A Few Simple Steps will Help you Adopt a Healthy Young Cat
Kittens can be so cute -- they make us gasp in delight, and every shelter
andrescue group has plenty to choose from at this time of year -- colors,
coatlengths and markings galore. But how do you know you're picking a healthy
baby?
General impressions are important. You should get a sense of good health
andvitality from the kitten you're considering adopting. The baby should feel
goodin your arms: neither too thin nor too fat, well put-together, sleek and
solid.If his ribs are showing or if he's potbellied, the kitten may be
suffering frommalnutrition or worms. Both are fixable, but signs of neglect may
indicatedeeper problems with socialization or general health.
With soothing words and gentle caresses, go over each kitten you're
consideringfrom nose to tail, paying special attention to the following areas:
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Fur and skin.
Skin should be clean and unbroken, covered thickly with a glossy coat of
hair.Part the hairs and look for signs of fleas: The parasites themselves may
be toosmall and fast for you to spot, but their droppings remain behind.
Youshouldn't count a cat out because of a few fleas, but a severe
infestationcould mean an anemic kitten, which could be a problem if you're not
ready tocare for a sick youngster right off the bat.
-
Ears
. Ears should be clean inside or, perhaps, have a little bit of wax
only.Filthy ears and head-shaking are signs of ear mites, which can require
aprolonged period of consistent medication to eradicate. Again, it's
fixable,but you need to be willing to work at it.
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Eyes.
Eyes should look clear and bright. Runny eyes or other discharge may be a
signof illness. The third eyelid, a semitransparent protective sheath that
foldsaway into the corners of the eyes nearest the nose (also called a
"haw"),should not be visible.
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Nose.
As with eyes, there should be no discharge. The nose should be clean
andslightly moist. A kitten who has difficulty breathing or is coughing
orsneezing may be seriously ill.
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Mouth
. Gums should be rosy pink, not pale, and with no signs of inflammation at
thebase of the teeth. The teeth should be white and clear of tartar buildup.
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Tail area
. Clean and dry. Dampness or the presence of fecal matter may suggest illness.
Of course, even a healthy kitten will need your veterinarian's help to staythat
way. Schedule a new-kitten exam and preventive-care consultation as soonas you
get your new family member adopted.
Remember that health is only part of the picture when it comes to raising
akitten. Always keep in mind the cat you want your kitten to be, and create
asocialization checklist that gives you homework for shaping your
kitten'spersonality and perspective on life one day and one baby step at a
time.
Look for every opportunity to shape your kitten into a relaxed,
confident,friendly, affectionate and well-behaved member of your family.
Hand-feed yourkitten before and in between meals. When your kitten is already
relaxed, usespecial treats to introduce new experiences such as gentle
handling, wearingcollars, harnesses or getting one nail trimmed. Think of
teeny-tiny baby stepsand of creating a positive first impression. Provide your
kitten's favoritetreats and finger-scratch your kitten in favorite places to
help offset smallamounts of stress. Help your kitten recover and relax by going
slowly, withoutusing any force.
Finally, ask your veterinarian for tips on how to raise a kitten who
tolerates-- and preferably likes -- going in for wellness care. Too many pet
owners saythey don't provide this essential care for their cats because their
pets hatethe carrier, the car and the veterinary exam room. It doesn't have to
be thatway, so lay a solid foundation now for a lifetime of good care. -
by Dr. Marty Becker
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