IN THIS LESSON

At intake, the priority is to observe the kitten before medicating or placing into group care.

✅ Look & record:

General Assessment

Eyes/Nose/Mouth: discharge, sores, swelling

Appetite (eating normally / reduced / refusing)

Energy level (active / quieter / very sleepy)

Mental status (alert / dazed / disoriented)Hydration check (gums moist vs. tacky, drinking water)

Urination baseline (normal / reduced / dark urine noted)

Stool baseline (firm / soft / watery / mucusy / smelly)

Breathing (normal / cough / wheeze / congestion / noises heard)

Body mobility (walking normal vs. abnormal gait/deformities)

Mobility & posture: gait, spine shape, limb use

Fur & Skin Check

  • Look at fur and skin: dull vs shiny coat, hair loss, flakes, redness, scabs, wounds

  • Look for fleas: check base of tail, belly, armpits, chin, and behind ears

  • Look for flea dirt: tiny black specks that turn reddish-brown on a wet paper towel

    ☑ Coat condition (shiny & smooth / dull / patchy)
    ☑ Hair loss spots? (none / mild / noticeable locations noted)
    ☑ Flakes or dandruff? (yes/no)
    ☑ Red or irritated skin? (yes/no)
    ☑ Scabs or crusts? (yes/no)
    ☑ Wounds or open sores? (yes/no, describe if present)
    ☑ Excessive scratching or overgrooming? (yes/no)

Flea Scan at Intake

Part the fur along the back and neck
Check visible skin for fleas or bites
Note any scratching, overgrooming, or pepper-like flea dirt

If fleas are found →

Common safe choices when directed:

  • Revolution Plus or Fipronil

  • Capstar

  • Only bath after watching an instructional video and if the kittens are warm.

🐛 Hold medication until:

  • The kitten is eating, hydrated, not declining, and no lower airway distres

🐛 Parasite Treatment (Hold Until Stable Unless Directed)

First-line intestinal dewormer used in rescue: Strongid

  1. Broad anti-Giardia course commonly used: Panacur

  2. Common anti-coccidia medication: Ponazuril

  3. Topical parasite prevention applied after approval: Revolution Plus

  4. Common protozoa and worms that spreads via litter: Giardia, Coccidia, roundworms, hook worms.

🍼 Supportive Care During Observation

☑ Keep kitten warm
☑ Provide current diet only (no switching yet)
☑ Monitor hydration closely
☑ Provide electrolytes if needed
☑ Probiotic offered? (yes/no, brand noted if used)

🧭 After 24 Hours — Placement Decision

  • Stable kitten: ➤ continue to treatment + feeding training

  • Mild concerns: ➤ keep observing + supportive care, message support lead

  • Red flags: ➤ same-day vet visit

🚨 Same-Day Veterinary Visit Needed If:

☑ Not eating at all
☑ Dehydration signs (tacky or pale gums)
☑ Bloody stool
☑ Explosive diarrhea > 24 hours
☑ Open-mouth or labored breathing / wheeze
☑ Neurological worsening or collapse
☑ Painful swelling or surgical incision bulge

Notes Section (Fosters Fill In)

✎ Kitten name:
✎ Age/approx age:
✎ Weight (lbs or grams):
✎ Symptoms or behavior details:
✎ Worms seen? (describe if yes):
✎ Fleas or dirt confirmed? yes/no:
✎ Foster lead contacted? yes/no:
✎ Vet needed? yes/no + when:

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