A woman holding her cat in a Bond Vet waiting room.

PROTECT YOUR BFF

Raising a Kitten

Welcoming a kitten into your family is an exciting time! We’re here to ensure your kitten is healthy and that you’re both ready to take on the world.

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Indoor vs. Outdoor Kittens: What’s the Difference?

Your kitten’s lifestyle helps shape their care plan, especially when it comes to vaccines and preventive care.

Even indoor kittens still need core vaccines like rabies and FVRCP. Germs and viruses can still make their way inside through shoes, clothing, carriers, or unexpected trips outdoors.Kittens who spend time outside (or were outdoors before joining your family) may need additional protection, including the feline leukemia vaccine (FeLV). We may also recommend FeLV/FIV testing, which can be performed as early as 8–12 weeks of age and may be repeated around 6–12 months of age depending on your kitten's history and risk factors.During your kitten’s visit, we’ll talk through:

Whether they’re fully indoors or spend time outside
Other pets in the home
Future lifestyle plans, like travel or outdoor access
Whether FeLV/FIV testing may be recommended
Which vaccines and preventive care make the most sense for your kitten

Because every kitten’s routine is a little different, we’ll help build a care plan that fits their real day-to-day life.

This gets the testing timeline in, removes the repetition, and ties the testing recommendation directly to the outdoor/prior-outdoor history the medical reviewer mentioned.

Examination

Every kitten should have a comprehensive nose-to-tail examination to make sure everything is working just right. During the exam, our veterinarian will:

Take your kitten’s vitals.
Examine your kitten's ears, eyes, nose, mouth, teeth, and gums.
Recommend vaccinations based on your pet’s lifestyle.
Answer any questions you have.

Neutering & Spaying

Neutering or spaying your kitten curbs the birth of unwanted pets. Plus, research shows that neutered and spayed pets live longer, are more obedient, and are less likely to get cancer. Learn more about spays and neuters at Bond Vet here.

Kitten Vaccines

Vaccinations are a key part of your kitty’s health plan.They help prevent viruses and bacteria from harming your pet and are one of the best ways to ensure that you enjoy a long, healthy life together.

Core Vaccines

FVRCP

This vaccination immunizes against three potentially deadly airborne viruses: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (an upper respiratory infection), Calicivirus (an upper respiratory infection and oral disease), and Panleukopenia (a gastrointestinal, immune system, and nervous system disease).

Test

FeLV/FIV

This combination test screens for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Both are a common infectious disease in cats that suppress the immune system. FeLV causes anemia, and FIV is similar HIV. Neither FeLV or FIV are curable, but both can be treated.

Core Vaccines

FVRCP Vaccine

This vaccination immunizes against three potentially deadly airborne viruses: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (an upper respiratory infection), Calicivirus (an upper respiratory infection and oral disease), and Panleukopenia (a gastrointestinal, immune system, and nervous system disease).

Rabies

This vaccination immunizes against rabies, a fatal viral infection of the central nervous system. No treatment for rabies exists so it’s imperative to vaccinate your kitten against the disease. Plus, it’s the law.

Test

FeLV/FIV

This combination test screens for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Both are a common infectious disease in cats that suppress the immune system. FeLV causes anemia, and FIV is similar HIV. Neither FeLV or FIV are curable, but both can be treated.

Core Vaccines

DA2PP

This vaccination immunizes against six potentially fatal diseases: Distemper (a respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous system infection), Adenovirus type 2 (a liver infection), Parainfluenza (a respiratory infection), and Parvovirus (a gastrointestinal and bone marrow infection).

Bordetella

This vaccination protects against Bordetella bronchiseptica, the most common cause of kennel cough—a highly contagious respiratory infection that leads to inflammation of the airways and a persistent cough.

Core Vaccines

DA2PP

This vaccination immunizes against six potentially fatal diseases: Distemper (a respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous system infection), Adenovirus type 2 (a liver infection), Parainfluenza (a respiratory infection), and Parvovirus (a gastrointestinal and bone marrow infection).

Highly Recommended Vaccines

Canine Leptospirosis

This vaccination immunizes against a potentially fatal bacteria transmitted through soil, water, or urine. Spread through the bloodstream, it can lead to fever, joint pain, kidney inflammation, and liver failure.

Lifestyle-Based Vaccines

Lyme

This vaccination immunizes against a chronic and potentially fatal bacterial illness spread by ticks. It can cause joint pain and swelling, loss of appetite, and reduced energy.

Canine Influenza

Also known as the dog flu, canine influenza spreads through respiratory droplets and symptoms may include coughing, runny nose, and lethargy, among other symptoms. Severity varies from one dog to the next, but some dogs may require hospitalization.

Core Vaccines

DA2PP

This vaccination immunizes against six potentially fatal diseases: Distemper (a respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous system infection), Adenovirus type 2 (a liver infection), Parainfluenza (a respiratory infection), and Parvovirus (a gastrointestinal and bone marrow infection).

