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Cat Health
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Published: October 24, 2006
Although cats might behave as if they have nine lives, like the rest of us, they have just one. Good cat health practices can help ensure your kitten has a long and happy life.
An effective cat health program should begin right away if you are bringing a newborn kitten into your home. Kittens are susceptible to cat health problems such as upper respiratory infections, worms and ear mites. The wisest course of action is to have a veterinarian examine your new kitten upon adoption. Worms and ear mites can be treated fairly easily in most cases. Upper respiratory infections, evidenced by sniffling, coughing and lack of appetite, might need more attention and treatment, especially if it is not caught early.
Unfortunately, there is no safe window of time for kittens when it comes to such serious threats to cat health as feline leukemia (FeLV) and feline HIV, also known as feline AIDS (FIV). These contagious diseases can only be managed, not cured. While cats cannot pass FeLV and FIV to humans, they easily can pass the viruses to other cats through an exchange of bodily fluids (saliva or blood). This can lead to a general decline in cat health and expensive veterinary care as a cat ages. FeLV and FIV also can cause death if left untreated.
It is best, therefore, to inoculate new kittens against FeLV and FIV as soon as possible. If test results show they are already infected, they must be kept separate from other cats to prevent the disease from spreading.
Feline distemper, also known as cat fever, and rabies are two other cat health hazards kittens are susceptible to, but can be prevented with early vaccinations.
Fever, diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration and anemia characterize distemper. It can consume a cat within days. Rabies attacks and destroys the brain and nervous system. It is especially dangerous because it can be transmitted to humans and other animals through a bite or scratch.
As kittens grow into cats, annual booster shots can keep these diseases at bay.
Adult cat health problems include hairballs and urinary tract problems.
Cats groom themselves by licking their fur with their rough tongues. They naturally swallow some fur in the process. Most of the time, this hair is eliminated through the feces, but sometimes it "backs up" and gets vomited out. The gray matted "pills" in the vomit are called hairballs.
In serious cases, hairballs can get so big and dense they block the intestinal tract and require removal through surgery. Regular brushing can remove much of the fur threatening to become a hairball and alleviate this cat health concern. Recurring hairball problems often can be eased with a petroleum-based prescription laxative.
A common cat health problem, especially for males, is urinary tract infections and blockages. If your cat strains when urinating and produces little or no liquid, or if there is blood in the urine, it is a good possibility your cat has developed some sort of urinary tract problem. A trip to the vet is mandatory. Medicine or a change in diet can restore Fluffy to good cat health if the problem is diagnosed and treated early.
If you have more than one cat, multiple litter boxes can help prevent urinary-related health problems. Cats have been known to "hold it" rather than use a box dirtied by another cat, which allows bacteria to accumulate in the bladder.
A good rule of thumb for overall cat health is to provide one box for each cat. Your crew might decide to use just one box anyway, but give them the option of having more than one "comfort station" at their disposal.
Too many cat treats or super-sized meals can lead to obesity, a rising cat health problem. This, in turn, can lead to diabetes. Feline diabetes is treatable, requiring daily urine monitoring and insulin injections, and can sometimes even be reversed. However, it is easier to prevent the problem from occurring in the first place by feeding your cat a sound, balanced diet.
Do not forget to brush Kitty's teeth and schedule regular dental cleanings at the veterinarian's office periodontal disease can be as deleterious to good cat health as it is for humans.
Fortunately, insurance is now available to help manage cat health care costs. Pet care plans differ in the coverage they offer and the benefits they pay. Cat owners easily can compare costs and benefits of various plans online. A veterinarian also might be able to suggest several plans.
With or without insurance, a faithfully followed cat health care plan can result in years of happy purrs and contented kitty stretches for you and your feline friend.
With just one life for each of you to live, why not start now?
Sources:
"Feline Distemper," Orange Health Care Animal Care Services web site, citing information originally published by the American Veterinary Medical Association, October 23, 2006 http://www.ocpetinfo.com/fedstmpr.htm.
"Rabies," AnimalHealthChannel.com web site, October 23, 2006 http://www.animalhealthchannel.com/rabies/diagnosi s.shtml#pre.
