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.
maid service near Lake Forest ..Many dog owners find themselves frustrated, deeply concerned and even... Read More
Dogs have been known as man's best friend for decades.... Read More
Betta fish, also called Siamese fighting fish are one of... Read More
What you feed your dog is really SO important for... Read More
It is very important to decide whether to keep your... Read More
Looking for some quick Rottweiler dog facts? Here's a quick... Read More
I am a happy owner of two rat terriers. They... Read More
For most West Highland White Terrier owners, the dog is... Read More
Why The Food You Give Your Dog Matters!If you're like... Read More
Of course, we humans use shoes to protect our feet.... Read More
Many of us dream of having a beautiful, exotic bird... Read More
"Your cat has feline diabetes." If this is your vet's... Read More
Cats are becoming increasingly popular as pets these days, and... Read More
If Your Dog Suffers From Arthritis, Consider The Natural Alternative:Rimadyl... Read More
Their scientific name is Cavia Tschuldi and their nickname in... Read More
Dogs are creatures of habit; and once they develop a... Read More
Mention the word "video" and different people would come up... Read More
1) Why should I crate train my dog? ... Read More
Understanding where horses come from has been a long road... Read More
Mistake #7 ? Assuming You Can Get On Any Horse... Read More
If you are looking for tips on breeding tropical fish,... Read More
Keeping fish as pets takes more than just feeding them... Read More
If you have ever tried to take a picture of... Read More
... Read More
What is Separation Anxiety?When you leave the house, it is... Read More
top rated cleaning service Des Plaines ..House rabbits are a perfect pet for many people, regardless... Read More
June is Disaster Preparedness for Pets month ? but if... Read More
A Healthy Skin and Coat for Your Dog ...Does your... Read More
Puppy training can and should begin the day you bring... Read More
To the uninitiated horse owner, there are timely facts about... Read More
Dog Shock CollarsDog shock collars are a touchy subject among... Read More
Is your dog up to dirty no good again? Did... Read More
"Mom, can we get a puppy?" Who hasn't heard that... Read More
1.) Versatility- A good dog trainer will use techniques and... Read More
Newer doesn't always mean better.Adopting an older dog may be... Read More
In the purebred West Highland Terrier puppy market, there are... Read More
Dog fashions are all the rage and have become quite... Read More
This article discusses two foods in paticual. For the puppy... Read More
Are you considering buying a dog for your child or... Read More
The most important thing to remember in analyzing the behavior... Read More
Is your cat talking to you?Many cat lovers claim that... Read More
He will be there by your side, as your loving... Read More
There is a dangerous problem that horse owners should be... Read More
If you have a passion to learn all you can... Read More
Whether you are searching for something to say "Happy Birthday"... Read More
Why does one breed appeal to a person over another?... Read More
Some Dogs like Boxers unfortunately, are prone to several potential... Read More
The most common dog problems:Dog Owner's commonly ask me the... Read More
What you feed your dog is really SO important for... Read More
General Info.Brine shrimps, or artemia, are a zooplankton used mainly... Read More
Pet |