• Feline Infections Peritonitis (FIP). Look for difficulty in breathing, weight loss, anemia, and fever.

Giardia is a parasite that can appear in cats kept in pet stores or catteries. It can kill aged cats and kittens.

Worms. There are three main varieties of worms, and all can be transmitted to your uninfected cats. Be sure to have your veterinarian check her for worms when you take her for her medical exam.

Mistake #3: Not collaring your cat and providing her with a nametag.

This should be done before you bring her home. Your cat might panic when you try to introduce her to the household (particularly when she meets the family dog), and if a door is open or there is some other way to get outdoors, she may bolt through it and escape.

She will not know where she is, and attempt to return to her former residence (wherever that was). In short, you may hear one terrified “meow” and never see her again.

Unless, that is, she is wearing a collar and a nametag (preferably metal) with

• her name

• your name

• your telephone number

firmly stamped on it. Getting a microchip embedded between her shoulder blades is also a good idea: it can give Animal Control complete information to return your kitty if she becomes lost.

Immediately taking these precautions as soon as you adopt your cat can save a lot of grief in that initial introduction, and ensure that your new kitty enjoys a long and happy life in her new home.

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