Bringing home a new kitten is exciting, heartwarming, and—let’s be honest—a little overwhelming! At Cascade Summit Animal Hospital, we’re here to help you every step of the way. From the first purr to the first vet visit, here’s what you need to know to give your new furry family member the healthiest, happiest start in life.
First Things First: Your Kitten’s Veterinary Care
Initial Exam
Schedule your kitten’s first wellness exam as soon as possible. This allows us to assess their overall health, check for congenital issues, and create a personalized care plan.
Vaccines
Your kitten will need a series of vaccines to protect against common and potentially serious illnesses. We will create a tailored vaccine schedule based on your kitten’s lifestyle, age, and any vaccines they may have already received prior to their visit.
- FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) This is one of the core vaccines all kittens should receive. It protects against three highly contagious and potentially serious viruses. Feline viral rhinotracheitis is caused by a feline herpesvirus and leads to respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, eye discharge, and can result in chronic infections. Calicivirus also affects the respiratory system and may cause oral ulcers, fever, and joint pain. Panleukopenia, often referred to as feline distemper, is a life-threatening disease that causes vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and a dangerously weakened immune system.
- FeLV (Feline Leukemia) – This vaccine is especially important for kittens who go outdoors or live with other cats. Even if your kitten will be indoor-only, we still recommend testing and vaccinating during kittenhood to ensure protection during this vulnerable stage. If your cat remains indoors without exposure risk, the vaccine can typically be discontinued after their one-year booster.
- Rabies – Rabies is a deadly virus that affects both animals and humans. It’s usually spread through bites and is most often seen in wildlife like bats, raccoons, and foxes. Even indoor-only cats can be exposed unexpectedly, so vaccination is important for all kittens.
Click here for more information on vaccinations. We use PureVax vaccinations for cats.
Parasite Prevention
We’ll screen for internal parasites (worms, coccidia, etc.) and start your kitten on a safe, effective flea and tick preventative. Indoor cats need protection, too! Click here for more information.
Nutrition Tips: What to Feed Your Kitten
- Choose a high-quality puppy food specially formulated for growth and development. We recommend Hill’s, Purina, and Royal Canin kitten formulas.
- Kittens need more calories, protein, and fat than adult cats—don’t switch to adult food too early.
- Keep clean, fresh water available at all times.
- Avoid feeding milk or human food—these can upset their digestion or be toxic. Here are the top 10 toxins of 2024.
Home Prep: Setting Up for Success
- Litter Box: Start with a small, low-sided litter box and unscented, clumping litter. Keep it clean and easily accessible. Click here for more information.
- Scratching Post & Toys: Encourage healthy play and scratching behaviors early on.
- Safe Space: Provide a quiet area with a cozy bed where your kitten can relax and feel secure.
- Kitten-Proofing: Hide electrical cords, remove toxic plants, and be mindful of small objects or spaces where a curious kitten could get stuck.
Socialization & Training
- Handle your kitten gently and often to get them used to being touched, especially paws, ears, and mouth (this helps with future nail trims and dental care).
- Introduce them slowly to new people, pets, and environments.
- Consider Fear Free grooming and handling strategies to help reduce stress long-term. Click here for helpful tips on trimming nails.
- Stress free vet visits start at home. It’s not too early to start. Click here.
Don’t Forget About Dental Care
We love teeth here at Cascade Summit! Dental disease can begin as early as age one, so start healthy habits now:
- Let us teach you how to brush your kitten’s teeth
- There are lots of dental diets or chews to support oral health. Visit VOHC for feline accepted products.
Spay/Neuter & Microchipping
- Spaying or neutering typically occurs 6 months of age and older. This helps prevent unwanted behaviors and contributes to a longer, healthier life.
- Microchipping is a simple, permanent way to identify your cat if they’re ever lost. We place Home Again microchips which read their body temperature when scanned!
Pet Insurance
Unexpected veterinary expenses can add up quickly, especially with a new puppy. Pet insurance helps provide peace of mind by covering a portion of your pet’s medical bills, including accidents, illnesses, and sometimes routine care.
At Cascade Summit Animal Hospital, we partner with Trupanion to offer a 30-day free trial so you can explore their coverage risk-free. We encourage you to review different options and choose the insurance plan that works best for your budget and your puppy’s needs. For independent reviews and comparisons, visit Pet Insurance Review.
If you have questions about pet insurance, our team is happy to help!
We’re Here for You
At Cascade Summit Animal Hospital, we believe in building lifelong relationships with our patients—and their people. Our team is always available to answer questions, offer guidance, and support you and your kitten as they grow. For more information on bringing your new kitten home, check out useful videos and articles here.
Ready to schedule your kitten’s first appointment?
Call us at (503) 655-1722 or book online at www.cascadesummitvets.com