Why Cats Need the Vet Too: Vaccines, Checkups & National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day
If you've got a dog and a cat at home, be honest: which one is more overdue for a vet visit?
If it's the cat, you're not alone. Nationally, more than half of cats haven't seen a veterinarian in over a year — even though most of them are due for vaccines, parasite prevention, or a wellness exam. August 22 is National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day, started by veterinary organizations to close that gap, and it's the perfect nudge to get your cat back on the calendar.
Why Cats Need the Vet Too: Vaccines, Checkups & National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day
Why Cats Fall Through the Cracks
It's not that cat owners love their pets any less. Cats are just harder to get to the vet — and harder to read once they're there.
Cats hide illness well. As natural prey animals, cats instinctively mask pain, nausea, and discomfort until a condition is advanced. A cat that "seems fine" at home may already be dealing with something a vet would catch on exam.
Carriers and car rides stress cats out, so trips get put off.
"Indoor cats don't need a vet" is a myth. Indoor cats still need core vaccines, parasite prevention, and dental checks — fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites all find their way indoors, especially here in South Florida's warm, humid climate.
What Your Cat's Wellness Visit Actually Covers
A routine cat checkup at AGH isn't just a quick look-over. It typically includes:
A nose-to-tail physical exam to catch early signs of dental disease, weight change, or organ issues before they become emergencies
Core vaccines (like rabies and FVRCP) kept current, based on your cat's age, lifestyle, and risk
Parasite prevention screening — heartworm, fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites are a year-round concern in Miami-Dade, not just a "seasonal" one
A conversation about diet, weight, and behavior changes — often where the earliest clues to a bigger issue show up
Catching something during a routine visit is almost always easier, less invasive, and less expensive than treating it once it's become an emergency.
A Simple Way to Make the Trip Easier
If carrier stress is what's holding you back:
Leave the carrier out at home for a few days beforehand so it's not a surprise
Line it with a blanket or shirt that smells like home
Cover it with a light towel during the car ride to reduce visual stress
Skip the morning meal if your vet team recommends it, so travel is more comfortable
A little prep goes a long way toward making vet visits less stressful for both of you.
Give Your Cat the Checkup They're Overdue For
This National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day, don't let "she seems fine" be the reason your cat misses something treatable. Whether it's been one year or three, our team at Animal General Hospital is here to make it easy — and to make sure your cat gets the same level of preventive care your dog already gets.
Call (305) 887-1764 to schedule your cat's wellness visit today, or contact us online to find a time that works. Proudly serving Medley, Hialeah, Doral, Miami Lakes, Miami Springs, and Opa-locka since 1974.
