How do I know if my cat is truly healthy and needs a vet checkup?

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is very hard to assess that from just pictures. In one of the pictures that you can see her right side she looks ok though it really takes an examination and palpation to be able to say it accurately. You want to be able to feel the ribs easily though they should not be prominent. That is one of the things we evaluate when assessing body condition score. Your veterinarian could easily tell you with an examination. Good luck!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Generally yes. It is always a good idea to call the specific clinic you are going to ahead of time to confirm that they are seeing patients for wellness exams. Best of luck!

Yes, check with your local PetCo to get their veterinary schedule. I work at one clinic and we provide free exams and offer vaccination packages. We do deworming, microchipping and can test for feline leukemia and FIV. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Baby.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I’m glad to hear Grippet has lost the weight you wanted him to, but at his age we would want to ensure all the weight loss is for healthy reasons and not an underlying medical issue. As cats age, they frequently can get an overactive thyroid, diabetes, or kidney issues (among others) that can lead to unhealthy weight loss. I would recommend he be evaluated by his regular veterinarian and have bloodwork done to ensure all his weight loss is healthy and there isn’t an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. Good luck!

Hello. If he is eating & acting OK, you can probably hold off rushing Mojo in to your vet, but if he has another period of not eating, lethargy, or he just seems more off to you, don't wait. Recheck that bloodwork. If everything is normal, then it is OK to wait a year for follow-up bloodwork, but things can change pretty quickly as pets age, so it is not abnormal to monitor bloodwork every 3-6 months, depending on any extenuating circumstances. So, follow your instincts. No cat likes to go to the vet, but if you are concerned, it is always best to make sure things are OK sooner than waiting months for the next visit. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Have DoReMi examined by your veterinarian. Submit a stool sample to diagnose intestinal parasites which can affect weight and weight gain. Blood work may diagnose metabolic conditions or endocrine imbalances as well. Your vet can teach you how to assess your cat's Body Condition Score (BCS). This, in addition to weighing, can help you get and keep your cat into peak condition. You can follow this link to familiarize yourself with the BCS prior to the visit to your veterinarian. https://www.purina.co.uk/cats/health-and-nutrition/exercise-and-weight-management/assessing-your-cat's-body-condition

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! She is gorgeous! Her eyes are likely reacting to the light and her surroundings and this is unlikely to be an actual issue. I would continue to monitor her for signs of eye discharge or discomfort and have her evaluated if any of these are seen. However, I think she is most likely just fine. Good luck!