Cat Care Zone

There are three common feline worms that affects cats. These types are roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. Some can cause severe problems if they get to be too numerous. Let’s take a look at these feline worms.

Hookworms

Hookworms are smaller than the others as they only grow to be half an inch. Your cat can swallow them in his food and become infected. Sometimes, the worms are able to penetrate the cat’s skin. Hookworms infect the intestines, but only after passing through the lungs.

Cats can die from a severe infestation of hookworms. They cause blood loss when they attach themselves to your cat’s intestines. A large amount of these worms in the body can easily lead to anemia. Fortunately, hookworms can be detected through a stool sample and treated with deworming medications.

Tapeworms

Cats can also be affected by tapeworms, although they rarely cause serious damage. These feline worms infect cats when they ingest contaminated rodents or fleas. The adults mature in the small intestine. They also shed segments that pass from the cat’s body through his stool. You can easily spot the segments by looking at your cat’s feces closely. These worms are also treated using deworming medication. However, you need to adopt a flea control program if you want to prevent tapeworms in felines.

Roundworms

Roundworms can measure up to five inches, so they’re rather long worms. Contact with contaminated food or feces is the most common method of transmission. Queens can also pass them to their kittens through their milk.

Your cat’s intestines can easily become blocked if these worms get to be too numerous. Kittens can easily die from this condition. To determine if your cat is affected, the vet will have to examine a stool sample. Deworming medication is the main course of treatment.

All owners should know a little something about various cat illnesses such as feline allergies. Luckily for you, www.cat-illnesses.com provides all the information you need. So, come by today to start reading about various diseases that can affect your cat.

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Giving your pet cat a pill can be a nightmare. No cat wants something shoved down his throat, and he will fight you tooth and nail to prevent it. Although most cats are small in size, you’d be quite amazed with how much power they actually have. There are ways that you can get your cat to take his pills, which we will cover below.

The easiest way to give a cat pill is to crush the power into a powdery form by putting it between two spoons. Once the pill is powder, mix it in with some wet cat food. Cats that are used to eating dry cat food will see the wet food and think of it as a treat. They will normally eat it up, unaware that they just took their medicine.

If the medicine happens to be in capsule form, all you have to do is pry the capsule apart then sprinkle the medicine on some wet food and serve it to your pet. If the food also contains the pill or if your cat is sick, chances are he won’t eat it. In this event, you should look into a pet piller. You can get these handy devices from your veterinarian. They are plastic rods that hold the pill until you press a plunger. When you get one, you should always get a long one with a softer tip.

When you get your gun, your vet should show you how to use it. The most difficult aspect of using the gun is getting your cat to open his mouth. The gun will more or less shoot the pill in the cat’s mouth, and down his throat. You’ll need to hold him tight, to make sure that he doesn’t wiggle his way loose. Once you have his mouth open, you’ll need to squeeze the trigger and pull the gun away quickly. After the pill has been inserted, make sure you give your cat a treat.

If you aren’t comfortable using the gun, you can always try giving your cat his pills by hand. To do it this way, you’ll need to hold your cat still, and open his mouth with your hand. Once you have his mouth open, you should aim for the back of his throat and throw the pill in. Once it is in his mouth, you should close his mouth with your hand and hold it shut for a few moments. This way, your cat will swallow the pill if he hasn’t already.

If you can’t get any of the above techniques to work, you can always go to a local pharmacy and get them to a make flavored gel or liquid using your cats medication. You should use this as a last resort though, as it can tend to get expensive.

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If you or I are suffering we can obviously make it known and attempt to find the solution to solve our problem. A cat will not be able to do this but by paying close attention to them you can still get a clear understanding of if they are in pain. For this reason it is vital to be able to notice your cat illnesses.

Here are a number of points relating to cats problems you should watch out for and their symptoms.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is the most concerning disease and in reality is the number one cause of death amongst cats. It is caused by a coronavirus infection and the worst thing is that the symptoms are very common with other problems so it is very hard to be sure.

There is also Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) that is similar to HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). Similar to the human version, it is a life long disease that progresses slowly and kills the cat.

Cats can also be infected by Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). It is a retrovirus that causes fatal cancerous and non-cancerous diseases. On the positive side, it can be treated using some household detergents and bleach as well as warmth and drying. It is passed through the saliva, tears, urine and feces of infected cats. Different from the other two, it cannot survive that long in the environment so it is only contagious when the infected cat is close to a fellow cat for a long period of time.

