Kitten's First Vet Visit: What to Expect & Complete Checklist

Congratulations on your new kitten! The first vet visit should happen within 48-72 hours of bringing them home. Here is what to expect, what to bring, and what questions to ask.

Before the Visit

What to bring: Any medical records from the breeder/shelter, a list of questions (write them down), a carrier that opens from the top (easier for exams), a favorite blanket or toy, a fresh fecal sample (within 12 hours if possible).

Carrier training: Leave the carrier open at home with treats inside. Do NOT only bring it out for vet visits. A cat that fears the carrier will fear the vet.

What Happens at the Visit

Physical Exam

Weight, body condition score, eyes/ears/nose/mouth, heart and lung auscultation, abdominal palpation, skin and coat assessment, checking for external parasites (fleas, ear mites).

FIV/FeLV Testing

A quick blood test for feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus. Essential before vaccination (FeLV vaccine is only for negative cats). Should be done even for indoor-only kittens.

Fecal Testing

Checking for intestinal parasites — roundworms are nearly universal in kittens. A fresh fecal sample helps, but the vet can collect one if needed.

Vaccination Discussion

First FVRCP vaccine (if old enough — typically starts at 6-8 weeks). Discussion of the booster schedule. Rabies vaccine timing (typically at 12-16 weeks). FeLV vaccine discussion based on lifestyle.

Deworming

Even with a negative fecal, most kittens are dewormed prophylactically. Pyrantel pamoate for roundworms and hookworms.

Questions to Ask Your Vet

What is the vaccination schedule? When can my kitten be spayed/neutered? What food do you recommend? How do I introduce my kitten to my resident cat? What signs of illness should I watch for? What parasite prevention do you recommend?

Cost Expectation

First kitten visit: $100-250 (exam + FIV/FeLV test + vaccines + deworming + fecal). Follow-up booster visits: $50-100. Spay/neuter: $100-400.

Between Visits

Weigh your kitten weekly at home (kitchen scale works). Monitor appetite, energy, and litter box habits. Keep the kitten indoors until fully vaccinated. Start gentle handling (paws, ears, mouth) for future vet exams.