Starting Their Story Off Right

Bringing home a new kitten is one of the best feelings in the world — and one of the busiest. There are vaccines to schedule, questions to ask, behaviors to figure out, and a whole lot of “wait, is this normal?” moments in those first months.

We’re here for all of it.

At Rialto Cat Hospital, we welcome new kittens (and their slightly nervous new cat parents) into our hospital every week. Our goal is simple: to set your kitten up for a lifetime of great health — and to give you the guidance, education, and reassurance you need along the way.

Your Kitten’s First Visit

Your kitten’s first visit is the foundation for everything that follows. During this exam, we’ll:

  • Perform a thorough nose-to-tail physical exam to confirm your new kitten is healthy
  • Begin their vaccine series based on age and lifestyle
  • Test for parasites and start preventive care
  • Screen for FeLV and FIV, important infectious diseases to identify early
  • Talk through nutrition — what to feed, how much, and when to transition between life stages
  • Cover the early questions — litter box habits, scratching, biting, and play behavior, sleep schedules, multi-cat introductions, and everything in between
  • Build a custom plan for the months ahead

We’ll also take the time to answer every single question you’ve been saving up — even the ones you’re slightly embarrassed to ask. (We promise we’ve heard them before. Probably this week.)

Vaccines for Kittens

Kittens typically begin their vaccine series around 6 to 8 weeks of age and continue every 3 to 4 weeks until they’re approximately 16 to 20 weeks old. We tailor every vaccine plan to your kitten’s lifestyle and individual risk factors.

Kitten vaccines typically protect against:

  • Feline distemper (panleukopenia) — a serious, often fatal viral disease
  • Upper respiratory viruses (feline herpesvirus and calicivirus)
  • Rabies — required by law in California
  • Feline leukemia (FeLV) — recommended for most kittens, with continued vaccination based on adult lifestyle

Skipping, delaying, or not completing their full vaccine series leaves young kittens vulnerable to serious diseases, so consistency really matters in those first few months.

At Rialto Animal Hospital and Rialto Cat Hospital, we proudly use the PUREVAX® feline vaccine line whenever possible because it is adjuvant-free. Unlike traditional vaccines that contain additives linked to inflammation and a rare cancer called Feline Injection-Site Sarcoma (FISS), PUREVAX® uses advanced recombinant technology to provide effective protection with less inflammation, fewer injection-site reactions, and a lower risk of vaccine-associated sarcomas.

  • Rabies = $39.90
  • FVRCP (Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) = $29.50
  • Leukemia = $39.50

Spay and Neuter Timing

Most kittens are spayed or neutered around 6 months of age — before they reach sexual maturity. Early spay/neuter helps prevent unwanted litters, reduces the risk of certain cancers and infections, and can help curb behaviors like spraying, roaming, and yowling during heat cycles. Our doctors will help you decide on the best timing for your kitten during one of their early visits.

For more on what to expect from the procedure itself, visit our Surgery page.

Beyond the Basics

Kitten care is about more than vaccines and weight checks. It’s about giving you the tools and confidence to navigate the early months — and starting a relationship with a veterinary team that will be there for the long haul.

That means we’ll also talk through:

  • Behavior and play — what’s normal kitten behavior, what’s worth redirecting, and how to channel that boundless kitten energy into healthy play
  • Litter box habits and training — setting up for success and troubleshooting early issues
  • Microchipping — your kitten’s best chance of coming home if they ever get out
  • Parasite prevention — fleas, intestinal parasites, and lifestyle-appropriate protection
  • Carrier training — getting your kitten comfortable with the carrier early, so vet visits and travel are less stressful for everyone
  • Home dental care — yes, even for kittens; the habits you build now pay dividends for life
  • What to expect as your kitten grows from kittenhood into adulthood

A Note on Multi-Cat Households

If your kitten is joining a household that already includes another cat — or another kitten — we know there’s a particular set of questions that come with that. Slow introductions, separate resources, body language to watch for, and a few tricks of the trade can make the difference between a tense few weeks and a smooth integration. Ask us at your kitten’s visit, and we’ll help you build a plan.

Schedule Your Kitten’s First Visit

If you’ve just brought home a new kitten, congratulations! We’d love to meet them. Call us at (909) 546-3321 or request an appointment online to schedule their first visit.

For New KITTEN Information (Vaccination and Health Care Schedule), CLICK HERE