5 things to consider when adopting a new cat in the Fox Valley...

This summer, as in summers past, the shelters and rescues are FULL of beautiful kittens and cats that really need a forever home.  Are you tempted as I am?  If you are, this posting is for you. 

My goal with this list is to encourage you to adopt, but also the encourage you to do it carefully, and not to expose your resident cats to  any unnecessary disease.
 
1.  Many of the rescue cats and kittens  in the Fox Valley area started out as strays.  And strays can  carry skin parasites:  fleas, ear mites, and  lice to name a few.  A new cat can bring skin parasites into your home and share them with your resident cats.


2.  Kittens often carry herpes virus -an upper respiratory virus that is quite contagious.  It is essential that your resident cats are CURRENT on their vaccinations BEFORE bringing a new cat into your protected indoor environment.  This will give  your resident cats protection against herpes

3.  Any cats that share a litterbox are likely to share GI parasites. And ALL GI parasites are contagious to your resident cat.   Please be sure to have a stool sample checked for parasites BEFORE allowing your new cat to share a litterbox. 

4.  A very SLOW introduction of a new cat is MUCH MORE LIKELY to be successful.  This is best done over several weeks, and after your new cat has a clean bill of health from a veterinarian.  Consider using Feliway, a pheramone spray that will  help decrease the stress of introductions.

5.  Ringworm is a fungal infection that is contagious to animals AND  people and quite common in the humid months of summer.  A physical exam is the best way to be sure your new cat will not expose your resident cats, or your family to ringworm. 

We offer a FREE examination to any cat or kitten recently adopted from a local shelter or rescue -so that we can help you and advise you on this new transition.

If you know someone that is considering adopting, please share this information with them.

And if you are not able to adopt  another cat right now, please consider a donation to a local rescue. We have a donation basket in our lobby, so it's easy to drop off ANY needed items.  Just stop in at the Fox Valley Cat Clinic!

Thanks for reading!

Dr. Flatley
Fox Valley Cat Clinic
Menasha, WI























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