[Mandrew]

...the vet? Do i really need to take the cat to the vet, and if so, how much does it cost to get all the shots it needs and what else should i do for it?

[Ms. S]

Yes, you should. Being a stray, there's no telling what he/she might have picked up - from relatively harmless, treatable things (like a URI or "kitty cold") to dangerous things such as FIV ("kitty Aids"). His/her health needs to be checked out. Also, the cat needs to be vaccinated, and spayed/neutered if he/she isn't yet. And he/she almost certainly needs to be dewormed/defleaed - never use over the counter products for this, they're ineffective and can even be dangerous! How much it'll cost is hard to say - it depends on what exactly will need to be done and on what area you are in - vet prices vary greatly by region. Call around and ask about prices. Also call the shelter - they sometimes have low-cost vets people can use, or can tell you how to find one. Good luck, and thanks for taking care of this kitty!

[ng2003]

i hv no idea abt this as i m doing the same for a kitten it is now 12 days old .thx for asking this question and taking care of the cat .

[KayChalce]

It probably would be best to take the cat to the vet. Check the clinics and shelters in your area because they may have deals on a free check up or shot packages. Sometimes they'll even do spaying or neutering for free which helps keep the stray population down. For now just the check up is good though because then you'll know for sure if the cat needs to be fixed or has any health problems which could be a problem for you and your friends (such as something that can be passed on to humans like ringworm, a kitten I adopted had it). If there's a Petsmart in your area they have clinics for cats and dogs, the one I worked at in California had a vet that came by and gave check ups and shots once a week.

[Val K]

yes, I think that would be adviseable, the cat should have its shots etc, then you and your friends can love it all you like knowing that it is healthy

[Lindsey D]

Definately, especially if you plan on keeping him and/or have other pets in your home! You want to make sure it is healthy before you expose him to other pets. Strays can have diseases that can transfer to your pets making them sick or even die. Shots can be expensive, but if you shop around a little usually you can find someone to do them all for under about $150. When you call explain the situation and ask what all shots it needs and how much that will run. Often the checkup is tossed in for free when you get shots, but ask them to give you a total estimate anyway. If you don't allow the cat outside in the future you can drop the shot costs down to even less.