20 Dec Your Kitten’s First Vet Visit: What to Expect and Why It Matters

Welcoming a new kitten into your home is an exciting time! Those tiny paws and playful pounces bring so much joy. But as a responsible pet owner, one of the most important steps in your kitten’s care is their first visit to the veterinarian. At i-Care Veterinary Hospital, we recently met Phoebe, a sweet kitten with Siamese-like colouring, for her first vet visit. Let’s explore what happens during this crucial appointment and why it’s so important. Why is the First Vet Visit So Important? Early veterinary care lays the foundation for a lifetime of health. This visit helps ensure your kitten is developing normally, identifies any early health concerns, and provides necessary preventative care. It’s also an opportunity for you to ask questions about your kitten’s care, such as feeding, spaying or neutering, and vaccinations. What to Expect During the First Visit https://youtu.be/dLle-Z5VgpI A Warm Welcome At i-Care Veterinary Hospital, we know how special your first visit can be. Your kitten will be greeted with lots of smiles and gentle handling to help them feel comfortable. Our team loves meeting kittens, just like Phoebe, who quickly became the star of the clinic during her visit! Thorough Physical Examination During the first appointment, your vet will conduct a full physical exam to check your kitten’s overall health. This includes examining their: Eyes, ears, and mouth Coat and skin Body condition (weight, size, and muscle tone) Heart and lungs Abdomen for any unusual lumps or signs of pain For Phoebe, Dr. Chris Milligan reassured her owner that she was the right size and weight for her age, despite her small appearance. This is a common concern for new pet parents! Preventative Care: Deworming and Vaccinations Kittens are vulnerable to parasites and infectious diseases, so their first visit usually includes: Deworming treatment: Intestinal worms are common in kittens, and deworming ensures these pests don’t cause health issues. Core vaccinations: Phoebe received her first vaccines to protect against panleukopenia, calicivirus, and feline herpesvirus. Dr. Milligan also discussed vaccinating Phoebe against rabies, which is especially relevant for cats on Vancouver Island. While Phoebe is an indoor cat, Dr. Milligan explained that bats—common in the area—can sometimes find their way inside homes. Indoor cats may occasionally catch bats, posing a potential rabies risk. Follow-Up Instructions Lindsey, our Lead Technician, returned Phoebe to the exam room to reunite her with her owner after the treatments. Following Dr. Milligan’s instructions, Lindsey informed Phoebe’s owner that her next round of vaccines should be...