You've added a new feline friend to your home. Congrats! Now is the time for you to think about veterinary visits for a healthy start. Here, we discuss what to expect at your kitten's first vet visit in Cumming, including what to bring and questions to ask.
The Importance of Early Vet Visits for Kittens
At Animal Medical Center of Cumming we understand how exciting it is to welcome a new kitten into your family. Of course, you are smitten with your kitten but while you are having fun getting to know each other it's important not to forget about the essential healthcare that your feline friend needs to start life out as healthy as possible.
It's likely not something you want to think about, but kittens often carry a variety of highly contagious parasites and infections. Having your adorable kitty examined by a veterinarian right away sets your kitten on a path to optimal health, while also protecting other pets and people from any communicable diseases your kitten may be carrying.
We highly recommend booking your kitten's first vet appointment right away, especially if they are exhibiting any troubling symptoms such as persistent scratching, watery eyes, labored breathing, or poor appetite.
When is it a good time to bring a kitten to their first vet visit?
Scheduling a veterinary visit should be one of the very first things you do after bringing home a new kitten. This is important not only for your kitten's health but also to ensure that it does not share any communicable infections. If the kitten shows signs of illness, such as watery eyes, sneezing, difficulty breathing, or inability to eat, it should be examined as soon as possible.
Will I need to bring anything to my kitten's appointment?
There are a few things that will make the vet visit go smoothly. 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
You should always bring any adoption paperwork with you to the first veterinary appointment. You should also inform your veterinarian about any previous treatments or vaccinations given to the kitten. If you cannot do this, write down what they told you at the adoption to avoid forgetting.
What should I expect during my new kitten's examination?
The staff and veterinarian will interview you and conduct a physical examination on your kitten. They will also search for other parasites such as fleas and mites. The veterinarian will examine your kitten's eyes, ears, lips, skin, coat, and entire body. The healthcare provider palpates the abdomen to feel the organs and listens to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope. We may also collect a stool sample to determine whether you have any underlying health problems.
For optimal health, weaning time, and socialization, kittens should be adopted at the age of eight to ten weeks. If your kitten is young, especially if it is six weeks or under, the vet will need to examine the kitten's nutrition and hydration status and offer any necessary supplementation.
Will my kitten need any diagnostic tests?
Yes. Our vets routinely perform a fecal exam and blood test on all newly adopted pets.
Fecal Exam: Your veterinarian will almost certainly ask you to bring a fecal sample from your kitten for testing for parasites such as intestinal worms, giardia, and other possible issues. Your vet may administer deworming medication at each appointment because not all fecal tests detect all intestinal parasites and a significant percentage of kittens have them. Humans can contract many parasites, so it is crucial 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.
How much does a kitten's first vet visit cost?
A kitten's (or puppy's) first vet visit in Cumming can vary in cost depending on several factors. These can include the breed and age of your new furry friend, the expertise of the veterinary professional and what they have done during the visit.
What should you ask while at the vet visit?
You likely have several things that you want to ask the vet during your kitten's visit. Keep in mind that you are welcome to ask any questions that you may have that are not on this list.
Some of the most frequently asked questions during a kitten's first checkup include:
- 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. Please make an appointment with your vet to diagnose your pet's condition accurately.