Stray cat getting neutered tomorrow - important questions and concerns

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starfish

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This is the cat's story (so far): http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=208627

Since no place was able to take him in this weekend, I made an appointment for him to be neutered on Monday. I have some questions on what I should ask for when dropping him off.

1) Should he get anything besides neutering, shots and FELV/FIV test? (I have enough care credit to cover some extra things if necessary.)

2) What things should I ask the vet when dropping him off besides checking his age?

3) If he tests positive for FELV/FIV, what should I do with him? I can't take him to the show if he tests positive for either.

4) Any other advice you'd like to share with me?
 
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1. That's pretty good....de-worming and flea treatment would be a good idea, too. Although I don't like to do everything on the same day. It's a big stress on the body.

You do mean FeLV/FIV test, right? Don't let the vet test for FIP....almost all cats carry the virus that "causes" FIP, but very few of them will actually get it. And a lot of vets will recommend euthanizing a cat that test postive, even though it doesn't really mean anything.

2. Vets can't really tell how old a cat is. They may have an educated guess but there's no way to tell for sure. I can't think of anything more to ask.

3. This is up to you. FeLV/FIV positive cats are very hard to adopt out, and many rescuers are forced to euthanize cats that test positive. But don't euth based on one test....wait a month or so and test again if he pops positive on this one. An FIV positive cat can live with other cats, with a very low chance of transmitting the virus, but FeLV is more contagious.

4. Nah...just thank you for rescuing this boy!
 
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starfish

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Originally Posted by Willowy

1. That's pretty good....de-worming and flea treatment would be a good idea, too. Although I don't like to do everything on the same day. It's a big stress on the body.

Thanks, I gave him most of a tube of advantage (only had the dose for 9-18 lbs) when I found him. Will ask for deworming. Is fecal test important? I want do what's good for him without unnecessarily running up the care credit.

You do mean FeLV/FIV test, right? Don't let the vet test for FIP....almost all cats carry the virus that "causes" FIP, but very few of them will actually get it. And a lot of vets will recommend euthanizing a cat that test postive, even though it doesn't really mean anything.

Yeah, I meant FIV. I think I had FIP in my head because I lost a kitten to FIP earlier this year. I edited my orignal post.

2. Vets can't really tell how old a cat is. They may have an educated guess but there's no way to tell for sure. I can't think of anything more to ask.

Yeah, I know that the older they get the harder it is to tell. I just hope he agrees with the estimate that the lady at the Banfield test came up with when I had him checked for a microchip.

3. This is up to you. FeLV/FIV positive cats are very hard to adopt out, and many rescuers are forced to euthanize cats that test positive. But don't euth based on one test....wait a month or so and test again if he pops positive on this one. An FIV positive cat can live with other cats, with a very low chance of transmitting the virus, but FeLV is more contagious.

I should have mentioned that I only have firm permission to keep him until the cat show. If he tests positive I don't think I will allowed to hold on to him long enough for a re-test (yes, I feel bad because I know that the tests aren't 100% reliable). I will probably be forced to do something with him if he doesn't find a home. I don't want to release him where I found him because the area isn't a safe one for humans or animals. Lots of stray dogs and people that will hurt cats. Don't know if my neighborhood is a safe place.

4. Nah...just thank you for rescuing this boy!
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Thanks for your advice.
 
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Willowy

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Well, if he tests positive on the first test you should at least run another one just to make sure the test wasn't a dud. Not ideal but sometimes there's only so much you can do.

I never get fecal tests on new strays. I just assume they have some parasite load and give them the de-wormer. Your vet might prefer to do the fecal though. Either way.
 
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starfish

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His feLV/FIV test came back negative!


He got his neutering, shots, and fecal check done today. And even though I put part of a tube of Advantage on him last week (I only had the higher dose), they still said he had fleas. I wonder if it is flea dirt, since I never did find the flea comb yet to comb him out, only a slicker brush. So they put a correct dose of advantage on him today. That should take care of that.

He weighed in today at 6.5 lbs, but nothing was mentioned about his health (mom picked him up so I didn't speak to them except when I checked on him during lunch). So apparently, he just needs to fatten up a bit and he will be good to go. I am still trying to find a home for him. I will be taking him to the cat show this weekend to help him out, but I don't know what I can do for him after that.
 
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