Wellness First: The Essential Guide to Routine Vet Visits for Cats

Taking your kitten to the vet is a crucial part of ensuring their health and well-being. Veterinary visits help establish a good foundation for their care, ensure they’re growing properly, and help prevent potential health issues. Here's a guide on what to expect during your kitten's vet visits and what you should do:

1. First Vet Visit (10 Weeks Old) - Done by me

• Timing: The first vet visit typically happens around 10 weeks old, when the kitten is ready for their first vaccinations and a thorough health check.

• Initial Health Check: The vet will perform a physical exam to ensure the kitten is healthy, checking for any signs of illness, parasites, or developmental issues.

• Vaccinations: Kittens need a series of vaccinations to protect them from various diseases, including:

  • Feline Herpesvirus (Rhinotracheitis)

  • Feline Calicivirus

  • Feline Panleukopenia (distemper)

• Deworming: Most kittens are born with intestinal worms, I will deworm them at 6 weeks and 8 weeks. After that they get dewormed every 3 months.

• Flea and Tick Prevention: My breeding cats and kittens are indoor only and do not get exposed to flees or ticks. If your plan is to expose the kitten to outside or to other animals that go outside, consult the vet on how to treat them and discuss ongoing prevention.

• Microchip or ID: Your kitten will come microchipped.

2. Vaccination Schedule

• Series of Shots: Kittens require a series of vaccinations over several visits. Please warn me if you have any cats adopted from a shelter, your kitten will need an extra vaccine against FELF/FIV.

  • On me: First Vaccination (10 weeks old): The first round of vaccines, which often includes the FVRCP (feline distemper, rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus) and deworming.

  • On me: Second Vaccination (14 weeks old): A booster for the FVRCP vaccine.

  • Third Vaccination (18 weeks old): Another booster for FVRCP and possibly the rabies vaccine, depending on local regulations.

• Rabies Vaccine: Some places require kittens to receive a rabies vaccine around 16 weeks. Check with your vet to see when it's appropriate for your kitten.

3. Spaying/Neutering

• Timing: Most kittens are spayed or neutered at around 5 to 6 months old, though some vets may recommend earlier surgery, especially if you have an indoor/outdoor kitten or if you're concerned about preventing accidental litters.

• Benefits: Spaying or neutering helps prevent unwanted pregnancies and can improve behavior, reduce the risk of certain cancers, and prevent some health issues in the future.

• Post-Surgery Care: Your vet will provide aftercare instructions, including monitoring for signs of infection or discomfort.

4. Follow-Up Visits and Health Monitoring

• Kitten Check-Ups: After the initial visit and vaccinations, your kitten will need a follow-up visit at about 18 weeks for additional vaccines and boosters.

• Health Checks: At each visit, the vet will continue to monitor your kitten's growth and development, checking for any health issues.

• Weight Monitoring: The vet will monitor your kitten’s weight to ensure they're growing appropriately and can discuss feeding schedules and nutrition.

5. Preventative Care

• Flea and Tick Prevention if you are planning on taking the kitten outside or if you have other pets that go outside: Discuss flea and tick prevention with your vet. There are various treatments, including topical treatments, oral medications, and collars. Your vet will recommend the best option for your kitten.

• Dental Care: While it’s not usually a major concern for kittens, your vet may discuss dental care and recommend a kitten-safe toothbrush or dental treats as they get older.

6. Diet and Nutrition Advice

• Feeding Schedule: Your vet will guide you on the right type of food for your kitten. Kittens need a specially formulated diet with higher protein, fat, and essential nutrients to support their growth.

• Kitten Food: Make sure you’re feeding your kitten appropriate kitten food (wet or dry) to meet its nutritional needs.

7. Behavior and Socialization Tips

• Behavioral Concerns: If your kitten is showing any unusual behavior (e.g., excessive scratching, aggression, or anxiety), the vet may provide advice or refer you to a behavioral specialist.

• Socialization: The vet can offer tips on how to socialize your kitten with other pets, people, and new environments to ensure it grows up well-adjusted.

8. Long-Term Care and Health Monitoring

• Annual Checkups: Once your kitten reaches adulthood, annual vet visits are recommended for routine health checks, vaccinations, and wellness exams.

• Routine Tests: Your vet may recommend periodic bloodwork, urine tests, or fecal exams to monitor your cat's health as they age.

9. Emergency Care

• Know When to Visit: If your kitten shows signs of illness such as lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or difficulty breathing, take them to the vet immediately.

• Emergency Vet: Be aware of your emergency vet’s contact information and hours in case of accidents or serious health concerns.

10. Keep a Record

• Health Record: Keep a record of your kitten's vaccinations, treatments, and any health concerns or conditions. This will help you track their progress and be useful for future vet visits.