Meet the vet
Find the vet your new kitten deserves
You're bound to want the very best for your new kitten, and
one of the most important things you can do is find an
excellent veterinary practice. After all, you're going to be
relying on them for years to come. A recommendation from family
or friends is one way to find a good vet but otherwise just
trust your instincts. Do the staff seem friendly, helpful and
knowledgeable? What are the surgery hours and what provision is
there if your kitten happens to be unwell outside of those
hours? Many vets now offer much more than just medical and
surgical care. For example, many now sell everything from
pet food to
litter trays. You may find this useful.
Vets are not just for sick pets
Gone are the days when you only took a pet to the vet if it
was sick. Regular health checks in the first few months of your
kitten's life will mean any problems can be spotted before they
have a chance to escalate. Most clinics will also offer advice
on everything from
collars to
training. An added bonus that comes from taking a fit and
healthy kitten to the vet, is she will get used to going there.
Cats are clever and will soon learn to dread visits to the vet
if the only time they go there is for 'nasty' things like
injections!
Getting ready
It's natural to be nervous before your kitten's first visit
to the vet, but don't worry, she'll be in safe hands. A little
preparation will help make it a positive and reassuring
experience.
When you make your first appointment, you should ask the
surgery how they would like you to get ready for your visit. It
will depend on your vet. It would certainly be a good idea to
bring along any medical records you might have for the kitten.
And if you have health insurance, or
identification chip details for your pet, bring along these
documents too.
Prepare a cosy
carrier for your kitten; you can get cat carriers at pet
shops and even at some vet surgeries. Put in a comfy blanket,
and you could even use some special pheromone spray in the
carrier to help your kitten feel relaxed and calm.
Be ready to answer questions on your kitten's life so far.
What type of food is your kitten eating? Is your kitten sleepy
and slow, or is she active and playful? Has she ever had any
vaccinations,
worming, flea control or treatments, perhaps with her
previous owner? Remember, this is also your chance to ask the
vet questions. Is there anything that you need clearing up,
that you're not sure about? Your vet will be happy to reassure
you, and give you advice.
What to expect
Try to arrive a bit before the appointment time. There may be
some paperwork for you to fill out. Then a member of staff will
take you and your kitten into an examination room, where they
will probably first measure your kitten's temperature and weigh
her.
Next, your vet will give your kitten a physical examination.
Most vets will make friends with your kitten and help to relax
her before they start their check-up, by stroking and speaking
softly to her. Your vet will then check her body thoroughly,
looking for any signs of illness or abnormality. He or she will
probably ask some routine questions at this stage, and you can
ask any questions you may have too. You might also talk about
your
kitten's feeding habits and needs, as research shows that
the right food is vital to your kitten's healthy development.
Your conversation will help the vet get to know your kitten,
establishing a trusting relationship that should last your
cat's lifetime. Before you leave, remember to pick up your
kitten's new medical records and any food or medication that
the vet may have prescribed. Now it's time to take your kitten
home. Feel free to give her a treat and a cuddle before she
settles down to a well-deserved catnap - it's been quite a
day!
Pet Insurance
If your kitten is unwell, you're bound to feel concerned and
the last thing you'll want is the additional stress of worrying
about the cost of medical care. That's why many owners choose
to take out pet insurance.
It's worth doing a bit of research comparing policies and
prices and the internet is great for this if you have access to
it.
Remember that pet insurance will not cover routine health
care and that it's vital to read the 'small print' before you
sign anything.