Just adopted a cat

[jessiesue]

from my neighbor. She took it in because it was abondoned. She said it is up to date on shots and is spayed. I noticed she is scratching her ears alot. I know I can I buy earmite and flea meds from places like Petco or Petsmart, but are they just as good as the stuff you get from the vet? I don't want to waste my $ but again, I don't want to spend more than I have to.

 

[danalee]

I think there is a difference, the vet stuff (for us) has always worked better and faster~
Also to have the vet take a peek in there might be a good idea just in case its something else

 

[dixonismydog]

I would go to the vet too! The'll get it cleared up and then you'll have nothing to do but enjoy your new kitty!!!!!

 

[DINKDisneyAddict]

Even after having to drop an unexpected $75 this week at the vet, I say go to the vet. While there, ask about Revolution. It protects them from heartworm, fleas and earmites....all in one drop packet to the back of the neck.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

GO TO THE VET!

The reason I say this is. Recently we took our cat to the vet and had to wait one hour to see the vet the reason for the delay, a family put store bought flea meds (frontline) on their dogs and all 3 of them began having seizures. Nothing wrong with the meds as Frontline is a good product but they did not weigh their dogs before buying it and ended up putting a product on meant for a much larger dog hence the cause of the seizures.

So take your new family member to the vet. Have the vet give her a once over to make sure she/he is healthy.

 

[Mic]

I advise going to the vet. I used to buy Hartz brand ear mite medicine for a neighbor's out-of-control feral population, but I only applied it when I could SEE the black stuff in their ears and they were scratching the backs of their ears like crazy. For the two puny, wild kittens that I took in as "keepers", I purchased Otimitis? at the vet's office for just a few dollars during their first visit for routine vaccinations. It does work better than the over-the-counter Hartz brand. It took about a month of twice-weekly applications to clear both cats up. It's probably a good idea to take a copy of your cat's medical records to your vet of choice(if different from your neighbor's) when you go, so you will get reminders on vaccine boosters. A visit for ear mites should not be too expensive.

 

[auralia]

the vet stuff is way better see if you can get them to just call in a perscription if they wont they will charge you 30-50$ for office visit plus meds.

 

[Swimalie]

I'll second Revolution. It also protects against some forms of ticks. I'm not sure where you are but that is important in my area. If you do go, get a prescription for any flea meds and try to find it on line- from a US company only- cheaper.

 

[SYDCOLEMOM]

I agree with going to the vet. It might not be mites or fleas. I have a cat the scratched his ears forever. Finally took him to the vet and he actually had fluid on his ears. Cleared up with cheap meds but there is no way I could have found out without taking him to the vet. Good Luck with the new Kitty !!

 

[CinRell]

whatever you do please don't use Hartz!
http://hartzkills.org/

 

[buzz2400]

Thank you for taking in the cat. In the past few years we have had so many cats show up and we end up taking care of them. It is so heartwrenching that so many cats are abandoned by their owners.

A few things you should know. First, my vet told me that the frontline you get from places other than vets are fake. I have found a place that does inexpensive neuter/spay and they have the frontline at a very cheaper price. However since you are going to be caring for the cat, I would highly recommend that you take it to the vet to make sure all is well with the cat. It most likely will have worms also. If your neighbor didn't give you a rabies paper, you will need to get a rabies shot for the cat as well. This is for your protection as well as the cat.

And finally, if the cat is not spayed or neutered, please do so. If you really can't afford it, contact your local cat rescue (you can go to petfinder.com and do a search). In my area there are many cat rescue outfits that will gladly help you get your cat fixed at a low cost so that there is no more babies born.

And again, thank you for adopting the cat.

 

[lisam427]

i have ordered advantage and earmite medicine for much cheeper than what the vet charges for the same meds. i usually order from petcarerx.com. i have used both on my cats and have had good results. usually there is some kind of coupon code for what you order. just look it up on google.

also, call your local spca. they might be able to refer you to clinics that offer free/low cost shots, spaying neutering. we can get rabies shots for animals for free in our county.

also, i dont know if you have a local petsmart or banfield in your area. if you do the banfield vet clinics are affordable. they also have a coupon online for a free vet visit. here's the link

http://www.banfield.com/exclusiveoffer/

hope this helps

 

[KittenLittle]

Bless you for doing this-you have probably saved a life.
Yes-take kitty to the vet,get her all fixed up,and do consider keeping her indoors,if possible.

 

[lisajl]

from my neighbor. She took it in because it was abondoned. She said it is up to date on shots and is spayed. I noticed she is scratching her ears alot. I know I can I buy earmite and flea meds from places like Petco or Petsmart, but are they just as good as the stuff you get from the vet? I don't want to waste my $ but again, I don't want to spend more than I have to.

I know you don't want to spend more than you have to, but go to a vet.
Listen, I work for a vet and if for some reason you have an emergency with your new cat you are going to need a vet.
Plus-the ear meds we dispense work better and faster than any Hartz or Sargeants meds.
If it is ear mites there is a product called Acarrex (sp), that can get rid of it in one dose. If it is fleas, mites or lice for that matter, that is another story.
Oh, please get vacc record and proof of spay from your neighbor.

 

[jessiesue]

Thanks for all the advice. I'm going to see about taking her in to see a vet.