Senior checkups still begin with history, physical exam, CBC and chemistry, with the emphasis on building a continuous trend record.

Thyroid function, urinalysis and blood pressure are common senior add-ons, screening for hyperthyroidism, kidney disease and hypertension.

Cardiac ultrasound and chest or abdominal imaging suit cats with murmurs, breathing changes or weight shifts; a vet decides based on auscultation.

More add-ons is not better. With a limited budget, prioritise conditions that can be treated and followed up, and set recheck intervals with the vet.