A few questions about my kitten?

Question

Okay, so I've never had a cat before. I got a kitten back in September; he is now approximately 7 months old. He is an american shorthair, and he hasn't shed up until about a week ago. All of a sudden, he's shedding, and it's winter.. I'm assuming that cats shed like dogs (just because I've only ever had dogs). Sorry if I'm being ignorant; I guess that's why I'm asking this question. Also, he has been sneezing a lot in the past few days. He had an upper respiratory infection when I first got him, but I got him vaccinated and he took some antibiotics and it seemed to clear up (he hasn't been back to the vet yet). Also, for the past couple of days he's been throwing up - not a lot, just a little spit. Someone (who has actually had a cat before) told me he could just have a hairball and that it may take a few days for him to get it up.. is this true?

Sorry for the lengthy question; I'm just worried about my kitty. =(

Any and all advice is appreciated. Thank you!

And please don't just tell me to "take him to the vet" to get your two points - I'm planning on taking him very soon (he needs to be neutered, anyway) but I just want to know what other cat owners think. Thanks again!

Answer 1

ive had cats my whole life. cats shed year round. they just shed more in the winter and summer. its their new coats coming and going. to cut down on the shedding groom him. even though hes short haired grooming him will help. and since hes only 7 months old i say start now so he gets used to it. cats can have allergies just like people so his sneezing might be an allergy. watch what and how much hes throwing up. they have cat treats for hair balls that you could give him now. they wont hurt if he doesnt have a hairball either. just make sure to keep them where he cant get at them. i have a cat that can get into every cabinet and open the lid off the treats. she always seems like she doesnt know how it happened when she gets caught either. well good luck i hope i helped.

Answer 2

Sometimes shedding is a symptom of illness. Since he has other symptoms, sneezing and throwing up a little, he could be sick. He could have a minor illness, like a viral infection, that is not serious and he that he will quickly recover from, or it could be something more serious. The key is if he quickly recovers. A young healthy cat should bounce back quickly. It is like taking a child to a pediatrician - you take them to the doctor if they don't get better in 1-2 days, or if they are so sick that it is clear that they need immediate medical attention. A lot of veterinary offices have people who work there that will talk to you on the phone and be knowledgeable enough to guide you as to when it is time to make an appointment to bring them in.

Answer 3

Cats shed year round. Don't worry about shedding in the winter, especially if he is an indoor only (or mostly indoor) cat. Shedding comes with maturity, in a way. Kittens don't shed because they need the extra warmth.

Sneezing may just be allergies. Kitties are almost as susceptible to them as we are! It is harder to find out WHAT they are allergic to, so just keep an eye out for what is triggering the sneezing.

The vomiting could be a hairball. It could also be just that you (unfortunately) have a pukey cat. Some cats simply throw up alot--I know mine does! My vet wasn't concerned about it.

However, do mention the vomiting and sneezing to your vet when you take him in, just in case. And do it soon, as neutering too late can make you end up with a cat who pees all over the clothes!

Good luck!

Answer 4

Congratulation on getting your first kitty and all the worries that come along with it. And it's good you are asking--asking even "dumb" questions (which yours isn't) is better than nothing. Cats shed all the time, all year 'round. Generally, they will shed heavily in the spring and at the beginning of winter (so they can get rid of old hair before growing in their winter coat). Since your kitty is still young, you should get him used to being brushed at least once a day (some cats grow to LOVE being brushed, reminds them of mama cat grooming them) to get rid of loose hair. He is probably sneezing because of the loose fur getting up his nose (although he might just be more sensitive because of his earlier infection). He's spitting up clear stuff because he's got a hairball that won't pass through his system and he got the hairball from grooming himself and ingesting all that loose hair. Brushing will remove some of the hair. But you should also start him on some hairball "medication" (Petromalt or something like that--some supermarkets even sell tubes of it) to grease his insides up so hairballs will pass easier (less spitting up), use it regularly (as the label says). They sell cat food that is supposed to help but I don't know if they do.

Answer 5

Cats shed all year round just not as much certain times of the year and brushing him every 3 days or so will help if you have the time if not 1 time a week is fine. My cats will sneeze while licking them selves, probably pollen on their coats is the cause. Walmart has hairball remedy and has helped my cats alot i give it to them as soon as i hear that horrible hacking sound. If your cat is shedding and licking alot he probably has a hairball. Hope this helps. Good luck with him.

Answer 6

He could have another infection. The symptoms you describe could be nothing to something serious. Instead of taking him to the vet you could call and they may give you some advice over the phone. If you think it is a hair ball because of the shedding try pet malt, you get it at the pet store and it helps cat's pass hair balls. As for the shedding, unless he is getting bald spots and is scratching don't worry about it.

Answer 7

Fur balls are the norm with cats. Always have been, always will be. I usually use vaseline, margarine or butter for fur balls with my cats. I have one cat that loves vaseline! She sees me coming towards her with the jar and gets all happy. In fact, if I let her, she will lick it right from the jar. Margarine or butter works just as well. vaseline won't hurt your cat, it is safe to use and works just as well as the stuff you buy in the pet stores. vaseline, margarine or butter is a lot less expensive! The last time I was in a pet shop, I priced a tube of "hair ball remedy", it was over $7.00!

Which ever you decide to use, stick with it. Let your cat get used to what ever it is you chose. I use about the size of a large pea for my cats. I try to keep up with it too, I give them treatment about once every other week. I have used these methods for years, never had a problem with any of them.

Answer 8

Yes it's true. He may just have a long hairball. Or some cats, like my three, just throw up sometimes. He could have eaten something that he didn't take too well, like grass. He should be fine and you shouln't worry, but if anything gets worse, take him to you local vet.

Answer 9

go to pet mart and put this stuff on his paws so he will lick it and poop out the hair ball instead of choking on it and you should groom your cat 2wice a week and ask for help at pet smart the stuff is calledpoince hairball moust chiken flavored, it comes in a small purple roundish container about 4inches tall

Answer 10

he could have feline herpes. it causes upper respiratory infections, sneezing, watery eyes and vomiting. ask your vet to check him for it before you have him nutered.