Puppy & Kitten Health Checks Explained
Summary: Puppy and kitten health checks are important first vet appointments that help us assess your pet’s overall health, growth, development and early care needs. At Mitcham Vets, these visits include a full nose-to-tail examination, advice on feeding, behaviour, parasite control, vaccinations, microchipping and the next steps in your pet’s care.
Introduction
Bringing home a new puppy or kitten is exciting, but it can also come with lots of questions. Many local pet owners in Mitcham, Morden and across South London ask us what actually happens at a first health check, when to book one, and whether their pet really needs one if they seem happy and healthy.
At Mitcham Vets we regularly help new pet owners feel more confident during those early weeks. A puppy or kitten health check is designed to give your pet a thorough start in life and give you clear, practical guidance on what comes next.
If you have recently welcomed a new pet, you can arrange one of our Free Puppy & Kitten Health Checks, or register your pet with Mitcham Vets to get started with ongoing care.
What is a puppy or kitten health check?
A puppy or kitten health check is a first appointment with a vet or veterinary nurse to assess your pet’s general health and development. It is not just about spotting illness. It is also about prevention, early advice and helping you build good routines from the beginning.
Our veterinary team often advises booking this appointment soon after bringing your pet home, even if they appear perfectly well. Young animals can have subtle issues that are easy to miss at home, and early checks give us the chance to answer questions before small concerns become bigger ones.
In our experience supporting pets across Mitcham and South London, these appointments are especially helpful for first-time owners who want reassurance about feeding, toilet training, scratching, play biting, sleeping patterns or settling in.
What happens during the appointment?
At Mitcham Vets, a puppy or kitten health check usually includes a full physical examination and time to talk through your pet’s current routine. We aim to make the visit calm, gentle and positive.
A full nose-to-tail examination
We commonly see owners surprised by how thorough this part is. We will usually check:
- Eyes, ears and mouth
- Skin and coat condition
- Heart and lungs
- Teeth and jaw development
- Weight and body condition
- Tummy and digestion
- Limbs, joints and movement
- Genital area and, in male pets, whether both testicles are present where appropriate for age
- Signs of fleas, worms or other parasites
This helps us check that your puppy or kitten is growing as expected and gives us a useful baseline for future visits. Our experienced veterinary team regularly helps local pet owners understand what is normal for young pets and what may need monitoring.
Discussion about vaccinations
Vaccinations are an important part of early preventative care. We will review any vaccination history you have been given and explain what is due next. If you are unsure whether your puppy or kitten’s vaccines are up to date, we can guide you through the schedule and help you plan ahead through our preventative healthcare services.
If your pet has missed vaccines or has an uncertain history, our team can also advise whether our Vaccine Amnesty may be helpful.
Parasite control advice
Puppies and kittens are especially vulnerable to fleas and worms. During the health check, we will talk through safe, age-appropriate parasite prevention and answer questions about treatment schedules, household hygiene and what to expect as your pet grows.
Feeding and growth guidance
Many local pet owners ask us how much to feed, how often to feed, and whether their pet’s weight is right. This is a very common part of the appointment. We will assess body condition, discuss suitable diets, and explain how feeding needs change during growth.
At Mitcham Vets we regularly help owners who are unsure whether to choose dry food, wet food, mixed feeding or breed-specific diets. We can also explain how to avoid overfeeding while still supporting healthy development.
Behaviour and routine support
Early behaviour advice matters. We often discuss:
- Toilet training
- Crate or bed training
- Socialisation
- Biting and chewing in puppies
- Scratching, hiding or rough play in kittens
- Safe play and enrichment
- Establishing routines at home
This practical guidance can make a real difference during the first few months. You can also explore our Health Checks and Clinics for ongoing support.
Microchipping and registration
If your puppy or kitten is not yet microchipped, we can advise on when this should be done and explain the legal and practical benefits. We may also discuss pet insurance, routine care plans and future appointments so you know what to expect over the coming months.
For a simple next step, you can book an appointment online or register your pet with our local veterinary team.
Why these first checks matter
Young pets can look bright and playful even when something needs attention. First appointments help us identify early issues such as skin problems, digestive upset, poor weight gain, retained baby teeth at later stages, hernias, heart murmurs or parasite burdens.
Just as importantly, they give you a clear care plan. At Mitcham Vets we regularly help owners map out vaccinations, parasite treatment, neutering discussions, diet changes and future check-ups so they feel prepared rather than overwhelmed.
As an RCVS Accredited Practice, we are committed to high standards of veterinary care, communication and patient wellbeing. That reassurance matters when you are trusting somebody with your new pet’s earliest care.
