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Cat Forum / Health and Behavior / December 2004Very old cat and feral kitten
I have an 18 year old cat who has, along with me, been howling for six months since her sister died. A healthy feral cat at my community garden had kittens and I want to adopt one (it has cured my howling). I'd like to know all the possible diseases, worms, and so on that might be a problem, though the kittens and the mother seem to be very healthy. For example, can my old cat get worms if they share a litter box (though I saw no evidence of worms when I had the kittens in a box inside during some cold rain)? If the kitten is carrying FIV, is that an instant death sentence for my old cat? Please keep to health issues; my old lady is wilder than the kitten and I've sorted out how to protect the little guy until he can hit back. > I have an 18 year old cat who has, along with me, been howling for six months since her sister died. A healthy feral cat at my community garden had kittens and I want to adopt one (it has cured my howling). I'd like to know all the possible diseases, worms, and so on that might be a problem, though the kittens and the mother seem to be very healthy. For example, can my old cat get worms if they share a litter box (though I saw no evidence of worms when I had the kittens in a box inside during some cold rain)? If the kitten is carrying FIV, is that an instant death sentence for my old cat? Please keep to health issues; my old lady is wilder than the kitten and I've sorted out how to protect the little guy until he can hit back. I'm sorry, I don't understand. You of course plan to take the kitten to the vet first thing, right? Get the kitten to a vet for testing/deworming/vaccination before bringing it into the house, or before letting it out of a room where it's in isolation. All these issues can be resolved by discussion with your vet and action by your vet. Priscilla >For example, can my old cat get worms if they share a litter box (though I >saw no evidence of worms when I had the kittens in a box inside during some >cold rain)? If the kitten is carrying FIV, is that an instant death sentence >for my old cat? Please keep to health issues; my old lady is wilder than the >kitten and I've sorted out how to protect the little guy until he can hit >back. Last time I adopted a street cat, he got a full vet check before I brought him home to my existing cat. A good idea before making any decision. Janet Boss http://bestfriendsdogobedience.com/ http://photos.yahoo.com/bestfriendsobedience I was taken to the laundry by the vet who did not save my old cat's sister, so I was trying to avoid another nasty experience. The "You of course" and "Your vet" messages must come from people with deep pockets. And I want to add that my childhood cat lived to 22 with one trip to the vet to get spayed, and my sisters were grocery store kittens and also went once for spaying and made it to 17 and still going strong at 18, so I must be doing something right. > And I want to add that my childhood cat lived to 22 with one trip to the > vet to get spayed, and my sisters were grocery store kittens and also went > once for spaying and made it to 17 and still going strong at 18, so I must > be doing something right. That's all fine and dandy, but a kitten with an unknown history *especially* needs to be seen by the vet, unless you have a microscope, FeLV/FIV tests, a stash of medicine and vaccines, the ability to diagnose parasites, and know how to perform a spay or neuter. Not trying to be a smart a.s, but everyone here is just trying to give you the best advice. This kitten should remain separated from your adult cat until he or she is seen by a vet. This kitten could have any number of parasites or diseases and your cat is up there in years. The kitten could have roundworms, giardia, FeLV, fleas, ticks, earmites, etc. Is there a low-cost clinic, such as a humane society that you could take the kitten to?  Signature-Kelly kelly at farringtons dot net "Wake up, and smell the cat food" -TMBG > And I want to add that my childhood cat lived to 22 with one trip to the vet to get spayed, and my sisters were grocery store kittens and also went once for spaying and made it to 17 and still going strong at 18, so I must be doing something right. Now that's brilliant. You lucked out with a cat genetically predisposed to good health. Do NOT take on a kitten if you will not get it the vet visit it needs to ensure it is not sick and will not endanger your cat. > I was taken to the laundry by the vet who did not save my old cat's sister, so I was trying to avoid another nasty experience. The "You of course" and "Your vet" messages must come from people with deep pockets. A visit to the vet is not expensive. You would just rather spend that money on something else. Buck up and do the right thing.Kittens need to be seen by a vet, to have their shots, etc. Period. Deep pockets my a.s.What we have is hearts big enough to dictate what we do with what is in our pockets so that we do the right thing for our animals. I spent $245.00 on an ultrasound for one of my cats just to put my mind at ease that she does not have heart disease. Could I have used that $245 for something else? You bet. My electric bill is more than that this month. I have two faucets dripping that need a plumber, and are driving my water bill way up. I need to see the dentist for a cleaning and other things, I could use some decent clothes for the holidays, and my last doctor's visit included an xray my insurance will not pay so I owe that to the doctor before I see him next month. However, my two cats will have their checkups first, even if my doctor has to wait. I work for a living and support myself with my own labor. My cats depend on me. It is all a matter of your priorities. The vet might charge you $60 to see that kitten and give it shots. Jesus. > The vet might charge you $60 to see that kitten and give it shots. Francis' first kitten appointment with general checkup and first shots cost me something like $40. Priscilla > > The vet might charge you $60 to see that kitten and give it shots. > > Francis' first kitten appointment with general checkup and first shots > cost me something like $40. > > Priscilla Everything is overpriced in Raleigh, NC. I can't figure out why, either. There's not that much here to get excited about. ;) > I was taken to the laundry by the vet who did not save my old cat's sister, so I was > trying to avoid another nasty experience. The "You of course" and "Your vet" messages > must come from people with deep pockets. What are you doing adopting a cat when you can't afford to take care of it properly? Priscilla > I was taken to the laundry by the vet who did not save my old cat's sister, > so I was trying to avoid another nasty experience. The "You of course" and > "Your vet" messages must come from people with deep pockets. I suppose that you don't go to doctors or dentists, either, because of one bad experience? There's more to pet ownership than love; there's also responsibility and commitment of resources, both time and money. If you can't take the time to find a good vet, or if you can't afford to pay vet bills, you shouldn't take on the responsibility of a cat. I'm not trying to be mean, but it's true. There are no guarantees with medical care. Is it possible your vet did the best he/she could, but your cat was beyond medical help? When I got Oscar, she was a tiny kitten, and I had an elderly dog. I made a vet appointment the same day I got her, and I didn't let Puma meet Oscar till I got the vet's okay. I'm glad I took her to the vet -- she had a bacterial infection, so she had tummy trouble that kept her from getting to the litter box in time. A week or so of squirting medicine in her mouth (boy, did she hate that!) and she was all better. From what I've read on this group, Oscar was lucky that that was her only problem. All of that being said, if you decide to get this or any kitten, I wish you luck and hope that the vet gives it a clean bill of health. Signaturemonique, caretaker of Oscar |
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