What would you do if your indoor cat suddenly stopped eating or ignored its favorite toys? At first, you might think it’s just your cat’s normal nature; however, one day, you discover it has developed an unexpected illness. However, your cat never goes outside! How could it be sick?
It becomes clear that indoor cats are not always safe at home. Maybe they won’t face road accidents or encounter aggressive animals like outdoor cats. However, that doesn’t mean they’re completely safe indoors. Indoor cats can fall ill too. That’s why regular vet checkups aren’t just for outdoor cats. They’re for all cats. Let’s look up some reasons why your indoor cats need regular veterinary care.
Reason 1: Cats Are Masters at Hiding Illness—A Vet Can Spot the Signs
Cats are tough little creatures. They don’t usually show pain or sickness the way people or even dogs do. In fact, by the time you notice something’s wrong—like your cat eating less, hiding more, or acting a little “off”—the issue could’ve been going on for a while.
That’s why regular vet checkups matter, even if your cat seems perfectly fine. A vet knows how to spot the early signs of common cat problems like dental disease, kidney trouble, thyroid issues, or diabetes—sometimes before your cat shows any obvious symptoms.
The earlier a problem is found, the easier (and often cheaper) it is to treat. So even if your cat’s acting normal, those routine vet visits are doing more than just checking a box—they’re helping keep your cat healthy and catching hidden issues before they turn serious.
Reason 2: Vaccines Aren’t Just for Outdoor Cats
You might think indoor cats don’t need shots because they’re not out mixing with other animals; however, that’s not the whole story. Indoor cats still need core vaccines like rabies and feline distemper (also called panleukopenia).
Why? Because germs can sneak in. You can carry viruses into your home on your shoes or clothes. Other pets—or even a stray animal through an open window or screen—can also bring in bugs your cat isn’t protected against.
Plus, if there’s ever an emergency where your cat gets outside or needs to stay at a boarding facility, being up to date on vaccines is super important. It keeps your cat safe—and it keeps other pets safe, too. So even if your kitty is living the cozy indoor life, don’t skip those vaccines. They’re just as important as food and water.
Reason 3: Indoor Cats Can Still Get Parasites—Even Fleas and Worms!
Just because your cat lives indoors doesn’t mean they’re safe from parasites. Fleas, ticks, and even worms can find their way inside your home—and onto your cat.
How? It’s easier than you think. Fleas can hitch a ride on your clothes or shoes after you’ve been outside. Mosquitoes (which carry heartworm) can fly in through an open door or window. And if you have a dog or another pet that goes outside, they can bring parasites back in with them.
These bugs aren’t just annoying—they can cause serious health problems. Fleas can lead to skin infections and tapeworms. Heartworms are especially dangerous and can even be deadly.
That’s why regular parasite prevention is a must, even for indoor cats. Your vet can recommend safe, easy-to-use treatments to keep your cat protected year-round. Trust us—keeping bugs away is way better than dealing with an infestation later.
This is for you: 11 Natural Cat Flea Treatments You Should Know
Reason 4: Weight Gain Is a Real Problem for Indoor Cats
Let’s be real—indoor cats love lounging. Whether they’re napping in a sunbeam or curled up on the couch, they’re not exactly burning a ton of calories. Without enough playtime or exercise, it’s easy for them to gain weight over time.
A little extra fluff might seem cute, however, cat obesity is no joke. Extra pounds can lead to serious health problems like diabetes, arthritis, and even heart issues. The good news? Your vet can help keep your cat at a healthy weight.
During regular checkups, your vet can track your cat’s weight, suggest the right food and portion sizes, and give tips on how to keep them active—even if they never step paw outside. Something as simple as adding more playtime or switching up their feeding routine can make a big difference.
You can follow our (vet-recommended) tips as well: Cat Weight Loss Tips: How to Help Your Obese Cat Shed Extra Pounds
Reason 5: Dental Problems Can Be Painful—And They’re Easy to Miss
Cats aren’t great at letting us know when something’s bothering them—especially when it comes to their teeth. Dental issues like plaque buildup, gum disease, or even a rotting tooth can be really painful, however, most cats will just keep on eating and acting normal… until it gets really bad.
You might not notice anything until there’s bad breath, drooling, or your cat starts avoiding food. By then, the problem could be serious—and expensive to fix.
Your vet will check your cat’s teeth and gums during routine visits and can catch early signs of trouble. They might suggest a professional cleaning or even show you how to brush your cat’s teeth at home (yep, that’s a thing!).
Check this out: Why Are My Cat’s Gums Black? Causes Behind Black Gums In Cats + Vet Explanation
Reason 6: A Change in Behavior? It Could Be a Sign of Something Bigger
If your cat suddenly starts acting weird—like hiding all the time, avoiding the litter box, or getting grumpy—it’s not just them being moody. Changes in behavior are often a sign that something’s going on health-wise.
Cats can’t say, “Hey, I don’t feel good,” so their behavior is one of the few ways they can communicate. Things like stress, anxiety, or pain from an illness or injury can all cause noticeable changes. Even something like peeing outside the litter box might be your cat’s way of saying, “Help!”
A quick regular checkup can rule out medical issues and help your vet guide you on what to do next—whether that means changing something in their environment, adjusting their diet, or treating an underlying health problem.
Reason 7: Senior Cats Need Extra Care as They Age
As cats get older, their needs change—just like people. They might move slower, sleep more, or have trouble jumping up like they used to. These can be normal signs of aging, however, they can also point to health issues like arthritis, kidney disease, or vision problems.
That’s why senior cats (usually age 7 and up) should see the vet more often—at least twice a year if possible. These regular checkups help catch age-related problems early, when they’re easier to treat or manage.
Your vet might run some blood work, check their joints, and look closely at their weight, vision, and overall behavior. The goal? Keep your older cat feeling good and living their best, comfy life.
A must-read blog: How to Take Proper Care of a Senior Cat?
Final Thoughts: Keep Your Cat Healthy with Routine Checkups
Even if your cat lives indoors and seems totally fine, regular vet visits are a big part of keeping them healthy. From catching hidden illnesses early to staying up to date on vaccines and parasite prevention, those checkups do more than you might think.
Your cat depends on you to notice when something’s off—however, vets have the tools and training to spot things you can’t always see. A quick visit once or twice a year can help your furry friend stay active, comfortable, and by your side for years to come.
Got questions about your cat’s health or any stories to share? Drop them in the comments below! And if you found this helpful, don’t forget to share it with your fellow cat lovers.