Well, just for some background info, my dad is a mental case piece of shhhh*t. Last night he let my one year old house cat outside, without telling anyone. Well, he locked her out. We looked around for her last night and today, but didn't think TOO much of it, as sometimes she's kind of shy. Well, today my mom heard meowing by the window, so she looked out and there was my cat. It's been pouring in buckets today, and it was drizzling last night. She was soaked, freezing cold, and probably was like that since last night. She also has not been spayed yet, and a local vet told us recently that FIV (like HIV, except cats) is very common among the stay cats in this area. My dad is beign a jerk, as always, and my mom (even though she was kind of upset) does not think my cat's health is a concern at all. I really think she should be taken to the vet, just to be safe. Does anyone agree? I can't believe she (my mom) acts like she doesn't care..
2006-09-15 09:01:45 · 25 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
Does your kitty have all her vaccines? If she does then you shouldn't have to worry about anything. But if she hasn't, then I would take her to the vet, and if nothing else at least test her for FIV and for feline leukemia (which is something else that she can get outside) and since you are there (and she is a strictly indoors cat) get the vet to check her stool for worms. Because if you bring her in and she has gotten worms there is a possibility that you can get the worms as well. Its not fun. There is vomiting and diarrhea, and that is your symptoms, kitty can have those symptoms as well. So it is definitely a good idea to take kitty to the vet.
2006-09-15 09:09:14 · answer #1 · answered by Aleesia S 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I guess your poor kitty could be pregnant, but your vet probably won't be able to tell yet. If you arrange to get her spayed very soon, then any pregnancy will be taken away too.
With regard to FIV, you could ask the vet's advice when you arrange the spaying. Don't worry too much though - she was only out for one night, and because the weather was bad, she probably found a wee corner to hide in. You can have her vaccinated against FIV too (this would prevent future infection, but wouldn't help if she has been so unlucky as to catch it).
Please consider having your cat spayed soon, especially if your Dad might take another brainstorm and put her out again.
2006-09-15 16:10:07 · answer #2 · answered by Felida 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It probably is not necessary to take her to a vet. The diseases you mentioned are almost always passed from cat to cat in the mating process. So, going on the assumption that your cat is spayed she does not need to see a vet for that. I don't think it could possible show up in the standard tests given for those diseases when she was just out last night. You do not have to vaccinate her for leukemia either, especially since she is an indoor cat.
You will have to watch her of course and if she develops a cold that makes her congested enough to stop eating, that is very serious and she must see a vet then.
I certainly agree that your father is acting like a jerk! Tell him so for me.
2006-09-15 17:17:46 · answer #3 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Oh I am so sorry that your parents are treating your cat like this. At least she has you to protect her. Is she showing any symptoms of illness? If she was I would certainly take her to the vet for a check up. Also, if you are concerned with FIV only a vet can help you in this area. Convince your Mom to take her in for a check up so you will feel better. Good luck.
2006-09-15 20:20:03 · answer #4 · answered by Turtle 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, some people don't think animals are anything to get worked up about....and that's sad. It's too bad your parents are the way they are....especially your dad. I'd be furious if my dad did that to one of my animals!
Taking her to the vet to be tested is entirely up to you. The tests aren't real expensive.....and really cheap when you think about the peace of mind it will give you. Tell your mom that getting her tested now will be cheaper in the long run....because if she IS sick (which I doubt she is after only one night outdoors), then ignoring it will only make things worse. She will end up sick as hell, and THEN the vet bills will be unreal. This may convince her to get her tested now.
And yes, all cats should be kept up-to-date with their vaccines, but vaccines for FIV and Feline Leukemia aren't standard, especially for an indoor cat. If you want to get her vaccinated for both, talk to your vet about the pros and cons. There is some controversy now over the two vaccines....as it's possible they're responsible for a certain type of cancer in cats.
I would suggest that you have her spayed in case your dad locks her out of the house again. It only takes one time.
Good luck!
2006-09-15 16:24:37 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Unless your cat is sick or injured from her experience, taking her to the vet probably is not necessary. Your cat will not mate unless she is in heat. Considering the weather and the short time she was outside, coupling or contracting FIV was not likely. Note that cats, especially house cats, do not venture far from their territory, which in your cat's case is probably just around your home. Your kitty should be fine.
Incidentally, it seems you may have other problems at your house besides the cat. You may want to consider counseling. Ask your counselor at school or your mom about this.
2006-09-15 16:46:05 · answer #6 · answered by db79300 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Your cat should have all of it's vaccinations and should have been fixed. There are many diseases that can be passed from stray cats, so you should ways keep your cat up to date on their shots, since you never know what is going to happen. Since you cat hasn't been fixed, there is a chance that part of the reason she wanted to go outside is because she was in heat, and she might be pregnant now.
You should take her to the vet just to make sure she is ok, and also to make an appointment to get her fixed. She will live a longer happier life because of it. There are many places that have cheap of free clinics and cats can get fixed for free, many are even open on weekends.
Having a pet means taking care of it, not just by protecting it from the outside world but giving it all of the shots and medical care it needs.
2006-09-15 16:16:39 · answer #7 · answered by Lady 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cats don't get FIV through sex, like people. And if she's not in heat she hasn't been bred anyway, and she was only outside overnight. I'd be more worried about her getting an upper respiratory infection. Keep an eye on her and if she starts to sniffle, take her to the vet.
Then, the next time it rains, your dad should be locked outside. Try and make sure there's some nice freezing sleet in with it. He sounds like he has a personality disorder. Try and protect your pet from him, since it sounds like your mom is indifferent.
2006-09-15 16:13:35 · answer #8 · answered by Nightlight 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I commend your wanting to take responsibility for your kitty. It's obvious that your folks should not be pet owners.
Having said that, I think that contracting a serious disease from one night outdoors is possible, but not probable. Cats are tougher than we think. It didn't hurt her to be outside for one night. I'm just glad she came home!
It takes time for disease antibodies to develop in the bloodstream so a visit to the vet now seems unwarranted. Watch her over the next couple of months, and if she shows any unusual symptoms: sneezing a lot, discharge from the eyes, swollen belly, increased thirst, vomiting--other than hairballs (g), get her checked out. Your kitty should have all vaccinations done anyway to prevent the likelihood of catching anything if she should accidental get out.
2006-09-15 16:17:48 · answer #9 · answered by freedomnow1950 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I really think that your cat will be okay. Watch her for the next day or two and if she asks sick then take her in. BTW- FIV is prevalent in all stray communities. But it also requires a transfer of fluids. Check for any bite marks or other signs of a fight. If none then I bet she will be fine. I have had cats all my life and have narrowed them down to four now
2006-09-15 16:07:43 · answer #10 · answered by Redneck-n-happy 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