When can I take him to the vet?

[kitty_kid]

Hi,
I just posted recently about adopting a 1.5 year old neutered (gorgeous male cat.
The woman who was fostering him said that she didn't know when he had been to the vet last but that shots were all up to date.
He has been at the Humane Society within the past 6 months but I don't know exactly when...

He seems happy and healthy.
Should I take him for a checkup soon? or should I wait 6 months or so?
I don't want to take him too soon as he just came from months of stress and being bounced around from place to place.

Advice?

Tx!

[CynthiaR (WW)]

didn't have time to log-in while I'm heading off to college.

It's the best time to take him in for the check-up. Did you have copy of shots from "foster" mom from animal shelter? Don't wait for another 6 months, it's a good idea to take him in today to see how well he goes. I'm sure Traci and others will answer your questions better than I can suggest.

[kitty_kid]

THanks for the reply !
My worry is how he will feel being put back into his cage and going to a strange place with strange people that might resemble the shelter, etc.
He took a couple of difficult days to allow him to trust me (he was hissing and full of anger when I first brought him home )
and now he is a loving grateful sweet boy
I fear I might terrorize him again??

But if the consensus is to take him for a checkup and all think its a good idea, i will do so

Btw, I received no information about him on paper...the woman I got him from was just taking care of him as the previous owner had to move and she was vague about timelines even when I asked.. SHe readily admitted she wasn't a "cat person" ...(he had 1 other previous owner and was in the shelter as well as this) so he has been around..

Tx!!

[Traci]

You should never rely on a third party's verbal confirmation on anything. Since you have no records, you have no idea when or what vaccinations, exam, testing for FELV/FIV, deworming was done. The Humane Society may have those records and I would suggest you find out, but if they don't have them, it's best to get him to your own primary vet immediately for a full exam and testing as noted above.

It may be stressful to see the vet, but he needs to become accustomed to it, because regular veterinary exams are important for wellness and future health. I'm sure he will do fine, as long as the exam/testing is quick, and when you get him back home, to give him lots of love and attention.

[CynthiaR (Whitewolf)]

Like Traci said. Because the same person your cat knows will take him to the vet and back home back and forth. He'll be calm knowing that you're the only one in your cat's life.