Hi All! Newbie looking for some advice.

Hi all. I recently adopted a new kitten from the local animal shelter. This is the first time I've gotten a kitten from a shelter. I usually got them from a family member, or from an add in the local paper. He's about four months old and I've noticed that he sneezes quite a bit and in the mornings he's got some black crusty discharge in his nose and some discharge in his eyes although it's not crusty. I'm wondering if this is something I should be really concerned about or if it will go away over time. I would take him to the vet if it is something to be concerned about, but if not, that's what I need to know as the funds are kinda tight at the moment. I'd appreciate any and all advice or suggestions about what I could do. Thanks a lot.
Patch's Mom.

Originally Posted by Ames740

Hi all. I recently adopted a new kitten from the local animal shelter. This is the first time I've gotten a kitten from a shelter. I usually got them from a family member, or from an add in the local paper. He's about four months old and I've noticed that he sneezes quite a bit and in the mornings he's got some black crusty discharge in his nose and some discharge in his eyes although it's not crusty. I'm wondering if this is something I should be really concerned about or if it will go away over time. I would take him to the vet if it is something to be concerned about, but if not, that's what I need to know as the funds are kinda tight at the moment. I'd appreciate any and all advice or suggestions about what I could do. Thanks a lot.
Patch's Mom.

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Honestly...I would take him to the vet. Chances are he has an upper respitory infection that can be treated. That would also be a good oppotunity for you to set up his neuter appt. if he hasn't been neutered already.

Katie

{{{Prayers & healing vibes being sent to your kitten}}} and hugs for his worried meowmmy I would definitely consult the vet PRONTO! Hopefully, you have a compassionate vet who understands "tight funds" (I sure do! ) who can either direct you to a rescue group that offers "medical funding" assistance or else would be willling to accept payments or work out a trade agreement, say a day or two of filing/office assistance, etc. You should also call the shelter & see if any of their other kitties have the same symptoms and notify them if your vet finds out anything treatable. Hopefully it's just allergies, but please take no chances!! Additionally,I'd check out www.animed.org which is the SPCA's petowner advice site.
By the way, WELCOME TO TCS!! I'd love to hear more about your kitten and hopefully see some pics! Please keep us updated on what you find out about your kitten's health - wishing you both the best of health & a long life of happiness together

Hello and welcome to the site! Serena had those symptoms when I rescued her and she ended up having a slight upper-respiratory infection. The vet had to give her some fluid injected into the scruff of her neck, and some pills. And I swear, the day after her first dose of medicine, I had already noticed an improvement! I think it ended up costing a couple hundred dollars when everything was said and done, but my vet agreed to a payment plan, and I paid as much as I could, when I could. It was great! Maybe your vet would work something out? Anyway, good luck! And congratulations on your new addition.

Hi and welcome to the site. Personally, I wouldn't take any chances with kittens and their health as it can be serious as their immune system isn't strong. I would take him to the vet and get him checked out as it could be a respiratory infection or something even more serious. You don't know with a new kitten as it came from a litter you don't know about and it could of gotten it from the other kittens from that litter. Discharges from the nose and eyes even show that something is not right. Better to be safe and sure than letting it get worse later if you leave it. Good luck.

Because it is a kitten you should move promptly and get the kitten health checked. Please also read Stephen's article about illnesses in shelter kitties


Shelter Illnesses

It's not uncommon for kitties coming from shelters to get a slight upper-res. Can you call the shelter? Chances are, if they have a clinic, they'll treat it for free (depending on when you adopted the kitten)...but definitely take him in. He'll probably go on some sort of anti-biotics and be fine in a few days

Thank you all so much for your advice. I've made an appointment for Patch with the vet on Monday. I hope it's only a slight infection and that it won't cost too much. I'll be sure to let ya'll know how he's doing. Thanks again!
Patch's Mom.