A baseline checkup should include a full history, physical examination, weight and body condition score. These low-cost items often yield the most clues.

CBC and biochemistry are the core of most packages: the former for infection and anaemia, the latter for liver, kidney and metabolic status. Neither replaces the other.

Add-ons follow need: seniors need thyroid and heart checks, cats with urinary history need urine tests and imaging, and long-haired cats may benefit from cardiac ultrasound.

Package prices vary widely. Reading the item list matters more than counting items, and a vet should guide individual add-ons.