5-6 month old stray kitten trouble

Hello! It's been a few years since I posted, kinda forgot about my account here but remembered while clearing out emails.

The current issue I'm posting about is the fact that a friend found a 5-6 month old stray kitten and nothing is known about him. We aren't even sure of his actual age, but I know he is young and looks just about old enough to be neutered.
We took him to the vet and as we suspected, he has a lot of health issues right off the bat. He is coughing and sneezing a lot, squinting his eyes frequently, has had diarrhea with a little blood, and has ear mites. Vet also suspects parasites. Due to financial restrictions we are addressing his upper respiratory issues with antibiotics and his eye stuff first.

So far he is still coughing and sneezing, but not as often (its been 4 days since starting meds). He doesn't have bloody poo, but its still runny with some mild form at the end.

My question, which was not clearly answered by my vet, is: how much of his diarrhea could be from possible worms, and how much of it could be from a major diet change? Am I doing the right thing by addressing his coughing first, or should I be jumping on potential parasites? I can only afford a little at a time and don't get more money again till next Friday.

Any insight or similar experiences would be great, as my vet was not clear when I asked her. She's a great vet, not a great (or clear) conversationalist. xP

emmyvm said:

 how much of his diarrhea could be from possible worms, and how much of it could be from a major diet change? Am I doing the right thing by addressing his coughing first, or should I be jumping on potential parasites? I can only afford a little at a time and don't get more money again till next Friday.
 

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Both causes are possible.  Being a surviving homeless, he is surely used to a variety of diets. So to speak.  So SOME changes he does surely manage.  But he is probably not used to have good, nourishing, first rate food, with lotsa of both proteins and fat... So it may be a cause.   Although my guess is, its mostly the parasites he surely have.

Yes, I think its wise to stabilize first his overall health, take the worms as next step, and neutering in the last step.

You know which dewormers to use?  I suppose the vet is advicing you?

You can give him some plain unsweetened yoghurt, especielly if you find one with bifidus and aciphillus bacteria added.   This is good probiotica, and helps when they gets antiiotica.  Which I see he gets.. Its also good nourishment in itself, and totally harmless

Good luck!

StefanZ said:

You know which dewormers to use?  I suppose the vet is advicing you?

You can give him some plain unsweetened yoghurt, especielly if you find one with bifidus and aciphillus bacteria added.   This is good probiotica, and helps when they gets antiiotica.  Which I see he gets.. Its also good nourishment in itself, and totally harmless

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Thanks for the feedback!

Yeah my vet has a dewormer in mind, so we will see what comes of that.

For the yogurt, that's an interesting idea, but would I mix it in with the food I'm giving him? I'm giving him the grain-free Sheba Chicken Pâté, because that's what we give our 1.5 year old female Luna, and it says it is good for kittens too. Plus I can't get a different food for him yet.

How much yogurt would I put in? He does seem to be having tummy problems from the antibiotics.

emmyvm said:

For the yogurt, that's an interesting idea, but would I mix it in with the food I'm giving him? I'm giving him the grain-free Sheba Chicken Pâté, because that's what we give our 1.5 year old female Luna, and it says it is good for kittens too. Plus I can't get a different food for him yet.

How much yogurt would I put in? He does seem to be having tummy problems from the antibiotics.

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The problem is sooner, if he would eat it.  Some cats are picky.  I have even heard about rescued cats whom were picky!   Being ex homeless, he shouldnt be, anything eatable should disappear soon enough.

If he isnt very picky, give it as you wish. Mixed with this Sheba Pate, or as it is. Or even - togehter with water.

It doesnt need to be much, but if he likes it, its not harmful in any way.  Dont overdo, but you dont need to be super cautious (yoghurt is easier to digest than cow milk, for those who dont manage cow milk)..

Use a full fat variation, ie 3% if there are several to choose among.

Good luck!