By the time your kitten is six months old, she should already be well acquainted with your vet. Taking a kitten to the vet is one of the first things you should do after adoption. Your kitten should also continue visiting the vet over the first few months of her life, for physical check-ups and vaccinations. She should be receiving her core vaccinations by the time she’s 16 weeks old.
Your kitten’s six-month health check is an important one. This is the time for you to make sure she’s on track with her growth and development. Make an appointment with your vet for a thorough health check.
What to Expect at the Vet
At your kitten’s vet visit, you can expect your vet to perform the following health checks:
- Your kitten will be weighed to make sure she is growing at the correct rate for her breed. If she’s not, your vet may advise you to change her food. A high-quality kitten food can provide her with the nutrients she needs to grow and be healthy.
- Expect a thorough exam of her eyes, ears, paws, and teeth. By this time, your kitten’s adult teeth should be coming through. Her baby teeth usually fall out naturally to make room, but your vet can make a recommendation if this is not the case.
- Your vet will recommend a deworming and flea control regimen if you don’t already have one in place. The ASPCA recommends that you spay or neuter your kitten between eight weeks and five months of age. If you haven’t done so yet, your vet can discuss the benefits with you and determine when your kitten should undergo the surgery.
Tasty Tips
Tips for a Productive Feline Vet Visit
Having the right kind of pet carrier for your kitten will make her feel right at home for the trip to the vet. Carriers come in different sizes and are made out of different materials, such as hard plastic or fabric. Determine which of these makes your kitten more comfortable and use it to take her on vet visits. Regular cleaning, along with a favorite toy or blanket will help settle her in her surroundings. If she seems agitated, get her acquainted with the carrier by putting it in your home beforehand and making it a fun, safe, cozy place for your kitten. Leave the door open and fill it with treats and toys. Take her on car rides to get her used to spending time in the carrier.
A calming spray in her carrier can also work wonders. These sprays release pheromones to reduce cat stress and are available at your veterinarian’s office, online and at pet stores.
When you arrive at the vet, it is important to reassure your kitten that this trip is a positive experience. While your vet is specially trained to handle your kitten, he or she may ask you to help keep her calm during her visit. To keep her calm, lightly pet her and reassure her in a soft, warm voice. As she begins to become more comfortable with the veterinarian each trip to the vet will become an easier, more pleasant experience for both you and your kitty. Bring some tasty treats along for the trip to reassure her and make her visit a positive one.
Your vet will be your primary source for advice on your kitten’s health, food, and behavior as she grows into an adult. Make sure that she sees the vet every six months to a year for regular check-ups. Finally, it helps to keep track of common behaviors that your cat exhibits at home in case you or your vet have any questions related to her health. Finally, never be afraid to ask your vet questions about your kitten; it can go a long way in helping keep her happy and healthy for many years to come.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Healthy Cuisine Tender Chicken & Rice Medley
Delicious tender chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce with precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Cat Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful fur for adult cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Salmon & Vegetable Medley Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory salmon and vegetables
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Dinner Pouch Variety Pack Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Indoor Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports energy level and beautiful fur in mature indoor cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Vegetable & Turkey Medley Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Entrée Can Variety Pack Cat Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Cat Food
Highly digestible food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Tuna Dinner Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Pollock & Barley Cat Food
Highly digestible food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Senior Vitality Adult 7+ Tuna & Vegetables Stew
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Ocean Fish Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition to help avoid the formation of hairballs with the delicious taste of savory minced ocean fish
Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up
Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Indoor Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports brain health and beautiful fur in mature indoor cats
Hill's Science Diet Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Canned Cat Food Variety Pack, Chicken & Beef, Salmon & Tuna 2.8 oz. pouch, 12 pack
These irresistible foods are specially formulated to support digestive health, nourish skin & promote a lustrous coat.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Hairball Control cat food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken & Rice Medley Cat Food
Delicious roasted chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Tuna Dinner cat food
Delectable chunks with tender tuna smothered in a rich gravy
Related articles
How to Make Your Cat Feel Safe on Halloween
Kitten Teething: Age Timeline, Signs & How You Can Help
Kitten Teething: Age Timeline, Signs & How You Can Help
Causes & Signs of Dental Disease in Cats
Recognize the importance of proper dental hygiene in your cat's overall health. Learn about causes of dental disease, and questions you should ask your vet.
How to Tell if Your Cat has a Fever
Ever wondered if your cat is under the weather? Learn how to check to see if she has a fever and what steps you can take to help her feel better.
Can Cats Have Down Syndrome?
Learn about special needs cats and whether strange behaviors or physical characteristics might mean they have down syndrome.
What's Behind My Cat's Weird Behaviors?
Learn about the most unique & mystifying cat traits, as well as their meanings. From kneading to hiding, they make us appreciate being cat parents.
Weight Gain in Your Cat & How You Can Help
Learn the different factors that might be contributing to your cat's weight gain, and how bigger doesn't always mean better.
Helpful Tips for Bathing & Grooming a Cat
Part of keeping cats healthy is ensuring they are clean and well-groomed. Get tips on how and when to bathe and groom your cat.
Skin Problems to Watch For in Your Cat
Learn about 5 of the most common skin problems that can manifest in cats, as well as how to detect if your cat might have one of them.
Keeping Your Cat Hydrated if She's Not Drinking Water
Learn why your cat is drinking less water than she used to, how much she should be drinking, and how to recognize and prevent her from getting dehydrated.
Why Do Cats Lick Their Paws? Can it Become Excessive?
Learn common reasons why cats lick their paws, as well as signs when it might be excessive (such as hair loss) & what to do if it seems like a problem.
Why Do Cats Have Whiskers?
Learn the actual reasons why cats have whiskers, why they are important & how many whiskers cats usually have, and if they grow back when they fall out.
Leaving a Cat Home Alone: How Long is Safe?
Concerned about leaving a cat home alone? Considering if she's a kitten or senior cat and her relationship with you can help you decide how long is safe.
Do's and Don'ts for Disciplining a Cat
Having trouble with your cat's bad behavior? Learn how to effectively discipline your cat with this helpful list of do's and don'ts.
Is Your Cat Hiding Their Pain? Recognizing the Signs & Symptoms.
Cats can often mask their pain or discomfort depending on the ailment. It is important to spot the signs early and consult your vet. Learn more here.
How to Make Your Own DIY Cat Scratching Post
Learn how to build an easy, homemade DIY cat scratching post using items around your house! She'll get exercise and you won't get a ruined staircase.
Simple Ways to Keep Your Senior Cat Moving
Even though your senior cat may be slowing down a bit, you can still help her stay active. Learn ways to keep her both physically & mentally involved.
Training Your Cat: Basic Things to Work On
With proper understanding and patience, cats can be trained. Learn how to properly train your new cat or kitten with these easy-to-follow tips.
The Changing Needs of a Kitten Becoming a Cat
Learn the needs of your aging kitten. It's nutritional and exercise requirements will start to change as it grows from being a kitten into an adult cat.
Managing Osteoarthritis in Cats
Learn how osteoarthritis in cats affects your cat's joints, how to spot the signs and how you can help slow the progression.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.