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The vet visit — a guide for pedigree cat owners
Health

The vet visit — a guide for pedigree cat owners

How often, what is checked, and what should you raise? A practical walk-through of health care throughout your cat's life.

⏱ 6 min read·24 May 2026

A pedigree cat is an investment — not just in money, but in time and attachment. Regular vet follow-up is the most important thing you do to ensure your cat is well throughout its life. Here is what you need to know.

First vet visit — within 72 hours of collection

Regardless of the health guarantee in the purchase contract, you should take the kitten to a vet within 72 hours of collecting it. The vet will check:

  • Weight and general condition
  • Heart and lungs (listening for murmurs)
  • Ears (ear mite infection is common in kittens)
  • Eyes, mouth and gums
  • Parasite status

This also establishes a baseline and a good relationship with your vet.

The annual check-up

Once a year the cat should be examined, even if everything looks fine. The annual check-up typically includes:

  • Booster vaccination
  • Weight check and body condition score
  • Dental check (tartar is common from 3–4 years of age)
  • General clinical examination
  • Discussion about diet, behavioural changes and any questions

For cats over 7 years, a simple blood test (kidney and liver values) is often recommended to pick up early signs of age-related disease.

Breed-specific checks

Depending on the breed, you should discuss specific follow-up with your vet:

  • Maine Coon and Ragdoll: echocardiography for HCM screening is recommended from 2–3 years of age
  • Persian and British Shorthair: PKD check (kidney cysts) if DNA status is unknown
  • Scottish Fold: joint problems (osteodystrophy) are common — ask for an assessment of joint mobility
  • Large breeds generally: weight monitoring, as obesity is common in breeds with a large frame

Always tell your vet which breed you have — it affects which conditions are relevant to watch for.

Signs that something is wrong — do not wait

Contact a vet if your cat:

  • Stops eating for more than 24–48 hours
  • Shows signs of pain (altered gait, reluctance to be picked up)
  • Has visible difficulty urinating — especially male cats (this can be a life-threatening blockage)
  • Sneezes, coughs or has increased discharge for more than a couple of days
  • Changes behaviour markedly without an obvious reason

Cats instinctively hide illness. Symptoms that look 'mild' can represent a problem that has been going on for some time.

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