I adopted my new kitty yesterday. He is an 8.5 month old DLH black male with some white on his chest. And, while I'm no stranger to cats or even adopting, I am still a nervous wreck.
Just to clarify, my new cat will be going to the vet tomorrow. I'm taking him with me to work and I'll have one of the vets take a look at him then. I received all of his paperwork from the shelter and he's received his FVRCP vaccine and a booster. And, he's been tested (and tested negative) for FeLV and FIV. He's also been dewormed with pyrantel a number of times and has been given a flea preventative. According to their records, he did have a URI at one point, but that is hardly something unusual. He had no other major issues while at the humane society. And, when I first met him, I did take a look at him (I work at a veterinary clinic and have been a vet assistant in the past) and he looked to be healthy. Of course, I know that he could develop a URI due to shelter conditions or the stress of being adopted, but he didn't have anything of concern going on at the time. He had some clear eye discharge, but it was slight at best. And, his eyes are clear and bright. His coat is shiny and free from mats and he was active and interested in his surroundings. He is slightly thin, but at under a year old, I think he's alright. And, in no time, I'm sure he'll fill out.
Here's where my concern is. This morning, when I peeked in on the new guy, I noticed that he had some litter dust stuck to his nose. It's obvious since his nose and fur is black -- it wasn't anything to worry about. But, if you know me, you know I worry regardless as to whether there is a reason to or not. He is being quarantined, so I don't have too many fears there. But, he does have some very slight clear eye and nasal discharge. He may develop a URI and I can certainly provide vet care and meds if needed, but I'm just worried about my boy. I know eye discharge and nasal discharge, when clear, is not necessarily of concern. But, how does one know whether it is something to worry about or not? I know, I know...I mean, after all, I work at a vet! If the discharge is not clear or if it is green, yellow, or thick -- then, a vet is in order. And, maybe some medication as well. He is not sneezing, no coughing, and, while he still has eaten, drank water, or used the litter box, I think that's normal for a cat who hasn't even been in his new home for 24 hours yet. He is responsive to me and purrs and snuggles when I'm near. And, he seems somewhat interested in his food and water dish today. His breathing is clear and I've only noticed him make a funny swallowing noise once. To be fair, though, he was frightened at the time so I assume it's nothing. In short, he seems perfectly normal aside from some minor clear discharge which could just be from stress or the smells of his new environment.
Like I said, he'll be going to the vet tomorrow. He's going to stay with me while I'm at work. I guess I just wanted or needed to vent my worries. It's amazing how much you can love them straight from the start.
Just to clarify, my new cat will be going to the vet tomorrow. I'm taking him with me to work and I'll have one of the vets take a look at him then. I received all of his paperwork from the shelter and he's received his FVRCP vaccine and a booster. And, he's been tested (and tested negative) for FeLV and FIV. He's also been dewormed with pyrantel a number of times and has been given a flea preventative. According to their records, he did have a URI at one point, but that is hardly something unusual. He had no other major issues while at the humane society. And, when I first met him, I did take a look at him (I work at a veterinary clinic and have been a vet assistant in the past) and he looked to be healthy. Of course, I know that he could develop a URI due to shelter conditions or the stress of being adopted, but he didn't have anything of concern going on at the time. He had some clear eye discharge, but it was slight at best. And, his eyes are clear and bright. His coat is shiny and free from mats and he was active and interested in his surroundings. He is slightly thin, but at under a year old, I think he's alright. And, in no time, I'm sure he'll fill out.
Here's where my concern is. This morning, when I peeked in on the new guy, I noticed that he had some litter dust stuck to his nose. It's obvious since his nose and fur is black -- it wasn't anything to worry about. But, if you know me, you know I worry regardless as to whether there is a reason to or not. He is being quarantined, so I don't have too many fears there. But, he does have some very slight clear eye and nasal discharge. He may develop a URI and I can certainly provide vet care and meds if needed, but I'm just worried about my boy. I know eye discharge and nasal discharge, when clear, is not necessarily of concern. But, how does one know whether it is something to worry about or not? I know, I know...I mean, after all, I work at a vet! If the discharge is not clear or if it is green, yellow, or thick -- then, a vet is in order. And, maybe some medication as well. He is not sneezing, no coughing, and, while he still has eaten, drank water, or used the litter box, I think that's normal for a cat who hasn't even been in his new home for 24 hours yet. He is responsive to me and purrs and snuggles when I'm near. And, he seems somewhat interested in his food and water dish today. His breathing is clear and I've only noticed him make a funny swallowing noise once. To be fair, though, he was frightened at the time so I assume it's nothing. In short, he seems perfectly normal aside from some minor clear discharge which could just be from stress or the smells of his new environment.
Like I said, he'll be going to the vet tomorrow. He's going to stay with me while I'm at work. I guess I just wanted or needed to vent my worries. It's amazing how much you can love them straight from the start.
