Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

What vet tests and vaccines for a newly adopted cat with no records?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

im adopting a cat tomorrow from someone that needs to rehome it. i also have a dog at home. to keep both animals safe, when i take the cat to the vet tomorrow (for the first time WITHOUT A MEDICAL RECORD), (the cat is spayed, and declawed) what are the tests/vaccines i should ask to get/get checked?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 31st, 2019

Congrats on your new cat! You can ask for routine blood work and a urinalysis to check how her organs are functioning. The vaccines she will need include Feline core vaccines include FVRCP (feline distemper combo) and a Rabies vaccine. If she is an outdoor cat, the FeLV vaccine (feline leukemia) should be considered. I hope this helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 2nd, 2017
Congratulation on getting your new cat!

Misty will need to get her feline distemper combo vaccine (commonly referred to FVRCP) series. She will need the initial vaccine then a booster 3-4 weeks later.

If you are planning to allow Misty to go outside then I also recommend she receive her feline leukemia vaccine. She will also need the two shot series for this as well.

I also always recommend having a feline leukemia and FIV test performed in a new cat as well, if this has not been done already.

I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Be sure to ask us any more questions you may have about your new cat! Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

What vaccinations should my new rescue cat get if her age is unknown?

If you are unsure of vaccine status, she should get aFVRCP (feline distemper) vaccine followed by a booster 3-4 weeks later. A Rabies vaccine should also be given. She should also be tested for FeLV and FIV. Submit a stool sample to diagnose intestinal parasites.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Found a stray cat? What are the safe steps for adoption and vet care?

Congratulations on your new cat! The things you need to do are get all the vaccines (boosters included), a Feline Leukemia and FIV test, treatment for fleas and worms, and have his feces checked for parasites. Other potential actions are a microchip and a dental cleaning. Your veterinarian will do a physical exam and then let you know what else may need to be done. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Do I need to vaccinate an 8-year-old indoor cat I'm adopting?

I would have her vaccinated at least once and checked by your veterinarian to make sure everything is all right and she does have any health issue. Basic vaccination would include RCP (herpesvirus, calicivirus and panleucopenia virus) and FeLV (leukemia virus). Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

What shots does a stray cat need before coming indoors with my cat?

Should you intend to have your kitty vaccinated at a Vetco clinic, here are the prices: https://www.vetcoclinics.com/services-and-clinics/vaccination-packages-and-prices/ You should have her also tested for FIV and FeLV. She should be vaccinated against FVRCP as a core vaccine, rabies, and wormed against round and tape worms. Thanks for taking care of this kitty!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

I found new kittens. What vet exams and vaccinations are needed?

Congratulations on your new kitties! I would recommend taking them to the vet for a check-up when you're able to. The vet will listen to their heart and lungs, and will also check for fleas, ear mites, and other problems that are common in stray cats. Usually, a fecal exam for parasites and FeLV/FIV testing would also be recommended. If they seem healthy, your veterinarian will probably also recommend having them vaccinated for feline distemper, feline leukemia, and rabies.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My temporary cats haven't seen a vet. What checkups are needed?

I would follow the owner's wishes. It is good to keep cats updated on vaccines, and rabies vaccines are required by law. If you want to have them examined by a vet and receive appropriate vaccines, the vet can do so without prior records. Annual exams are recommend to monitor changes over time. If the owner decides to continue with regular vet care, then you can transfer the records to the new vet.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

What initial health tests and care do 5-month-old stray kittens need?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Congratulations! I recommend at 5 months for the first visit to consist of: fecal test, deworming even if the fecal test is negative, feline leukemia and FIV testing, the FVRCP vaccine every 3 weeks for a total of 2 and the Rabies vaccine. I also recommend spaying and neutering after 6 months of age. I recommend feeding ahigh quality kitten food like Purina Proplan, Hill's Science Diet or Royal Canin until 1 year of age. To watch the weight after 6 months I recommend meal feeding. I wish you the very best!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share