Why Cats Don’t Go to the Vet

Last Updated on September 6, 2021 by Holly Anne Dustin

August 22 is National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day.  The purpose of the special day is to increase awareness of the importance of routine vet care for cats. According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), 83% of cats go to the vet during their first year, but half of them don’t go back until they get sick. American Humane Society agrees that most cats go to the vet when the cat is sick. Cats go to the vet half as often as dogs.

The reasons that cats don’t go to the vet fall into 3 categories: the stress of getting the cat to the vet, the belief that indoor cats are not at risk for illness and disease, and the cost. There are ways to address all 3 of these issues.

How to Reduce Cat Stress at the Vet

• Choose a cat friendly practice: Veterinarians who have received the Cat Friendly designation understand the specific needs of cats.
• Look for a practitioner with Fear Free designation: They care about the emotional well-being of your cat as well as her physical care.
• Get your cat used to the carrier: It is vital that your cat be comfortable with her carrier. Not only does it make vet visits less stressful, but if you need to evacuate in a disaster you will not waste valuable time trying to wrestle cats into carriers.
• Practice riding around in cars: Just like desensitizing your cat to her carrier, you want to get her used to riding around in cars. It is important that she not associate the carrier and the ride only with going to the vet.
• Schedule during quiet hours: Ask to have your kitty seen by the vet during the less busy hours of the day to limit the wait time.
• Limit wait in the waiting room: Call ahead to see if you can go right to the exam room. Or see if you can wait in your car until they are ready for you.
• Bring a blanket from home for him to sit on when on the table. The familiar scent will comfort him.
• Don’t feed Kitty before you go to reduce the chance of vomiting or pooping in fear.

Does My Indoor Cat Need to See the Vet?

Even indoor cats need to see the vet to support their health. Just because you don’t “see” something wrong with your cat doesn’t mean there isn’t a problem. Cats are  good at hiding pain and illness. Oftentimes by the time we see something  Kitty has been suffering for some time and the problem has become something she can no longer hide.  It is much better to catch something early. Better for Kitty, and potentially better for your wallet too.

• Kittens will see the vet at least 4 times during their first year for their vaccinations and to be spayed or neutered.
• Adult cats need a checkup every year to assess their general health, need for dental cleaning, and to update vaccinations if needed.
• Senior cats and those with chronic conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease or heart disease will need to be seen more often, at least twice a year.
• Your geriatric cat will see the vet frequently because it is rare for a very old cat not to have chronic conditions that need monitoring. He will also be more likely to become ill.

How to Save Money on Vet Care for Your Cat

Cost is the most significant reason that cats do not go to the vet regularly. According to an industry survey by American Pet Products, Americans spent $15 billion on vet care in 2015.   The ASPCA reports that first year costs of owning a cat will run you $1,100 and at least $500 each year after.  There are ways you can plan and save for your cat’s medical expenses.

• Keep Your Pet Healthy: Feed a great diet, keep him at a good weight, brush his teeth, and keep him properly groomed. This can reduce his risk of chronic conditions like diabetes and dental disease.
• Stay on top of preventative care: Get that annual check-up to catch problems early and prevent them from getting worse.
• Don’t over vaccinate: You can save money on a 3 year vaccine.
• Have your cat spayed/neutered: It prevents litters of kittens. Intact cats also have greater risk of contracting cancers. Intact males will fight and need treatment for wounds. Females that aren’t de-sexed risk coming down with pyometra, a very serious uterine infection.
• Get pet insurance: Shop around when your pet is young. Be sure you know what your policy covers, and what the deductibles and co-pays are. It is also important to know if they pay the vet or if you need to pay and wait for reimbursement.
• Set up a pet medical cost savings plan: Have an emergency fund to use if something happens to your cat. You can also ask your vet if they allow prepayment where you can “bank” money on account at the vet.
• Apply for CareCredit.
• Some vets offer group plans or their own in-house discount plans such as a “kitten package” or “senior plan” that cover a certain set of services.
• Ask if there are discounts for certain services at specific times. For example, dentals during Pet Dental Health month, or discount spay/neuter on certain days of the week.
• Ask about multipet discounts or new patient discounts.
• If your cat needs medication, get a written prescription. You can get it filled at any pharmacy. Get generics. Look online for better deals, but make sure you are dealing with a reputable pharmacy. Remember, a pet prescription can be filled the same place you fill your own prescriptions, it doesn’t have to be a “vet” pharmacy. My local pharmacy has a “club” you can join that gives you all your family prescriptions at $8. And yes, pets are family too!
• Ask for written estimates of any procedures or tests. Ask the vet if there is any way to reduce the bill. Perhaps the vet has samples of medications, or you can opt out of prescription diets (or buy the food cheaper online.)
• Look for pop up clinics at pet stores, feed stores, or pharmacies.  They typically provide basic services like vaccinations, parasite control, weight checks and basic physical condition exams.
• Check for low-cost spay/neuter services offered by rescue groups, veterinary colleges or clinics.
• Shop around: If your cat needs a specialist, or a high-end procedure. Prices vary facility to facility. You can have results forwarded to your vet. Your vet might be willing to price match if you find a cheaper price on a service.
• Animal welfare charities might help if you need help paying for your pet’s care and the alternative is surrendering your pet.
• Apply for charitable grants from non-profits or research organizations.
• Ask your case worker for any assistance available or contacts with welfare or charity if you receive state assistance.
• Be open about your financial situation. Your vet might come up with less expensive alternatives, adjust the price of services or find resources for you.

Take Your Cat to the Vet Day

Cats may seem independent and low maintenance but they need veterinary care as much as dogs.

It is important to remember when you adopt that cute little kitten you are taking on a 15-20 year commitment. Your commitment includes providing medical care.  Routine care may be expensive and cats are not typically thrilled to go to the vet but it is important to overcome the resistance and take your cat to the vet. If you don’t have a vet and need help finding one, we have a guide to choosing a vet here.