General Information on shelter cats?

Question

Hi I am thinking of getting a cat and am looking at my local shelter. I did own cats growing up, but my parents took care of the vet visits. If you do get a cat from the shelter what shots have they gotten? I know they have their rabies and have been spayed/neutered, and have been tested for a few things. After you adopt do they still need to go to the vet for additonal shots? How often do you take a cat to the vet? Every year like a dog? Do cats need monthly heartworm pills like a dog does? I am going to do some research and call a few vets, but any help or experiences would really help thanks.

Answer 1

Shelter cats generally have been wormed and given the minimal shots. Sometimes they have been spayed or neutered. It's a good idea to take them to the vet for a good once over and to get the additional shots the shelter doesn't provide, and to catch any conditions(ringworm, mange, etc.) that the shelter didn't pick up on.

Unless your cat acts funny or gets sick, they only need to go to the vet once a year for checkup and shots. And to get spayed or neutered if they haven't been.

Cats only need monthly maintenance drugs if they have a condition that requires it. They do need a topical flea treatment once a month like Advantage or Frontline.

Ask your vet which shelter he/she would recommend, some are better than others. Your vet may also have another client who is having to give up their cat and would be one you might consider since it's already litter trained etc.

You are a wonderful human for considering a cat boss for your home. Kudos to you.

Answer 2

It depends entirely on the shelter. We had forms to give adopters which specified what shots, treatment, etc. the cat had had at the shelter. If shots were due soon (as with kittens) the form also indicated when that was to be done.

I have always taken my cats to the vet every year for an exam (I don't vaccinate my cats). My cats are in their "teens" so they have blood work done each year, some require dental cleanings, etc.

I don't have a problem with fleas and don't give heartworm medication either. If the cat is outdoors and you have animals in your area that need this protection you may have to do that. Your local veterinarian will know if it is necessary.

So much will depend on the age of your new cat and what a vet would determine about its general health, underweight, over-weight, condition of teeth and gums, etc.

Answer 3

Alot of questions, eh? First make sure you want the responsiblily. Pets need alot of love and care. I commend you on going to a shelter to adopt. There are many available.

Cats at shelters usually just have the basic shots, rabies, distemper, and they are neutered or spayed. And there will be a fee to adopt and an application to fill out. After you adopt, by all means take the cat to a vet for a generally physical. As long as you take good care of him and be aware of any physical signs of illnesses, you should only have to take him to the vet once a year. If the cat is going outdoors he will need additional shots and flea/tick treatment. They do not need monthly worming, and are usually dewormed when you adopt.

I hope that helps. Good luck in your new adoption if you decide to do so. Keep us posted.

Answer 4

Most adult cats adopted from a local shelter are vaccinated for Rabies and Distemper, and most are usually spayed or neutered. Most are not tested for feline leukemia/aids (at least not in my local shelter). If you adopt a kitten chances are it will require additional vaccinations (depending on age), and will also require spaying or neutering as well, and possibly dewormings.

Cats generally go to see a vet one time yearly, unless of course they have problems during the year. I personally do not have my cats on monthly heartworm prevention, again, that would be something that you should discuss with your vet.

Good Luck to you, I am sure you will find a nice kitty to adopt.

Answer 5

I worked at an animal shelter for awhile, and worked in the cattery. I worked with about 150 cats everyday. Working there I have adopted 3 cats. 2 adults - 1 kitten. You can find all different kinds of cats at a shelter, sometimes even a certain breed. (Persian, Siamese, tabby, etc.) All shelter cats should have had a Feline Leukemia test, vaccines, spay or neuter, flea prevention, wormer, rabies shot, etc. No a cat does not take monthly heart worm pills. Getting a shelter animal is saving a life, because unfortunately for shelter animals, after a certain amount of time, the animal will have to be euthanized. I couldn't have found better loving kitty's. Please find your local shelters, and visit them. Good Luck to You!

Answer 6

The type of care shelter cats get depends on the shelter. I adopted my cat from the APL, and he was neutered and had all of his shots, including feline leukemia. It would be beneficial to call local shelters and ask what shots they give their cats. It is probably wise to take your cat to the vet once a year, especially in the first year after adoption. As far as I know, cats do not need heartworm or any other kind of medication unless they have a special need.

Answer 7

My aunt adopted two cats from the shelter. I guess it would depend on what information they have on the cat. One of the cats my aunt adopted had all his medical records, therefore, we knew when the shot were due, the other did not. I believe they (shelter) brings the cats up to date on the shots. As far at heartworms go my aunt don't treat her for that. I not even sure if they are affected or not. Checking with a vet in a wonderful ideal. Cats do need yearly check up just like dogs. I hope this helps.

Good luck there are so many that need homes.

Answer 8

It depends on the shelter. Most will spay/neuter the animal, but not much beyond that. Shelters are generally not for profit and reply on donations to stay afloat. They would like to, but simply arent able to, afford vacinations for cats. A lot of cats that come to shelters need vet help and the costs go towards that instead. If you are asked ti cover spay/neuter cost, try to give more than that because it helps so much.

If you are still in the "thinking stage", see about volunteering at the shelter you are considering. Not only will that give you more insight into cats, you can see how to do litterboxes, cut nails etc. You may also find the perfect cat there too. :) (its how I got my last cat) :)

Answer 9

When I adopted my cat, she was already spayed (which was required before I could get her). She had one FVRCP vaccination, but still needed her booster, along with a rabies vaccination. She also came to me microchipped. It was required that I have her examined by an outside veterinarian within one week as well (along with a fecal exam). However, I cannot say that the place I adopted her from with provide the same things. My cat goes to the vet as often as she needs (i.e. if she has a problem, they get called and we discuss if she needs a visit). Cats can get heartworms, so preventative can be used. However, they are less likely to get it (especially if heartworms aren't bad in your area). It can't hurt to discuss heartworms with the veterinarian you choose.

Answer 10

Getting a cat from the shelter, they have to be caught up with their vaccines before they can even put them up for adoption. they will give you paperwork stating that and when the next vaccines should be given at the time of adoption.

Depending on the age of the cat, you would have to give heartworm pills. Most likely, all of this has been done at the shelter. It is illegal in every state for them to adopt out unsafe animals that haven't had this stuff done.

Kudos to you for adopting!! Adopted cats can be great, I have one that I adore to pieces!