Pre-Adoption Cat Health Checkup & Precautions Guide

1. PreHome Health Check

Before bringing your little one home, it's advisable to schedule a comprehensive health checkup for them, which should include blood tests, stool analysis, and a biochemical panel (with more tests recommended for cats over six years old), as well as an Xray. This will help assess your cat's health status and establish a care plan.

For multicat households, additional tests such as feline leukemia and feline AIDS are recommended.

It's generally not recommended to bathe or shave your cat unless they have skin issues, as this can trigger intense allergic reactions, potentially leading to various behavioral issues and diseases, such as inappropriate urination, aggression, peritonitis, and heart conditions.

2. Feline Distemper

Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea, sometimes with only vomiting without defecation, or vice versa, with diarrhea without vomiting. These symptoms can resemble gastroenteritis and may not always affect appetite. If your kitten or new pet shows these signs, it's crucial to consider feline distemper.

Diagnosis involves a complete blood count (CBC) showing a decrease in white blood cells, with some cats experiencing a slight increase in white blood cells at the onset of the disease, followed by a decrease. A feline distemper test is also required.

Treatment should be administered under veterinary guidance. Always ensure hands, clothing, and shoes are disinfected when in contact with the sick cat. Encourage and comfort your cat, and follow the treatment plan. Most cats recover within a week.

Prevention is key, especially for kittens, older cats, and those with weakened immune systems. Vaccination is highly recommended, as the feline distemper vaccine can significantly reduce the risk of your cat contracting the disease.

3. Feline Rhinotracheitis

Symptoms include frequent sneezing and coughing for three consecutive days, excessive eye discharge that may lead to blurred vision or changes in conjunctiva, and yellow nasal discharge. Cats may also appear listless.

Diagnosis is typically through a CBC, and Xrays may be necessary for severe cases to assess lung conditions. PCR (antigen PCR) is usually not helpful for most cases.

Treatment should be under veterinary supervision. Common medications include doxycycline, famciclovir, and clotrimazole. Nebulization therapy may be beneficial, along with decisions on fluid therapy, cuplike examination, nasal biopsy, and lavage based on the situation.

Prevention involves maintaining a stable indoor temperature and ensuring your cat is wellnourished to boost their immune system. For more information, refer to the section: "From Novice to Beginner: Vaccination."

4. Ear Mites

Symptoms include itching and frequent ear scratching, which can lead to bleeding in severe cases. Black discharge can be seen inside the ear when the earflap is lifted.

Diagnosis is made through a microscopic examination of earwax.

Treatment involves using T8 ear cleaning solution (weakly alkaline) or calendula oil twice daily. If fungal infection is present, apply ear ointment after cleaning. It's not recommended to use French Veto Wash, as it is acidic and may exacerbate ear drum damage in cases of tympanic membrane injury.

5. Gastroenteritis

Symptoms include vomiting or diarrhea three or more times in a day, or symptoms that persist for three days without improvement. These symptoms often occur together.

Diagnosis is confirmed through a CBC and stool analysis.

Treatment for initial symptoms of diarrhea or soft stools includes giving a probiotic like Bifidobacterium infantis, half a tablet twice a day, and ensuring warmth to promote healing. slippery elm powder can be added to protect the intestinal lining. If the condition does not improve, consider adding montmorillonite powder and seek veterinary care. For vomiting, fasting for 23 hours followed by refeeding is recommended. If vomiting recurs, medical attention is needed, and antiemetics and fluid replacement may be necessary.