Congratulations! You’ve just become a proud cat owner. Whether you’ve chosen to adopt or purchase a kitten, it’s important to prepare for your kitten’s first vet visit before bringing it home. Responsible pet owners should think ahead and plan for this first vet visit.
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and the American Association of Feline Practitioners state that a cat is considered a kitten until they’re 1 year old. You’ll be taking your kitten to the vet more often in this first year than at any stage in their life, especially the first 20 weeks.
At the Texas Coalition for Animal Protection (TCAP), we’re here to guide you through this first year with your cat. Read on to find out everything you need to know about your kitten’s first vet visit. Have you just become the parent to a puppy? Check out our comprehensive guide on your puppy’s first vet visit.
When Should You Take Your Kitten to the Vets?
If you’ve adopted your kitten from a shelter, it’s a good idea to book your vet visit within the first week. If you’ve purchased a kitten from a breeder, we recommend booking your vet visit within the first few days of bringing them home.
Typically, a kitten will leave their mother at 8 weeks old, the perfect time for their first trip to the vet. If you find a kitten without its mother, immediately contact your local vet for advice and to book an appointment.
The first vet visit is important to check your kitten’s overall health, including looking for any signs of illnesses or parasites that could be dangerous for other pets in your home.
Why a Kitten’s First Vet Visit is Important
A kitten’s first vet visit is almost their most important one. Your vet will thoroughly check your cat for signs of potential illnesses and carry out essential vaccinations. This first vet visit is an opportunity to ask your vet any questions you might have about your cat, especially if you’re a new owner.
You can expect your vet to closely examine every part of your kitten, from their coat to their ears and eyes. Your vet may take a stool sample to check for any underlying health issues during this first appointment. Most kittens are 8 weeks old during their first vet visit. Kittens that are 6 weeks and under will also have their nutritional status checked and may be provided with supplements to help encourage growth.
A kitten’s first vet visit is when they’ll receive the initial round of core vaccinations to protect them from serious health conditions, including Chlamydia, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia, and Rhinotracheitis. Your kitten won’t be fully protected against these illnesses until they receive all the required vaccine doses.
When to Vaccinate Your Kitten
Every kitten requires a series of vaccinations, usually starting from their first vet visit when they’re 8 or 9 weeks old. These kitten vaccinations are carried out in multiple rounds with 3-4 weeks between doses. Our in-depth cat vaccination and wellness guide covers the type of vaccinations your kitten will need, and the cost involved.
Download our kitten vaccination guide to know exactly when to schedule your vaccine appointments, including annual boosters for rabies, FeLV, and FHCPCh.
Preparing for Your Kitten’s First Vet Visit
It’s normal to be nervous before your kitten’s first vet appointment, especially if you’re a first-time owner. There are a few things you can do to put yourself, and your new kitten, at ease before your visit.
- Confirm your appointment and ask for any specific requirements the vet may want you to follow before the appointment. Some vets may ask for you not to feed your kitten after midnight or to provide a stool sample when you arrive.
- Don’t be in a rush during your first vet visit. Just like a hospital, emergencies can happen, and you may find your appointment running behind schedule.
- Bring all the documentation you have for your kitten and be ready to give the vet information about their diet, origin, and the environment they’ll live in.
- Complete your registration form either before or at the start of your vet visit.
Carrier Training for Your Kitten
At TCAP, we request that all cats be brought to our clinics in a carrier. Start practicing with your kitten before your vet visit to familiarize them with it. Add toys or treats to keep your kitten relaxed when traveling. It’s a good idea to bring a blanket or your kitten’s favorite toy to keep them calm throughout their vet visit.
What Happens During Your Kitten’s First Vet Visit
The vet will conduct a ‘head-to-tail’ assessment of your kitten during their first visit. This comprehensive health check will include examining their physical condition and measuring their weight. You can expect your kitten to receive their initial vaccinations and they may receive a deworming or flea treatment if necessary.
Be ready to ask your vet any questions about your cat’s wellbeing. They’ll listen to your kitten’s abdomen, heart, and lungs and check their eyes and ears. A vet will also monitor how your kitten moves and check for any signs of potential health concerns.
Your vet may request a stool sample to check for potential intestinal parasites or a blood sample to detect feline immunodeficiency viruses. Checking for these issues during this first appointment will enable you to put a treatment plan in place if necessary.
What to Do After Your Kitten’s First Vet Visit
Before you leave your appointment, make a follow-up booking for the next round of vaccine doses. Keep an eye on your kitten after their first vet visit. It’s normal for a kitten to feel lethargic or experience a mild fever after receiving their vaccinations. Monitor your kitten for the first 48 hours after their appointment and contact your vet if any symptoms are concerning.
From Your Kitten’s First Vet Visit and Beyond
At TCAP, we’re committed to making responsible pet ownership easier with more affordable and accessible veterinary services. Our team is here to support you from your kitten’s first vet visit and beyond with affordable spay, neuter, and vaccination services. Find out more about our cat microchipping, dental care, and neutering services.
