what medical treatment required for kitten found in street

A: Absolutely. Roundworms

, hookworms, and others are easily treated with medications that are very safe for kittens. Coccidia and Giardia are protozoa, and there are anti-parasitic medications and antibiotics to treat them.

Full Answer

How do you take care of a stray kitten?

The No Kill Network has a list of organizations by state, and Adopt-A-Pet lists cat rescues. Containing and monitoring the formerly stray kitten is key to his health and well-being. A dog crate is perfect. To keep him toasty, place a covered heating pad in his crate and keep the room temperature at 75 degrees.

How to care for a sick kitten?

Here are some tips for caring for a sick kitten depending on its age: The Newborn Patient (Birth to 6 weeks): Newborns are the most challenging patients to care for. Unable to fend for themselves, these kittens require feeding, bowel stimulation, and a controlled warm environment.

What should I do if I find an injured kitten?

If the kittens appear ill or injured, they should be brought to your local shelter or rescue or a veterinary clinic as soon as possible. Please call first to ensure they are open and can accept the kittens. Are the kittens over two months of age?

What is a preventive health care plan for cats?

A preventive health care plan revolves around regularly scheduled exams of an apparently healthy cat in order to maintain her optimum health.

What do I do with a stray kitten I found?

If possible, move the kittens to another outdoor spot as close to their original nest as is safe so their mother can find them. If you believe mother and kittens are in more long-term danger, such as extreme weather or disaster conditions… Bring the whole family inside to a quiet, small room (like a bathroom).

What medicine is good for stray cats?

When a feral cat needs antibiotic treatment, a one-time injection of Convenia (cefovecin sodium) works well to treat a number of conditions for one to two weeks.

How do you take care of a stray kitten?

What to do with stray kittens: 10 dos and don'tsDO monitor the situation. ... DON'T bring the kittens indoors unless you have to. ... DO ensure that the kittens are in a safe, warm place. ... DO feed yummy foods in moderation. ... DON'T take too long to make your next move. ... DO be careful when handling strays.More items...•

Can stray kittens give you diseases?

Science shows feral cat colonies aren't a risk to humans. The health risks that catch and kill advocates most often blame on cats are intestinal parasites, rabies, flea-borne typhus, and toxoplasmosis. Yet the spread of these diseases has never been conclusively linked to feral cats.

How do you take care of a stray kitten without a mother?

For the first week of life, they need to be fed about every two to three hours. After that, you can usually stretch it out to every four hours. These kittens should be bottle-fed using kitten milk replacer (or KMR), which comes in either liquid or powder form.

Do stray cats have rabies?

In fact, feral cats are not a reservoir for rabies, and the virus itself is not nearly the threat it once was in the United States. There has not been a single case of a human contracting rabies from a cat in the past 40 years in the U.S.

How can you tell if a stray kitten is healthy?

0:523:33Signs of a Healthy Kitten by Doc Bryant.mp4 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey smell good they're nice and smooth. And soft they're not wet. They're not dirty they look likeMoreThey smell good they're nice and smooth. And soft they're not wet. They're not dirty they look like they're ready for action like this one is ready to walk do. Whatever.

What do I feed a stray kitten?

Feed mix of gruel/formula/kitten kibble: every four hours. 6 to 7 weeks old: kitten weighs 1 pound to 1 pound and 8 ounces. Feed mix of kitten kibble and wet food four times a day.

What do I feed a kitten I found?

For the first 3 weeks of life, orphaned kittens are usually bottle fed with kitten formula milk replacer every 2 to 4 hours. When kittens are 3 to 4 weeks of age, feed them a kitten milk replacer mixed with small amounts of moist, easily chewable, commercial kitten food four to six times each day.

Do street cats carry diseases?

Free-roaming cat populations have been identified as a significant public health threat and are a source for several zoonotic diseases including rabies, toxoplasmosis, cutaneous larval migrans because of various nematode parasites, plague, tularemia and murine typhus.

Can a kitten carry rabies?

No cat-to-cat rabies transmission has been recorded, and no feline strain of rabies virus is known.

What is the most common disease in kittens?

1. Upper respiratory infections are one of the most common illnesses veterinarians diagnose in young kittens. Characterized by sneezing, runny eyes, runny nose, lack of appetite, and lethargy, upper respiratory infections are extremely contagious and easily passed from one kitten to another.

