Introduction
Kittens are typically weaned from their mother and go to their new home at around 8 weeks of age. You should take your new kitten to the vet within the first three days following adoption. Professional assessment of the kitten soon after arrival is critical to ensure a smooth transition for you and your new companion.
What to Expect
You can expect your veterinarian to go through the following important checks:
- Full Physical Examination: Your vet will perform a full physical examination to assess overall health. He or she can then alert you if the kitten has any inherited defects and prepare you for any proceedures and costs that those defects may entail.
- Parasite Check: The veterinary clinic will likely ask you to provide a fresh stool sample for analysis. This will allow them to identify if the kitten is carrying any intestinal parasites. Worms and single celled parasites are very common in kittens, and since many of them can be transferred to people it is important that the issue is quickly resolved.
- Vaccination: Your vet will review the kitten's vaccination history and will provide any that have yet to be administered. Your veterinarian will tailor your vaccine schedule to match the lifestyle and background of your kitten.
Beyond the basic checks, there are a few things that you, the new kitten owner, should be sure to get from your veterinarian. First, be sure to ask about key information on basic kitten care such as dental care, normal cat behavior, diet, grooming, nail care. Also, this would be a good time to inquire about things like microchip identification, appropriate toys and getting the cat fixed.
If you haven't already, you should take this opportunity to get to know your veterinarian and the healthcare support team. This is just the first of many visits that you'll be paying to the vet's office, and a good relationship with your vet will ensure that your cat gets the very best care possible.