The feline veterinarians at Meadows Cat Hospital strongly recommend that all adoptees should be tested immediately for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and FeLV and then retested 6 months later.--It can take up to 6 months after exposure to test positive. FIV/FeLV tests are affordable, administered onsite and require very little blood with results provided in minutes. FeLV and FIV-positive adoptees are great candidates for re-homing but have special needs that can be addressed once we know their status.

Fecal analyses (or fecals) are important for kittens and young cats and those adults that are or were at high risk. As many new kittens and young cats have intestinal parasites like roundworms, hookworms and coccidia, it is important to know if these parasites are present so they can be treated efficiently. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to your other pets and even you, so getting quick and targeted treatment is important. For kittens with "clean" fecals, we will often still recommend preventative dewormers as many parasites intermittently shed eggs.

Adoption is a fantastic time to start a flea and parasite prevention routine. Many new adoptees have fleas or flea "dirt" and in moderate climates like Issaquah Washington, even indoor kitties are at risk of fleas and parasites. We recommend a year round preventative like Revolution that helps prevent fleas, internal parasites and ear mites. For many new kitten adoptions, the first dose of revolution is complimentary at our cat clinic!