Rabies

Rabies is a fatal viral infection of the brain and central nervous system. No treatment for rabies exists so it’s imperative you vaccinate your dog against the disease. Plus, it’s the law.

Highly Recommended Vaccines

Canine Leptospirosis

This vaccination immunizes against a potentially fatal bacteria transmitted through soil, water, or urine. Spread through the bloodstream, it can lead to fever, joint pain, kidney inflammation, and liver failure.

Lifestyle-Based Vaccines

Lyme

This vaccination immunizes against a chronic and potentially fatal bacterial illness spread by ticks. It can cause joint pain and swelling, loss of appetite, and reduced energy.

Canine Influenza

Also known as the dog flu, canine influenza spreads through respiratory droplets and symptoms may include coughing, runny nose, and lethargy, among other symptoms. Severity varies from one dog to the next, but some dogs may require hospitalization.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Kittens: What’s the Difference?

Your kitten’s lifestyle helps shape their care plan, especially when it comes to vaccines and preventive care.

Even indoor kittens still need core vaccines like rabies and FVRCP. Germs and viruses can still make their way inside through shoes, clothing, carriers, or unexpected trips outdoors.Kittens who spend time outside (or were outdoors before joining your family) may need additional protection, including the feline leukemia vaccine (FeLV). We may also recommend FeLV/FIV testing, which can be performed as early as 8–12 weeks of age and may be repeated around 6–12 months of age depending on your kitten's history and risk factors.During your kitten’s visit, we’ll talk through:

Whether they’re fully indoors or spend time outside
Other pets in the home
Future lifestyle plans, like travel or outdoor access
Whether FeLV/FIV testing may be recommended
Which vaccines and preventive care make the most sense for your kitten

Because every kitten’s routine is a little different, we’ll help build a care plan that fits their real day-to-day life.

This gets the testing timeline in, removes the repetition, and ties the testing recommendation directly to the outdoor/prior-outdoor history the medical reviewer mentioned.

Book Now

Frequently asked questions

Services - Our Services

Services - Preventive Care

Services - Urgent Care

Services - Kitten Visits

Services - Kitten Vaccines

Services - Puppy Visits

Services - Puppy Vaccines

Telehealth

Travel

Surgery - General Info

Surgery - Spay & Neuter

Surgery - Dentals

Surgery - Mass Removals

Surgery - Soft Tissue Surgery - Rich Content

Surgery - Orthopedic Surgery - Rich Content

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Membership

Frequently Asked Questions

Most adult pets should have a vet checkup once a year, while puppies, kittens, and senior pets may need more frequent visits. Puppies and kittens need visits every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks to complete their vaccination series. Senior pets (generally dogs 7 and older and cats 10 and older) benefit from exams every 6 months, as age-related conditions can progress quickly. Your Bond Vet vet will tailor the right schedule to your individual pet.

Vaccinations depend on your pet's age, lifestyle, and risk factors. Your vet will recommend a schedule tailored to your pet. Core vaccines for dogs include DA2PP and rabies. For cats, core vaccines are FVRCP and rabies. Beyond core vaccines, your vet may recommend lifestyle-based vaccines like Lyme, leptospirosis, or canine influenza for dogs, or FeLV for cats based on age and lifestyle factors. Bond Vet follows AAHA and AVMA vaccination guidelines.

Regular brushing, dental treats, and vet-recommended products can help maintain your pet's dental health between professional cleanings. If your pet needs more care, you can explore our professional dental cleanings at Bond Vet. Daily brushing with pet-safe toothpaste is the gold standard for at-home care. Never use toothpaste for humans, which can be toxic to animals. If your pet doesn't tolerate brushing, dental chews, water additives, and prescription dental diets are good alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vet urgent care is for issues that aren't life-threatening but shouldn't wait. An emergency vet is the right choice for situations that could put your pet's life at risk, like trouble breathing, seizures, major trauma, or unresponsiveness. Think of urgent care as the middle ground: issues that need attention today but are not immediately life-threatening. Common scenarios include vomiting, limping, ear infections, eye issues, skin concerns, and mild reactions. If you are unsure which level of care is right, default to emergency care — it’s always safer to be evaluated and sent home than to delay.

If you can, book ahead to check availability and bring a list of any medications your pet is taking. It also helps to note when symptoms started and any recent changes. You don't need to prepare extensively. If your pet ingested something, bring the packaging or note the product name and quantity. Photos or short videos of symptoms can help your vet understand what changed. If you are not sure whether your pet needs to come in, Bond Vet Telehealth is available for a quick virtual consultation.

Most visits run on time, but urgent cases may be prioritized when needed. Booking ahead online is the most reliable way to minimize wait time, especially during busy morning and evening hours. Walk-ins are always welcome but may experience a longer wait time when the clinic is at capacity. If your pet shows signs of serious distress when you arrive, alert the front desk so the team can assess priority.

