Common Health Concerns for Adolescent Cats: What Every Owner Should Know

Adolescent cats (12-24 weeks old) are in a transitional period where they’re growing rapidly and adapting to their new home. Along with routine care, it’s helpful to know about common health concerns for adolescent cats.. Here are a few that every kitten owner should keep on their radar:

There are a number of common health issues in young cats that can be successfully managed if treated promptly.

Intestinal Parasites

Parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms are frequently seen in kittens.

- How They’re Acquired: Kittens may get these parasites from their mother’s milk (Toxocara cati), contact with contaminated soil (Toxascaris leonina), or ingesting fleas (Dipylidium tapeworms).

- Symptoms: You might notice bloating, diarrhea, weight loss despite a healthy appetite, or visible worms in their stool.

- Prevention & Treatment: Routine deworming is important this age group. During your kittens routine health checks we will suggest safe medications to rid your kitten of parasites. Also, using flea prevention products can reduce the risk of tapeworms.

Regular parasite control is important in young cats.

Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs)

URIs are very common in young cats, especially those who’ve been in shelters or breeding catteries.

- Causes: They’re typically caused by viruses like feline herpesvirus (FHV) or feline calicivirus, often accompanied by secondary bacterial infections.

- Symptoms: Sneezing, watery or thick discharge from the eyes and nose, congestion, fever, and reduced appetite are telltale signs.

- Care: While mild cases may improve with supportive care like hydration and appetite stimulation, more severe cases may require antibiotics or antiviral medications. Vaccinations against these viruses help reduce severity and spread.

Kittens with viral infections causing "cat flu" can become very unwell, but fortunately most recover quickly with supportive care..

Feline Ear Mites

Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are tiny parasites that can live in your kitten’s ear canal, causing irritation.

- Symptoms: Head shaking, ear scratching, and dark, crumbly debris that looks like coffee grounds in the ears.

- Treatment: We can confirm an ear mite infestation during a health check and prescribe medicated drops or topical treatments to eliminate the mites. Keeping your kitten’s environment clean can also reduce the risk.

An ear mite seen down the microscope. This sample was obtained from an ear swab during a clinic visit.

Gastrointestinal Upsets

Kittens are naturally curious and may eat things they shouldn’t, leading to upset stomachs.

- Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, or both. Depending on the cause, symptoms may resolve quickly or indicate a more serious issue like a foreign body ingestion.

- When to Worry: Persistent vomiting or signs of pain (like crying or a hunched posture) warrant a vet exam.

Kittens are very mischevious and often like to chew on objects. Be careful of long string or wool as this can result in gastro-intestinal foreign bodies sometimes warranting surgical removal.

Dental Issues and Teething

By this stage, kittens are teething as their baby teeth are replaced with adult teeth.

- Symptoms: Mild gum irritation, and sometimes bad breath.

- Care Tips: Offer safe chew toys to satisfy their urge to gnaw and ease discomfort. If you notice excessive drooling or difficulty eating, a vet check may be needed to rule out dental abnormalities.

Kittens go through a teething phase between 4-6 months. This can lead to swollen, red gums and smelly breath. Forutnately it is only a transient issue.

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Kittens are prone to eye infections, especially if they’ve been exposed to the feline chlamydia bacterium or feline herpesvirus.

- Symptoms: Red, swollen eyes with clear or cloudy discharge.

- Treatment: We can prescribe antibiotics or antivirals to clear up the infection. Severe cases may warrant referral to an eye specialist (ophthalmologist).

Conjuctivitis is quite common in kittens. It is mainly infectious in origin.

Ringworm

Despite its name, ringworm is a fungal infection that affects the skin, fur, and nails.

- Symptoms: Circular patches of hair loss, scaly or crusty skin, and sometimes itchiness.

- Contagion: This condition is highly contagious, both to other pets and humans.

- Treatment: Topical antifungal creams, medicated baths, and oral antifungal medications may be prescribed. Cleaning your home thoroughly can help prevent spread.

A typical ringworm lesion on this kitten's foot (red arrow)

Health Concerns for Adolescent Cats - Conculsion

Even minor symptoms in kittens can escalate quickly due to their small size and developing immune systems. If your kitten shows signs of illness like a lack of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhoea that lasts more than a day, it’s best to give us a call right away. Early intervention can make all the difference in your kitten’s health and happiness.