Puppy & Kitten Health Checks Explained
Summary: Early puppy and kitten health checks help make sure your new pet is growing well, eating properly, developing normally and starting the right preventative care. At Elizabeth Street Veterinary Clinic, we recommend booking an early vet visit to discuss vaccinations, parasite control, microchipping, behaviour, diet and any concerns you may have.
Introduction
Bringing home a new puppy or kitten is exciting, but it can also come with plenty of questions. Many local pet owners in Belgravia, Victoria and across Central London ask us what happens at a first vet visit and whether a young pet really needs a health check if they seem well at home.
The short answer is yes. Early vet visits are an important part of giving your puppy or kitten the best possible start. At Elizabeth Street Veterinary Clinic we regularly help new pet owners feel more confident during those first few weeks, whether they are caring for their first pet or adding another animal to the family.
An early appointment gives us the chance to assess your pet’s general health, pick up any concerns early, and guide you through preventative care in a calm and practical way. Our award-recognised veterinary team, shortlisted at the Best UK Vets Awards 2025, often advises owners from Westminster, Chelsea, Pimlico and nearby areas on how to support young pets during this important stage of life.
If you have recently welcomed a new pet, you can register your pet with Elizabeth Street Veterinary Clinic or arrange one of our free puppy and kitten health checks.
Why early puppy and kitten health checks matter
Puppies and kittens grow and change quickly. Small issues can be easy to miss at home, especially if you are not yet familiar with what is normal for a very young pet. A health check allows a local veterinary team to assess development, answer your questions and plan the next steps in your pet’s care.
In our experience supporting pets across Central London, these early visits are about much more than vaccinations alone. They help us build a full picture of your pet’s wellbeing, including:
- Body condition and healthy growth
- Heart and lung health
- Eyes, ears, skin and coat condition
- Teeth and bite development
- Movement and limb development
- Signs of parasites such as worms or fleas
- Diet, feeding routine and digestion
- Behaviour, sleep, settling in and social development
At Elizabeth Street Veterinary Clinic, we commonly see young pets who appear bright and happy but still benefit from advice on feeding, toilet training, scratching, chewing, socialisation or routine preventative care. Booking an early appointment can also help you feel reassured that you are starting off well.
For wider support, many owners also explore our health checks and clinics and preventative healthcare services.
What happens during a puppy or kitten health check?
Many local pet owners ask us what to expect from the appointment itself. The good news is that these visits are usually straightforward, gentle and designed to help both you and your pet feel comfortable.
Our veterinary team often advises owners that a first health check may include:
- A discussion about your pet’s age, background and how they have settled in
- A nose-to-tail physical examination
- Checking weight and body condition
- Advice about vaccinations and timing
- Discussion of flea, tick and worm prevention
- Microchipping advice or confirmation if already done
- Feeding guidance suitable for age and species
- Behaviour and training advice
- Planning neutering at the appropriate stage if relevant
We also take time to answer the questions that matter most to you. That may be about lead training, litter tray habits, biting, chewing, vaccination schedules, insurance, sleeping arrangements or introducing your new pet to children or other animals.
If you are preparing for your first appointment, you can book an appointment online with Elizabeth Street Veterinary Clinic at a convenient time.
Common topics discussed at early vet visits
Vaccinations
Puppies and kittens need protection from serious infectious diseases, and the right schedule depends on age, previous care and any vaccines already given. Our veterinary team will explain what your pet needs and when.
Parasite prevention
Young pets can be vulnerable to worms, fleas and other parasites. We commonly see owners who are unsure which products are suitable, how often treatment is needed, or whether indoor pets still need protection. We can advise on a sensible, tailored plan.
Diet and growth
Feeding a high-quality, age-appropriate diet supports healthy development. At Elizabeth Street Veterinary Clinic we regularly help owners choose appropriate feeding routines, portion guidance and gradual diet transitions.
Behaviour and socialisation
Early experiences shape future behaviour. For puppies, this may include positive introductions to people, sounds and handling. For kittens, it may involve confidence-building, litter tray routine and appropriate play. Good advice at the right time can make a real difference.
Microchipping and records
Keeping identification details correct is important, and we can also help ensure your pet’s records are properly set up from the start. If you are new to the area, our Central London veterinary practice in Belgravia is easy to access for pet owners in Victoria, Westminster and surrounding neighbourhoods.
