Why Every New Kitten Needs a Vet Visit Within 72 Hours

Bringing home a new kitten is one of life’s most exciting moments. It’s the beginning of a lifelong bond filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

As a breeder, one of the hardest parts of my job is knowing that once a kitten leaves our home, I can no longer watch over them every day.

Before they leave, I know exactly how much they’re eating, how much they weigh, how they’re behaving, and whether anything seems even slightly different. Once they’re home with their new family, I rely on you to become my eyes and ears.

That is exactly why our health gurantee contain specific health requirements.

They aren’t there to make life difficult or to protect us from responsibility.

They’re there because they protect your kitten.

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Why Your First Veterinary Visit Is So Important

Our contract requires every kitten to be examined by your veterinarian within 72 hours of going home.

This appointment isn’t just a contract requirement—it’s one of the most important steps you can take for your kitten’s health.

Your veterinarian establishes a baseline examination, confirms your kitten is adjusting well after travel, and begins a medical relationship that will continue throughout your cat’s life.

If anything appears abnormal, early intervention gives everyone the best opportunity to respond quickly.

The sooner concerns are identified, the better the outcome often is.

If you’re preparing to bring home one of our Available Kittens, we encourage you to schedule this appointment before pickup day so your veterinarian can see your kitten within the required timeframe.

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Kittens Can Decline Quickly

Young kittens are amazingly resilient, but they can also become seriously ill much faster than adult cats.

Please contact your veterinarian immediately if your kitten develops:

• Loss of appetite or eating significantly less
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Extreme lethargy
• Difficulty breathing
• Fever
• Signs of pain
• Sudden behavioral changes

These aren’t symptoms to “watch for a few days.”

They deserve prompt veterinary attention.

Many illnesses have much better outcomes when treatment begins early. Waiting even 24 hours can make a significant difference in a young kitten.

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Please Keep Me Informed

While I am not a veterinarian and never want to replace your veterinarian’s medical advice, I do want to know if something changes.

Over the years I’ve raised many kittens and have seen a wide variety of normal behaviors, stress responses after moving, nutritional adjustments, and breed-specific quirks.

Sometimes I may be able to offer observations or suggest questions to discuss with your veterinarian.

Equally important, I maintain detailed health records on every litter and breeding line.

If I become aware of a health concern affecting one kitten, I can monitor littermates and related cats more closely. This helps me make informed breeding decisions and protects future generations.

Good communication benefits everyone—but most importantly, it benefits the kittens.

If you’re ever unsure whether something is normal, please contact us. We’d much rather answer a question early than learn later that your kitten needed medical attention.

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Preventative Care Doesn’t Stop at Pickup

Every kitten leaves Royal Velvet Cattery with age-appropriate veterinary care, vaccinations, deworming, parasite prevention, and a complete wellness examination.

However, bringing your kitten home is only the beginning.

Growing kittens require ongoing preventative veterinary care.

Your veterinarian will recommend a schedule for:

• Vaccinations
• Deworming
• Fecal testing
• Parasite prevention
• Routine wellness examinations

Even indoor cats can be exposed to parasites.

Parasites and infectious diseases can be introduced through other pets, wildlife, contaminated environments, visitors, shoes, and many everyday situations.

Routine preventative care is simply part of responsible pet ownership.

For more helpful tips after bringing your kitten home, be sure to read our Care Guide.

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Why We Recommend Pet Insurance

No breeder—regardless of experience or health testing—can guarantee a pet will never experience an unexpected illness or accident.

Medical emergencies happen.

That’s why we strongly recommend—and in many cases require—that pet insurance be activated the day your kitten comes home.

Pet insurance allows families to make medical decisions based on what’s best for their kitten rather than what they can afford during an emergency.

We’ve personally seen how valuable insurance can be when unexpected situations arise.

It’s one of the best investments you can make in your kitten’s future.

Learn more about our recommended Pet Insurance  before your kitten comes home.

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We Share the Same Goal

Every kitten born here is deeply loved long before they ever meet their new family.

Our mission has never been simply to sell kittens.

Our mission is to raise healthy, well-socialized companions that live long, happy, healthy lives.

By following your purchase agreement, maintaining regular veterinary care, communicating with us when concerns arise, and seeking prompt medical attention whenever something doesn’t seem right, you’re giving your kitten the very best chance at a healthy future.

I would much rather receive a phone call that turns out to be nothing than learn later that a kitten needed help sooner.

At the end of the day, every requirement in our contract exists for one simple reason:

Your kitten’s health will always come first.

If you’d like to learn more about our breeding philosophy, health testing, and the care that goes into raising every kitten, we invite you to explore the rest of our website or reach out anytime.. We’re always happy to help.

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About the Author

Adra Foster is the owner of Royal Velvet Cattery, an ethical, health-focused cattery specializing in Sphynx, Devon Rex, and Lykoi cats. Located in Spring City, Tennessee, Royal Velvet is committed to preserving and improving these incredible breeds through comprehensive health testing, responsible breeding practices, and lifelong support for every kitten family.

Every kitten is raised in-home with exceptional veterinary care, early socialization, and a focus on lifelong health—not just until adoption, but for years to come. Through educational articles, transparent communication, and ongoing guidance, Adra strives to empower families with the knowledge they need to help their kittens thrive.

Whether you’re preparing to bring home a kitten, researching the breeds, or simply looking for reliable feline health information, Royal Velvet Cattery is dedicated to putting education, ethics, and the well-being of every kitten first.

Learn more about Royal Velvet Cattery:  About Us!

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Whether you’re preparing for your new kitten or simply want to learn more about responsible cat ownership, these articles can help.

 The Royal Velvets Investment: Kitten Prices & Everything That’s Included
Learn what’s covered by our health guarantee, why we have certain requirements, and how our policies are designed to protect both your kitten and your family.

 Sphynx, Devon Rex & Lykoi Cat Care Guide
Everything you need to know after bringing your kitten home, including feeding, litter box training, bathing, socialization, veterinary care, and what to expect during those first few weeks.

 Heartfelt Care: Understanding HCM in Sphynx, Lykoi, and Devon Rex Cats
Learn why annual HCM screenings, genetic testing, and responsible breeding practices are so important for the long-term health of Sphynx, Devon Rex, and Lykoi cats.

 Why We Include 30 Days of Free Pet Insurance with Every Kitten
Discover why we encourage pet insurance from the day your kitten comes home and how it can provide peace of mind during unexpected medical emergencies.

 Available Kittens
Thinking about adding a Royal Velvet kitten to your family? Meet our available kittens and learn about our adoption process.