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.
green cleaning service Park Ridge ..Betta fish, also called Siamese fighting fish are one of... Read More
BackgroundSilkworms are the larva of a moth (Bombyx mori) native... Read More
When pondering whether my neurosis is learned or genetic, I... Read More
Almost all communities in the U.S. require at least one... Read More
If you thought dog noses were just a source of... Read More
Adding a new member to your feline family is usually... Read More
Mistake #7 ? Assuming You Can Get On Any Horse... Read More
A New Understanding of AllergiesAllergies of all kinds seem to... Read More
My wife and I have been married for 32 years.... Read More
For all pet owners, regular monitoring and "examinations" of your... Read More
If you're reading this I think it's safe to assume... Read More
There may be no warning before dog worms strike.It was... Read More
There are lots of ways a horse can go lame.... Read More
Part2: Does your puppy want to be crate trained?Yes! in... Read More
You can look at westhighland terriers and know if it... Read More
For Discus fish, there are 2 consideration in tanks -... Read More
The West Highland White Terrier or Westie, has it's origin,... Read More
Dogs are descendent of wolves. To study the psychology of... Read More
Your dog's health is a very important part of overall... Read More
Interacting with a pet bird outside of it's cage is... Read More
Looking for some quick Rottweiler dog facts? Here's a quick... Read More
What does doing natural preventative care mean? I thought vaccinating,... Read More
My dad was an avid animal lover. We grew up... Read More
Five years ago this August a funny little puppy came... Read More
You've picked out the perfect puppy. You spent hours on... Read More
cleaning help near Bannockburn ..The most important thing to remember in analyzing the behavior... Read More
Are you ready for a Boxer?The answer is "no" if... Read More
Your dogs health is important to you. You show her... Read More
If you've ever watched as a cat "flipped" over fresh... Read More
There are lots of ways a horse can go lame.... Read More
For Discus fish, there are 2 consideration in tanks -... Read More
Pets can enjoy the therapeutic effects of aromatherapy as much... Read More
Eclampsia, or milk fever, is an acute, life-threatening condition which... Read More
Dog food is very important for the health of dogs.... Read More
Interacting with a pet bird outside of it's cage is... Read More
Many chronic diseases commonly seen in pets result from immune... Read More
If you take a quick look at this species they... Read More
Over the last 20 years, vaccinations have generally been started... Read More
While dogs tend to get lots of exercise, cats are... Read More
This article discusses two foods in paticual. For the puppy... Read More
I was doing some research on dog health when I... Read More
A new puppy is a joyous addition to any home.... Read More
The treatment for heartworms is different for cats and dogs.... Read More
'Help, my cat is pregnant and I don't know what... Read More
The 6 Keys To Building A Life Long Partnership With... Read More
Why paint your cat? After all cats are beautiful creatures... Read More
Sadly, there are several household items which we tend to... Read More
A few years ago, before I decided to stay home... Read More
We have all grown up with at least one hero... Read More
I'm a pariah among the dog fanciers in my community.... Read More
Pet |