Recognizing
illness and when to call the veterinarian
If you have a sick kitten, you
should always at least call a veterinarian and discuss the problem. They may
advise you to come in or provide advice over the phone.
One of the first steps you can
take to evaluate your kitten's health is to take his temperature. To take the
temperature of your kitten, you will need a regular human thermometer and some
KY Jelly. Don't forget to shake down the mercury in the thermometer first. The
wipe KY on the thermometer and insert just the tip into the kitten's anus. Hold
it there for at least a minute and then read. If the kitten's temperature is
over 103 or under 99, it is important to call the veterinarian.
Before leaving a veterinary
facility, always ask for a copy of the treatment sheet. Information on this
sheet is important for future follow-up treatment.
If a kitten should die, you should
keep the body cool but not frozen and transport it to your veterinarian so that
a full autopsy can be performed.
Abnormal
signs to watch for in a kitten:
Runny discharge from the eyes or
nose.
Lack of appetite.
Lethargy (lack of energy).
Diarrhea lasting more than 3 or 4
feedings.
Vomiting.
Weight loss.
Coughing and sneezing.
Anything else that concerns you.
Continuous diarrhea
Continuous vomiting.
Bleeding of any kind nose, urine,
stool.
Any trauma: hit by a car, dropped,
limping, stepped on, unconscious.
Difficulty breathing.
A kitten that does not respond or
that hasn't eaten for more than a day.