Unveiling the Mystery: What is 'Week Cat'?
What is a "Week Cat"?
Many unscrupulous cat dealers seek to sell sick cats by administering stimulant drugs to mask their illness, making the cats appear lively and spirited. Novice cat owners, not recognizing the signs, might mistakenly believe these cats look healthier than others and end up purchasing them. However, these "week cats," as they're called, revert to a sickly state as the drug's effects wear off, often not lasting more than a week after being brought home.
Due to their already weak immune systems, if these cats are not treated promptly and instead given stimulants, their bodies can quickly deplete their energy reserves. Even with the best intentions and veterinary care, these cats may not survive. This is why they are referred to as "week cats."
Therefore, when purchasing a cat from a pet store, it's crucial to learn basic observation techniques and carefully select your pet. Don't make a decision based solely on appearance. Additionally, it's strongly advised not to buy pets online. You can't guarantee the cat's appearance, and even videos may not show the actual animal. Moreover, young cats, especially after longdistance transport, can become stressed, leading to illnesses like diarrhea, vomiting, and infectious enteritis.
How to Choose a Healthy Cat?
(1) Observe the Cat's Mental State: A healthy cat is alert, active, and playful. Unwell cats may appear subdued, inactive, or excessively sleepy.
(2) Inspect the Cat's Fur and Physical Condition: Look for a wellproportioned body without signs of emaciation. The fur should be shiny and free from excessive shedding or dandruff, indicating good nutrition.
(3) Check the Cat's Anal Area: The area around the anus should be clean and free from diarrhea.
(4) Examine the Cat's Facial Features: Healthy cats have clean eyes and nostrils without discharge. The mucous membranes in the mouth should be a healthy pink color. The ears should be clean; if you see dark or greasy discharge, it may indicate ear mites or Malassezia, which should be treated before bringing the cat home.
In reality, there are many stray cats out there. We encourage adoption over purchasing pets. Don't just chase specific breeds; mixedbreed cats are actually less prone to illness and have great personalities. For more petrelated knowledge, feel free to click on "Pet Market" to learn more!