What We Commonly See at Elizabeth Street Veterinary Clinic
One of the most common concerns we hear from new owners is: “My puppy or kitten seems fine, so do I still need to come in?” In most cases, the answer is yes. A pet can appear well at home while still needing support with routine preventative care, feeding, development checks or parasite prevention.
Many local pet owners ask us whether breeder or rescue paperwork means a full vet visit is unnecessary. A common misunderstanding is that a young pet only needs to see a vet when vaccinations are due or if they become unwell. In reality, early checks help us confirm that everything is progressing normally and give you practical guidance tailored to your pet.
We regularly help owners who are unsure about:
- How much to feed and how often
- What is normal for stools, sleep and play
- When teething starts and what chewing is expected
- How to handle nipping, scratching or litter tray accidents
- Whether sneezing, itching or an upset stomach is normal
- When vaccinations, microchipping and neutering should be planned
At Elizabeth Street Veterinary Clinic, we also commonly see puppies and kittens shortly after moving into homes across Belgravia, Victoria and Westminster, when owners simply want reassurance that they are getting things right. These appointments are valuable because they allow our local veterinary team to spot early concerns and offer clear, practical next steps.
Practical advice for new puppy and kitten owners
If you have just brought home a new pet, these simple steps can help before and after the first check-up:
- Book an early health check. Ideally, arrange this soon after bringing your pet home.
- Bring any paperwork. Vaccination records, breeder or rescue details and previous treatment information are very helpful.
- Write down your questions. It is easy to forget them during the appointment.
- Monitor eating, drinking and toileting. Keep a note of anything unusual.
- Use suitable food for age and species. Sudden diet changes may upset the stomach.
- Start gentle handling. This can help your pet become more comfortable with future checks.
Some owners also find it helpful to plan ahead with structured preventative care. You can explore our VIP Health Plan, including the Puppy VIP Plan and Kitten VIP Plan, to support routine care during the early months.
Our veterinary team often advises against relying on online advice alone, especially if your pet is very young, has come from a multi-pet environment, or is showing any changes in appetite, energy or digestion. If you are unsure, it is always reasonable to speak to a professional and arrange a health check.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting until vaccinations are due before arranging a first vet visit
- Changing food too quickly without guidance
- Using parasite products not designed for your pet’s age or species
- Assuming all scratching, loose stools or sneezing are “normal” in young pets
- Missing early opportunities for positive socialisation and gentle routine building
At Elizabeth Street Veterinary Clinic we regularly help owners correct these issues early, often before they become bigger worries. A well-timed appointment can make the first few months much smoother.
When to contact a vet
Most puppy and kitten health checks are routine, but there are times when prompt veterinary advice is important. Contact a vet if your puppy or kitten has:
- Not been eating or is eating much less than usual
- Vomiting repeatedly or ongoing diarrhoea
- Low energy, weakness or unusual quietness
- Coughing, breathing changes or nasal discharge
- Swelling, limping or signs of pain
- Persistent itching, hair loss or skin irritation
- Difficulty passing urine or stools
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.
As a 24-hour veterinary practice, Elizabeth Street Veterinary Clinic provides 24-hour emergency veterinary care for pets across Central London, so local pet owners in Westminster, Belgravia and Victoria can access help day and night when urgent support is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should a puppy have its first health check?
Ideally, as soon as possible after coming home. Early checks help confirm your puppy is healthy and allow us to advise on vaccinations, worming, feeding and behaviour.
When should a kitten have its first health check?
Again, soon after arrival at home is usually best. This gives us the opportunity to assess growth, discuss vaccinations and answer any early questions about feeding, litter training and settling in.
Do indoor kittens still need vet checks?
Yes. Indoor kittens still need routine health checks, vaccinations, parasite advice and general monitoring as they grow.
What should I bring to the appointment?
Bring any vaccination card, insurance details, breeder or rescue paperwork, diet information and a list of any questions you would like to ask.
How do I arrange a puppy or kitten check at Elizabeth Street Veterinary Clinic?
You can book online, register your pet, or contact our team directly if you would like help choosing the right appointment.
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 health check
If you have welcomed a new puppy or kitten into your home, our experienced team at Elizabeth Street Veterinary Clinic is here to help you get started with confidence. We are proud to support local pet owners across Belgravia, Victoria, Westminster and Central London with practical, compassionate care from the very beginning.
You can arrange a free puppy or kitten health check, book an appointment online, or register your pet with our local veterinary team. If you ever need urgent help, our 24-hour emergency veterinary service is available day and night.
