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 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’s 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 anyway.

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 hookworms, tapeworms, and roundworms. This is done with a stool sample, so if you weren’t asked to bring one 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, at which point vaccinations are done on a yearly basis.

Are you already a pro at cat parenting? Let us know if you have anything else to add to what you need to know about your kitten’s first vet visit!

Now that you adopted a new feline friend, it’s time for a checkup! Here’s what you need to know about your kitten’s first vet visit! Check it out!
Deana Tucker
Deana Tucker

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.