Head shaking and scratching right ear?

marc999

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Hi there,

I've had Boo (4 year old neutered long hair domestic) for ~ 24 hours now.

He's doing some head shaking fairly often and occasional right ear scratching.   It started a few hours after I brought him home.  Also, occasional sneezing.

I'm surprised because the shelter adoption fee includes checking for ear mites / dose of Advantage for fleas / deworming and initial vaccinations and other minor ailments.  

He's due for a Vet. appointment Jan 18th for another round of vaccinations, yet anyone have any insight as to what this might be? 

He's peed twice in the litter box, yet I haven't found a poop yet.  He's drinking from the water fountain and eating his original kibble from the shelter and I tried 1/2 a can of Fancy Feast - Turkey & Giblet which he liked. 

Shouldn't he have pooped by now? 
 

jreiger

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The ear thing: might be an ear infection or the shelter didn't do a very good job at checking for mites. 

The poop thing: give him a little time. I know my brats didn't poop for a while when I brought them home. If he doesn't within the next 12 hours, call the vet to see what they recommend. If he isn't throwing any of his food up there shouldnt be a blockage so that rules it out for now. Just do a food and poop watch. 
 

catwoman707

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There's that adorable Boo kitty :)

The ear is one of a few possibilities, but my guess is def. earmites.

Not a biggie, if dealt with asap, otherwise the scratching causes probs, scabbing, sore, and so on.

Head shaking, scratching, and pulling the ear down here and there, or holding it in a non upright position is usually earmites.

If he were outdoors it's also a possible foxtail, which is common and painful, but doubt there are any foxtails in the shelter crates :)

It can also be an infection or yeast infection, but upon looking into his ear canal you would see swelling, at least a bit.

He needs earmite treatment, I'd bet on that.

The poop? Give it a bit more time, within the next day or so he will go.
 
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marc999

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Ok, thanks for the feedback.  

I'm a first time cat owner. Dated a few women in yrs. past that had cats, but didn't know much about their behavior/routines...the cats that is. 

Apparently I don't know my left from right, it's his left ear. 

Is it alright if I try to get in to see Vet. on Monday? 

I'm looking at him now, he's on a window perch staring out a window, not shaking his head or scratching.  Perhaps he just does it in front of me.

I've put out another litter box with different litter too, let him decide which he likes. I'll be on poop alert but thanks for - ' no cause for alarm '.   He's not puking or anything.  

I can't say he's overly affectionate, yet.  He'll let me run my hand the length of his body, or circle my legs once in awhile, but he's not too keen on me picking him up.  He won't scratch but he resists and frowns so I put him down.  Must be my deodorant! I have to get used to the fact that with a cat - I'm on his terms, more or less, vs. a dog that will accept a tummy rub all day long.   This cat uses his hind legs to push my hand away if I get close to his tummy, chest is ok though. 
 

catwoman707

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You have already learned the first of several 'lessons'...:) HIS terms, is there any other way??! 


In time with gained trust he will be more willing to be rubbed in other more "sacred" areas like tummy. My brat cat who I saved and raised since the day she was born only lets me rub her tummy during the night when she is very relaxed or was just sleeping. So ungrateful! Hmmph. The nerve....

It is an individual cat thing, but he will surely let you know when you cross the boundaries.

He can be taken to the vet Monday, there's no reason for an urgent after hours/weekend visit.
 
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mosimom

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Boo is SO handsome!
I'm still learning with a one year old cat. My first cat. Some of the health problems I've read here really freak me out, but I read "just in case" i need the information one day.

My Mosi has already had entropion surgery on one eye and we'll be doing the other eye soon. And I can't believe she actually ate a headband that she's played with since bringing her home last February. Totally out of character for her. She's become an expert at wearing a cone and takes it all in stride. Me?....I'm becoming a paranoid hovering kitty Mom.
 

cprcheetah

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Sounds like he might have ear mites.  The sneezing could indicate a respiratory infection which is pretty common in shelter/rescue cats.I would try to get him into the vet as soon as you can (Monday would be fine).  Don't let the vet vaccinate him if he has health issues.  I would wait for a week or two after the issues clear up to vaccinate.  You don't want to overload his immune system.
 

susank521

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Ok, thanks for the feedback.  

I'm a first time cat owner. Dated a few women in yrs. past that had cats, but didn't know much about their behavior/routines...the cats that is. 
 DH says that cats and women are much alike, just when you think you can predict them.... 

How exciting for you and Boo. You can both learn about this cat/human stuff together.
 He is a good looking guy and 4 years old is the perfect age for a first-time cat servant. The not pooping is normal. They usually won't poop in new surroundings until they are comfortable or can't hold it any longer, so no worries there, yet. But I'm glad you're going to the vet for the ears. Whether it's ear mites or an infection (frequent after-effect from the mites) it's uncomfortably for Boo. Getting him comfortable will go a long way towards you two getting to know and love each other. And I second what @cprcheetah  said about vaccinations, no vaccinating sick kitties.
 

go6car

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If it turns out not to be ear mites, it could be a grain allergy.

When we brought our new kitty home a few years ago, she had the exact same thing. Scratching at one ear, and a sneeze or two every once in a while.( She had a clean bill of health otherwise). The rescue had recommended some dry food for me to bring her home with, so I swapped that out for grain-free dry, and the sneezing and ear itching stopped in about 24 hours. 

Best of luck to you!
 
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