Getting a new kitten can be an exciting experience. However, ensuring that your furry friend stays healthy for life is important. To help you prepare for your kitten's first vet visit, the vets in Apple Valley have shared some valuable information you should know.
Bringing Home a Kitten
When you bring a newborn kitten home, taking it for a veterinary examination is crucial. Not only does this ensure the health of your kitten, but it also helps avoid spreading any contagious infections. If your kitten shows any signs of illness, such as watery eyes, sneezing, difficulty breathing, or inability to eat, it should be taken to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Should I Bring Anything To My Kitten's First Vet Visit?
Some things are nice to have ready before the initial checkup, whether you go immediately to the doctor after picking up your new kitten or after a day or two at home. These 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
Remember to carry any adoption documents with you if it's your kitten's first visit to the vet. Also, inform your veterinarian about all the treatments and immunizations that your kitten has already received. If you don't have the documentation, write down the details that were told to you at the time of adoption to avoid forgetting.
What Should I Expect During Their First Physical Exam?
When you take your kitten to the vet, the staff and veterinarian will ask about its history and perform a physical examination. They will also check for other parasites, such as fleas and mites.
The vet will examine your kitten's entire body, including its eyes, ears, lips, skin, coat, and abdominal organs. They will also use a stethoscope to check the kitten's heart and lungs. A stool sample may also be taken to check for any underlying health issues.
Kittens should be adopted between 8 to 10 weeks of age to ensure optimal health, weaning time, and socialization. If your kitten is younger than 6 weeks, the vet must examine its nutrition and hydration status and provide any necessary supplementation.
Will the Vet Perform Any Tests During This First Visit?
Your kitten will likely need a fecal exam and a blood test.
Fecal Exam: Your veterinarian will likely ask you to bring a stool sample from your kitten for testing. The sample will be tested for parasites such as intestinal worms, giardia, and other potential issues. However, not all intestinal parasites can be detected through fecal tests, and a significant percentage of kittens may have them. Therefore, your vet may prescribe a deworming medicine for your kitten during each visit. It is important to note that many parasites can be transmitted to humans. As a result, it is crucial to eliminate them from your cat to prevent any health issues.
Blood Test: The American Association of Feline Practitioners recommends that all newly adopted cats, regardless of age, be tested for FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) and FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus). However, if your kitten is less than nine weeks old, your veterinarian may advise you to delay testing until it is at least nine weeks of age. It is important to keep your other cats separated from the new kitten until they have tested negative to avoid spreading any potential diseases your new kitten may have.
What is the Typical Cost of a Kitten's First Vet Visit?
The cost of the first vet visit and routine exams may vary depending on the vet, cat, and pet. Contact your vet for an accurate estimate.
What Are Some Important Questions To Ask During Kitten's First Visit?
Here is a list of questions you can ask your veterinarian during your cat's first visit. While there are many other questions you may want to ask, these should help you begin your journey toward 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.
