Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 6/25/2011

Question
Hello,
I just adopted a stray female kitten one week ago. I am not sure of the age as I have not taken her for her check up yet, but she is eating solid food and has pretty prominent teeth. I was planning a trip to the vet for a shot clinic/check up this Tuesday, but as of today am concerned that I should bring her sooner. She has some mild dark discharge in the eyes and today has shown the first signs of a soft, bloody stool - light in color. She has been filling up her litter box with urine surprisingly fast and has a strong odor from her butt. She has shown absolutely no signs in her behavior that indict to me that something is wrong. The eyes have had discharge for about a week and the stool is a new occurance today. Can you advise me on what it may be and if I should get her in sooner? Thank you

Answer
I would recommend taking the kitten to the vet right away.  A quick way to estimate a kittens age is to weigh the kitten.  Kittens are usually the same age in months as they are in pounds.  For example, a 3 lb. kitten is 3 months...a 4 pound kitten is 4 months.  We start kitten vaccines at 2 months or 2 lbs.