First Vet Visit:
What to Expect With a New Cat

How to Prepare, What Happens at the Appointment, and How to Reduce Stress

Your new cat’s first veterinary visit is one of the most important steps in their transition to a new home. Even if your cat appears healthy, an early exam helps establish a medical baseline, identify hidden issues, and build a relationship with a veterinarian before problems arise.

For many cats, the vet visit itself can be stressful. New sights, unfamiliar smells, travel, and handling can all trigger fear responses.
Knowing what to expect and how to prepare makes the experience safer and calmer for both you and your cat.

This guide explains when to schedule the first vet visit, what typically happens during the appointment,
which tests and vaccines may be recommended, and how to help your cat recover afterward.

When to Schedule Your New Cat’s First Vet Visit

Most veterinarians recommend scheduling a new cat exam within the first 7 to 14 days after bringing your cat home.
This timing allows your cat a brief adjustment period while still ensuring early medical evaluation.

You should schedule the visit sooner if:
• Your cat is a kitten
• Your cat came from a shelter or unknown background
• Your cat shows signs of illness
• You have other pets in the home

Early exams help protect both your new cat and any resident animals.

What the First Vet Visit Is For

The first appointment is primarily an assessment, not a treatment session unless problems are found.

The goals of the visit include:
• Evaluating overall health
• Identifying parasites or infections
• Checking weight and body condition
• Establishing vaccination needs
• Discussing diet, behavior, and home care
• Creating a medical record and baseline

This visit is also your opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns you have noticed during the first days at home.

How to Prepare Before the Appointment

Preparation begins at home. A calm start makes the entire visit easier.

Get the Right Carrier

Your cat should travel in a sturdy, well-ventilated carrier that opens from the top or front. Hard-sided carriers are often easier for vets to work with.

A widely used option is the Petmate Two-Door Top-Load Pet Kennel, which allows gentle removal without tipping the carrier.

Leave the carrier out in your home a few days before the visit so your cat can explore it voluntarily.

Bring Important Information

If available, bring:
• Adoption or shelter paperwork
• Vaccination records
• Feeding information
• Any medical notes provided

If your cat was previously vaccinated, this helps avoid unnecessary repeat shots.

Reducing Stress on the Way to the Vet

Cats often become stressed during transport.

Helpful steps include:
• Placing a familiar blanket inside the carrier
• Spraying a calming pheromone inside the carrier 15 minutes before travel
• Covering the carrier partially with a towel
• Keeping the car quiet

Many owners use pheromone sprays such as Feliway Classic Calming Spray to help reduce travel anxiety.

What Happens During the Physical Exam

The veterinarian will perform a head-to-tail exam that typically includes:

• Checking eyes, ears, nose, and mouth
• Listening to the heart and lungs
• Palpating the abdomen
• Examining skin and coat
• Assessing joints and mobility
• Weighing your cat

The vet will also observe your cat’s behavior and body condition, which provides insight into stress levels and overall health.

Common Tests Recommended at the First Visit

Not all cats need the same tests, but common recommendations include:

Fecal Exam

Checks for intestinal parasites such as roundworms or hookworms, which are common in newly adopted cats.

Blood Testing

Basic blood work may be recommended, especially for adult cats, to assess organ function and screen for underlying conditions.

FIV and FeLV Testing

Testing for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is often advised for cats with unknown histories or those living with other cats.

These tests help protect resident pets and guide long-term care decisions.

Vaccinations: What May Be Recommended

Vaccination needs depend on age, health, and lifestyle.

Common vaccines discussed include:
• Core vaccines such as feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia
• Rabies vaccination (required by law in many areas)

The vet will explain timing and whether boosters are needed.

Vaccines are often spaced out to reduce stress, especially for nervous cats.

Parasite Prevention and Wellness Planning

Your veterinarian may recommend:
• Deworming medication
• Flea prevention
• Tick prevention
• Heartworm prevention (for cats in certain regions)

They may also discuss spaying or neutering if it has not already been done.

What to Expect After the Visit

Some cats are tired or quiet after a vet visit, especially if vaccines were given. Mild soreness or sleepiness for 24 hours can be normal.

Monitor your cat for:
• Lethargy lasting more than 24 hours
• Swelling at injection sites
• Loss of appetite beyond one day
• Vomiting or diarrhea

Contact your veterinarian if symptoms persist or worsen.

Helping Your Cat Recover at Home

After returning home:
• Place your cat in a quiet space
• Offer fresh water and a normal meal
• Avoid excessive handling
• Maintain routine

Do not introduce new stressors immediately after the appointment.

Building a Positive Long-Term Vet Relationship

Early, calm vet experiences help reduce fear in the future.

You can help by:
• Using the carrier regularly at home
• Taking short, non-appointment car rides
• Rewarding calm behavior
• Scheduling routine wellness visits

Some owners use soft treats after visits to create positive associations. Freeze-dried treats in small amounts are often well tolerated.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting too long for the first exam
• Skipping tests due to cost without discussion
• Forcing the cat into the carrier at the last minute
• Punishing fearful behavior
• Ignoring post-visit symptoms

Veterinary care is preventive, not just reactive.

When to Schedule the Next Visit

Your veterinarian will advise when to return based on:
• Vaccine schedules
• Test results
• Age and health status

Most cats benefit from annual wellness exams once settled.

FAQ

How soon should I take my new cat to the vet?
Most veterinarians recommend a visit within 7 to 14 days after adoption, sooner if the cat shows signs of illness.

Is it normal for my cat to be scared at the vet?
Yes. Fear and stress are common, especially for first visits. Proper preparation can help reduce anxiety.

Will my cat need vaccines at the first visit?
Many cats receive vaccines during the first visit, but timing depends on age, health, and vaccination history.

Should I bring a stool sample to the first appointment?
If possible, bringing a fresh stool sample can help the vet check for intestinal parasites.

What if my cat does not eat after the vet visit?
Mild appetite changes for up to 24 hours can be normal, but prolonged refusal to eat should be reported to the veterinarian.