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In reply to the discussion: I need some advice from people who are cat savvy (UPDATED WITH PICTURES) [View all]Frosty1
(1,823 posts)& that is why it appears tipped? I hate to say it but the woman at the pet shop is full of hooey! The only time a cat can transmit the feline aid virus is to another cat. NOT to a human and not to a dog. I think she was trying to scare you into possibly buying a cat from her? If your cat is showing no signs of illness you are probably safe till you see a vet. The other possible diseases she might possibly transmit to your dog is Distemper or rabies which being a responsible animal owner I am sure your dog is already vaccinated against both. The vet will want a poop sample asap to check for worms. The only way your dog is going to get worms from this cat is if s/he eats cat poop. As far as fleas are concerned look carefully around her nipples and on the belly fur near the groin. If you see little black dots or smudges in the fur she might have fleas. The only other contagious thing I can think of is ear mites which leaves very dark almost black looking wax in the ear canal. Relax & don't let all this scare you. As someone who has taken in strays for over 45 years I have never had a stray infect any of my house pets. Oh yes and have her vaccinated for feline leukemia since she has been around other cats. I can't remember if the vet tests for that first or not. Mine didn't