Where to take kittens if they are injured?

If the kittens appear ill or injured, they should be brought to your local shelter or rescue or a veterinary clinic as soon as possible. Please call first to ensure they are open and can accept the kittens.

What to do if your kitten is dirty and crying?

Orphaned Kitten Care. If the kittens are dirty, skinny and crying excessively, they might be orphaned and will need a foster home and a caregiver to care for them—hopefully that is you! Visit Kitten Lady's website for information on how to care for the kittens* until they are old enough for adoption.

How old should kittens be to adopt?

Once the kittens are able to eat wet food on their own, around 4-5 weeks old, you can bring them into your home to provide foster care and prepare them for adoption*. Visit this site for information on how to care for the kittens.

How old are kittens when they are socialized?

Once kittens are over two months old, it can be difficult to socialize them to humans.

How much does a kitten weigh at 2 months?

TIP: At two months, kittens will eat on their own, weigh around two pounds, and will have good coordination while walking, running and playing.

Can you foster a kitten?

Find more help with caring for and adopting out kittens at Kitten Lady's website . If you cannot provide foster care for these kittens or need additional support, please contact your local shelter or rescue to see if they can help.

Can you take care of a kitten like its mom?

Removing kittens from their current environment may not always be the right answer as the mom cat could be nearby getting food (or hiding from you)—and no one can care for a kitten like their mom can! To help choose the right path for kittens you found, please answer the following questions.

What is preventive care for cats?

A preventive health care plan revolves around regularly scheduled exams of an apparently healthy cat in order to maintain her optimum health. To standardize wellness plans, the AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) and the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) gathered medical information from various specialty groups (American Heartworm Society, American Association of Feline Practitioners, Companion Animal Parasite Council, to name a few) and devised guidelines focused on preventive health care for cats.

Why do cats need to be given medication?

Cats should be given medication to prevent heartworms and intestinal parasites all year long in warmer climates or those living outdoors. Many of these medications also prevent fleas and ticks. A parasite prevention protocol can be tailored to a cat’s specific needs within their personal environment. Immunizations.

What are the two groups of cats that need to be immunized?

Immunizations. Vaccines are divided into two groups: core vaccines and non-core (optional vaccines). All cats (without medical problems that prevent vaccination) should be immunized against rabies, feline panleukopenia virus, feline herpesvirus 1, and calicivirus (usually in a combined FVRCP vaccination).

Why does my cat lose hair?

Hair loss may indicate systemic disease or hormonal imbalances. Testing. Even though the incidence of feline heartworms is less than canine infection, cats suffer serious effects from heartworms and should be tested, especially in warmer climates.

How old is a 10 year old cat?

After that, one feline year is about 4 human years which means that a 4 year old cat is about 33 years old and a 10 year old cat is about 57 years old. "The bottom line is this: cats age faster than we do.". The bottom line is this: cats age faster than we do.

Why do cats hide their illnesses?

Plus, innate survival instincts make cats hide their illnesses so they do not appear weak and vulnerable to predators. That means thorough physical exams are crucial. In addition, since your veterinarian cannot see what is going on inside a cat’s body, blood and urine tests are needed to complete the health picture.

What does it mean when a veterinarian discusses a cat's home life?

A discussion of your cat’s home life will give your veterinarian an overall idea of her health status. Changes in your cat’s demeanor may occur so gradually that you are not aware of them until you are asked specific questions.

What is routine care for cats?

Routine health care refers to the non-emergency, general care that is needed to keep your cat healthy throughout its life. This includes routine veterinary care for vaccinations, parasite control, and dental care; proper nutrition; grooming; and protection from household hazards.

How to give a cat a pill?

However, many cats will eat the treat and spit out the medication. In these cases, you will need to learn how to administer a pill by tipping your cat’s head so that he or she is looking up (that is, at the ceiling), opening the mouth, and placing the pill directly in the back of the mouth for swallowing. Your veterinarian or veterinary technician can give you a demonstration and additional guidance. Liquid medications are sometimes prescribed, particularly for kittens. Liquids can be given via a syringe into the rear of the cat’s mouth by inserting the tip of the syringe near the back teeth on either side. Holding the cat’s head pointing partially upward can help prevent spills. Spot-on products or other topical medications are administered directly on the coat or skin. If your cat needs eye drops or ear medication, your veterinarian or veterinary technician will give you a demonstration. Regardless of the type of medication or how it is to be given, it is important to read and follow all label instructions.

