These can be obtained from private homes, shelters, pounds, veterinary clinics and even pet shops. You likely won t be able to see the parents or siblings of such cats or kittens, but that s less of problem with cats than with dogs, and less of a concern with alley cats than with purebred cats. Most mixed breed cats are terrific pets with few problems. This is the number one problem in cats that are maintained in groups together, and is common in shelters, pet shops and purebred catteries. Because respiratory diseases are so contagious, it s nearly impossible to keep them out even with excellent sanitation.
Respiratory diseases can become quite severe in kittens, and can even be fatal.
In adults, they can become chronic and difficult or impossible to cure. So never get a cat or kitten that is sneezing or has runny nose or eyes. Avoid places that have obviously sick kittens or cats even if the cat you re considering seems healthy. He has been exposed, and could become quite sick a week or so later. Sometimes respiratory diseases will sweep through a place for several weeks, and then be gone again for a long while.