For Every Cat We See

For cats to stay healthy and avoid serious conditions later on in life, it's important that they see their veterinarian at least once a year. Cats benefit greatly from yearly exams, which can help detect underlying issues that would otherwise go unnoticed. For senior cats (7 years and older), we recommend exams twice yearly. For kittens, quarterly exams are recommended based on vaccination protocols. At Columbia Pike Animal Hospital and Emergency Center in Annandale, annual exam care is the keystone of your cat's lifelong health program. It encompasses a large array of different veterinary services that contribute to your pet's overall care. We love seeing your cat walk through our doors, happy and healthy, and we want to preserve their good health for as long as possible. Call us today at (703) 256-8414.

All of Our Annual Exam Services Are Designed to Help Your Cat Live Their Healthiest Life, From One Stage to the Next:

  • Annual/bi-annual cat exams
  • Kitten care
  • Vaccinations
  • Routine diagnostic testing
  • Parasite control & prevention
  • Teeth cleaning
  • Spay and neuter
  • Nutritional counseling
  • Microchipping
  • Laser therapy
  • ...and more

Cat Wellness Exams

Cats receive thorough attention during their annual or bi-annual exam visits, which begin with a physical exam. Your veterinarian will examine their:

  • Eyes
  • Ears
  • Heart rate
  • Nose
  • Coat
  • Skin
  • Paws
  • Limbs
  • Joints
  • Weight
  • Temperature
  • Mouth/teeth/gums

Your veterinarian will discuss any abnormalities or other notable characteristics with you once they've completed this exam.

If your cat is in good shape, they can have their vaccinations. We recommend bringing in a fresh stool sample so that we can check for intestinal parasites and administer treatment if necessary. Come to this appointment prepared with any questions or concerns you might have, so your veterinarian can address them promptly. Felines are prone to conditions such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and kidney disease, so we'll check for signs of these problems as well.

Kitten Care

Newly adopted kittens need to be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible so we can begin their healthcare regimen and catch any illnesses or diseases in their earliest stages. Bring a fresh stool sample to your appointment, as most kittens are born with some form of intestinal parasites (roundworms are very common). If your kitten is old enough (6-8 weeks), we can administer their first in a series of 4 distemper boosters. During this visit, we'll go over litter box training, dietary recommendations, and much more.

Senior Cat Care

Comprehensive senior care protocols and procedures help you to help your cat age gracefully, healthily, and happily. Our veterinarians recommend twice-yearly exams for senior cats. These exams may include additional lab work and other services as necessary.

Your feline family member deserves the best routine care available, and we're happy to offer so many annual exam care services for them here in Annandale. If you have any questions about your cat's medical needs or need to make an appointment, give us a call at (703) 256-8414.

Cat Wellness Exams — Frequently Asked Questions

How often does my cat need a wellness exam?
Healthy adult cats should be seen once a year. Kittens need visits every 3-4 weeks until about 16 weeks old. Senior cats (10+) benefit from twice-yearly exams since age-related conditions like hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, and arthritis can progress quickly.

My cat seems perfectly healthy — do they still need a yearly exam?
Yes. Cats are experts at hiding illness. Many serious conditions — dental disease, early kidney failure, heart murmurs, high blood pressure — have no obvious outward signs. A physical exam and bloodwork are how we catch them before they become serious problems.

What does a cat wellness exam include?
We examine the eyes, ears, mouth, teeth, lymph nodes, heart, lungs, abdomen, skin, and joints. We review vaccine status, discuss parasite prevention, and address any behavioral or dietary concerns. Bloodwork and urinalysis are added for senior cats or any cat with risk factors.

Does my indoor cat still need parasite prevention and vaccines?
Yes to both. Rabies vaccination is required by law. Core vaccines protect against diseases that can enter your home without your cat ever going outside. Parasite prevention matters because mosquitoes, which transmit heartworms, can get inside any home.

What if something comes up between annual visits?
Come in any time. Columbia Pike Animal Hospital is open 24/7 with no additional emergency fee. You never have to wait until the next scheduled visit if something feels wrong.

Looking for a Fear Free certified practice experience for your cat? Several of our veterinarians at Columbia Pike are individually Fear Free certified. Our sister hospital, Town and Country Animal Hospital in Fairfax, is a Fear Free Certified Veterinary Practice, where every team member is certified and every appointment is designed to reduce stress for your cat. Learn more about Fear Free certified care at Town and Country.