Cat Health Problems

Five Ways to Prevent Cat Health Problems

2012-01-17T01:38:00.002-07:00

The following 5 steps will help ensure that your best friend can live as long and healthy as possible under your care.

It's important to do what we can to protect our cats because they are totally at our mercy, living in our homes, where they are exposed to many of the same toxins and hazards that we are. But they are smaller, and not able to make decisions about their environment, so it's up to us to provide optimal conditions that lead to continued health and happiness.

Another significant reason to make the effort to keep them healthy is the reduction in medical problems that can result in costly trips to the veterinarian. To be sure you keep your kitty healthy, focus on these areas:

1. Diet. Always read the ingredient labels on any commercial food you buy. Remember that cats are obligate carnivores and require more protein than most pets, such as dogs. Canned, or wet, food is a good choice over dry kibble because it has a higher water content and can help minimize the risk of kidney disease. Organic pet foods are becoming more popular and are worth your attention, too, because of the higher quality ingredients.

2. Water. Be sure your cat always has fresh, clear water at all times. One way to be sure kitty gets enough to drink is to keep it in a separate location from the food. Cats in nature don't eat and drink at the same meal, and tamed cats don't do it either, unless they have no choice. Also, if the tap water in your area is full of chemicals and you drink filtered water, then by all means, give your cat the same consideration.

3. Nutritional supplements. Do you take your vitamins every day? Cats may need some, too, and there are many on the market now, as more and more people realize the need to provide proper nutrition to their pets. Rather than trying to figure out which vitamins and minerals are needed and then buying them separately, try to find a good all around supplement. A very good formula, along with a free ebook about feline nutrition, can be obtained here: http://bit.ly/9pN3Uj

4. Love and attention. Many people think cats are aloof and have no feelings, but that's completely untrue. Cats are very emotional beings and only appear aloof when people ignore them and they are forced to survive under whatever conditions are present. Scientific studies have proven that love and attention play a major role in the health and well being of people, dogs and other creatures. Why not cats?

5. Minimize toxins at home. Just as you might keep small objects and toxic cleaning supplies out of reach of toddlers, do the same for your cat. They are just as curious as children are and can get into dangerous substances and items that can harm them. Also, if you smoke, your cat is smoking, too. Their lungs are much much smaller and will be affected more severely than yours are. If you must smoke, do so in an area away from your cat, kids, other pets, and anyone who could be sensitive to the effects of secondhand smoke.

By just observing these tips, your cat can live a healthy and happy life for as long as possible.

The Most Common Cat Health Problem

2011-12-09T22:34:00.004-07:00

Image via WikipediaThe most common reason cats go to the veterinarian seems to be for urinary problems. This may be related to the common complaint many cat owners have that their kitties are eliminating outside of the litter box. Sadly, this behavior often results in them being thrown outside, because some people believe the cat is doing it on purpose, as a sort of revenge for something.

Cats don't have human emotions, so revenge isn't in their repertoire of behaviors. If they are having difficulty urinating, it's usually a medical problem and they should be taken to the vet to have an exam and possibly treatment. The most common urinary ailment is called Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease, or, FLUTD. (For a list of common ailments, see my website:

www.theproblemcat.com/articles/cathealth.html)

If they pass their medical exam and it's determined to be a behavior problem, it's only fair to look into the possibilities with that, too. They don't have the problem-solving abilities that we do, nor do they have the authority to change things at the house! Check this list of reasons cats may not like using their litter boxes: www.theproblemcat.com/articles/elimination.html

Often, this problem can be cleared up fairly easily, either with a round of antibiotics if it's physical, or making some changes at home if it's emotional. It can be as simple as placing the litter box in a new location!

Will Getting a Puppy Affect Your Cat's Health?

2011-07-12T18:02:00.003-06:00

So, you want to get a dog! Cool! There are so many things to think about, of course, and the resident cat is happy to be your one and only, as cats always are, so a new member of the family is certainly going to affect him. What we don't know yet, is how. Has he ever seen a dog? Has he ever had a buddy of any kind? Another cat even? If not, he could be very upset....or, on the
other hand, if he happens to find the puppy interesting, they could become pals right away. It's rare, but it happens. However, cats are prone to becoming depressed if their lives are turned upside down.

Now, the other thing to think about is your own experience with dogs. Are you prepared for the intensity of life with a new pup? And I do mean intense.

You'll probably want to be prepared for potential problems. If they do not get along...and that will be up to the cat, as it usually is...do you have a way to keep them apart?

The overriding concern will be for the cat's well being, mostly emotional, though he could be physically at risk if the dog happens to have a high prey drive. (Never ever leave them alone together unsupervised.)

It can be complicated, but it could also go well. You won't know until you try. But, you might consider making it possible to change plans somehow...like, not buying from a breeder (yet), where your action is more likely to be permanent and you can't go back. And you wouldn't want to.

Can you try fostering a dog first? This would give you an idea of how it could go, and what the cat's reaction will be. Most shelters are extremely grateful for temporary foster homes, and that would relieve you of taking a permanent action you couldn't easily reverse.

