What Happens During a Cat Health Check in Richmond?
Summary: A cat health check usually includes a discussion about your cat’s habits, a full nose-to-tail examination, weight monitoring, and advice on vaccinations, parasite control, diet, behaviour and dental care. At Kitten to Cat, we help local cat owners in Richmond and West London make these visits as calm, practical and reassuring as possible.
Introduction
Many local cat owners ask us what actually happens during a routine health check, especially if they are new to cat ownership or their cat dislikes vet visits. In simple terms, a health check is an opportunity for us to assess your cat’s overall wellbeing, spot small changes early, and talk through any concerns you may have.
At Kitten to Cat we regularly help cats and kittens from Richmond, Kew and across West London with routine appointments, preventative care and ongoing health monitoring. As a dedicated cat-only veterinary clinic, our consultations are designed around feline behaviour, comfort and stress reduction, because cats are not small dogs and often benefit from a calmer, species-specific approach.
If you are planning a routine visit, you can explore our Health Checks and Clinics or use our online booking page to arrange an appointment.
What a cat health check usually includes
In our experience supporting cats across Richmond and West London, a health check is much more than a quick look over your cat. We use the appointment to build a clear picture of your cat’s health, lifestyle and any subtle changes that may matter.
1. A conversation about your cat at home
We usually start by asking a few practical questions. These may include:
- How your cat is eating and drinking
- Whether their weight has changed
- Any changes in toileting habits
- Energy levels and mobility
- Grooming and coat condition
- Behaviour changes, including hiding, clinginess or irritability
- Whether they go outdoors or live fully indoors
Our feline veterinary team often advises owners to mention even small changes. Cats are very good at hiding signs of illness, so a reduced appetite, different sleeping pattern or a change in litter tray habits can sometimes be important.
2. Weight and body condition check
Your cat will usually be weighed, and we will assess their body condition. This helps us monitor whether they are underweight, at a healthy weight or carrying extra weight that could affect long-term health. For kittens, weight checks are particularly useful as they help us make sure growth is on track.
If needed, we may discuss diet, feeding routines and life stage nutrition as part of your cat’s wider preventative healthcare.
3. A full physical examination
We then carry out a gentle clinical examination. This often includes checking:
- Eyes, ears and nose
- Mouth, teeth and gums
- Skin and coat
- Heart and lungs
- Abdomen
- Joints and movement
- Paws and claws
- Hydration
- Overall body condition
At Kitten to Cat we commonly see cats who appear well at home but have subtle dental disease, early weight changes, skin irritation or mild stiffness that owners had not noticed. Routine checks are often how these issues are picked up before they become more uncomfortable for the cat.
4. Discussion of vaccinations and parasite protection
A health check is also a good time to review whether your cat is up to date with vaccinations and parasite control. Indoor cats still need tailored preventative advice, as risk depends on lifestyle, age and household circumstances.
If you would like ongoing support with routine care, many local cat owners explore our VIP Health Plan, including the Cat VIP Plan and Kitten VIP Plan.
5. Advice tailored to your cat’s age and lifestyle
No two cats are exactly alike. A kitten, a healthy adult cat and a senior cat all need slightly different support. Our experienced team supports cats across Richmond, Kew and West London with advice tailored to:
- New kitten care
- Neutering and development
- Weight management
- Senior cat monitoring
- Indoor cat wellbeing
- Behaviour and stress
- Dental care
- Long-term condition reviews
If you are new to us, you can also register your cat before your first appointment.
Why routine health checks matter for cats
Cats often cope quietly and may show only very subtle signs when something is not quite right. That is one reason regular health checks are so useful. They help us monitor patterns over time and allow local cat owners to ask questions before a concern becomes more noticeable.
As a dedicated cat-only clinic, we also know that the environment matters. A calmer, feline-focused setting can make the appointment easier for many cats, especially those who are nervous travellers or sensitive to unfamiliar noises and smells. This is one of the reasons many families in Richmond, Kew and West London choose a cat-only veterinary clinic for routine care.
We are also proud that Kitten to Cat was shortlisted at the Best UK Vets Awards 2024, which local cat owners often see as an added reassurance when choosing ongoing care for their cat.
