Upper Respiratory Infection in Cats After Adoption
Within 14 days of adoption, if your new cat(s) are showing signs of Upper Respiratory Infection, then you may contact the shelter at 726-0301 and book an appointment to bring your cat in for an examination with one of our Animal Care Attendants. We will contact our veterinarian and may then choose to treat with antibiotics and/or eye drops depending on the severity of symptoms showing.
After 14 days following the adoption it will be your responsibility to set up an appointment with your own veterinarian and we will be responsible for any fees associated with this. Signs of Upper Respiratory Infection include:
Green/yellow discharge from eyes or nose
Excessive sneezing
Lethargy
No interest in eating or drinking
Dehydration
We recommend purchasing lysine for your new cat as this can help boost their immune system and aid in the progression of Upper Respiratory Infection symptoms. This comes in a powder, paste and treat form and can be purchased over the counter at your local veterinarian. We give this to each cat in the shelter daily.
When you are transitioning your new cat to a new diet (of your choice) please make sure to do this process over a period of 5-7 days to make it as easy as possible on your cat’s belly. Sometimes, if cats are switching diets too quickly, they will get diarrhea which can persist for more than a few days. We recommend the following transition scheme:
Day 1: Full amount of food currently being fed at the shelter
Day 2-3: ¾ amount of shelter food, ¼ amount of new diet
Day 4-5: ½ amount of shelter food, ½ amount of new diet
Day 6-7: ¼ amount of shelter food, ¾ amount of new diet
Day 8 +: Full amount of new diet
If you have signed up for the free trial of insurance, make sure to check your email within 24 hours (including your junk mail folder) and call the toll-free number (1-877-291-1524) to activate your trial. There is a waiting period of 24 hours for accident coverage and 72 hours for illness coverage, so you should register as soon as possible. You have 7 days to activate this free trial, after 7 days it is no longer valid
If you have any other questions regarding your adoption, please contact our animal care staff at (709) 726-0301 extension 101.
