Veternarian People Question

[JenMarie]

I've always thought the PetCo adoption centers were always kind of shady. They'd take in animals from rescue groups, which is nice, but they don't care of them after they are in care. It's ridiculous.

But having a kitten with possible distemper mixed in with other "adoptable" cats is risky. Those guys are usually quarantined. And if deemed un-adoptable and/or terminally ill, they can be put into a foster home until they pass away or they are put to sleep. It's a sad process, but sometimes that's reality.

[33girl]

First off I wouldn't blame it on Petco...my understanding is that they have pets brought in from the shelters around here, I don't know how they would know what they're going to get.

Also if you asked the Petco clerk rather than a volunteer from the shelter, they probably didn't have a clue. I would call the shelter who was sponsoring the adopt-in (or whatever you want to call it) and ask if you have concerns. I'm guessing it was Animal Friends since they're the only ones I know of who deal w/ ferals.

[PM_Mama00]

I'm not familiar with cats, but this is making me curious. What is feral and distemper?

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by PM_Mama00

I'm not familiar with cats, but this is making me curious. What is feral and distemper?

Dictionary.com:

fe·ral ( P ) Pronunciation Key (fîrl, fr-)adj.

Existing in a wild or untamed state.
Having returned to an untamed state from domestication.
Of or suggestive of a wild animal; savage: a feral grin.



dis·tem·per1 ( P ) Pronunciation Key (ds-tmpr)n.

An infectious viral disease occurring in dogs, characterized by loss of appetite, a catarrhal discharge from the eyes and nose, vomiting, fever, lethargy, partial paralysis caused by destruction of myelinated nerve tissue, and sometimes death. Also called canine distemper.
A similar viral disease of cats characterized by fever, vomiting, diarrhea leading to dehydration, and sometimes death. Also called feline distemper, panleukopenia.
Any of various similar mammalian diseases.
An illness or disease; an ailment: “He died... of a broken heart, a distemper which kills many more than is generally imagined” (Henry Fielding).
Ill humor; testiness.
Disorder or disturbance, especially of a social or political nature.