In-Home Cat Exams — Wellness & Illness

An in-home cat exam is a comprehensive wellness or illness evaluation performed by our veterinarians in the comfort of your home. We bring all necessary equipment to your living room — no stressful car rides, no crowded waiting rooms, no anxious cats — just thorough, personal veterinary care on your cat’s own territory.

We provide healthy pet care, including exams, vaccines, and preventive care for cats of all ages. We enjoy getting to know young pets and helping them live long and healthy lives.

Preventive care exams, sometimes called “wellness exams” or “annual exams,” are for healthy pets. Regular wellness exams are essential for preventing disease and maintaining your pet’s health as it ages.

Preventive care includes a comprehensive “nose-to-tail” evaluation and often includes recommended vaccines for your cat. Labwork may be recommended depending on your pet’s age and condition, especially for older pets prone to certain diseases or conditions.

Annual or bi-annual exams may prevent disease or lead to early diagnosis and treatment of disease, which could be much less expensive and emotionally traumatic than a mid or late-stage diagnosis that may require more aggressive treatment or surgery.

During our wellness exams, our veterinarians will spend about 30-40 minutes with you discussing your pet’s health during the examination.

What to Expect During a Home Visit

When our veterinarian and assistant arrive at your home, they will bring a small set of medical supplies and portable diagnostic equipment. Here is what a typical visit looks like:

1. Introductions and history — We start by talking with you about your cat’s health, behavior, diet, and any concerns you have. This conversation typically takes 10–15 minutes and is one of the most valuable parts of the visit. Often we will call you from the car before coming in, so that we have a better idea of what we need to bring into the house with us.
2. Nose-to-tail physical exam — Our veterinarian performs a thorough examination: eyes, ears, mouth and teeth, heart, lungs, abdomen, skin and coat, joints, and neurological function.
3. Vaccines and preventive care — If due, we administer recommended vaccines and discuss parasite prevention tailored to your cat’s lifestyle.
4. Diagnostics if needed — Blood draws, urine collection, and blood pressure measurement can all be performed in your home. Digital x-rays and ultrasound can be obtained at our small, quiet office facility in Tigard, if needed.
5. Discussion and plan — We discuss findings, answer your questions, and develop a care plan together. There is no time pressure — we stay as long as needed.
6. Follow-up — Every visit includes one follow-up phone call or email, if needed, at no additional charge.

Ill animals of any age may benefit from house call examinations. Often, the last thing a pet guardian wants to do is load a sick pet into the car to take them into the stressful environment of a clinic. A lot can be done at home and other diagnostics can be done at our office. Sick pets may receive additional consultation/discussion to develop a medical treatment plan with you. If needed, your cat can be referred to a veterinary specialist for more advanced diagnostics or treatment.

Giving you more face-to-face time with our veterinarians is one of the things that sets our services apart from most traditional clinics.

Why In-Home Exams Are Better for Cats

Cats are territorial creatures. A trip to a veterinary clinic means a carrier, a car ride, unfamiliar smells, barking dogs in the waiting room, and a cold exam table — all of which cause stress that can mask symptoms and make the exam less effective.

In-home exams eliminate these stressors. Your cat is examined in their familiar environment, which means:

• More accurate vital signs — A cat’s heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration can all be elevated by stress. At home, we get a truer picture of their baseline health.
• Better behavioral observation — We can see how your cat moves naturally in their home, which is especially important for detecting subtle lameness, pain, or neurological changes.
• A more relaxed exam — A calm cat is easier to examine thoroughly. We can take our time without the pressure of the next appointment in the waiting room.
• More time for discussion — Our visits are 30–40 minutes on average, significantly longer than a typical 15-minute clinic appointment.

When to Schedule an Exam

• Annual wellness exams for cats of all ages — the foundation of preventive care
• Bi-annual exams are recommended for all cats, but especially more mature cats (age 7+) — catching age-related changes early
• Illness or injury — when your cat is not eating, hiding more than usual, vomiting, having litter box issues, or seems “off”
• New cat in the home — establishing baseline health and a relationship with your veterinarian
• Post-adoption checkups — recommended within the first week of bringing home a shelter or rescue cat
• Behavioral changes — sudden aggression, excessive vocalization, or changes in sleeping patterns can indicate underlying medical issues

If you are unsure whether your cat needs to be seen, please call us at 503-281-1631. We are happy to discuss your situation over the phone. You may also email us at dvm@pdxhomevet.com.