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Originally Posted by jenwales  Weird, I know! I guess I've been lucky.
This kitten is my 5th cat. The first three (Mo, Jack, and Lily) were adopted as adults. #4 (Boo) was 8 months old and then the new guy (Walt). None of my cats have ever had urinary or bowel issues. I've had the same vet since 1994 and this is the first time he suggested a stool sample. Walt is 5 or 6 months old so I guess his age is why the vet wants one.
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Ideally any new cat, regardless of age, should have a fecal test to check for any kind of parasites. Worms, especially round worm, is pretty common in cats. Cats that go outside shoulg be dewormed every few months and have a fecal test at least once a year. Indoor cats should also have regular fecals along with their yearly checkups. Even though the risk of worms is less for indoor cats it's not completely eliminated. You can bring in worm eggs in soil on your shoes and if you have dogs they can take it in too.
I'm surprised that your vet has never suggested a fecal before. That should be routine.
Remember that it's always best to have a fresh sample, less than a couple of hours old. If it's older than that it should be kept refrigirated until you go to the vet. Fresh samples should not be refrigirated.
The vet just needs very little poop to do the test so you don't need to get much. If you can't get a stool sample the vet can collect one with a cotton swab but of course that is not very pleasant for the poor cat.
. I always put a small (teaspoon size) of the poop in one of those small plastic throw-away containers you get at the store or a plastic lunch bag. Wow, 18 years with no stool checks!! This reminds me, I need to get Magilla's re-checked
