New Cat Home: Should You Schedule a Vet Check-Up?

Section 1: Should a New Cat Be Taken for a Health Check Upon Arrival?

This question requires an answer from two perspectives: "Should we" and "Are we able to."

Firstly, it is indeed essential to have a new cat undergo a health check.

Owners should promptly get a grasp of their new feline's health status. Therefore, it's advisable to take the cat to a veterinary clinic for a checkup before bringing it home. This ensures that the cat is healthy, free from any viruses, and ready to join your family.

However, it's not advisable to take a cat for a health check immediately after it arrives at its new home.

Cats are naturally shy and sensitive creatures, and the new environment can already cause stress. Taking them to a vet right away could exacerbate this stress, potentially leading to inaccurate test results. Therefore, if the cat has already been brought home, it's recommended to let it acclimate for 12 days, allowing it to get used to the owner's scent and feel less afraid. Once the cat is no longer fearful, it can then be taken to the vet for a routine health examination.

Section 2: What Kind of Health Check Does a New Cat Need?

1. Facial Examination:

In good health, a cat's ears should be clean, dry, and free of excessive earwax. The eyes should be clear and bright, with no third eyelid protrusion, and the nose should be moist. Additionally, the cat's teeth should be white, with pink, nonswollen gums, and the mouth should appear pinkish.

2. Abdominal Examination:

Upon gentle palpation of the lower abdomen, a healthy kitten should have a slightly rounded belly, but it should not be rigid, which might indicate a hernia. After releasing the cat, observe if it walks awkwardly. Lift the cat's tail to check for signs of diarrhea. A healthy cat's anus should be clean without any fecal residue.

3. Fecal Examination:

While the above steps can be done for preliminary checks, pet owners should also confirm whether the cat is infected with parasites. A veterinary visit is necessary for a fecal examination to determine if the cat carries worms, tapeworms, toxoplasmosis, heartworms, and other internal parasites. If an infection is detected, prompt deworming is necessary.

4. FPV Virus Test:

This test typically involves bloodwork to ascertain if the cat is carrying diseases like feline distemper. These diseases pose a significant threat to kittens. If a virus is detected, early treatment is crucial.

Important Tips:

After the health check, it's important to schedule regular deworming and vaccinations for your cat. Maintain a clean living environment to prevent the growth of pathogens. Pay attention to your cat's diet, keeping it light and easy to digest to avoid digestive issues. Should any unusual symptoms arise, consult an online veterinary professional or visit a vet promptly.