Vet before bringing home?

We are bringing home our new kitten in about 2 -3 weeks . I was wondering, should I take him to the vet before I bring him home for the 1st time? I was thinking of making an appointment that same day that we bring him home.

We usually need at least a good 2 weeks to get in for an appointment here, so thats why I was wondering, cuz if its a good thing to do, I have to make the appointment today or tomorrow

Also - is it vanilla that you use on cats when you introduce them for the 1st time? I'm going for the smoothest introduction ever here

I think a vet visit before bringing your kitty home would be an excellent idea. Some people do use vanilla when reintroducing cats. Be sure to go slowly with the introduction process and listen to how your kitties react. Keep them separated at first.

Sophie came from a vets surgery so she was automatically checked out for worms, fleas etc... anyway, but if i brought another kitty in i would take it for a vet check first before they had any contact with it.

And yes the vanilla and exchanging of blankets with them will be perfect.

Oooooh you must be so excited Mackenzie

I think that woudl be a great idea!

How exciting!

Here is some information on introductions:

http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=67321

I agree that a vet check is a great idea. Also, is the Mom cat indoors only and up-to-date on her vaccinations? That will mean the kitten is more likely to be healthy, too.

I would also be sure Harley is up-to-date on his vaccinations. Then if the kitten has something that the vet misses, he will have all the protection you can offer.

Follow the introduction suggestions. I'm sure it will go smoothly for you!

Originally Posted by Beckiboo

I agree that a vet check is a great idea. Also, is the Mom cat indoors only and up-to-date on her vaccinations? That will mean the kitten is more likely to be healthy, too.

I would also be sure Harley is up-to-date on his vaccinations. Then if the kitten has something that the vet misses, he will have all the protection you can offer.

Follow the introduction suggestions. I'm sure it will go smoothly for you!

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The Mom cat (Harley's mom as well) is an indoor/outdoor cat, who has never had any vaccinations before (I know, don't even get me started on that subject!! )

Harley is up to date on all his vacc.'s and what not - but the thing that worries me (as it did when we brought home Harley) is that the Mom cat has not been to a vet before and I'm just worried about what the new kitten might have and could pass along to Harley?

I think I'm going to make a vet appt. today!

Originally Posted by rosiemac

Oooooh you must be so excited Mackenzie

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Susan, I am SO excited, I simply can't wait anymore!

I would definately take the kitten to the vet. He will be old enough for FIV/FeLV testing(12 weeks, right?), so you can clear all of that stuff.

Oh Kenz, I'm eagerly waiting with you! The vet idea is definite a good one before you bring her/him home!! Come on, let's pace the floor together!!!!
Come on time, hurry up!!!!

It sounds like I may be the only one with reservations - not that kittens shouldn't go to the vet, but I would prefer to observe him for 48 hours first - is he eating/drinking, what is his poop like, does he sneeze, is he lethargic? I have known so many sick kitties behave perfectly at the vet's when they can't hide their symptoms from me at home! Of course that does depend on how well you can watch him, and also on whether he can be isolated from your other cats - though that is usually necessary anyway, after the vet visit. Anyway, JMO. Good luck!

Originally Posted by jennyranson

It sounds like I may be the only one with reservations - not that kittens shouldn't go to the vet, but I would prefer to observe him for 48 hours first - is he eating/drinking, what is his poop like, does he sneeze, is he lethargic? I have known so many sick kitties behave perfectly at the vet's when they can't hide their symptoms from me at home! Of course that does depend on how well you can watch him, and also on whether he can be isolated from your other cats - though that is usually necessary anyway, after the vet visit. Anyway, JMO. Good luck!

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We go see them about 3 times a week - he's eating normally, drinking water (which he likes to STAND in the water dish! ) He's using the litter box normally - and everything looks good! He's a playful little guy who will flip over on his back and let you rub his tummy forever!

I wanna bring him home!!

In that case I am with the others - I was thinking of a kitten you have never seen before! If you know him and his medical state then take him straight to the vet and get it done with.

I agree about going straight to the vet; I am bringing home a new kitty this week and she gets extremely stressed in the carrier and car. Even though I don't have another cat in the house to introduce her to, I think it would be best to get her looked at right away so she only has to deal with the travel once. I don't want to her get settled and have to be stressed and go through the whole thing again.

Of course, if she gets sick or seems out of sorts I will bring her back to the vet; I just want to get her settled as soon as possible for her sake.

And congrats on your new kitty - I know how excited you must be!