What parasites can cats get?

Several internal and external parasites can infect cats (see Table: Common Parasites of Cats ). Common intestinal parasites of cats include roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. Worm infections are often passed through eggs in feces or directly from mother to offspring through the placenta or milk.

Why do cats like to be brushed?

Brushing also limits the amount of hair that cats ingest, which helps decrease the development of hairballs. Many cats like being brushed, and grooming can be used as a reward and time of bonding. Mats should be removed with electric clippers (not scissors) to avoid cutting the skin underneath.

How to tell if your cat is sick?

Because you are more familiar with your cat than anyone else, you should watch it carefully for subtle signs of illness that another person or even a veterinarian may miss. General signs of illness include a lack of appetite or decreased activity. Other more specific signs include vomiting and diarrhea, urinating more (or less) frequently, coughing and sneezing, or a discharge from the eyes, ears, or nose. Illness can also show up as a loss of hair or itchy areas on the skin or around the ears. Problems with the musculoskeletal system are often seen as stiffness or lameness, such as not putting weight on a leg. If your cat shows any of these signs for more than a day or two, a visit with your veterinarian is a good idea.

Why do cats stop grooming?

Short-haired breeds usually require little brushing or bathing by their owners. Routine brushing of long-haired cats, or of cats that stop grooming because of illness, is important to remove shed hair and prevent hair mats.

What is the larvae on a cat's skin?

Outdoor cats can also become infested with a Cuterebra larva, which is a developmental stage of a particular fly . The larvae are commonly found around rodent and rabbit holes, and they burrow under the skin of cats. This results in a large swelling under the skin, usually around the head or neck area, with a small, round breathing hole on the skin surface. Treatment consists of removing the larva and treating the resulting wound.

What to do if a cat is stray?

In addition to checking for the above common issues, a vet will also look for general maladies such as wounds and ticks. Give a stray cat a new lease on life by offering him a home. If you need any vet services, contact 1st Pet Veterinary Centers.

What to check for when a cat is living outside?

The veterinarian will start with checking for a microchip. From there the vet will want to check for the following issues common to cats who have been living outdoors for an extended time.

What is the common disease in stray cats?

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, FIV. Another virus that’s common with stray cats is feline immunodeficiency virus, or FIV. This virus is similar to FeLV in that it’s slow to manifest and can leave the cat susceptible to secondary issues — in this case infections.

How long does it take for a stray cat to get leukemia?

With stray cats, they often contract the disease from bite wounds or mutual grooming. Symptoms of feline leukemia can take months or even years to manifest, which is why a veterinarian check is so important before introducing a stray cat into a multi-pet household. FeLV is highly contagious and incurable.

How to get rid of mites in cats ears?

Your vet will most likely prescribe a commercial ear cleaner to clear out as many of the mites as possible. You’ll probably have to apply an ear mite parasiticide, which is typically a treatment. Most of the time cats do really well with the treatment and do not develop long-term issues.

What parasites can a cat eat?

Common parasites for cats include roundworm, hookworm, and tapeworm. All three mostly come from eating infected food, such as rodents or rotten meat, or ticks. Hookworms can also penetrate the skin and infect the cat that way. Cats who have had to scavenge to eat are especially susceptible.

What does it look like when a cat has ear mites?

They will also shake their heads. You may see a substance that looks like coffee grounds or a thick, red-brown crust on the outer ear. Your vet will most likely prescribe a commercial ear cleaner to clear out as many of the mites as possible.

Why do vets give kittens antibiotics?

Veterinarians often give them antibiotics to prevent secondary infections, as well as lots of fluids. Unfortunately, kittens with feline distemper are often euthanized. 3. Intestinal worms. Intestinal worms in cats come in many varieties, all of which are unpleasant and can be dangerous. Roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms, for instance, ...

Why is it important to feed kittens?

Good food will help her immune system develop in early days. 1. Upper Respiratory Infections. Upper respiratory infections, like feline calicivirus and feline herpes virus, are “kitten killers, especially if the cats are just a few weeks old,” says Dr.

How do you know if a kitten has feline distemper?