We treat a range of non-life-threatening issues, including vomiting, limping, skin concerns, infections, and more. Our urgent care team handles bite wounds, urinary changes, toxic ingestion (if your pet is stable), diarrhea and vomiting, ear infections, eye discharge or redness, cuts and abrasions, hair loss, coughing, and sneezing — see the full list of conditions in the section above. For conditions requiring surgery or intensive monitoring, we will refer you to the right specialist or emergency facility.

If your pet is experiencing severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, seizures, collapse, major trauma, or poisoning, go directly to an emergency vet. If you're unsure, it's always safest to seek emergency care ASAP. Other situations requiring an emergency vet include uncontrolled bleeding, suspected broken bones, extended loss of consciousness, and toxin ingestion with rapid or severe symptoms. When unsure, always default to emergency care.

Better care, right when you need it.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Core Vaccines

DA2PP

This vaccination immunizes against six potentially fatal diseases: Distemper (a respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous system infection), Adenovirus type 2 (a liver infection), Parainfluenza (a respiratory infection), and Parvovirus (a gastrointestinal and bone marrow infection).

Bordetella

This vaccination protects against Bordetella bronchiseptica, the most common cause of kennel cough—a highly contagious respiratory infection that leads to inflammation of the airways and a persistent cough.

Core Vaccines

DA2PP

This vaccination immunizes against six potentially fatal diseases: Distemper (a respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous system infection), Adenovirus type 2 (a liver infection), Parainfluenza (a respiratory infection), and Parvovirus (a gastrointestinal and bone marrow infection).

Highly Recommended Vaccines

Canine Leptospirosis

This vaccination immunizes against a potentially fatal bacteria transmitted through soil, water, or urine. Spread through the bloodstream, it can lead to fever, joint pain, kidney inflammation, and liver failure.

Lifestyle-Based Vaccines

Lyme

This vaccination immunizes against a chronic and potentially fatal bacterial illness spread by ticks. It can cause joint pain and swelling, loss of appetite, and reduced energy.

Canine Influenza

Also known as the dog flu, canine influenza spreads through respiratory droplets and symptoms may include coughing, runny nose, and lethargy, among other symptoms. Severity varies from one dog to the next, but some dogs may require hospitalization.

Core Vaccines

DA2PP

This vaccination immunizes against six potentially fatal diseases: Distemper (a respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous system infection), Adenovirus type 2 (a liver infection), Parainfluenza (a respiratory infection), and Parvovirus (a gastrointestinal and bone marrow infection).

Rabies

Rabies is a fatal viral infection of the brain and central nervous system. No treatment for rabies exists so it’s imperative you vaccinate your dog against the disease. Plus, it’s the law.

Highly Recommended Vaccines

Canine Leptospirosis

This vaccination immunizes against a potentially fatal bacteria transmitted through soil, water, or urine. Spread through the bloodstream, it can lead to fever, joint pain, kidney inflammation, and liver failure.

Lifestyle-Based Vaccines

Lyme

This vaccination immunizes against a chronic and potentially fatal bacterial illness spread by ticks. It can cause joint pain and swelling, loss of appetite, and reduced energy.

Canine Influenza

Also known as the dog flu, canine influenza spreads through respiratory droplets and symptoms may include coughing, runny nose, and lethargy, among other symptoms. Severity varies from one dog to the next, but some dogs may require hospitalization.

Better care, right when you need it.

PROTECT YOUR BFF

Raising a Kitten

Indoor vs. Outdoor Kittens: What’s the Difference?

Examination

Neutering & Spaying

Kitten Vaccines

What does my first kitten vaccine appointment consist of?

What does my second kitten vaccine appointment consist of?

What does my third kitten vaccine appointment consist of?

What does my first puppy vaccine appointment consist of?

What does my second puppy vaccine appointment consist of?

What does my third puppy vaccine appointment consist of?

Indoor vs. Outdoor Kittens: What’s the Difference?

Frequently asked questions

What veterinary services does Bond Vet offer?

Does Bond Vet provide both urgent care and wellness visits?

How do I book a same-day appointment at Bond Vet?

Does Bond Vet see cats as well as dogs?

Where are Bond Vet locations?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in a preventive care visit?

How often should my pet have a vet checkup?

What vaccinations does my pet need?

How much does a preventive care visit cost?

At what age should I bring my new puppy or kitten in?

What preventive care does my senior pet need?

How do I care for my pet’s teeth at home?

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between emergency vet care and vet urgent care?

What should I do before bringing my pet to vet urgent care?

How much does vet urgent care cost?

What are your urgent care hours?

How long will I have to wait?

Do I need an appointment for urgent care?

What conditions do you treat in vet urgent care?

When should I go to an emergency vet instead?

Do you only offer vet urgent care?

Better care, right when you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does my first puppy vaccine appointment consist of?

What does my second puppy vaccine appointment consist of?

What does my third puppy vaccine appointment consist of?

Better care, right when you need it.