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Question
I have 2 litters of kittens and they are all under one months old, I also have 11 adult cats. Most are neutered and spayed. I have had them for 14 years but the younger ones I didn't think could become sexually mature at 7 months old, well anyway I have fleas really bad and the kittens have them of course, all the cats do, I know to get them treated, but money doesn't allow me to at the moment, in a week I will be getting Revolution or something, but I am concerned about the little ones, i believe they are anemic, at least tier gums are not real pink, the first little are almost a month old and the second are 2 weeks old, I was wondering if their gums at that age should be pink, I have given baths to the older ones but certainly that is only a temporary fix. Any suggestion other than the norm?
Also one of my adult cats started to urinate and defecate on my counter, I know that is disgusting, I have never had that in my life. I know it may be medical or behavioral. I believe they are mad about the kittens. Any help please?? Oh and the kittens smell, I am thinking it may be from the fleas their droppings???? Maybe??? I am really concerned aboutthe little ones,
Beth,
Your vet is the only one who can dispense safe medication to treat fleas on babies so young...The sooner they are treated the better so I'd do my best to get in to see the vet more quickly - maybe they'll take a post dated cheque if finances are an issue because these babies really need to get those fleas off ASAP.
As for the house soiling issue with the adult cat my recommendation would be to have the veterinarian do blood tests and urine screening to ensure that there aren't any medical problems causing this cat to soil outside of his/her litter box. If the issue is a behavioural one please check out my previous answers on house soiling/inappropriate elimination as they are very detailed and give specific advice.
Just for future reference cats generally reach sexual maturity around 6 months of age, sometimes earlier depending on their breed...I have a cat whose first heat was when she was 3 months old - I suspect she may have some siamese in her since they're known for maturing sexually slightly faster than your average cat.
If you have any further cat related questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at any time - I'm more than happy to help in any way that I can.
Kind regards,
Ali
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Answers by Expert:
Ali
Expertise
I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.
Experience
I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.
Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.
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