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Cats/Kitty symptoms

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Expert: - 10/11/2008


Question
Hi, we found an abandoned kitty and took her into our home, after asking around in the neighborhood and no one claimed her. She was okay for the first few days, then we noticed discharge from her eyes, causing one of them to shut. Her breathing became labored and she had diarrhea and flea infestation. We only had her for a week, and she passed this evening. My eight year old daughter is heartbroken. Do you have any ideas on what caused her death? Maybe she had some type of disease? We have a now two-year old cat we adopted from a neighbor, however I had no experience with a kitten.

Answer
Hi Julie,

I'm sorry for your loss. It sounds like the kitten was just too young and overwhelmed with multiple things going on in its body. She may have had one of the numerous cat diseases. The flea infestation in a young kitten could have caused a blood loss that she couldn't handle in her fragile state. Also she most likely had worms. All of this sapped her life. If she had been seen by a vet, dewormed and defleaed, she might have stood a chance. You need to get your other cat checked to make sure she is ok. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

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