Even with the best care, cats can become ill. Sometimes this means a simple "kitty cold," at other times the disease might have a more lasting or even fatal result. The following are some of the more common causes of serious illness in cats.
An upper respiratory infection (URI) is the medical term for what many cat lovers call a "kitty cold." Indeed, the symptoms match those of a human cold, sneezing and discharge from the nose. While they seem similar, the human and cat version of this infection are different, and one species cannot be infected by the other. However, URI is highly contagious among cats. If you have a multi-cat household and notice URI symptoms, isolate the cat immediately.
The best treatment for URI is time and loving care. Use a warm, moist cloth to keep your cat's eyes and nose free of discharge. You might need to warm her food to enhance the smell to encourage your cat to eat.
URI symptoms, which include a decreased appetite, can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Watch your cat carefully; not eating or drinking can lead to dehydration. Also, if your cat becomes extremely lethargic, it may mean the URI has turned into something more serious.
The symptoms of URI may last a few days to several weeks. Cats with URI may also be lethargic and have a decreased appetite. Monitor the cat carefully; a growing lack of appetite and fever can lead to dehydration. Not eating can lead to liver problems. Lethargy can mean a minor URI has become a more serious problem, such as pneumonia. If you notice this occurring, or if the discharge becomes very thick and yellowish-green, contact your veterinarian. Severe URIs may need to be treated with antibiotics.
Chlamydia is a type of bacteria that has many variations. Usually, each variant is species specific; feline Chlamydia is not transmitted to humans. In cats, the bacteria usually infects the eye, causing conjunctivitis. Chlamydia can be treated with antibiotics.
Symptoms of Feline Chlamydia
* Anorexia (loss of appetite; may occur as the disease progresses)
* Coughing
* Difficulty breathing
* Fever (may occur as the disease progresses)
* Pneumonia (in young kittens 2 to 4 weeks old, which could be fatal)
* Runny nose (rhinitis)
* Sneezing
* Watery eyes due to conjunctivitis (either one or both eyes)
Panleukopenia is a condition in which a cat's white blood cell count drops dramatically. Since white blood cells are vital to the cat's defense against disease, this condition leaves cats vulnerable to deadly infections. The virus is transmitted via body secretions. Feces are particularly common transmitters. It can be carried in water or on shoes.
Panleukopenia is often referred to as a number of different terms, such as
* Panleukopenia (often shortened to "Panleuk" in verbal discussion)
* FPV (Feline Panleukopenia Virus OR Feline Parvo Virus)
* FP (Feline Panleukopenia)
* Feline Distemper
* Feline Infectious Enteritis
* Feline Infectious Gastroenteritis
* Feline Agranulocytosis
* Cat Plague
* Cat fever
* Show fever
* Psuedomembranous Enteritis
* Maladie du jeune chat
* Feline Typhus
* Feline Tyfoid
* Colibacillosis
* Agranulocytosis
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) causes a variety of diseases, one of which is leukemia, or cancer of the white blood cells. Infected cats often appear healthy in the early stages of the disease. The illness may take months or years to cause death. For a long time, FeLV was the most fatal disease among cats. Today, although vaccinations are available to protect cats from this disease, it continues to be a leading cause of death, as there is no treatment.
FeLV is usually transmitted through cat fighting with each other. Because large quantities of the FeLV are shed in puncture wounds and cat saliva associated with fighting result in the injection of PeLV into other cats. Other less frequent routes of viral spread include sharing food and water bowls, cats grooming each other, and transmission from mother to kittens before birth.
pet medication supplies (pet medication supplies) can help you get the best possible pet health supplies. Advantix, Arthramine, Cosequin, Frontline, Heartgard - find the best deals in pet medication for flea and tick control, arthritis and lyme disease. Upto 50% discount everyday on brand names.
cleaning help near Mundelein ..The 6 Keys To Building A Life Long Partnership With... Read More
Over the past couple of years, animal rescues have been... Read More
"You've created your own monster, you know", my mother said... Read More
Of all the parasites a dog can catch, worms take... Read More
The idea of picking up a horse's hooves can intimidate... Read More
So you're thinking about trying cichlids. A good choice. In... Read More
Remember when you first met your dog? He was fresh... Read More
I was talking to a friend of mine today and... Read More
PROBIOTICS - The Good Bacteria - Does your pet have... Read More
Many people ask the question: "Should we get a purebreed... Read More
We all know that good food, a loving home and... Read More
In the purebred West Highland Terrier puppy market, there are... Read More
Why does one breed appeal to a person over another?... Read More
The best thing to do is to start training your... Read More
My wife and I have been married for 32 years.... Read More
Would you like to save money and have a healthier... Read More
If the "tweet, tweet" of little beaks is in your... Read More
Some Dogs like Boxers unfortunately, are prone to several potential... Read More
Let's say you've made up your mind on the breed... Read More
The act of offering Christmas gifts is always enhanced if... Read More
The other day, I was invited to see my friend's... Read More
Brings live to your community tanksMany freshwater fish-keepers have a... Read More
Grocery Stores could use some larger Dog Food Isles. Not... Read More
Unfortunately, accidents can - and DO happen, so it's always... Read More
What kind of materials should you use when constructing a... Read More
reliable maid service Wilmette ..With all the companionship and love that our dogs give... Read More
Pilling a cat can be a "nightmarish" experience. Cats don't... Read More
Horse training can be a relatively mysterious subject to people... Read More
Obesity is one of the most important health concerns facing... Read More
Is your cat talking to you?Many cat lovers claim that... Read More
Mention the word "video" and different people would come up... Read More
Scottish Terriers are short-legged dogs, at a height of ten... Read More
Is your dog one of those that pulls at his... Read More
They say the eyes are are the gateway to the... Read More
Lemon TetraGlassily transparent, the lemon tetra (hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis) could appear... Read More
In the purebred West Highland Terrier puppy market, there are... Read More
Puppies need to go to the bathroom after they play,... Read More
If your kids have been begging you to get a... Read More
If you're looking for an unusual, eye-catching pet, it's hard... Read More
==========The Scoop on Premium Dog Food========If you're interested in premium... Read More
Would you put together a model plane without looking at... Read More
"Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil... Read More
Ozzie, my four-month old Rottweiler peered up at me with... Read More
A former coworker has a dog that had begun itching... Read More
This article discusses two foods in paticual. For the puppy... Read More
Dog food is very important for the health of dogs.... Read More
Dog eye problems can occur at any time. You should... Read More
In a recent discussion about pet safety, the services provided... Read More
Cryptorchidism is peculiar to male dogs and a condition present... Read More
Dogs and children are a perfect fit. They are what... Read More
Pet |