This is the blog for you if you've recently added a bundle of feline joy to your family!  While untangling your new little bundle of energy from the Christmas tree, read on to find out WHAT'S NEXT?

While it’s important to start right in on kitten proofing your home, purr-fecting your cuddling techniques, and establishing who is going to clean that litter box, it’s also crucial to get a head start on your kitten’s health. You want to make sure your new friend gets off on the right foot, and this means scheduling your kitten’s first veterinary visit. Depending on your new kitten’s age and expected lifestyle, there are a lot of different things you can expect from your veterinarian. Read on to learn more.

Your Kitten’s First Veterinary Visit
When you take your kitten toSRAH for the first time, we will probably want to give him or her a physical exam before anything else.  This is really important – your veterinarian can find physical problems with your kitty just by looking him or her over, such as poor gait or skin problems, and get your kitten on a treatment plan right away.

In addition, we will want to make sure your kitten is free of a variety of illnesses and conditions, and to do so he or she will perform a variety of tests, including:

• Fecal exam to check for intestinal parasites
• Start deworming (through the use of prescription medication) to treat intestinal parasites
  
• Discuss heartworm preventative (yes, cats can get it too!)
  
• Begin protecting your kitten from flea and tick-borne diseases
• Screening for Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), especially if  we think your cat may be at a high risk for exposure to infected cats  

Vaccines
Yes, that first visit often involves vaccines.  The need for vaccinations depends on several factors, including your cat’s age and your geographic location. In general, however, all kittens and cats should have the following vaccines:

• Core vaccine that includes antibodies for feline herpes virus, feline calcivirus, and feline panleukopenia
• A rabies shot, which will initially require annual boosters
• FeLV and FIV vaccines, depending on your kitten's future lifestyle
  

In addition, some vaccinations require boosters every so often, from once every few weeks (for kittens) to once annually or every couple of years. We understand that this might seem confusing, vaccines are really important in preventing illness! The best thing to do is talk with us, who will set up a vaccination schedule appropriate for your cat.

Any Questions?
Your kitten’s first veterinary visit is also a great time to discuss other topics with your veterinarian, such as the health benefits of spaying and neuterina, diet, litter box issues, socializing, and other ways to keep your kitten a well-behaved and well-adjusted member of your family.

Remember this rule of thumb – don’t be afraid to arrive at your veterinarian’s office with a list of all the questions you might have about your new kitty! There are no dumb questions when it comes to keeping your pet healthy and happy.