Add urine, BP, T4 after 7
- 03 Fast per pre-visit instructions
- 04 Bring prior reports and med list
- 05 Archive and track trends
- 06 Recheck abnormalities on schedule
Overview
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For cats aged 1-6, a common base panel covers physical exam (weight, BCS, dental, heart-lung auscultation), CBC, basic chemistry, and fecal testing, adding urinalysis or infectious screening by risk. From 7, senior panels add urinalysis with specific gravity, blood pressure, total T4, and early kidney markers like SDMA, tailored by the vet.
Prep: book a morning slot with 8-12 hours of fasting per instructions for accurate glucose and lipid baselines, bring prior reports and medication lists, and discuss stress reduction for anxious cats. Bundle vaccine boosters and parasite review into the same visit to cut trips.
Manage reports: archive by date and track trends in weight, kidney values, and blood pressure rather than single numbers; follow recheck intervals for abnormalities instead of waiting a year. Trend comparison is the point, so a continuous file at one clinic delivers the most value.
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Owner questions
Do young indoor cats need yearly exams?
Yes: a basic annual exam with weight, oral check, auscultation, and basic bloodwork. From age seven, move to every six months with added tests.