Five Most Common Cat Illnesses

When taking care of your cat it is a good idea to know about the different types of cat illnesses that can affect your kitty.

Urinary tract infection
Some cats will be in noticeable pain when using litter box and you may see some blood in their urine.

Frequent trips to the litter box and accidents are common. If any of your cat’s litter box habits change you should take him in to vet for a check up to see if \ there is urinary tract infection

If caught early enough this can be cleared up with antibiotics given.

If not there can be complications with spreading to the kidneys and much more pain. Could be a blockage that prevent cat from urinating and this is life threatening.

Upper Respiratory Infection
Like humans cats can catch colds too but it is much more fatal for them. A cat kept strictly indoors is at less risk.
This is highly contagious and is spread through contact with an infected cat to another cat.

Symptoms include: coughing, sneeze, running nose, fever, watery eyes, harsh meow.
Warning signs you should look for: not eating or drinking, lethargic.
If you notice your cat is less active and not eating or drinking anything this can be quite serious. Seek medical attention at once.
This kind of infection is caused by a virus and antibiotics are given. Antibiotics is not given to treat but rather to keep any other infections from forming.
Some medications are given to help in breaking up the mucous so your cat has easier time in breathing.
Severe cases cat may become so dehydrated that they require use of a drip.

Feline Panleukopemia
Also known as feline distemper and caused by a virus. This is contagious and spread through litter box, contaminated food and water. Be careful if you are have a mult-cat household.
Signs to be aware of: lifeless and lethargic, vomiting, diarrhea that is severe, not eating or drinking, dry skin from being dehydrated, fur falling out.
See your vet if you suspect your cat has this.
No medications to be treated but antibiotics to help keep other infections from happening.
A white blood count is also used to confirm the diagnosis of felinen panleukopemia.
Many cats end up dying from this as it is difficult to fight off.
Good news though there is a vaccine you can give your cat to help prevent this from happening.

Chronic Kidney Failure
More common in older cats and part of natural aging. When kidneys are not working properly than waste is not able to be removed from the body.
Signs: constipation, no appetite, lethargy, nausea, vomiting.
As this progresses more water is needed to process any toxins in body. Vet gives blood and urine tests to check for kidney failure.
There is no known cure but some treatments are available to help cat live a longer life.
Most common treatment is a IV drip or diaylsis.

Diabetes
Not enough insulin in body to maintain proper blood sugar level. If not treated in time a cat will not live a very long life.
Early symptoms: Increased appetite with no weight gain, may even see weight loss, drink and urinate in excess, frail, tiredness, vomit, diarrhea, muscle weakness, trouble breathing, dehydrated.
In later stages cat will become less active. Ketoacidosis happens in some cats. This is a complication when there is no sugar in body
Testing is done through blood and urine samples to determine if have diabetes.
Treatment consists of shots once or twice a day for insulin and some sort of special diet. If cat has become dehydrated will need be treated.

Find vital advice in the sphere of energy generators blog – please study the web site. The times have come when proper information is really within one click, use this chance.

Cat Owner’s Guide To Rhinotracheitis In Felines

A virus that causes an upper respiratory infection is responsible for rhinotracheitis in cats. This virus is highly contagious, but usually only causes mild symptoms in mature cats. However, this disease can be fatal to kittens if they develop feline pneumonia. Here is everything you need to know about cat rhinotracheitis.

Transmission

The virus is highly contagious, as you already know by now. Contaminated food dishes, cages, and litter boxes can all transmit the virus. Also, cats can become infected if they come into contact with discharge from an infected cat’s eyes, nose, or mouth. As the owner, you also have to be careful as you can harbor the virus on your hands or clothing.

Symptoms

Cats affected with feline rhinotracheitis show common symptoms of an upper respiratory infection. This includes coughing, discharge from the nose, and cat sneezing. Some cats also develop a secondary bacterial infection that can lead to pneumonia. Loss of appetite, fever, and corneal ulcers are also common signs of rhinotracheitis.

Treatment

Since secondary bacterial infections can become a problem, antibiotics are commonly prescribed when treating this condition. No other medications may be necessary since the condition usually resolves by itself within two weeks. However, nasal discharge can be limited by giving your cat nasal drops.

You will need to make sure your cat is consuming enough food and fluids. If not, he may need to have a feeding tube. To help minimize stress, you will need to prevent your cat from going outside. His recovery room should have plenty of ventilation and be warm. A humidifier would be a nice addition.

Prognosis

If affected by feline rhinotracheitis, your cat should fully recover within ten days. Recovery may take longer is a secondary bacterial infection occurs. Some cats that have had this condition experience chronic sneezing and nasal discharge.

All owners should know their pet can fall victim to various health problems in their lifetime. You can read up on many different potential health problems at cat-illnesses.com. So, come by right now to become informed.

Find practical info for house training dogs – this is your individual tips store.

Next Page »