Worms are also another threat to cats and this is caused by a fungal infection that is spread through the spores. Since it is a self-limiting disease, you don’t have to do anything to make it go away. It will over time clear up but it may just take a few months.

If you cat is overweight, there is a good chance it already has feline diabetes. The symptoms of this disease include excessive urination and thirst as well as weight loss or gain. Vets are not yet sure what causes it but there have been some research studies that have shown that there is a link between pancreatic disease, hormonal imbalance and certain medications.

The symptoms of the majority of the diseases mentioned are very similar. These include diarrhea, vomiting, lameness lasting for more than five days in one leg, a decrease in vision, excessive panting, a seizure, blood in the stool or urine, hair loss, persistent coughing or gagging and breathing heavily or rapidly at rest. In order to find the answer, your cat will need to take some tests.

The vet will take some blood, urine and feces samples. Any things that you have observed and give will also be helpful. When the tests come back, only then will the proper treatment be given to the cat as each case varies so what worked for one cat may not have the same good effect with yours.

Your cat could still be healthy if you gave it constant attention. This can be done by feeding it high quality food, giving it clean water, allowing it to exercise, proper grooming, making sure it stays indoors and taking it consistently to the vet.

If you have left out any of these basic steps, something bad is likely to happen and you will soon notice a change in the behavior of the feline and doing nothing about it is just going to make matters worse. So follow proper cat care tips and look out for symptoms. You can find more info at short hair cats.

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Hyperthyroidism in cats occurs when one of the thyroid glands become overactive. It’s relatively common for cats to experience this disease, especially the middle-aged to older ones. If your cat isn’t treated in time, it can lead to heart failure and death. You may be wondering what could cause your cat to develop cat hyperthyroidism.

Causes

The most common cause of this condition is development of adenomas in the thyroid gland. Adenomas are groups of non-cancerous cells. Hyperthyroidism can also be caused by cancerous cells growing in the gland. However, this gland is rarely affected by cancer cells. You may be wondering about the signs produced by this disease.

Signs

Your cat’s metabolic rate is controlled by the thyroid gland. With the glands malfunctioning, your cat will start eating and drinking much more than usual. Rapid weight loss is also a common sign. Most cats also become much more active.

This disease can also affect your cat’s gastrointestinal system. It’s common for cats to experience vomiting and diarrhea if it is affected. This disease can also cause problems with the heart. This may lead to congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, or an increased heart rate.

Diagnosis

This condition can only be diagnosed accurately using a blood sample. The level of thyroid hormone in the blood will be measured. The vet may have a hard time diagnosing this disease since the level of thyroid hormone can vary over time. The vet may also palpate the thyroid gland to see if its enlarged.

Treatment

Cats with hyperthyroidism have three main options for treatment. Drugs, surgery, and radioactive iodine are these methods of treatment. Radioactive iodine destroys all thyroid tissue in the body. This is the most effective method of treatment but also the most expensive.

One or both of your cat’s thyroid glands will be removed during surgery. Surgery is also a treatment method. However, it may not relieve the condition completely since it usually won’t remove all thyroid tissue in the body. Your cat may also be prescribed anti-thyroid medication that needs to be taken for life. If your cat stops taking these drugs, the symptoms will reappear quickly.

All owners should know their pet can fall victim to diseases in cats. Fortunately for you, you can learn about a wide range of these conditions at cat-illnesses.com. Click over right now.

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One of the more serious diseases that can affect cats is distemper. It can easily be fatal. A virus, which is highly contagious, is to blame for this disease. The virus can be transmitted through contact with other cats and humans. Your cat can also be infected with this virus from litter boxes, bedding, and water bowls. This article will discuss distemper in felines.

Symptoms

Symptoms usually begin ten days after exposure to the virus. Depression, diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite are all common signs. Your cat may also stop grooming himself on a regular basis. This is why most cats suffering from distemper develop rough hair. Some cats also develop a third eyelid in the inner corner of their eye.

Diagnosis

Cats that are showing signs of distemper need to be taken to the vet as soon as possible. Your cat will need to submit a blood sample. If the white blood cell count is low and there are antibodies to the virus present, a diagnosis is confirmed.

Treatment

Cats diagnosed with this disease need to begin treatment immediately. Most cats with this disease experience diarrhea and vomiting, as you may recall. This can easily lead to dehydration. Nutrients and fluids will be given to prevent this.

