Owning a new kitten brings excitement, but now it's crucial to ensure their ongoing health and well-being. To assist you in your preparations, our veterinarians in Turlock provide valuable insights into what you can anticipate during your kitten's first visit to the vet.
When you bring a kitten home, make sure to take it to a veterinarian for an examination. This step is crucial, not only for your kitten's health but also to ensure it does not harbor any communicable infections. If the kitten displays any signs of illness, such as watery eyes, sneezing, difficulty breathing, or a loss of appetite, seek veterinary care promptly.
Should I Bring Anything To My Kitten's First Vet Visit?
It's essential to have certain items prepared before your initial checkup, whether you visit the doctor right after bringing home your new kitten or wait a day or two. These items include:
- Any information and paperwork provided by the shelter or breeder
- Notes of any concerns you have about the kitten
- Stool sample
- Cat carrier
- Cat Treats
If you're taking your kitten to the vet for the first time, make sure to bring any adoption documentation with you. Your veterinarian should also be aware of all treatments and immunizations already administered to the kitten. If it is not possible, write down what you were told at the adoption so you don't forget.
What Should I Expect During Their First Physical Exam?
The staff and veterinarian will inquire about your kitten's history and perform a thorough physical examination. They will also inspect for other parasites, such as fleas and mites. The veterinarian will assess your kitten's eyes, ears, lips, skin, coat, and entire body. This assessment includes palpating the abdomen to assess the organs and utilizing a stethoscope to auscultate the heart and lungs. A stool sample may also be collected to check for any underlying health issues.
It is recommended to adopt kittens between 8 to 10 weeks of age for optimal health, weaning, and socialization. If your kitten is particularly young, especially if it is 6 weeks or younger, the veterinarian will need to evaluate the kitten's nutritional and hydration status and provide any necessary supplementation.
Will the Vet Perform Any Tests During This First Visit?
Yes, your kitten will likely need both a fecal exam and a blood test.
Fecal Exam: You will most likely be requested to bring a fecal sample from your kitten to your veterinarian for testing for parasites like intestinal worms, giardia, and other potential issues. Because not all intestinal parasites show up on fecal tests and a substantial percentage of kittens have them, your vet may give your kitten a deworming medicine at each appointment. Many parasites can be transmitted to humans. Thus, it is critical to remove them from your cat.
Blood Test: The American Association of Feline Practitioners recommends that all newly adopted cats, regardless of age, be tested for FeLV and FIV. If your kitten is less than nine weeks old, your veterinarian may advise you to delay testing until it is at least nine weeks. If you have other cats in the house with your kitten, keep them separated until they have tested negative in case your new kitten has a transmissible disease.
What is the Typical Cost of a Kitten's First Vet Visit?
The cost of the initial vet visit, as well as subsequent routine exams, may differ depending on the veterinarian, the specific cat, and the individual pet. To obtain an accurate cost estimate, please reach out to your veterinarian directly.
What Are Some Important Questions To Ask During Kitten's First Visit?
Here is a list of questions you can ask your vet during the first visit. Of course, there is a myriad of others you can ask, and we encourage you to do so, but these should start you on the road to responsible cat ownership:
- Is my cat a healthy weight?
- Are they eating the right food and getting proper nutrition?
- Are they sleeping too much or too little?
- What resources are available at this vet clinic? (ex. X-rays, labs, etc.)
- Are there any common parasites or pests in the area? How can I prevent them?
- Is cat insurance worth it, and if so, who do you recommend?
- Do you have any grooming recommendations for my cat?
- Are there any vaccinations my cat needs?
- Where are the nearby emergency services for off-hours or holidays?
- What do you recommend for flea and tick prevention?
- How is my cat's dental health?
- Any cat food label questions such as how to read them, what to look for, etc.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.