Vaccines, teeth, parasites, grooming, exercise, and senior checks. Intervals follow common US, UK, and Australian practice and still need a local veterinarian to set the dates.
Core cat vaccines cover panleukopenia and cat flu viruses. Rabies and feline leukemia depend on the law and on whether the cat goes outside.
6–8 weeks
Start FVRCP (herpesvirus, calicivirus, and panleukopenia). In Australia this core series is often called F3.
Every 3–4 weeks until 16 weeks
Finish the kitten series. The last dose should be at or after 16 weeks.
As required by law or travel
Rabies in the US where local law requires it, and for UK or EU travel. Routine rabies vaccination is not standard on mainland Australia.
1 year, then every 1–3 years
Booster according to the product and the cat's risk. Indoor cats still need core protection because panleukopenia is hardy in the environment.
Outdoor or multi-cat homes
FeLV is the main non-core vaccine for kittens and for cats who go outside or meet unfamiliar cats. Test before vaccinating when status is unknown.
UK and Australia extras
F5-style combinations can add chlamydia in Australia. UK cats going outdoors are commonly offered FeLV. Boarding may ask for an up-to-date flu vaccine.
Cats hide tooth pain and may only chew on one side or drop kibble. Tooth resorption is common and is not solved by a treat.
Daily if the cat allows
Use a cat toothbrush or gauze with veterinary toothpaste. Start with a short session and stop before the cat is frightened.
Weekly
Check for red gums, a chipped canine, or pawing at the mouth.
Every wellness visit
The veterinarian should look in the mouth, including cats who resent it. Drooling or a jaw chatter while eating needs an appointment.
Resorptive lesions or severe tartar
Treatment is an anesthetized dental procedure. Do not give human pain tablets while you wait.
Indoor cats still meet fleas on people's clothing. Dog parasite products are a common poisoning in cats and must not be shared.
Monthly, as prescribed
Use a cat-labeled flea product. Permethrin dog spot-ons can cause tremors and seizures in cats.
US heartworm areas
Indoor and outdoor cats can get heartworm. A feline preventive is a veterinary decision, not a dog tablet split in half.
UK and Australia
Fleas are the usual year-round target. Ticks and heartworm depend on region. Ask before you travel with the cat.
Worming
Roundworms and tapeworms need a product and interval chosen from the cat's hunting habits. A hunting cat needs a tighter plan than a closed indoor cat.
Most cats groom themselves. Long hair, obesity, and arthritis are the reasons that system fails.
Weekly for short hair
A short brushing removes loose coat and lets you feel for lumps.
Several times a week for long hair
Brush the belly, armpits, and behind the ears. Mats pull on the skin and hide wounds.
Every few weeks
Check nails, especially on older cats who do not wear them down.
If grooming stops
A greasy or matted coat is a medical sign. Book a clinic visit rather than only a bath.
Cats need short hunts, not a mileage goal. Two play sessions a day protect weight and joints better than a single long weekend chase.
Daily
Offer two sessions of wand play, about 10–15 minutes each, ending with a meal so the hunt has a finish.
Indoor homes
Use vertical space and puzzle feeders. A window is not enough exercise.
Kittens
Multiple short games. Do not use hands as toys.
Weight is climbing
Measure meals and keep the play. Extra weight makes diabetes and arthritis more likely.
Many clinicians treat cats as senior from about 11 years and geriatric from about 15. Kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and dental pain often arrive quietly.
Every 6 months after age 11
Wellness visit with weight, blood pressure when possible, and an oral exam.
At least yearly, sooner if thirst changes
Blood and urine tests aimed at kidneys and thyroid.
At home
Track appetite, water intake, litter clumps, and whether the cat still jumps. Weight loss with a good appetite is a reason to test, not to congratulate the diet.
A missed meal
Call the clinic. Overweight cats can develop hepatic lipidosis after a short fast.
