Identifying Common Ailments in Cats Adopted from Animal Shelters and Rescue Groups

Diarrhea

Young kittens are at greater risk from diarrhea because they can easily become dehydrated, and also because some forms of diarrhea can kill fairly quickly if untreated. Adult cats need treatment too.

A cat that makes a rapid change from one type of wet food to another will often get diarrhea. His digestive tract simply hasn't had a chance to adapt to the new ingredients. Ask your shelter or rescue group what wet food he's been eating, and either keep him on this, or slowly migrate him to a new food. Diarrhea from a change in diet shouldn't be watery, bloody or mucous filled - just loose.

Roundworms are the most common type of worm in kittens (most are born with them). They can cause mild diarrhea, sometimes with a little blood, and if untreated can become serious. Treatment is a liquid medication that is given orally by your vet. All young kittens should be treated for roundworms. Please do not seek over-the-counter treatment for roundworms.

Coccidia are single-celled organisms that are a common cause of diarrhea in cats and kittens. The smell of coccidia related diarrhea is often described as sour-fruity. The diarrhea can be pale colored, bloody or watery. Kittens and cats are often treated on the presumption of coccidia because of the speed with which coccidia can cause serious complications even death in kittens if untreated. A negative test result does not mean that the cat is not affected.

Giardia is another parasite that causes a foul-smelling diarrhea - it often appears quickly, and tends to have visible mucous in the feces. A negative test does not mean the cat is free of infection.

Skin Related Issues

Ringworm is a fungus, and not a worm. While mildly contagious to humans, ringworm isn't as bad as many people think, so don't panic! Ringworm is not dangerous to cats, or to humans except for young children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems. It typically appears as a roundish bald spot commonly found around a cat's face, ears, head, paws, and tail accompanied by scabby, reddish or grayish welts.

Common treatments include twice or more daily applications of over-the-counter anti-fungal creams to the affected spots. An Anti-flea medication called Program® (Lufenuron) may also be effective in treating Ringworm, but its use is "off label". Your vet can ask the manufacturer (Novartis) to fax the studies and dosage information. Lime dips, and other prescribed medications may be worth reserving for more serious cases.

In humans, ringworm looks like round reddish welts. Avoid sun exposure to the welts, and apply anti-fungal cream on and around the welts at least twice a day. Consult your doctor if you're concerned or if the welts are spreading.

Ear mites are small little organisms that resemble microscopic tics. Sometimes shelter cats have dirty ears. If the dirt is black and crumbly like coffee grounds it may be ear mites. The ears should be thoroughly cleaned before leaving the shelter. If the black dirt returns over time then the cat has ear mites. Treatment for ear mites (typically ear drops) should only be done after the ears are cleaned.

Fleas are hard to see - more commonly you will see flea "dirt" which looks like specks of pepper and is actually flea feces with digested blood. Use a flea comb to remove some of the dirt and put it on a wet paper towel - if in a few minutes a small blood stain appears then it's definitely flea dirt.

For kitten eight weeks and older, common "spot on" treatments include Advantage®, Revolution®, and Frontline®. Advantage® works the fastest, but they all provide protection for a month. Program® works by interrupting the life cycle of the flea, so it takes longer to be effective, but has no toxicity issues.

Don't use flea collars! They aren't effective, and because they surround your cat with an insecticide 24/7 they pose a risk of toxicity. They are also a strangulation hazard.

You've done a wonderful thing by adopting a cat or kitten from a shelter or rescue group! Despite the best efforts of these organizations many cats will still have some medical issues around the time of adoption. Most of these problems are easily resolved through the timely intervention of the adopter.

If you see symptoms in your adopted kitten or cat, please don't wait to get help, and don't wait for the symptoms to go away by themselves. Contact your vet or shelter at the first sign of symptoms. And may your cats live long, healthy and happy lives!

© Copyright 2004, Stephen Quandt, All rights Reserved.

Stephen Quandt is a volunteer Adoption Rep., for KittyKind a nonprofit, no-kill, all-volunteer cat rescue and adoption group located in New York City. He has two fabulous cats, Simon and Felix whom he shares with his human companion. He can be reached via his forum profile at thecatsite.com.