So you have a furry new addition to the family—congratulations! No doubt you'll want to start your kitten off on the path to a long, healthy, happy life. Here is what you can expect for your cuddly new friend's first visit.
Go Sooner Rather Than Later
No matter how your kitten came into your family, you'll want to make a vet appointment soon. If your older cat gave birth, your newborn kittens should have a check-up within the first couple of weeks of life to ensure they're healthy.
Kittens adopted from a shelter are given preliminary treatment, but your veterinarian can perform a more thorough health check and discuss a care plan with you.
If you purchased a kitten, you have a brief window for a check-up to see if your pet has health issues. Breeders can be held liable if there are any birth defects. This window of opportunity may only be a few days, so check your state laws and don't delay in making an appointment.
Before Your Cat's First Visit
Check with your veterinarian's office for specific instructions, such as how long before your appointment you should stop offering food and water.
Make sure you have a cat carrier for the big day. Leave the door open and put treats or food inside. Let your kitty climb on it, play, eat, or sleep in it every day leading up to the appointment to get her used to it.
See if medical forms are available online so that you can fill them out in advance. Call the morning of the visit to confirm the appointment.
What to Bring For Your Kitten's First Vet Visit
Bring any paperwork from a breeder or shelter so that your vet can review it. You may wish to make a mental or physical note regarding your pet's travel activities, medications, environment, and diet.
Put a blanket or towel in the cat carrier—preferably one from her bed so she'll be comforted by the familiar smells.
At the Vet
Keep your kitten in the carrier in the waiting room. If she's nervous, comfort her with soothing talk and by stroking her through the openings with your finger.
If it is very noisy in the waiting room and your kitten is scared, ask the staff if there is a quiet area you can wait, or if you can wait with her in the car.
Once in the exam room, leave your kitten in the carrier until the vet team comes in to see her. She will be much safer and easier to manage if she's contained.
Your vet team will give your kitten a thorough check-up, and may perform blood tests or take stool samples. You can then discuss your kitten's health and care plan with your vet. This is a good time to ask your vet any questions you may have regarding your kitten's behavior, habits, activities, care, diet, medication, vaccination schedule, spaying/neutering, etc.
Let Us Help
If you are located in the San Francisco Bay area, we would be honored to provide quality veterinary care to your new kitten. The Animal Doctors have offered outstanding services to pets and their humans for 40 years. We are accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association, as we hold ourselves to the highest standards for cleanliness, professionalism, patient care, and quality of veterinary medicine.
Our primary care services include annual exams, vaccinations, on-site laboratory testing, dental care, laser therapy, endoscopy, and surgery—everything your pet needs, all the way up to and including geriatric animal care, hospice support, and end-of-life counseling.
Our service has thrived for decades thanks to satisfied customers and word-of-mouth recommendations. If you have a new kitten, call us for an appointment. Our areas of coverage include San Francisco Peninsula, including Atherton, Cupertino, East Palo Alto, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Portola Valley, Redwood City, Stanford, and Woodside.
