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Many people often wonder when their cat is sick enough to be seen by a veterinarian. Here are some guidelines to help with the decision.
The kitten should be seen a minimum of three times during the first year of its life at ages 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 16 weeks for the following vaccination schedule:
Kittens all need to be blood-tested for Feline Leukemia Virus (Felv) -a fatal disease in cats, which there is no cure. They don't all show clinical signs, can be carriers to infect other cats, and can get it through bite wounds, close contact with other feline leukemia positive cats, and through their mother's milk and blood. Once blood-tested negative for Felv; then the following schedule is followed:
8 Weeks
Felv test, 4 and 1 (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Panleukopenia,
Calici, Chlamydia), Felv vaccine (if outdoor kitty or in contact
with any outdoor cats, and deworm
12 Weeks
4 and 1, Felv vaccine, and 2nd deworm
16 Weeks
4 and 1, Felv vaccine (if not given twice already), and rabies.
FIP is an infectious virus that is fatal in cats, and is mostly in multi-cat households with many cats that go outside. There is also a vaccination available for FIP but it is usually only given if the cats/kittens are in high-risk situations. You will want to take a stool sample in to have a fecal test done to see if your cat should have any parasites.
Also, at about 4 months (16 weeks) a fourth visit to the vet is necessary for getting your kitten spayed or neutered. Also, Vetco, full-service veterinary hospitals may run vaccination clinics out of Petco stores in your area. Please consult the web site for the address nearest to you and for dates and times of the clinics (www.petservice.com)-and for the nearest full-service hospital for your spay/neuter.
Other reasons why/when your cat should be seen by your veterinarian:
Vomiting
Often cats will swallow hair during normal grooming and this hair can clog the stomach not allowing food to pass. Cats will wretch and may or may not vomit up stomach contents plus or minus a "hairball". Hairballs are common and can be treated with over-the-counter medications such as Laxatone, Petromalt and can also be controlled by a new food by Science Diet that has enzymes that help reduce hairball formation. There are also some cats treats now available that also contain enzymes to reduce hairballs. Vomiting is a problem if it happens more than once in a day, contains blood, bile or mucous and especially if there are any other symptoms such as diarrhea, lethargy, anorexia (not eating), salivation, etc. If any of these signs are evident, then a veterinarian should examine your cat right away. Dehydration can result in death if vomiting is excessive or accompanied by diarrhea.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea in cats is never normal and should always be a red flag to take your cat to the veterinarian. Diarrhea can be caused by parasites, diet problems, life-threatening viral infections (such as feline leukemia, feline distemper, or feline infectious peritonitis), bacterial infections, and metabolic problems such as diabetes, kidney disease, liver problems, etc. Diarrhea can quickly result in dehydration and death if it goes untreated. Always try to take a poop sample to your vet that is 24 hours fresh to be examined for parasites, blood or mucous by your veterinarian.
Increased Thirst
A cat that seems to suddenly be drinking an excessive amount of water and using the litterbox more often (or litter appears more saturated than usual) should be seen by your veterinarian. Diabetes, kidney disease, adrenal tumors, and many viral infections can result in increased thirst. If it is an excessively hot day, this may be the cause of the increased thirst but it should only last a day or so. See your vet if your cat's drinking and urination patterns change.
Inappropriate Urination
Cats will eliminate outside of the litterbox either for medical or behavioral reasons. Medical reasons should always be ruled out and consist of tumors, cysts, stones, infection, and inflammation of the urinary tract, including the kidneys, etc. Always try to take a urine sample into your vet for testing.
Anorexia
Stress and illness will result in your cat not wanting to eat. Any anorexia (not eating) and especially weight loss (gradual or acute) should be reported to your vet and evaluated immediately. Severe dental disease or tooth decay can cause anorexia, which is easily prevented by routine dental cleaning.
Blood From Anywhere
Female cats go into heat about every 14 days if they are not bred or spayed. Sometimes you will see blood from the vulva, other times you won't. That is why any blood that is ever visible in any form from your cat should be evaluated immediately by your veterinarian. No blood is normal! It can indicate bleeding problems, toxins, infections, lacerations, infected bite wounds called "abscesses", parasites, poisoning, etc. Please have any blood problems evaluated immediately no matter how much blood is present!
Panting, Wheezing, or Coughing
These are not normal symptoms for any cat. They can indicate viral, bacterial or fungal infections. They can be signs of heart or lung disease or even cancer. They can also indicate parasitic infection such as Heartworms. Cats can also be asthmatic and can have difficulty breathing. Cats also get allergies, though it is not very common. Many cats that go outside get exposed to many cat-flu-like viruses that can result in death if untreated. These signs are never normal and should be evaluated by your veterinarian.
Scratching or Itching Excessively
Cats will scratch occasionally just as you and I when we have an itch. Excessive scratching can be a sign of bacterial or fungal infections of the skin, allergies, parasites (ear mites are very common in the cat and appear to be "coffee grounds" in the ear canals). These all require treatment from your veterinarian once a diagnosis is made. Scratching excessively often leads to abraded skin and infections. If your cat is scratching at itself excessively, it is suffering and needs medical attention.
As with any animal, any sudden change in voice, behavior, eating, drinking, elimination or sleeping patterns should be addressed by your veterinarian. If you question it, it should be seen.
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