Feline distemper is transmitted through the fecal-oral route and even just a microscopic amount of contaminated stool can pass it on. Symptoms: Kittens with feline distemper are usually deathly ill, suffering from vomiting, lack of appetite, and a horrible, mucusy white diarrhea.

What does it mean when a kitten sneezes?

Symptoms: Sneezing is the main symptom of upper respiratory infections in cats, though sometimes kittens will develop a yellowy goopy discharge from their eyes and a runny nose. If your kitten is having trouble breathing or refuses to eat, the situation is more serious. Treatment: Take your kitten to your veterinarian.

How old do kittens have to be to get dewormed?

Symptoms: Weight loss and diarrhea. Treatment: Routinely have your kitten dewormed by your vet, beginning at about eight weeks old. There are lots of cat deworming products, Dr. Johnson says. These are available over the counter “but veterinarians carry the good stuff,” he says.

How long does it take for a kitten to recover from worms?

Recovery time: Two weeks but there’s a re-infection risk, he says.

What causes diarrhea in kittens?

Roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms, for instance, can burrow into your kitten’s intestine and cause diarrhea (sometimes with blood), weight loss, and failure to thrive. Kittens develop worms through ingesting worm eggs from another cat’s fecal matter. Humans can also contract worms (e.g., visceral larva migrans) by eating fruit or vegetables ...

What are the problems with kittens?

Here are five kitten conditions that veterinarians commonly see in their practices. 1. Upper respiratory infections are one of the most common illnesses veterinarians diagnose in young kittens.

How long does it take for a kitten to recover from an upper respiratory infection?

Many kittens will recover from an upper respiratory infection within a week or two with good nursing care (rest, encouraging them to eat and drink, wiping discharge from their eyes and nose with a warm damp cloth, etc.). But, if your kitten stops eating or her symptoms fail to improve, make an appointment with your veterinarian.

Why do kittens have diarrhea?

Diarrhea can have many causes. In some cases, stress associated with major changes in a kitten’s life contribute s to the development of diarrhea. Being separated from mother and littermates, moving to a new home, and meeting new people are all stressful for kittens , though they are a necessary part of kittenhood.

How to tell if a kitten has ear mites?

The most common sign of an ear mite infestation is a black/brown discharge in the ears that appears similar to coffee grounds. The kitten’s ears are usually itchy as well, and there may be sores and inflammation around the head and neck if the kitten has been scratching.

What parasites are common in kittens?

3. Intestinal parasites are common enough in kittens to warrant routine fecal examinations and dewormings. Roundworms and hookworms are the most frequently seen intestinal parasites, and many kittens pick up these worms soon after birth, either through their mother’s milk or through contact with contaminated environments.

How do experienced vets answer your pet questions?

Experienced vets answer all your pet questions via chat or video.

Can kittens get panleukopenia?

Feline Panleukopenia was once commonly diagnosed in kittens. However, with the advent of vaccinations against this disease, veterinarians don’t see it nearly as often anymore. Still, it’s a disease that does arise, especially in young, unvaccinated kittens.

What should I feed a sick kitten?

Remember to always offer plenty of fresh clean water in a clean bowl. Sometimes providing extra water bowls can encourage a sick kitten to drink, so provide several spots to drink if you can.

How to feed a kitten?

To feed your kitten, heat the milk until it is warm (but not hot) to the touch. Place the milk in a kitten nursing bottle and turn the bottle upside down. The milk should gently dribble out when you squeeze. If it does not, you may need to enlarge the opening on the nipple with a needle.

How to feed kittens at 6 weeks?

Kittens 4 to 6 weeks old: Most kittens at this age can eat semi-moist food. You can create a mixture by crushing good quality dry food and mixing it with KMR. The younger the cat, the more liquid this mixture should contain. Cats closer to 6 week can generally eat a fairly solid mixture that we vets often refer to as “gruel.” A lot of what a kitten will eat at this age depends on whether a kitten has been weaned, how long they have been eating on their own, and what kind of food they have been eating. Kittens who are 6 weeks old might have no problem moving onto mostly solid food, while those that are 5 weeks old and have never seen solid kibble will be less inclined to eat it.

How long does it take for a kitten to stop eating?

It is not uncommon to hear about a kitten that ran around, playing, eating, and drinking normally in the morning but became horribly sick and stopped just 4 to 6 hours later. In adult cats this kind of rapid development of symptoms would be uncommon, but it happens regularly with young kittens.

