Can a Newly Acquired Cat Have an Immediate Check-up? How to Determine if It's a "Weekend Cat"

It's not advisable to immediately take a newly acquired cat for a check-up. Doing so can easily trigger stress reactions in the cat. It's best to first allow the cat to familiarize itself with its new home environment before taking it for a routine examination.

The primary reason for not immediately taking a new cat to the vet is that cats are timid and easily startled animals. Taking them to the vet immediately after arriving home can cause stress. It is best to first allow them to familiarize themselves with the scent of their new owner, which usually takes about two days. Once the cat is no longer afraid of its owner, it can be taken to the vet for a routine check-up. This includes screening for infectious diseases, administering vaccinations, and performing internal and external parasite control.

How to Identify a "Weekend Cat"

You can determine if a cat is a "weekend cat" by observing its clinical symptoms after you bring it home. If the cat develops an infectious disease within a week of purchase, it is considered a "weekend cat". This term refers to cats that appear healthy when purchased but gradually show signs such as lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea within seven days of arriving home. In such cases, it is recommended to take the cat to the vet for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.Read more here:Pet Breeds