What We Commonly See at Kitten to Cat
One of the most common concerns we hear from cat owners is, “My cat seems fine, but I just want to be sure.” That is exactly what routine consultations are for.
At Kitten to Cat we regularly help owners whose cats have:
- Mild weight gain or weight loss that developed gradually
- Early dental problems causing discomfort when eating
- Changes in grooming, especially over the back or tummy
- Subtle mobility changes in older cats
- Stress-related behaviour changes after moving house or welcoming a new pet or baby
- Questions about indoor cat health, flea control or vaccinations
A common misunderstanding is that indoor cats do not need regular check-ups. In reality, indoor cats still benefit from health monitoring, dental checks, weight assessment and preventative care planning.
Many local cat owners ask us whether a cat health check is only necessary if their cat seems unwell. Our feline veterinary team often advises that routine visits are valuable because cats can hide discomfort very effectively. Small changes in appetite, litter tray habits, coat quality or sociability can be the first sign that something needs attention.
Practical advice for local cat owners before the appointment
There are a few simple things you can do to help the visit go smoothly:
- Use a secure carrier with a stable base and familiar bedding.
- Allow time so you do not feel rushed getting to the clinic.
- Bring useful information, such as current food, medications or recent changes you have noticed.
- Take photos or videos if your cat is showing an issue mainly at home, such as limping, coughing or unusual behaviour.
- Avoid withholding concerns because they seem minor. Small details can help.
If your cat is a new arrival, you may also wish to look at our Free Kitten Health Checks and current offers.
For owners comparing practices, our Why Choose Us page explains more about our feline-focused approach and the calmer environment we have created for cats.
When to contact a vet
A routine health check is ideal for ongoing monitoring and general concerns, but some symptoms should not wait for a standard appointment.
Please seek veterinary advice promptly if your cat has:
- Stopped eating or is eating much less than usual
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhoea
- Noticeable weight loss
- Difficulty passing urine or using the litter tray
- Breathing changes
- Sudden behaviour changes
- Pain, distress or collapse
If your cat is struggling to breathe, has collapsed, is having a seizure, has eaten something toxic, cannot pass urine, or is in severe pain, contact a vet immediately.
For urgent support, please see our emergency vetcare information. Our team can also advise whether your cat should be seen urgently or whether a routine consultation is suitable.
If your cat has an ongoing condition requiring treatment review, our advanced surgery and medicine and wider services pages explain more about the care we provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a cat health check take?
Most routine consultations are long enough for us to examine your cat, discuss any concerns and make a practical plan. If your cat has several issues to cover, let us know when booking so we can guide you appropriately.
Do indoor cats need health checks?
Yes. Indoor cats still need monitoring for weight, dental health, age-related changes, behaviour and preventive care needs.
Will my cat be vaccinated at the same appointment?
If your cat is due and is well enough for vaccination, this may be done during the health check. We will first assess your cat and discuss what is appropriate.
What if my cat gets very stressed at the vet?
Stress matters in cats, and we take it seriously. As a cat-only veterinary clinic, we aim to make visits calmer and more manageable. Bringing your cat in a secure, familiar carrier can help, and our team can offer guidance before the appointment if needed.
Can I ask about diet, behaviour or dental care during a routine consultation?
Absolutely. Health checks are a good opportunity to discuss everyday wellbeing as well as medical concerns. At Kitten to Cat we regularly help local cat owners with feeding, litter tray issues, senior cat changes and preventive care planning.
What if my cat needs repeat medication?
If your cat is already under care and needs ongoing treatment, you can use our prescription request page where appropriate, or speak to our feline veterinary team for advice.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for general guidance only. If your cat is unwell, showing concerning symptoms, or you are unsure what to do, please contact your vet for professional advice.
Arrange a cat health check with Kitten to Cat
If you are looking for a trusted feline veterinary team in Richmond, Kew or West London, we are here to help. Whether you want to book a routine consultation, discuss preventive care, or register a new kitten or cat, our cat-only veterinary clinic offers calm, practical support tailored to cats.
You can book an appointment online, register your cat, or explore our Health Checks and Clinics. If you are new to the practice, you may also wish to view our New Client Offer. If your concern is urgent, please access our emergency veterinary support information straight away.
