Your Kitten's First Year: A Complete Timeline
From first vaccines to spay/neuter timing to that mysterious teenage phase — here's exactly what to expect (and when) during your kitten's first twelve months.
Congratulations on your new kitten! The first year moves fast, so here's the roadmap we walk every new cat owner through.
8 to 12 weeks: first exam, FVRCP vaccine series begins, fecal testing, and deworming. This is also the prime socialization window — gentle handling now pays off for a lifetime of easier vet visits and nail trims.
12 to 16 weeks: FVRCP boosters continue and the rabies vaccine is given. We'll discuss whether the feline leukemia (FeLV) vaccine makes sense based on your kitten's lifestyle.
4 to 6 months: baby teeth fall out (you might find one in the carpet!) and adult teeth come in. This is when we typically schedule spay or neuter surgery — recovery at this age is remarkably quick.
6 to 12 months: your kitten hits the feline teenage phase. Zoomies at 3 AM are normal. Keep meal portions measured — this is exactly when easy weight gain begins after spay/neuter surgery.
12 months: first annual exam, booster vaccines, and a conversation about transitioning from kitten food to adult food.
Through it all: keep your kitten indoors or supervised outside, microchip early, and start monthly parasite prevention. Questions between visits? Call us — that's what we're here for.