New cat

[Shannon's Mom]

Thanks, Traci, I will ask the vet. The kitty is 6 yrs old and the owner had her for 5 1/2 years as an indoor cat. Since her teeth were bad and she was not eating well, she has lost weight and I would definitely like to fatten her up a bit before anything else. Thanks so much for all the information...and I thought Shannon had everything imaginable!

[Traci]

The snap test can sometimes be faulty in that it can give a false negative (or false positive for that matter) - but most snap tests are fairly reliable. If the vet has had excellent results in validity of the brand of tests he's using, there should be no worry. Occasionally, and thankfully not often, there is a batch of tests that are detected to be unreliable, the manufacturer is alerted, they test them and correct or recall that certain batch. Whenever a vet clinic comes up against a faulty test, it is wise to use a western blot test sent to an outside lab which is a more sensitive test. So, if your vet has had good success with his snap tests, there is little cause for concern. But, it is also good additional protection measure to vaccinate for FELV regardless. (I vaccinate all my kittens, and any new adult cat, both the kittens and adults get a vaccination booster, so total vaccinations = 2 for FELV (given 4 weeks apart). For FVRCP, my kittens get three boosters, and then I decide later if they should be vaccinated every three years. Any new adults get two boosters of the FVRCP.

[Shannon's Mom]

Traci,

So I am still left guessing if it is all right for the cats to be together! The snap test seems to be a guessing game and if it is wrong, the results are deadly! So I am confused.

As for the FelV vaccine, I remember giving it to Shannon and then finding out there was a cancer risk at the injection site. So I am at a loss as to what to do.

Do I keep the cats separate forever? Why is this so hard?

[Traci]

The snap test is not a guessing game, on rare occasion, a batch might be faulty, but vets will pick up on this fairly quickly. Also, the fact that she's remained healthy all this time, has been strictly indoors, and her current bloodwork is excellent, you have little to worry about, save for her oral health.

There is a risk with some vaccines causing vaccine-associated-sarcoma at the injection site, but this is relatively rare, and vets are choosing vaccines that are safer, and injecting in areas of the body that minimize the risk.

Try to relax, new kitty is healthy (but need to get her oral health in tip-top condition), and your kitty is healthy as well. They can be acclimated together and will most likely bond in the very near future. Just give them both time to adjust to one another, and encourage a harmonious environment for them.

Monitor new kitty (does she have a name?) and keep your vet updated on her eating and healing progress, he will most likely want to see her in a week or so for a recheck. Keep introductions between her and your kitty to a slight minimum until she's feeling better after her dental - she is stressed right now, with a new home, new owner, new sibling, having veterinary procedures etc.

[Shannon's Mom]

Hi, Traci,

Yes, I am overthinking this and getting upset over it. The new kitty is Zoey and she had three extractions today. There is no sign of disease causing the dental problems. She had a severe case of Gingivitis and it caused the loosening of her top fang which she lost today. She also had very deep cavities in two upper molars which were also extracted. The vet was able to save her other teeth. She was allowed to have a small amount of food and water to test her tolerance and went right over to eat as soon as we got home. I was given Buprenex for pain given twice a day for two days then as needed. I was also given instructions on dental care for the future. Her teeth were cleaned and she seems very relieved to not have that pain anymore. I plan on leaving her separated for a few days so she can rest and heal. Sorry I am such a worrier but I do love my little Pumpkin and also want to give Zoey a forever home. I just want both to be healthy and happy. Thanks for all your help.

[Traci]

Nothing wrong with worrying, Peg, we all do! I think it's absolutely wonderful that you took Zoey into your heart and home, it must have been awful for her to have to leave what she's known, but she has you and Pumpkin now, and you know what we always say, two cats are better than one (some of us are multi-cat owners), so this should be good for both cats - to have companionship, playmates, etc.

I'm relieved to hear that she only had a few extractions and nothing serious. I think once she's healed, she'll be feeling so much better!

[Shannon's Mom]

Sounds good, Traci. I just had that doubt that I made a mistake and exposed Pumpkin to a deadly disease. You have gone through a lot with me in the past with Noodles and Shannon and know how I blamed myself for Shannon's stroke. I don't want anything to happen to either of my kitties. I know many people have taken in many kitties with no problems and want to believe I will be one of those people. Both kitties tested all negative for the combo snap test. So am I worried unnecessarily? Pumpkin is guarding the door and seems to want to meet his new sister. She has been quiet and is not nervous or anxious over his being there. He has gone into the room while she was at the vets so I assume he has been exposed to her in a way already. The vet assured me they have had no problems with the snap tests in the past and they feel Zoey is fine and Pumpkin is not in any danger from her. Guess I need to know all is well and am agonizing over the doubt.

[Traci]

All is well, Peg, both are happy and healthy, that's what we want! Just give Zoey some much needed time to rest and recover this week, and by next week, I'd guess she will be willing to explore her new home and get to know her new brother.

[Cleo]

Glad to hear everything worked out with the dental. Happy to know Zoey has a forever home with you as well and hoping Pumpkin will enjoy her new friend quick and easy!

[Shannon's Mom]

Thanks so much for the support. Everyone feels I did everything right and both kitties will be fine. Zoey is eating up a storm and should gain back some weight quickly. I can't decide if Pumpkin is guarding the door or stalking his new sister but he sleeps by the door. She is quiet and doesn't seem to mind he is there. It's my nature to worry and Pumpkin is my baby. I hope Zoey will be comfortable here too. May they have many happy, healthy years together.