Bringing a kitten into your family is exciting and a responsibility we are honoured to help you with. At South Fraser Animal Hospital, we keep visits calm and positive, and tailor timing and care to your kitten’s lifestyle and needs. Because one size does not fit all, we will personalize timing and treatments after we examine your kitten and discuss options that align with your situation, priorities, and budget.
The first few days shape how confident and comfortable your kitten will feel in their new home.
A simple series to build strong immunity. If your kitten is starting late or has missed a dose, we will design a catch-up plan by age.
Age | Vaccines and Preventive Care |
8 weeks | FVRCP #1 (feline herpesvirus, calicivirus, panleukopenia) Deworming and flea and tick prevention Fresh stool sample test available for screening |
12 weeks | FVRCP #2 Feline Leukemia (FeLV) #1 Deworming and flea and tick prevention Stool sample or follow-up test available to check efficacy |
16 weeks | FVRCP #3 (final kitten booster; sometimes given at 18 to 20 weeks based on risk) FeLV #2 Rabies Deworming and flea and tick prevention |
5 to 6 months | Spay or Neuter (add a microchip if not already placed) |
12 months after 16-week visit | FVRCP booster (1-year) Rabies booster (as applicable) FeLV booster for at-risk cats |
Important Notes If you are starting late, we will design an age-based catch-up plan. Ask about split-visit vaccine appointments for additional safety or if your kitten has a history of vaccine sensitivity. Rabies is a core vaccine, as is FVRCP. FeLV vaccine is also very important for protecting young kittens. FeLV/FIV testing: we may test at intake and before or around the FeLV series when practical; retest about 60 days after any possible exposure. |
Spaying or neutering your kitten helps prevent roaming, spraying, fighting, heat cycles, and certain reproductive diseases. We offer pre-anesthetic bloodwork to identify hidden issues early and improve safety and recovery.
Recommended timing: 5 to 6 months of age, though we may advise earlier or later in specific cases. Consider microchipping at the same visit.
Home care after surgery: pain control as directed, e-collar if needed, and restricted activity for 10 to 14 days. Monitor the incision and call if you notice swelling, discharge, odor, or if your kitten stops eating.
Cats have a low thirst drive, so including wet canned food in your kitten’s diet supports hydration and urinary health. Offer balanced, measured portions of dry food to complement wet meals.
We will help you set daily calorie targets and track body condition at each visit.
Intestinal parasites including roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and coccidia are common in kittens. Signs can include diarrhea, vomiting, a pot-bellied look, and poor growth. Kittens can pick them up from their mother, the environment, fleas, or prey.
Can parasites affect people? In some cases, yes. Good hygiene, regular deworming, and prompt litter clean-up help protect the whole family.
Heartworm risk varies by region. If your kitten came from or you plan to travel to a heartworm-endemic area, ask us about testing and monthly prevention. We will tailor timing to your situation.
Short daily handling sessions from an early age make vet visits, grooming, and medication much easier as your kitten grows.
Goal: a kitten who opts in to handling, making nail trims, ear checks, and exams low-stress.
Start with scent swaps. Exchange blankets and feed on opposite sides of a closed door for several days.
Always supervise. Teach children to pet gently along the back and shoulders and to use quiet voices. Never force interactions.
Short, positive sessions beat long, stressful ones. If tension persists, contact us for a tailored introduction plan.
Avoid: string, yarn, ribbon, hair ties, elastic bands, tinsel, thread and needles, small toy parts, and rubber bands.
Watch for: repeated vomiting, drooling, pawing at the mouth, loss of appetite, lethargy, painful belly, or hiding.
Do not pull visible string. Call us immediately at (604) 855-0770. Do not induce vomiting unless advised.
Keep the following away from your kitten at all times:
When in doubt, keep it out of reach and ask us.
Abbotsford’s outdoor environment, agricultural areas, and wildlife activity create specific health considerations for cats in our area.
Call us at (604) 855-0770 if you notice any of the following:
Pet insurance helps manage costs from accidents and illness. Review waiting periods, exclusions including pre-existing conditions, reimbursement percentages, annual and incident limits, and deductibles. Ask whether claims are direct-pay to the clinic or owner reimbursement, and about pre-approval for major procedures.
Examples of Canadian providers: Trupanion, Pets Plus Us, Fetch. We are happy to discuss what to look for at your first visit. Many families also set aside a small monthly pet-care savings fund for unexpected expenses.
Most kittens receive their first FVRCP vaccination at 8 weeks of age. At South Fraser Animal Hospital in Abbotsford, we tailor the schedule to your kitten’s age at intake and health status. If you are starting late, we will design a catch-up plan. Call (604) 855-0770 to book your kitten’s first visit.
We generally recommend spaying or neutering at 5 to 6 months of age. Earlier or later timing may be advised depending on your kitten’s individual health and circumstances. Spaying before the first heat significantly reduces the risk of mammary tumors. We will discuss timing and any pre-anesthetic bloodwork at your kitten’s wellness visit.
Kittens are typically dewormed every two weeks until approximately 12 weeks of age, then monthly until approximately 6 months. A stool sample test helps confirm that deworming is working and can detect parasites before signs appear. Many kittens carry parasites without obvious symptoms, so routine testing is recommended even for kittens that appear healthy.
Start with scent swaps by exchanging bedding between animals before any face-to-face meetings. Feed both animals on opposite sides of a closed door for several days. Use a gate or carrier for first visual contact and keep dogs leashed. Supervise all early interactions and allow your kitten vertical escape routes. Most introductions take 1 to 4 weeks. Contact us if tension persists.
Outdoor access does increase exposure to fleas, ticks, parasites, and wildlife in the Abbotsford area. If you choose to allow outdoor access, ensure your kitten is fully vaccinated, on year-round parasite prevention, and microchipped. Many owners in the area choose supervised outdoor time or enclosed catios as a compromise. Ask us what makes sense for your kitten’s lifestyle at your next visit.
Pet insurance is worth considering early. Premiums are lower for young, healthy kittens and pre-existing conditions are typically excluded. When comparing plans, review waiting periods, reimbursement percentages, annual limits, and whether claims are direct-pay to the clinic. We are happy to walk you through what to look for at your first visit.
Yes. Female kittens can reach sexual maturity as early as 4 months of age, and unplanned pregnancies in young kittens are possible. If you are concerned that your kitten may have had contact with an intact male, contact us promptly. We can assess for pregnancy via blood test starting around 25 to 30 days after possible mating, or via ultrasound around day 20 to 25. We recommend spaying at 5 to 6 months to prevent this entirely.
We are here to help every step of the way. Contact us to schedule your kitten’s first visit and start on the path to a healthy, confident life together.
South Fraser Animal Hospital Phone: (604) 855-0770 Address: 31813 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford, BC V2T 1V4 Hours: Monday to Friday: 8am to 8pm | Saturday: 9am to 4pm | Sunday: 9am to 5pm | Stat Holidays: Closed Online booking: southfraseranimalhospital.com/make-an-appointment/ After-hours emergencies: Abbotsford Valley Emergency Clinic and Langley Animal Clinic |
Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or assessment. Every pet is unique. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your animal’s specific health condition before taking any action or changing their care routine.
