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My cat has Asthma?
In: Cat Health
Yes, it is possible for your favorite feline pal to have the same problem that many humans endure; asthma! This disease is defined as an airway disorder characterized by episodes of airway narrowing (bronchoconstriction) and airway contraction (bronchospasm). In most cases these episodes are stimulated by a particular “irritant.” Feline Asthma occurs in approximately 1% of cats and the Siamese and Himalayan breeds seem to be more predisposed. Clinical signs in cats are often subtle, but consistent and similar to ...
Oh no! Not the carpet!
In: Cat Behavior, Cat Health
Have you ever found a wet spot or seen your furry friend urinate right in front of you? Well, this is a common problem for both dogs and cats. There are many possible causes for this conduct: it could be either a medical or behavioral issue. To determine the root of the problem, the first step is taking your canine or feline friend to the veterinarian. Your veterinarian will examine your pet and will likely suggest some diagnostic tests which could ...
“Ouch!” Alternative Treatments for Pain
In: Cat Health
Many of our animal companionssuffer from chronic pain. Bonespurs, arthritis, hip dysplasia and muscle/tendon injuries can make them miserable.Traditionally, pain has been managed withNSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatorydrugs) such as rimadyl, etogesic, metacam, deramaxx or a slew of others. These medications have a long list of side effects: lossof appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, anemia, liver damage, adverselyaffects the kidney function, stomach and intestinal ulcers, intestinal bleeding and changes in behavior; depression and/or restlessness. Given the list of potential side effects, we offer safer alternative treatments first. We use ...
FLUTD: A Common Feline Emergency
In: Cat Health
Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a syndrome with multiple conditions that can affect the urinary bladder and urethra of cats. There are two categories of FLUTD: obstructive and nonobstructive. Although the condition has many different causes, affected cats usually exhibit similar clinical signs. These include straining to urinate, urinating frequently, producing small amounts of urine, urinating in abnormal locations, blood in the urine, and vocalizing during urination due to pain and discomfort. Nonobstructive FLUTD can progress to the obstructive form, ...
The Changing Face of Feline Urinary Disease
In: Cat Health
Twenty years ago, over 90% of the crystals found in the Lower Urinary Tract (Bladder and Urethra) of “straining” cats were struvite (Magnesium Phosphate). The frequent occurrence of problems created by these stones prompted most manufacturers of cat food to modify their diet formulas, aiming at preventing and dissolving these uroliths. This change proved to be very helpful to the general cat population, evidenced by the significant decrease in the incidence of struvites. Now ...
Cat Fights May Lead to Feline Leukemia!
In: Cat Health
Feline leukemia is a disease of cats caused by a virus known as the feline leukemia virus (FeLV). This deadly disease is transmitted by direct contact with infected body fluids (such as saliva, blood, semen and urine) from an infected cat to an uninfected cat. The most common way this disease is transmitted is via bite wounds. The more often your cat is in a fight with other cats, the more likely it will be exposed to FeLV. This is ...
Indoor Cat or Outdoor Cat?
In: Animal Welfare, Cat Health, Dogs & Cats (Misc.)
The decision whether to let your cat go outdoors may be made for you. If you live in a high-rise, or if there’s no safe place to let the cat out, then you must keep the cat in. Or your cat may be old, blind, or a slow runner, and so should remain inside. But if you live where a cat can safely go out, you have to decide. There are a lot of considerations. Inside is still the safest place ...
Feline Hyperthyroidism
In: Cat Health
The thyroid gland is located in the neck and plays a very important role in regulating the body’s rate of metabolism. Hyperthyroidism is a common disorder in cats older than eight years of age. The disease is caused by an enlargement of the gland, which leads to an overproduction of thyroid hormone. Many organs are affected by this disease, including the heart, kidneys, liver, and eyes (retinas). The most consistent finding with this disorder is weight loss secondary to the increased ...
Feline Immunodecifiency Virus
In: Cat Health
With all the focus on AIDS in people, there are more and more questions surrounding the very similar AIDS virus in cats. However, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus differs from Feline Leukemia Virus with which it is commonly confused. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus is a lentevirus that causes disease by suppressing the immune system. The virus can be detected in the bloodstream by a test run in the hospital. However, in a healthy cat with no other clinical signs, it is recommended that a blood ...