Secondary bacterial infections can also become a problem with this disease. This can hopefully be prevented through the use of antibiotics. This will allow the immune system time to take over. When dealing with this disease, your cat may also need a blood transfusion.

Prevention

The best way to prevent this disease is through vaccination. If you have a kitten, he will receive his first shot when he’s eight to ten weeks old. Cats also need a booster shot every one or three years depending on the particular vaccine.

The virus that causes distemper in cats is capable of surviving in the environment for years. The virus normally dwells in bedding, upholstery, and carpeting. The virus can be destroyed using a normal disinfectant.

Your precious kitty can be susceptible to cat health problems. Fortunately for you, you can learn about a wide range of these conditions at cat-illnesses.com. So, stop by today to learn about a wide range of these conditions.

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Diabetes is cats is a relatively common problem. Cats suffer from this condition if insulin in their bodies don’t balance glucose properly. This condition affects cats of all ages and breeds. However, obese and older cats are more at risk. Here is everything you need to know regarding diabetes in felines.

Cause

Diabetes develops if the body doesn’t produce insulin or it produces it but doesn’t use it as it should. Certain condition can increase your cat’s risk of developing this condition.

Obese cats have a high risk of developing diabetes, as mentioned earlier. Other things that can play a role include hormone imbalances, genetics, and diseases of the pancreas. Cats taking certain medications may also develop the condition.

Signs

Diabetes in cats doesn’t usually produce any symptoms in its early stages. Liver disease and secondary bacterial infections are common as the disease progresses. Common signs include rough hair, lethargy, increased appetite, and increased urination. Weight loss is also one of the most common signs of diabetes in cats. If your cat develops a disorder known as neuropathy, his hind lings will also become weak.

Diagnosis

At the beginning of the visit, your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination. Based upon your cat’s symptoms, he may suspect diabetes. A blood and urine sample will show a high level of sugar.

Treatment

If left untreated, this condition will be fatal to your cat. You will need to give your cat insulin shots once or twice daily. Oral medication and a special diet may be enough to battle this disease in rare cases. The required dosage of insulin may fluctuate. So, you will need to schedule regular visits to the vet to determine the ideal dosage.

Cats can be affected by many feline diseases. Fortunately, cat-illnesses.com provides a wealth of information on a range of these conditions. So, stop by today to learn about a wide range of these conditions.

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Anemia in cats is a condition that occurs when there is not enough hemoglobin or red blood cells produced. You should know that this isn’t a disease itself, but simply a sign of an underlying problem. You may be wondering what exactly causes cat anemia.

Causes

Many things can cause this condition. Red blood cell production is stimulated when the kidneys produce certain hormones. So, kidney disease is one of the most common causes. Hookworms and ticks can also cause your feline to develop anemia.

Your cat may also develop anemia if he endures a traumatic injury. This happens when the trauma causes damage to blood vessels or internal organs. Serious diseases such as feline immunodeficiency or leukemia virus may also be to blame. Anemia can also result if your cat ingest toxins or chemicals.

Symptoms

Your cat’s gums, tongue, and nose normally have a pink color. Cats suffering from anemia won’t have these pink areas. These areas will be pale in anemic cats. Lethargy is also a common symptom of anemia.

Treatment

As you may recall, this problem isn’t a disease, but merely a symptom of something else. In order to treat anemia, the underlying cause must first be treated. Some anemic cats require a blood transfusion. Medications that stimulate the production of hormones responsible for red blood cell production will also help.

Prognosis

Cats are usually able to recover from this condition without complications. However, this isn’t the case if the anemia is caused by one of the more serious diseases. The serious disease could easily prove to be fatal.

Cats can be affected by many illnesses in cats. You can read up on many different potential health problems at cat-illnesses.com. Click over right now.

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Ear polyps in cats are benign growths in the middle ear, close to the ear drum, or in the back of the throat. It’s quite rare for cats to develop these growths. Cats less than four years old are usually affected. However, felines of any age or sex are at risk. Here is everything you need to know regarding ear polyps in felines.

Causes

Owners may be asking themselves how their felines could develop these growths. Although there are a few possible reasons, vets don’t know an exact cause. One theory points to bacteria or fungi causing inflammation. It is also thought that polyps can be caused by cat calicivirus.

Signs

Cats with polyps displays symptoms as if they have an ear infection. Your cat will shake and scratch his head frequently. The ear may also produce a thick discharge. Loss of coordination is also a common sign. You will notice your cat loses the ability to walk a straight line. Other common symptoms include difficulty swallowing and breathing.

