What are the routine check-up items for cats?
I. Routine Cat Checkup Items
The items included in a cat's physical examination are mainly related to the cat's age.
1. Kitten health checkup items:
If it's a cat that's just been brought home, it usually needs to undergo routine examinations such as infectious disease screening, fecal examination, blood routine test, abdominal X-ray, and basic physical examination.
First, FHV and FPV virus tests: These are mainly to determine whether the cat carries feline panleukopenia virus and coronavirus.
Second, a complete blood count: This mainly checks whether there is an increase or decrease in white blood cells in the cat's blood to determine if the kitten is anemic or dehydrated.
Third, fecal examination: Kittens that have not been dewormed have a higher probability of being infected with parasites. This examination is mainly to observe whether the cat's feces carry parasites. 
2. Adult cat health checkup items:
Adult cats should have a comprehensive physical examination every 1-2 years, depending on their individual circumstances. A fecal examination is recommended to determine if there is any parasite infection. In addition, a complete blood count, biochemical tests, urine tests, and thyroid examination are necessary. If your cat frequently goes outside, FHV and FPV tests may be performed as needed.
3. Old Cat's Health Checkup Items:
For older cats, it is recommended to have a health check-up every six months to a year. This should include a fecal examination, complete blood count, biochemical tests, urine tests, urinalysis, thyroid examination, abdominal ultrasound, and chest X-ray to assess the health of the cat's internal organs.
II. The Importance of Cat Checkups
Taking a cat for a check-up is not only for vaccinations and disease treatment, but more importantly, it's about monitoring changes in the cat's health indicators to take timely preventative measures against diseases and prevent problems before they occur.
Cats are very good at hiding their physical discomfort, so by the time owners notice anything unusual about their pets, the illness has often progressed to a more serious stage.
Therefore, regular checkups can help owners and veterinarians detect potential problems early and provide targeted intervention and prevention for their cats. For example, middle-aged cats are more likely to develop periodontal disease, which, if left uncontrolled, can not only lead to oral inflammation but may also cause serious problems in other parts of the body such as the heart, kidneys, and liver.
Therefore, pet owners who can afford it are advised to take their cats to a reputable veterinary hospital for regular check-ups. Pet owners who cannot afford it should observe their cats' health conditions more closely in daily life. If any abnormal symptoms are found, they should consult an online veterinarian or go directly to the hospital for examination.
