It would be unusual for your kitten to have such a severe reaction following those vaccinations. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen but it is not typical. I am glad she’s being seen….I think we’ll know more after your veterinarian does an exam on her. Some cats are just naturally less bright than others….they can follow the whole spectrum on personality. If you’ve had lots with extra spunk perhaps this is the pendulum swinging the other way. Unfortunately, we don’t have a good IQ test for our feline friends - not that they’d ever take it anyway! I guess I would not worry too much as long as her other functions are ok…You’ll just have to love her for her “uniqueness”.
Original post by Cat Advice (Emotional): Purina® Cat Chow® Mentor Amy Shojai and software by Elliott Back
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If the fleas are this severe, I would contact your veterinarian. There is a prescription topical medication for kittens starting at 6 weeks of age that is very effective. Bathing is also an option….for young kittens I often use Dawn dishwashing soap as it is very mild. Just be sure to not let your kitten get too chilled as some of them can still have issues regulating their temperature and that you rinse him thoroughly. Your veterinarian may also have a shampoo that is appropriate for young kittens. I would still use the comb. You may also want to try to control the kitten’s environment and treat the fleas there as well. Wash all bedding frequently in the hottest water possible and vacuum well and throw away the vacuum bag. You will also want to get medication from your veterinarian for Toby for tapeworms as they can be associated with flea infestation!
Original post by Cat Advice (Emotional): Purina® Cat Chow® Mentor Amy Shojai and software by Elliott Back
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Your cat is not changing her sex. Mounting behavior can be a sign of dominance and play in some cases. In this case, it is most likely associated with her being unspayed. Cats in heat can have LOTS of hormones flying around and with no outlet for them, aggression can occur. I would certainly recommend you spay your cat when you can.
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This is a fabulous question! I certainly understand your concerns about putting Boots under anesthesia for his teeth. However, death following surgery/anesthesia is very unusual in a healthy cat. In most cases, it is usually due to an underlying condition or disease and not due to the process of anesthesia itself. There are multiple things to do and ask to be sure your cat is getting good care. First, be sure your veterinarian feels Boots is healthy for anesthesia and it is always a good idea to have labs done before surgery to look for any hidden underlying disease. I would also talk to your veterinarian about how they monitor your cat during anesthesia and during recovery. Technology now allows us to easily monitor things like blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen levels with the right equipment. Also important is that they manage any pain your cat may experience. You are certainly also within your rights to ask about training the staff receives regarding anesthesia, surgery and dental care. I hope Boots does great….I’m sure he’ll come through with flying colors (and clean teeth!)
Original post by Cat Advice (Emotional): Purina® Cat Chow® Mentor Amy Shojai and software by Elliott Back
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For many cats with chronic ear issues, the underlying cause is allergies. Cats with allergies tend to manifest their symptoms in their skin (including their ears) rather than with runny eyes and nose like people. Cats can be allergic to multiple things including food ingredients, fleas, and indoor irritants like dust, grasses, trees and pollens. Allergies in cats can also contribute to allergic lung disease or asthma. The most common sign of asthma is coughing…the cough sounds just like a hair ball but the cat’s head is stretched out and nothing comes up (sound familiar?). For his coughing, the first step is to take a chest x-ray to determine if he may have asthma or any other conditions that can cause coughing. You may also want to talk to your veterinarian about other options for his ears like an antihistamine or an anti-inflammatory. Hope this helps.
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The taurine requirement is not different between kittens and adult cats. There is however a difference in the taurine requirement depending on the type of diet the cat is fed. The minimum level of taurine in a canned diet is 2000 mg/kg (or 0.2%) and 1000 mg/kg (or 0.1%) in a dry cat food. The requirements are expressed on a dry matter basis. Therefore, you might see a canned cat food that guarantees 500 mg/kg (or 0.05%) taurine. This equates to 2000 mg/kg taurine on a dry matter basis in a canned cat food.
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This is a good question because there has been some confusion over the years about the feeding of spinach to pets. The biggest concern with consuming spinach in both pets and humans is the oxalate content found in spinach. Oxalate can combine with calcium to form calcium oxalate crystals which can be harmful to the urinary tract. However, the levels currently being used in pet foods are not high enough to be of concern. Spinach is currently used at levels well below any level that would be considered harmful. Also please remember that Nestle Purina would not use an ingredient in their foods without investigating the safety of the ingredient. If your cat has had issues with kidney disease or urinary tract problems, you might consider discussing with your veterinarian whether a diet containing spinach is the right choice for your cat.
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Although a change in behavior can be associated with a change in the environment, it also can be associated with a change in health. If a cat has become increasingly irritable, it may have a health problem including arthritis which can be painful so a veterinary visit is suggested to look for a medical problem. It also helps to create separate zones so that the cats have easy access to all the things they need without having to cross into the others territory.
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Even when a kitten does not seem to protest, it is up to the adults to help children learn proper handling and respect for their feline companions. The children should be taught the proper way to give attention (when all 4 feet are on the ground) and how to hold and carry a cat (supporting the body). If the kitten is too big for them to pick up, then they should not do so. It also is important that the kitten have quiet, alone, resting time daily without disturbances from the children. This can be a cat bed or climbing tower where the cat is “untouchable” while he is resting. This way the kitten will hopefully not need to use strong responses to change unwanted attention. As for jumping, most kittens learn how to jump on things as they get bigger and more sure footed.
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At 4 weeks old, a kitten is barely weaned and may be fearful of being alone. However, it would be useful for her to learn how to be more independent. It might help to try and teach her to sleep nearby in her own secure and safe area such as a cat bed, igloo or climbing tower. This will allow her to learn to be more independent and still close by. Don’t forget her veterinary examination, vaccinations and fecal check for intestinal parasites.
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