"Kitten Care Center," Purina Cat Chow web site, October 23, 2006 http://www.catchow.com/KittenCareCenterArticle.asp x?category=Health (Date: 2006-10-23 15:52:41)
An effective cat health program should begin right away if you are bringing a newborn kitten into your home. Kittens are susceptible to cat health problems such as upper respiratory infections, worms and ear mites. The wisest course of action is to have a veterinarian examine your new kitten upon adoption. Worms and ear mites can be treated fairly easily in most cases. Upper respiratory infections, evidenced by sniffling, coughing and lack of appetite, might need more attention and treatment, especially if it is not caught early.
Unfortunately, there is no safe window of time for kittens when it comes to such serious threats to cat health as feline leukemia (FeLV) and feline HIV, also known as feline AIDS (FIV). These contagious diseases can only be managed, not cured. While cats cannot pass FeLV and FIV to humans, they easily can pass the viruses to other cats through an exchange of bodily fluids (saliva or blood). This can lead to a general decline in cat health and expensive veterinary care as a cat ages. FeLV and FIV also can cause death if left untreated.
It is best, therefore, to inoculate new kittens against FeLV and FIV as soon as possible. If test results show they are already infected, they must be kept separate from other cats to prevent the disease from spreading.
Feline distemper, also known as cat fever, and rabies are two other cat health hazards kittens are susceptible to, but can be prevented with early vaccinations.
Fever, diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration and anemia characterize distemper. It can consume a cat within days. Rabies attacks and destroys the brain and nervous system. It is especially dangerous because it can be transmitted to humans and other animals through a bite or scratch.
As kittens grow into cats, annual booster shots can keep these diseases at bay.
Adult cat health problems include hairballs and urinary tract problems.
Cats groom themselves by licking their fur with their rough tongues. They naturally swallow some fur in the process. Most of the time, this hair is eliminated through the feces, but sometimes it "backs up" and gets vomited out. The gray matted "pills" in the vomit are called hairballs.
In serious cases, hairballs can get so big and dense they block the intestinal tract and require removal through surgery. Regular brushing can remove much of the fur threatening to become a hairball and alleviate this cat health concern. Recurring hairball problems often can be eased with a petroleum-based prescription laxative.
A common cat health problem, especially for males, is urinary tract infections and blockages. If your cat strains when urinating and produces little or no liquid, or if there is blood in the urine, it is a good possibility your cat has developed some sort of urinary tract problem. A trip to the vet is mandatory. Medicine or a change in diet can restore Fluffy to good cat health if the problem is diagnosed and treated early.
If you have more than one cat, multiple litter boxes can help prevent urinary-related health problems. Cats have been known to "hold it" rather than use a box dirtied by another cat, which allows bacteria to accumulate in the bladder.
A good rule of thumb for overall cat health is to provide one box for each cat. Your crew might decide to use just one box anyway, but give them the option of having more than one "comfort station" at their disposal.
Too many cat treats or super-sized meals can lead to obesity, a rising cat health problem. This, in turn, can lead to diabetes. Feline diabetes is treatable, requiring daily urine monitoring and insulin injections, and can sometimes even be reversed. However, it is easier to prevent the problem from occurring in the first place by feeding your cat a sound, balanced diet.
Do not forget to brush Kitty's teeth and schedule regular dental cleanings at the veterinarian's office periodontal disease can be as deleterious to good cat health as it is for humans.
Fortunately, insurance is now available to help manage cat health care costs. Pet care plans differ in the coverage they offer and the benefits they pay. Cat owners easily can compare costs and benefits of various plans online. A veterinarian also might be able to suggest several plans.
With or without insurance, a faithfully followed cat health care plan can result in years of happy purrs and contented kitty stretches for you and your feline friend.
With just one life for each of you to live, why not start now?
Sources:
"Feline Distemper," Orange Health Care Animal Care Services web site, citing information originally published by the American Veterinary Medical Association, October 23, 2006 http://www.ocpetinfo.com/fedstmpr.htm.
"Rabies," AnimalHealthChannel.com web site, October 23, 2006 http://www.animalhealthchannel.com/rabies/diagnosi s.shtml#pre.
"Kitten Care Center," Purina Cat Chow web site, October 23, 2006 http://www.catchow.com/KittenCareCenterArticle.asp x?category=Health (Date: 2006-10-23 15:52:41)
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