Buying your first cat? What health and behavior to check?

There shouldnt be an issue with this kitten being orphaned. It would be a good idea to get it checked over by a vet first before you commit to it, certain things you wont see yourself, like heart murmurs etc. Bedt of luck.

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. I would recommend taking the kitten in to be seen by a veterinarian for a health check exam to make sure vitals and everything else is ok before taking the kitten in. I would want to make sure the kitten is flea and tick free and make sure the exam is normal. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. I am also available via consultation if needed.

I'm glad you are doing your homework before bringing new fur babies into the situation. Most shelters will routinely deworm their pets and test for leukemia and FIV. So you definitely want to make sure these treatments/tests are run prior to adopting the new kittens. Its not unusual for new cats and kittens to break with upper respiratory infections within the first 2 weeks of being adopted. Herpes virus is very common in cats (some estimate 80% of cats carry the virus) and it comes out in the stress related to being in a shelter and being rehomed. Now, this is not going to happen to every cat/kitten but its not unusual. Therefore, your best chance to avoid this would be to get a cat/kitten that has been kept in a foster home. It will likely still have herpes but the environment should be less stressful, therefore less risk of the virus becoming active. Keep the new pet separated for 2 weeks. That way if it does have an outbreak, you will at least have it contained. You could also put your cats on 500mg of lysine twice daily to help booster their immune system. Kittens get 250mg twice daily. Please post again if you have any further questions!

1. Cats seem to like me. I personally have four cats. 2. Cats love to eat! They also like to play and get love. 3. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need to eat meat to survive. Different cats have different tastes. My cats love tuna, and all cats love meat and fish. I have a cat who loves to eat potato chips, especially sour cream and onion ones. She will come running if she hears a bag opening. 4. It is never ok to give cats milk. They are lactose intolerant and can't digest it. It will give them diarrhea. 5. Again, it depends on the cat. Some cats like chasing balls, while other like chasing animals on a string or feathers. 6. The Persian is #1, followed by the Maine Coon, and then the Exotic. 7. The third eyelid removes debris from the cornea, and helps to redistribute tears across the cornea. 8. It's very important to have regular health checks at your vet and vaccinate your cats. Feed them a high quality cat food, and avoid human food as many are toxic to cats. Keep them at a healthy weight, and show them lots of love and affection. 9. There are a lot of differing opinions on declawing cats. Some people think it's wrong, while others don't see a problem with it. It simply depends on personal opinion. 10. Sphynx, Devon Rex, Cornish Rex.

Congratulations on adding the cats to your family!!!! It's very important to ask questions about what kind of food, litter box and litter are they currently using. Try to use the same products. Also make sure to get a vaccine history and a thorough medical history (including Felv/FIV testing, deworming medication and any flea products that have been applied). That way you will be caught up on everything and can make arrangements to keep them on schedule with the preventive care if needed. Since the cats are already use to each other, it's likely they will get along fine in the new place. Here is a helpful link about new cats: https://www.petcoach.co/article/bringing-your-cat-home-how-to-prepare-for-an-easy-transition/ I hope this helps and best of luck.

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Although animals do like company, they also can be very happy as single pets. If Scout seems happy, don't feel pressured to get a second cat. Scout should go to a vet as soon as you can make an appointment as he is likely behind on vaccines/worming if he hasn't had any since you got him. Neuter is recommended at 6 months of age. Otherwise just make sure you have scratching posts, litter tray, food and water. Best of luck with Scout!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Congratulations! I recommend at 5 months for the first visit to consist of: fecal test, deworming even if the fecal test is negative, feline leukemia and FIV testing, the FVRCP vaccine every 3 weeks for a total of 2 and the Rabies vaccine. I also recommend spaying and neutering after 6 months of age. I recommend feeding ahigh quality kitten food like Purina Proplan, Hill's Science Diet or Royal Canin until 1 year of age. To watch the weight after 6 months I recommend meal feeding. I wish you the very best!