Now that you’ve adopted a new feline friend, it’s time for a checkup! Today, we’re talking about what you need to know about your kitten’s first vet visit
It’s so important to get your new kitty checked out and vaccinated as soon as possible, especially if you have other cats in the house. A visit with your veterinarian will help to ensure your kitten grows up happy and healthy. Here are some things you need to know about that first visit.
Your Kitten’s First Vet Visit
Scheduling the vet visit
You should schedule your kitten’s first visit to the vet within 3-4 days of adoption. If you are adopting your kitten from a pet shelter, it is likely they have already been given a physical exam as well as their vaccinations, however, it is a good idea to schedule a visit with your veterinarian anyways.
READ MORE: How to Tell How Old My Kitten is?
Preparing for the vet visit
The day before your kitten’s vet appointment, you will want to contact the office to confirm the date and time. Also, inquire as to any special instructions they might have for you, such as providing a stool sample from your kitten or not giving them any food after midnight. Be sure you have all of the documentation you were given upon adopting your kitten.
What to expect when you arrive
Once you arrive at the office for your appointment, you will have to fill out paperwork about your kitten, such as their age, sex, known medical issues, etc.
What to expect from the exam
Once you are called into the examination room, your kitten will first have some preliminary work done by a veterinary technician. This will include things like getting a rectal temperature and checking their heart rate. Once the veterinarian comes in, they will first do a complete physical examination, which includes checking their eyes, ears, and teeth; listening to their heart and lungs and examining their genitals, abdomen, joints and skin.
Next, they will be given a round of vaccinations, designed to protect them against feline calicivirus, herpesvirus, and feline panleukopenia. Lastly, the veterinarian will check your kitten for parasites like hook worms, tape worms, and roundworms. This is done by a stool sample, so if you weren’t asked to bring on in, one will be collected.
What to expect after the vet visit
After the vet is done, he will let you know when to bring the kitten back in for another round of vaccinations, usually about a month later. Monthly vaccination visits will continue until your kitten is around five months old, then vaccinations are done on a yearly basis.
Are you already a cat parenting pro? Let us know if you have anything else to add to what you need to know about your kitten’s first vet visit!
Deanna is a passionate cat lover and freelance writer. She lives with her Chi dog and a ragdoll cat. When she’s not writing, Deanna loves listening to country music or watching Dancing With The Stars.
We have four cats of our own and their first vet visits seem like such a distant memory. I remember with our second cat we were in the process of choosing a new vet in a different town. He purred his way through the entire visit. His instincts were right on the money .. our vet is a true gem
These are all good tips! I would only add to get the kitten used to the portable bag you are using to take her there since not all of them like it very much!
I want to get a kitten and had no idea of what to expect from my first visit so I want to bookmark this post. I like that they get vaccinations which would be a relief x
These are all great tips for all cat owners. I don’t have a cat at the moment but I am planning on getting a kitty very soon, so your tips are more than welcome. Thanks.