Also, if you foster several during the course of a few months, or even a year, it would give the cat a chance to get used to a dog, and allow him time to accept that it will be OK when you go for the
permanent one.

Or, if he declines in health or emotional status, you'd know if a dog was a good idea or not to bring into his life.

If you do decide to foster a dog first, I would recommend fostering an older dog. First, because no one wants them anyway, and shelters end up euthanizing millions of them every year. So it would give an old guy a little extra time for love in this world. Second, because an older dog who has been around cats would help ease the transition for the cat! He could teach him that dogs can be good pals.

And, third, the shelter would be more than grateful (if they care...some don't), to have an unwanted dog find a home, even if for a little while. Just be sure to let them know this isn't permanent, so they won't be surprised if you need to bring him back later.

Give yourself some time to think about this and do some research...perhaps just do some dog walking at a shelter if you haven't been around dogs very much. Or visit friends or family if they have a dog and ask questions. Have a friend bring a dog to your place for a visit to see what the cat thinks!

In any case, don't expect immediate results. Everyone needs time to settle in and get used to each other.

Cat Health Problems Paranoia

2010-09-12T12:31:00.004-06:00

Image by Per Ola Wiberg ~ Powi via FlickrThanks to misinformation and scare tactics, many people are afraid of their cats, or even the prospect of owning one in the first place. Sometimes people surrender or abandon a cherished pet because they believe something terrible is happening or is about to happen. Pity the poor feline who has come to trust and love his humans, only to be suddenly cast out with no place to go, or finds him- or herself at a shelter in unfamiliar and frightening surroundings.

The paranoia must end. Many thousands of cats die yearly for no good reason. They've done nothing wrong. They deserve protection, respect and understanding. We can do that by becoming educated.

People must stop attributing ultimate authority to others, even when it's someone they trust. There are many sources for information, but there is no one single source that has all the answers. Therefore, we owe it to our pets, ourselves and our families to look in many places and make comparisons to "see how much mud sticks to the wall." Good research doesn't rest on one source.

If you suspect your cat may have a health issue, visit your veterinarian...not the pound, not the shelter, and definitely not a remote dump site.

How to Add a Kitten to Your Home When You Already Have Cats

2010-03-06T17:22:00.003-07:00

When adopting a new kitten, it's essential to consider not only its health needs, but those of any other pets in the home. Even if the older cats in the home are up to date on their vaccinations and in good health, it's wise to protect them with a few precautions. After all, every cat is different and can respond to vaccines differently, meaning they can't be guaranteed to always have 100% immunity.

The first thing to do with the new arrival is to isolate her, not only for health reasons, but as part of the natural introductory process. Cats, in particular, do not generally accept new members into their family easily. With cats, the gradual approach is called for, with plenty of patience on the part of the owners.

It could be part of the way Nature intended things to be, in order to enhance the prospects for survival in any animal group. Allowing new ones into the group readily could be risky, so it's wise to hold back and get to know them first, as well as to weed out health problems before the entire group would be infected.

We should follow suit and take the same precautions. However, we do have some advantages, such as veterinary care as a way to introduce preventive care into the mix.

So when the new kitten comes along, get her to your vet as soon as possible for an examination, testing for common infections, such as leukemia, FIV, and parasites, and then administering the first set of vaccinations.

The most common malady brought in by a new cat or kitten is upper respiratory infection. Watch for watery or oozing eyes and a runny nose.

Keep the new kitten in its own area for at least two weeks, with its own food, water and litter box. Never let the other cats use common items until you're sure everyone is healthy and ready to share. Gradually introduce everyone with supervised together time and be sure they're getting along before you leave them alone.

How to Get Toxoplasmosis From Your Cat

2009-02-27T21:52:00.005-07:00

To become infected with toxoplasmosis, there are a number of conditions that must be met. Of course, no one wants to become infected, but I present it this way to demonstrate how much effort is needed to do it.

First, you must own or obtain a cat that is infected with the organism, Toxoplasma gondii. It's not a bacterium, it's not a fungus, and it's not a virus. It's what is known as a protozoan, a tiny, one-celled parasite... kind of like an amoeba, but crescent-shaped, if you have a microscope and want to look at one.

To find out if your cat has it, have a veterinarian test for it. However, this involves doing a blood test called an "antibody titer," but it's not diagnostic unless a series of tests can be performed over time. If the titer is positive, it means the cat is pretty much immune, as antibodies are present to fight off current and future infections. This is true of humans as well. Therefore, a pre-pregnancy antibody test that yields a positive result means mom is immune, too.

However, if you're not immune, the next thing to do to become infected is to make contact with the parasite's eggs. But not just a touch... you have to eat them. Ugh. How does that happen? During the only two weeks in the cat's life when the parasite is shedding its eggs into the host cat's feces, a human must touch them, then somehow get the infectious material into their own mouth. But not right away. If you do it too soon, the eggs won't mature and you won't be infected. You must wait 1 - 4 days, when the feces are dried enough for the eggs to be "potent." Scientifically, it's called "sporulated."

