Take an apparently healthy kitty to the vet?

Do you think it's necessary to take an 8 week old, apparently healthy kitten to the vet for a full physical?

I just adopted a kitten from a relative and by all signs he appears healthy. Tomorrow I'm taking him to a local pet store to get his (low cost) first round of vaccinations. I figured that's all he'd need now.

But I'm reading Think Like a Cat which says I need to take him to a vet ASAP for a full physical. I'm thinking, is all that really necessary if he acts and looks healthy?

Honestly, I'm probably going to take him anyway. But I'm interested in hearing what other cat owners think. When do you think it's necessary to visit the vet for the first time (other than routine vaccinations)?

Yeah I'd probly take him to the vet and even have his vaccinations there instead, but that's just me!

I would take the new kitty to the vet. You can't always tell if it has problems on the inside.

I agree with the others about taking the new kitty to the vet. FYI, cats are very good at hiding signs that they may be ill or in pain. It's best to be safe.

When do you think it's necessary to visit the vet for the first time (other than routine vaccinations)?

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I agree with your book, anytime you get a new cat you should take him to the vet ASAP. Also, if you already have one or more cats in your home and then decide to adopt a new kitten, you should keep the kitten separate from the other cats until a vet has determined it is healthy.

Snowball is beautiful!!!I agree with everyone and like starting all of my pets at the vet. I take them straight to the vet, unless it's afterhours, to possibly protect my other pets.

Take the kitten to the vet with a stool sample. ALL kittens need to be wormed. Check your kitten for fleas, and if the eyes are clear not goopy.
Good luck with your new baby.

Yes. I think it's a good idea.