Many feline health problems can be prevented with a good diet, an appropriate environment and routine veterinary care. Regardless of the cat's age and apparent health, a veterinarian should see all cats at least once per year. A trained veterinarian can detect problems that most people cannot, and once the cat is showing symptoms it may be too late to do anything about the problem.

All new cats should be tested for intestinal parasites, Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus before they are allowed to interact with other cats.

Vaccines

There are two common vaccines that most cats should be given: Distemper and Rabies. The Distemper vaccine is usually a combination vaccine that includes panleukopenia ('distemper'), rhinotracheitis and calicivirus (upper respiratory viruses). Kittens are usually given a 2-3 course of shots of the Distemper combination. The first series is good for one year, and most boosters are good for one year. However, some vet clinics are starting to give three-year Distemper boosters.

The initial Rabies vaccine is usually given around 4 months, and is good for one year. Rabies boosters are good for 2 or 3 years, depending on the laws of the local municipality.

Many vets do not recommend giving the vaccine for Feline Leukemia unless your cat is at risk of catching the disease. If your cat does not go outside, does not go to cat shows and does not interact with other cats that might be infected, she probably is not at risk.

Geriatric Cats

As cats get older, their bodily functions may start to deteriorate. Cats over the age of 6-8 years may need to be seen more often than once per year. Routine testing of blood or urine chemistry may be appropriate since many age-related diseases can be detected and treated. Often times a change in diet is also recommended. With proper health care and nutrition, it is not unusual for a cat to live to be twenty years old or older. For more information on aging cats, see the section on care of older cats.