Getting a new kitten is a very exciting time but it's important to know how to properly care for it, and regular vet visits are a big part of that. Today, our Ambassador Dog & Cat Hospital vets will explain to what expect during your kitten's first vet visit.
Caring For Your Kitten
A kitten's first appointment is the most important vet visit that your cat will get. During this visit, many things will happen and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you have about bringing home a new kitten.
It is essential to make sure you book your kitten's first appointment within the first 1-2 days of having it. This is important because if you have other pets at home, you will want your kitten vaccinated as soon as possible to protect them.
Note: keep your kitten away from other pets until they have been cleared by the vet.
What To Bring:
- All the paperwork you completed and/or received at the shelter where you adopted your kitten or the breeder where you bought your kitten.
- A stool sample, if possible
- Your cat carrier to ensure that you can transport your kitten safely
- A list of any questions you have or any other notes
The First Visit:
Your vet will want to do a complete physical exam of your kitten making sure to check for:
- Palpating the abdomen
- Checking your kitten's teeth
- Taking its temperature
- Checking the mouth for signs of ulcers
- Listening to its heart and lungs
- Checking its eyes
- Checking its joints for proper movement
Your vet may want to run other tests on your kitten depending on their findings. This could include bloodwork, urinalysis, and other labs to determine if your kitten has certain infections like FIV.
Vaccinations:
Your kitten is going to need a series of vaccinations over its life. Your vet will want to provide you with a schedule so that no vaccinations are missed. Kitten core vaccinations include Feline rhinotracheitis, Feline calicivirus, Feline panleukopaenia, and Rabies.
Deworming, Ticks, Fleas, Mites:
Your vet will want to check your kitten for ear mites and ensure that your kitten has been dewormed and treated for ticks and fleas.
Spaying/Neutering:
Your vet will talk about you getting your kitten spayed or neutered and book an appointment for that procedure. They will suggest that this is done between 5 and 6 months old.