What We Commonly See at Mitcham Vets
In our experience supporting pets across Mitcham and South London, there are a few very common concerns that come up during puppy and kitten checks.
- “My pet seems fine, so do they still need a vet check?”
Yes. Many early issues are mild or not obvious at home. A routine check can pick up concerns before they affect your pet’s comfort or growth. - Confusion about vaccination timing
We commonly see owners who have paperwork from breeders or rescue centres but are unsure what it means. We help clarify what has been done and what is still needed. - Worries about eating habits
Puppies and kittens can be fussy, greedy, or inconsistent while settling in. We often advise on what is normal and when reduced appetite may need checking. - Misunderstandings about parasite treatment
One common misconception is that indoor pets do not need parasite prevention. In reality, risk can still be present, and advice should be tailored to the individual pet. - Normal baby behaviour mistaken for illness
Sleeping a lot, zooming around, chewing, scratching and playful ambush behaviour are often normal. We help owners tell the difference between expected behaviour and signs that should be assessed. - Owners delaying early socialisation advice
Our veterinary team often advises discussing behaviour from the start, not only once a problem develops.
These appointments are also a good opportunity to ask about our Little VIP options, including the Puppy VIP Plan and Kitten VIP Plan, which can help owners plan for preventative care during the first year.
Practical Advice for New Puppy and Kitten Owners
There are a few simple things you can do before and after the first appointment to help things go smoothly.
- Bring any paperwork you have
Vaccination records, breeder notes, rescue paperwork and details of current food are all useful. - Take a note of your questions
It is very easy to forget them once you are in the room. Write down anything you want to ask about eating, sleeping, toilet habits or behaviour. - Bring a stool sample if advised
Sometimes this can help if there are concerns about worms or digestion. - Use a secure carrier or lead
Kittens should travel in a safe carrier. Puppies should be securely handled and transported comfortably. - Start gentle handling at home
Getting your pet used to paws, ears and mouth being touched can make future veterinary visits less stressful.
Many local pet owners in Morden, Colliers Wood and Tooting also ask about routine plans that spread the cost of preventative care. Our VIP Health Plan, as well as our Dog VIP Plan, Cat VIP Plan and Bunny VIP Plan, may be useful as your pet grows.
When To Contact A Vet
While many new pet questions are routine, some signs should be checked promptly. Contact a vet if your puppy or kitten:
- Is not eating or drinking normally
- Has vomiting or diarrhoea that is ongoing or severe
- Seems unusually quiet, weak or difficult to wake
- Has a swollen tummy or signs of pain
- Is coughing, wheezing or breathing differently
- Has discharge from the eyes or nose
- Is scratching excessively or has sore skin
- Has not passed urine or stools as expected
If your pet is struggling to breathe, has collapsed, is having a seizure, has eaten something toxic, or is in severe pain, contact a vet immediately. Our local veterinary team can help you access emergency vetcare if urgent attention is needed.
Although most first appointments are routine, it can be reassuring to know that Mitcham Vets also provides comprehensive care, including veterinary services, advanced surgery and medicine and hospitalisation when pets need more involved treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I book my puppy or kitten’s first vet appointment?
Ideally, book soon after bringing them home. Early checks help us assess health, explain next steps and answer your questions before routines become established.
What if my breeder or rescue has already had them checked?
It is still a good idea to arrange your own appointment. Your local veterinary team can confirm your pet’s current health, review records and create an ongoing care plan.
How long does a puppy or kitten health check take?
This can vary, but there is usually time for both a full examination and discussion. If you have lots of questions, let us know when booking so we can help make the visit as useful as possible.
Are free health checks worth booking?
Yes. A free initial check is a valuable chance to make sure your pet is settling well and to get clear advice about vaccinations, parasite control, feeding and behaviour. You can arrange one through our Free Puppy & Kitten Health Checks page.
Do you only see dogs and cats?
No. Mitcham Vets supports a wide range of pets, and we regularly advise owners of rabbits and other small pets too.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for general guidance only. If your pet is unwell, showing concerning symptoms, or you are unsure what to do, please contact your vet for professional advice.
Book Your Puppy or Kitten’s First Health Check
If you have a new pet at home, our experienced veterinary team at Mitcham Vets would be pleased to help. Whether you are in Mitcham, Morden or elsewhere in South London, we can support you with those important first steps.
You can book an appointment online, register your pet with Mitcham Vets, explore our Free Puppy & Kitten Health Checks, or find our practice and contact details. We are here to help your puppy or kitten get off to the best possible start.
