I am about to volunteer to take on 2 orphaned kittens.....they could have anything. Earmites, fleas, whatever. I have a 16 month old baby and a 5 year old pit bull (who loves kittens btw) I have done this before. But it was before I had my son. I just need help making up my mind. Can they transfer any illnesses or anything to my son or dog? I am keeping them in a separate room. Should I do it or not...what would you do?
2007-11-22 14:23:40 · 8 answers · asked by munchkin3211 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
first the shelter you are fostering them for should check them for ear mites first...
you didnt say how old the kittens are?? will you be bottle feeding them and who will supply the KMR (its very expensive) if they are under 5 weeks they will require KMR...
I have fostered many litters for our SPCA and they always were either treated for ear mites if they had them - either before I got them or I treated them starting right away...
if under 3 weeks they MUST be kept in a kennel or cage..
either way - yes keep in a small room to themself...
your son should be kept away from them - not because of disease but because kittens are VERY claw agressive (its how they get their milk from mom) and a kid that young can easily kill a kitten by mistake...
your dog should also be kept away - parasites would be my concern here...
its up to you - depends how old the kittens are and how long you would be needed to do it.. if you work out side the home too I would say "no" if kittens are under 4 weeks of age.
2007-11-22 14:40:35 · answer #1 · answered by CF_ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Always take an animal to the vet before you bring it home. You will need to know if it may have any transmittable diseases to other animals like.. feline leukemia, ringworm, earmites, etc.
Ringworm is contagious to people and other animals, also you will need to get the kittens de-wormed too.
Keeping them in a seperate room is essential until you're totally sure that they're healthy and safe to be around your dog and baby.
2007-11-22 22:30:52 · answer #2 · answered by <3 cats 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Humans and dogs cannot share illnesses with cats. Flea and worm your new cats regularly (only use proper treatments i.e from a vets) and the cats will not have fleas and worms - which your dog could potentially catch, but your son is unlikely to.
It's easy to keep cats and kids together in good health, just practice basic hygiene i.e hand washing and not letting your son crawl in the litter tray!
Chalice
2007-11-23 13:07:38 · answer #3 · answered by Chalice 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ringworm is very contagious and something humans can get from cats. So check that they don't have that. Otherwise there shouldn't be any problems. Just ordinary hygiene precautions. I put the scooped urine and poop in brown paper lunch sacks and put it out in the trash daily. Wash your hands after cleaning up after the kittens.
2007-11-22 22:33:03 · answer #4 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well if u rly want to then y dont u try taking them to the vet for a check up and befor u check them out to get them look in beetween there fur an dif u see little brown or redish bugs then they have flees but if u rly want them get flee coloars an shampoo for fleas and wash them about every day or every 2 days and i dont know if the flees will get on our babys but just to b safe keep them in a seperate room hope i helped <3
2007-11-22 22:29:28 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think it's great to take in orphaned cats, and dogs, they need a place to stay, or they get pit to sleep.
2007-11-22 22:33:39 · answer #6 · answered by Tashonda M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, they could carry a disease and they would harm you, your dog, and your son. When you son gets older about 4-5 than maybe. And when you don't have a dog than you think about it.
Hope I helped!
2007-11-22 22:39:56 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would take them to the vet and see if they have anything wrong with them.
2007-11-22 22:27:01 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