What You Need to Know About Annual Cat Health Checks in 2025

When was the last time you booked a vet visit for your cat? Cats have a reputation for being low-maintenance, often only seeking us out on their own terms. But beneath that self-sufficient nature, they’re also experts at hiding pain. 

A cat may return home with a scratch or limp as if nothing happened—yet injuries and illnesses can be far more serious than they appear.

Unlike dogs, cats don’t always show clear signs when something’s wrong. Many common feline conditions—like kidney disease, dental issues, or diabetes—can remain hidden until they’re harder and more expensive to treat. That’s why relying on visible symptoms alone isn’t enough.

An annual health check gives your vet the chance to do a full nose-to-tail assessment, run tests if needed, and spot early warning signs long before they become problems. It’s one of the most effective ways to protect your cat’s long-term health and quality of life.

• What to Expect During a Cat Health Check
• Tailoring Care to Your Cat’s Life Stage
• Average Cost of a Cat Health Check in Australia [2025]
• How to Prepare Your Cat for the Vet Visit
• How to Be Proactive in Caring for Your Cat

What to Expect During a Cat Health Check

Setting annual health checks for your cat is a proactive way to ensure your cat’s wellbeing. 

Your vet will be able to assess every major aspect of your cat’s health, from physical shape and dental condition to nutrition, parasite control, and age-specific risks. 

Think of it as a comprehensive health snapshot that helps keep your cat happy, comfortable, and thriving at every stage of life.

Basic Physical Examination for Cats

Subtle signs like changes in coat condition, a new heart murmur, or small lumps under the skin can reveal problems that cat owners might miss at home. These routine health checks often pick up issues early, when treatment is most effective.

A typical Physical Examination for cats includes checking the following: 

• Eyes
• Ears
• Teeth
• Skin
• Coat
• Heart
• Lungs
• Abdomen
• Claws

What Dental Health Checks Reveal About Cats

Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in cats in Australia and around the world. 

However, because cats rarely show obvious signs of dental pain, it often goes unnoticed. Your vet will look for tartar build-up, inflamed gums, or loose teeth, which can lead to infections and affect organs like the kidneys and heart if untreated. 

Catching dental issues early helps prevent long-term complications and improves your cat’s quality of life.

💡Up to 70% of cats over the age of three develop some form of dental disease. 

Is your Cat Obese? Weight and Nutrition Management

Cat obesity is one of the biggest health risks facing pet cats today, and even a little extra weight can increase the risk of diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. At the other end of the spectrum, unexplained weight loss can signal serious conditions like thyroid disease or kidney problems. 

During the check-up, your vet will measure your cat’s body condition score and discuss diet, portion sizes, and the right nutrition plan for their age and lifestyle.

Parasite Risks for Cats in Australia

Even indoor cats aren’t completely safe from parasites. Fleas, ticks, mites, and intestinal worms can all cause discomfort and disease, and some (like ticks) can be life-threatening. 

Annual check-ups are a chance to review your cat’s parasite prevention program, making sure they’re protected with the most effective treatments available for your region and lifestyle.

Here are common parasites found in Aussie cats:

• Fleas
• Intestinal Worms
  • Tapeworms
  • Roundworms
  • Hookworms
• Ticks (watch out for Paralysis Ticks!)

💡Australia is home to more than 70 different tick species.

What Blood and Urine Tests Reveal About Your Cat’s Vital Organs

Running blood and urine tests early on help establish a normal health profile for your cat. This helps your vet track changes over time and identify when an organ problem may have started. 

Here are some common organ problems in cats that your vet can spot during an annual health check:

• Hyperthyroidism
• Heart Disease
• Gastrointestinal problems (medical)
• Diabetes

Knose Pet Insurance covers all of the above, provided it’s not a pre-existing symptom and condition and the exclusion periods have passed.

Tailoring Vet Care to Your Cat’s Life Stage

Just like people, cats have different health needs at different stages of life. An annual health check allows your vet to provide care that’s tailored to your cat’s age, lifestyle, and risk factors.

Cat Life Stage	Focus of Annual Health Check
Kittens	Vaccinations, desexing, growth, diet, parasite prevention
Adult Cats	Weight management, dental care, lifestyle review, early illness detection
Senior Cats	Screening for kidney disease, arthritis, thyroid issues, other chronic diseases

Average Cost of a Cat Health Check in Australia [2025]

A standard vet visit at Walkerville Vet costs $93.50 while a repeat visit costs $79.90. The price depends on several factors including the location and added services offered by the vet.

Please note that, while some vet clinics may offer a more comprehensive package, annual health checks generally do not include diagnostic testing. Lab work or imaging may be recommended based on your pet’s condition.

Here are additional average costs for Diagnostic Tests [2025]:

• X-rays & sedation (2 views) — $500
• Ultrasound & sedation — $670
• Ear infection cytology — $50.40
• Lump needle aspiration — $39
• Urine tests (in house) — $39
• Annual wellness blood test — $181.05
• Preanaesthetic test (>7y) — $175.90
• Preanaesthetic test (<7y) — $131

Source: Walkerville Vet, vet clinic based in Brisbane

How to Prepare Your Cat for the Vet Visit

A stress-free vet visit starts at home. By getting your cat comfortable with handling, travel, and new environments, you can make annual health checks easier for both your cat and the vet.

1. Practice gentle handling

Regularly touch your cat’s ears, paws, and neck so they get used to being examined. This not only helps them relax during the vet check but also lets you spot any unusual lumps, scratches, or sore spots early.

2. Make the cat carrier a safe space

Instead of bringing out the carrier only on vet days, keep it accessible at home with a soft blanket, toys, or treats inside. Let your cat explore it on their own, so it feels familiar and less stressful when it’s time to travel.

3. Bring comfort from home

A favourite blanket, towel, or toy can help your cat feel more secure in the clinic. You can even cover the carrier with a towel to reduce visual stress during transport.

How to Be Proactive in Caring for Your Cat

Cats may seem independent, but when it comes to their health, they rely on us to make the right choices. Being proactive doesn’t just mean reacting when something goes wrong—it’s about taking steps to protect their wellbeing before problems arise.

Annual health checks give your vet the chance to build a detailed health record for your cat.

Over time, this record provides a clearer picture of what’s “normal” for your cat, making it easier to spot even the smallest changes in weight, bloodwork, or behaviour.

Another key part of prevention is open communication with your vet. Share any changes you notice at home—whether it’s a shift in appetite, sleeping patterns, or behaviour in the litter box. Even minor details can provide valuable clues that help your vet catch issues early.

For ongoing support, Knose offers routine care plans to help keep parasite prevention, vaccinations, and wellness checks on track. And with award-winning quality pet insurance, you can feel confident knowing you’re backed when it comes to unexpected illnesses or injuries!

At the heart of it all is one simple truth: prevention is better than cure. By committing to yearly vet visits and building a strong partnership with your vet throughout your cat’s life, you’re giving them the best chance at living a longer, healthier, and happier life.

Choose Your Cat’s Wellness Plan