Diagnosis

Although benign, these growths can cause severe damage to your cat’s ear drum if not caught in time. A special instrument called an otoscope allows the vet to see clearly inside your cat’s ears and mouth. If a growth can’t be detected this way, a head x-ray may be required. Although they’re most always benign, they may be cancerous. A biopsy can determine what kind it is.

Treatment

If your cat develops polyps, he will likely need to undergo surgery. Surgery comes in two different forms. The polyp’s stalk can be cut allowing for it to be removed. The drawback of this method is that the polyp will likely recur since the base isn’t cut.

Your cat could also have the second form of surgery. With this method, the base of the polyps are removed also. During surgery, the bone that surrounds the inner ear will need to be removed so the base can be cut. The invasive procedure offers the best chance for no recurrence in the future.

Your precious kitty can be susceptible to many different health conditions. You can read up on many different potential health problems at cat-illnesses.com. So, come by right now to become informed.

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What is more cute than a cat purring? All cat owners know the feeling of lying in bed or on the sofa with a purring cat, listening to this deep, soothing vibration.

A kitten is able to purr as soon as on the second day of life, and he often purrs while nursing. The mother purrs back. Not only cats purr: most felines do. And contrary to what many think, it is not only an expression of wellbeing. Cats often purr under stress, for example, mothers often purr while giving birth, when they are experiencing discomfort. Did you know that purring can heal? It has been scientifically proven that sounds in the frequency range of purring (between 25 and 150 Hertz) are good for the bone density and can hasten the healing of wounds in bones and muscles. We all know that cats spend a lot of time lying and sleeping, which does not stimulate the bones and muscles enough for a good posture control: purring is a way to keep their muscles and bones in good shape without having to exercise too much. Purring is thus a self-healing procedure and helps them stay in perfect shape.

Many experts think that domestic cats have been selected for their cute features over the centuries, and that cats who purr a lot were considered cuter and thus selected over the others. Research shows that domestic cats purr a lot more often than their wild counterparts, it could be seen as an immature behavior they kept from the times when they were kittens. The grown up domestic cats tend to live more like a kitten than the adult wild cats, for example, they press their paws on the ground more while eating : this is something kittens do on their mother’s breasts while nursing, to make the milk come out.
But what about all these cats that purr when experiencing discomfort, while they are sick or giving birth? Researc shows that purring is used as a self-defense apparatus, a sort of smile in tough times. Cats try to comfort themselves and calm down by creating these nice vibrations. It also works on humans: try lying next to a purring cat when you are feeling down or stressed out. It works like a charm.

Purring is like an elexir, a mental technique to relax or feel better, a way to keep yourself in good shape and also a way to express wellbeing and satisfaction in a childish way. The more you make your cat purr, the happier he will be, and maybe the happier you will be, too. So don’t be afraid: pet him a lot!

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Cats can suffer from allergies just like people can. Allergies are broken up into four different types. They include flea, inhalant, food, and contact. Here’s a look at different types of feline allergies.

Food

Some felines develop an allergy to certain ingredients in their food. This type of allergy usually takes a long time to develop. Corn, eggs, chicken, milk, and beef are common ingredients that cause problems. If your cat develops a food allergy, he may suffer respiratory problems, digestive problems, or severe itching. You need to make sure your cat doesn’t eat any foods that he’s allergic to. Some cats also have to take steroids and antihistamines.

Flea

Most cats don’t have much of a reaction to a flea bite. However, some cats can have a severe allergic reaction to just one bite. Your cat will chew and scratch himself constantly. The constant chewing and scratching will cause hair to fall out eventually. Open sores can also develop which may lead to a bacterial infection. It’s vital to control fleas if your cat is allergic to their bites.

Inhalant

One of the next types of feline allergies is the inhalant variety. This is the most common form. Cats can be allergic to dust mites, mildew, mold, or pollen. If your cat is allergic to pollen, he may experience flare-ups at certain times of the year, just like people. The other allergens can cause problems at any time of the year. Some cats are treated using hypoallergenic shampoo, while others undergo desensitization.

Contact

The last common type is the contact variety. Your house likely has many different materials that can prompt an allergic reaction. Common items bedding and flea collars. To prevent a reaction, you will simply have to keep your feline away from the material that he’s allergic to.

Cats can be affected by many diseases in felines. Fortunately for you, you can learn about a wide range of these conditions at cat-illnesses.com. So, stop by today to learn about a wide range of these conditions.

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