New Kitten Guide – Tucker Road Animal Hospital
Welcome to Tucker Road Animal Hospital! Congratulations on your new kitten! Welcoming a curious little feline into your home is exciting — and we’re here to help you make it a joyful, healthy experience.
→ Learn more about Kitten Care
Your Kitten's First Veterinary Visits
Kittens grow fast and need regular exams to stay on track.
- 8 weeks: Physical exam, fecal testing, first vaccine (FVRCP), deworming
- 12 weeks: Physical exam, second FVRCP vaccine, FeLV vaccine and deworming
- 16 weeks: Rabies and final FVRCP and FeLV vaccine
These ages may vary a little depending on whether a shelter or breeder has given any vaccines prior to first visit.
Please bring any adoption or rescue records and a stool sample to your first visit.
Vaccinations & Parasite Prevention
- FVRCP: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia
- Rabies: Required by law
- FeLV: Recommended for kittens and cats with outdoor exposure
Protect against fleas, ticks, roundworms, tapeworms for outdoor cats
→ Learn more about Cat Vaccinations
Nutrition & Feeding
- Feed a complete and balanced kitten-specific diet.
- Offer 3-4 small meals per day until around 6 months of age.
- Transition foods gradually over 5-7 days.
- Provide constant access to fresh water and multiple bowls.
- Avoid feeding cow’s milk — it often causes digestive upset.
→ Learn more about Cat Nutrition
Litter Box Tips
- Provide at least one litter box per cat, plus one extra.
- Place boxes in quiet, easily accessible areas.
- Scoop daily and replace litter regularly.
- Try unscented, clumping litter to encourage use.
Spay/Neuter
Spaying or neutering at around 5-6 months helps prevent roaming, marking, and unwanted litters while reducing risks of reproductive cancers. We’ll help you determine the right time based on your kitten’s growth and lifestyle.
→ Learn more about Cat Spay/Neuter
Socialization & Play
- Provide safe toys that mimic hunting behavior.
- Avoid using hands as toys.
- Encourage gentle handling and introduce new experiences gradually.
→ Learn more about Cat Behavior
When to Call the Vet
- Sneezing or nasal discharge
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Refusal to eat or drink for more than 24 hours
- Lethargy, hiding, or signs of pain
- Fleas, ear scratching, or hair loss
Contact Tucker Road Animal Hospital
We’re here to support you and your kitten every step of the way.
Tucker Road Animal Hospital
1125 Tucker Road, Hood River, OR 97031
Phone: (541) 386-1566
Email: [email protected]