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.
last minute cleaning help Arlington Heights ..The best thing to do is to start training your... Read More
Dogs, especially young dogs are very playful by nature.Play provides... Read More
There are many ways in which you can prepare for,... Read More
Author of Keep Fleas OffStill using all the chemicals you... Read More
It has been said that everything old is new again.... Read More
Eclampsia, or milk fever, is an acute, life-threatening condition which... Read More
Yes! We love our wonderful and dear Pooches! We care... Read More
Many people think cats are asocial, but in fact they... Read More
If you are lucky enough to get a 7-week-old puppy,... Read More
Have you ever dreamed of living with a bobcat or... Read More
This is an old saying that many of us have... Read More
Pet DoorsAre you considering installing a pet door for your... Read More
So you're bringing home that cute little puppy from the... Read More
1. What is heat?Heat is more properly called the estrous... Read More
General Info.Brine shrimps, or artemia, are a zooplankton used mainly... Read More
Did you know that there are key health benefits that... Read More
HistoryThroughout the US and in many parts of the world,... Read More
It was the Saturday morning of August 20, 2004 and... Read More
Training a dog is a fairly difficult task. Some find... Read More
Many parents know that the best way for children to... Read More
What's the best food for your Goldfish?Goldfish need food that... Read More
Every day, people by the millions pour food from a... Read More
Keeping fish as pets takes more than just feeding them... Read More
Most dogs live between ten and seventeen years. The relationship... Read More
Having a boxer dog as a pet, although low-maintenance, require... Read More
same day cleaning service Wilmette ..Contributed with the help of Karen L Overall of the... Read More
A crate is a valuable and useful training tool. Its... Read More
Have a dog lover on your gift list? Want to... Read More
Pregnant cats have to eat for two, three, four, five,... Read More
Owning a dog is a serious responsibility, one that should... Read More
Fleas have plagued dogs, cats, and their owners since time... Read More
I'd like to talk to you about pet vaccinations. I... Read More
Remember when you first met your dog? He was fresh... Read More
The American Kennel Club recognizes 150 different dog breeds. There... Read More
This has been one of the most rewarding adventures I... Read More
The city I live in just increased its fees for... Read More
"Magoo was a big, playful Labrador retriever who often got... Read More
You love your dog. You would do anything for your... Read More
It is important to choose a sugar glider breeder carefully.... Read More
Buying a purebred dog is not something that should be... Read More
Show an uninformed dog lover a photo of a Westie,... Read More
As you likely know already, horses have at least 10... Read More
A Healthy Skin and Coat for Your Dog ...Does your... Read More
The term applehead Chihuahua refers to the shape of a... Read More
You are ready to bring your Boxer home? First, you... Read More
Fleas belong to the insect order Siphonaptera. They are common... Read More
Training your dog to obey commands is an important part... Read More
Adding a new member to your feline family is usually... Read More
Is your dog a gentleman or lady? If so, you... Read More
Dogs mature and age at much different rates, usually according... Read More
Pet |