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.
shuttle from O'Hare Brocton .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareMost pet owners have become very educated about their pet... Read More
The most common dog problems:Dog Owner's commonly ask me the... Read More
You've probably had a day or two when you felt... Read More
Dogs make great loyal pets and are always pleased to... Read More
In the purebred West Highland Terrier puppy market, there are... Read More
Most parrot people are aware of some of the basic... Read More
Selling a HorseThe best new tool for people selling horses... Read More
Many dog owners find themselves frustrated, deeply concerned and even... Read More
If your cat has recently decided not to use the... Read More
Standing and walking on the hind legs are tricks that... Read More
If you are seriously considering keeping fish as pets or... Read More
Caring for a kitten is a lot of work. With... Read More
Mum, dad, can we get a puppy? Its a plea... Read More
When I carried him home, he was this tiny little... Read More
The Story Continues... Following the first of many visits to... Read More
What if you want a Boxer, but cannot stomach the... Read More
She is the protector of cats, women and children. The... Read More
Mistake #7 ? Assuming You Can Get On Any Horse... Read More
Toy dog breeds include greyhounds, terriers, pinschers, pugs, chihuahuas, pekingese,... Read More
As with every training tool used to modify a behavior... Read More
Introducing your puppy to the crate should be an easy... Read More
Yesterday we talked a little about the 6 Keys for... Read More
Adding a new member to your feline family is usually... Read More
The greatest benefits of ownership is knowing that your property... Read More
Do you really know all there is to know about... Read More
Chicago charter limousine service Hickory Hills .."Magoo was a big, playful Labrador retriever who often got... Read More
Every day, people by the millions pour food from a... Read More
Showing off your dog in front of friends and family... Read More
I'd like to talk to you about pet vaccinations. I... Read More
On the surface playing Frisbee with your dog may seem... Read More
Whether you are searching for something to say "Happy Birthday"... Read More
Goldfish HealthcareYou would think that it's unfair that such a... Read More
"Doggy breath" ? that unpleasant odor emanating from the mouths... Read More
Dog obedience training starts even before you get your puppy... Read More
Vitamins Can Increase Your Dog's Life Span!There is evidence to... Read More
Choosing a dog is a fun adventure. The search for... Read More
By Jeffrey Rolocopyright 2004 AlphaHorseIn the dating world many men... Read More
Allergies to dogs can strike anyone at any age, yet... Read More
You can't imagine the kind of varieties of Goldfish there... Read More
If there is an art to getting horses to load... Read More
Nobody likes ticks.In fact, when it comes to ticks I... Read More
Pets provide an unconditional love that requires very little on... Read More
Although many horsemen and trainers extol the virtues of the... Read More
Which kind is your pet? The pooch who is the... Read More
How important is a dog name? Well let's think about... Read More
It's beginning to get cooler and as such it is... Read More
Mum, dad, can we get a puppy? Its a plea... Read More
Thanks to Disney's Motion Picture 'Finding Nemo,' almost everybody is... Read More
Did you know that your goldfish can live for over... Read More
Lemon TetraGlassily transparent, the lemon tetra (hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis) could appear... Read More
Pet |