New cat sneezing with eye discharge

[ikigai]

We got our first cat on Monday, who was being re-homed by her breeder. She's about a year and a half old. Today she's been sneezing and occasionally pawing at her nose. She also seems a bit more lethargic this afternoon and evening, spending a lot of time in her bed, and has eaten about half of what she usually does and drunk barely anything. She has a bit of discharge coming from her eyes.

Does she need to go to the vet tomorrow?

[cozietoesie]

Yep. It sounds like cat flu. What do you know about her vaccination status?

[cozietoesie]

In fact , what do you know about her status with flea/worm/everything?

[MimsyBorogroves]

My first thought is cat flu too.

She needs to see the vet tomorrow. Poor kitten.

[ikigai]

Thanks for replying. She's been vaccinated against viral cat flu and feline enteritis.

Any idea of cost? We'll take her regardless, but would be nice to know. Insurance for health costs doesn't start for another week.

[ikigai]

She was wormed on 26th September and had a flea treatment just before we got her.

[cozietoesie]

Well that's good. (Re the flea and worming.) Unfortunately, cat flu can be endemic despite shots. Seniorboy has it - but he's 18 so it's not a life sentence. She needs to be vetted though.

Cost? Depends on your vet. I'd be thinking about getting her a total MOT - is she neutered? - including an initial dental check. Maybe £60 - 80 ?

[ikigai]

She's neutered and the breeder took her for a check-up after she got her back (about two months ago), but we were planning to take her for a look over in the next couple of weeks anyway.

Poor thing, she's such a lovely cat and I hate the thought of her being ill. Will contact the vet first thing tomorrow.

[cozietoesie]

Well done.

[MimsyBorogroves]

You should also tell the breeder if it turns out that she does have cat flu. It's highly contagious, and therefore likely that all of her cats have it too.

[QueenStromba]

I hope she's ok. Does anyone in your house have a cold or even a sniffle? Our girl always starts sneezing when one of us is ill.

The fact that she's off her food means that you should definitely take her to the vet though.

[cozietoesie]

I should have said - it's not a death sentence.

[cozietoesie]

Did she get to the vet?

[ikigai]

Sorry for the late reply. Vet says no cat flu, just adjusting to new surroundings. She did get her ears cleaned out though, which she wasn't very impressed with. Not to mention the thermometer up her arse.

Thanks again for the advice!

[cozietoesie]

Ho Hum. I still think she's got herself a dose of flu (despite the shots) but there's not a whole lot that can be done about it and if the vet's content with her general status...... Just keep her warm and well fed with lots of fresh water and it will hopefully moderate.

Maybe one of the vets who post will have a view also.

Good going anyway, ikigai.