How old can a kitten eat?

Cats closer to 6 week can generally eat a fairly solid mixture that we vets often refer to as “gruel.”. A lot of what a kitten will eat at this age depends on whether a kitten has been weaned, how long they have been eating on their own, and what kind of food they have been eating.

What is the best milk replacement for a 4 week old kitten?

The best milk replacement is called “KMR, ” which stands for Kitten Milk Replacement.

How to help a kitten who is vomiting?

For a kitten weighing about 5 pounds, try offering a piece of meat approximately one inch squared that has been sliced into smaller pieces. If your kitten does not begin vomiting, offer another small amount of food about one hour later.

What is a kitten's care?

A kitten is a jumping, snoozing, rolling, playing ball of fun that can provide hours of entertainment. But kittens also need proper care and attention to ensure they grow up happy and healthy.

How to treat a kitten with runny eyes?

That can cover things like conjunctivitis, sinusitis, and rhinitis. If your kitten has runny eyes, clean them with a cotton ball dipped in warm water. But if it lasts for more than 24 hours, you should see your veterinarian. Although it’s usually not anything serious, I’ve seen kittens go blind from this when it was left untreated. It’s also more common in younger kittens. By the time kittens reach 16 weeks, it should stop reccurring because their immunity will be built up by then.

What diseases can kittens get?

The other broad category is infectious diseases. Distemper is not that common any more, but it’s devastating to kittens. Feline leukemia everyone knows about, and there are many, many others. That’s why it’s so important to have your veterinarian check your kittens at a very young age.

When do kittens go blind?

Although it’s usually not anything serious, I’ve seen kittens go blind from this when it was left untreated. It’s also more common in younger kittens. By the time kittens reach 16 weeks, it should stop reccurring because their immunity will be built up by then. Q: My kitten has fleas.

Why are birth defects more common in purebred cats?

Many kittens born with birth defects don’t survive. Birth defects also are more common in purebred cats, because of the way they’re bred. Purebred cats have more health issues, too. It has to do with genetics and a smaller gene pool.

When do kittens test positive for FIV?

But because the test for FIV detects antibodies, kittens will sometimes test positive from the antibodies they receive from their mother, without actually having the disease. When they’re retested at six months of age, most will be negative.

Why do kittens get so fragile?

It can come from environmental factors, such as maternal neglect, or it can be physical, such as congenital birth defects, low birth weight, anemia. Various infections also can play a role. The biggest thing to keep in mind is that kittens are very fragile, just like infants are, when they are born.

What to do if my cat has herpes?

If your cat has the herpes virus, they will probably get another eye infection in the future.

How to tell if a kitten has an infection?

Symptoms of a kitten eye infection include: 1 Red or pink eyes 2 Swollen eyes 3 Weepy, crusty, or teary eyes 4 Blinking, winking, or squinting 5 Closing both eyes or one eye more than usual 6 Rubbing eyes 7 Eating less food, or acting lethargic

What is the best supplement for cats with herpes?

Lysine is an essential amino acid — an organic compound that helps to form proteins — that can help both cats and humans who have herpes viruses to avoid outbreaks and heal from them faster. Use lysine supplements as a treatment for outbreak prevention and outbreak management in cats.

How to tell if a cat has a problem?

Roll down your cat's eyelid with your fingers. Make sure the lining is pink and healthy-looking. It should not be swollen. A red or white color is a sign of a problem. Make sure the eyeballs themselves look healthy. Look for any murkiness or cloudiness in the eyeball, which could be a sign of infection.

What is the condition of kittens eye?

Remedies and Treatments for Kitten Eye Infections. When to See a Doctor. Cats and kittens can get an eye infection known as conjunctivitis. In people, this condition is commonly known as pink eye and has a variety of causes.

Why cut hairs on cats eyes?

If your cat has long hairs that could poke their eyes, cut the hairs to help prevent scratches that could lead to infections. It’s always safest to ask a professional to do this so you don’t injure the eye. Continued. When to See a Doctor.

Can a cat get another eye infection?

If your cat has the herpes virus, they will probably get another eye infection in the future. However, if it was only a bacterial infection, it should not reoccur. Your cat's eye infection should start to get better after a few days of treatment. If it does not, let your vet know, but do not stop the treatment until your vet tells you to.