Consequently, if you are cleaning the litter box every day, this can't even happen.

But there's more. Other conditions must be met at the same time.

"Ideally," this must be your first cat, preferably a kitten, since they haven't had a chance to develop immunity from several exposures yet. If you've ever owned cats before, or have one now that's been in the family a long time, the chances of infection are actually negligible. Why?

Because you will be immune by now... and so will the cat. Since exposure is rather common, both you and your cat will have had time to develop some immunity to it.

Also, this infection is a one-time thing, so no treatment has been invented, except for humans. Once the parasite has run through its life cycle, it's over. The cat must become infected again to be infectious again. But the cat's own immune system will be stronger, and spreading the condition to others is even less likely. In fact, repeated infection, as by cats who hunt and eat infected mice (the most prevalent host), leads to a form of "natural vaccination," eventually rendering the cat non-infectious. However, this doesn't mean it's OK to let the cat keep getting infected. They could actually become sick from the disease state of Toxoplasmosis and die.

Now, if you really want to scare yourself and take a chance that the infection will harm your fetus, you must become infected during your second or third trimester of pregnancy. This is the time when you might have some transplacental transmission of the parasite into the baby's bloodstream, and on to the small intestine, where the "oocysts" (the parasite's eggs) can hatch and grow. However, even with such infection, the odds are still greatest that the baby will be born normally and totally healthy.

Just when you thought you were through, there is yet another condition to be met. It's called immunity. Just in case you have a very poor immune system, the chance of infection, though small, is still there.

However, while the incidence of toxoplasmosis is extremely low among healthy humans, it actually is quite high among AIDS victims, who have little or no immune strength left at all. Those who have pet cats and come into close contact with them are more than likely to become infected. But pregnancy has nothing to do with it. Companionship is more important at such times, and so it's best to leave these happy relationships alone, offering support by relieving them of those cleanup chores that present the most risk.

But there is yet ONE MORE condition to consider, and it has nothing whatsoever to do with a cat! Just eating undercooked meat can do it, too.

The main thing you don't have to do is get rid of your cat.

Sources: The Cornell Book of Cats, Cornell University; The Merck Veterinary Manual, Merck & Co.

Feel free to download a brochure on this subject at my website: The Problem Cat

Look through the center column of Free Reports. In fact, download anything there that looks interesting to you.

The Biggest Cat Health Problem of All

2008-11-04T15:59:00.009-07:00

What is the biggest health problem of all for a cat? It's not what you might think. It's not a germ or a virus, and it's not an injury.

It's being forced to live in a hostile environment, such as when they are abandoned in cities, or dumped out in the country, presumably to cavort in the meadows chasing mice. Such myths lead only to the tragic deaths of many cats who are unable to survive in unfamiliar surroundings.

Or, they could be swept up by animal control and taken to the pound, where they may live only a short time. The somewhat luckier ones may end up in shelters, where an effort is made to find them new homes.

However, much depends on the shelter, as many try very hard to find new homes while getting veterinary care if the cat is sick or injured. The truly lucky ones then get adopted.

However, many shelters' resources are stretched beyond their capabilities and this can mean disposing of "excess" cats to make room for new ones.

The reality, of course, is that most shelters simply do not have the room, the money or the time to care for an infinite number of cats coming in. Sadly, millions of cats are euthanized every year.

It's even worse at a pound, where animals are rarely treated for any health problems and are expected to be quickly claimed by an owner or purchased by someone looking for a pet. Those situations almost never include screening to assure the cat goes to a good home. If not picked up within a few days, often the next step is to kill it. In some cities, cats come in the front door alive and frightened and go out the back door in a bag.

Here is an article sent to me by my friend, Paul DeCeglie, an American writer currently based in Thailand. He wrote this specifically for me to share with you:

"The American people are not the only victims of the escalating financial crisis; cats and dogs are suffering as well. As millions of families across the country are forced to adjust their budgets, many face the choice of feeding their kids or feeding their pets. Pets lose. More cats and dogs than ever before are being abandoned, given away, or left with animal shelters.

"But shelters, too, are more strapped for cash. While new arrivals are climbing, donations are declining. Fewer people are adopting pets; numbers and costs are rising. In essence, animal shelters are overburdened and, consequently, are putting more cats and dogs down.

"Please help if you can. Adopt a pet. Or two. Or three. Contribute to local humane societies. If you are unable to donate money, donate food... or even a few hours of your time. Millions of kittens and pups are crying out for your help. They are unable to ask. We don’t know how to ask any more clearly, but we also are crying out for your help. Please. For the sake of humanity."

Summer Cat Health Problems

2008-07-21T15:01:00.004-06:00

Dealing with the Diseases of Summer

With warmer weather come warm weather hazards, such as a wide array of bugs and other pests who proliferate in the heat and moisture of summer.

This is the time of year to be extra cautious with your cat and to be sure to watch for and immediately handle the following problems if they arise:

Fleas - Talk to your vet about the safest and most effective ways to eliminate them. Not only are they annoying as they munch on your kitty, they pass along tape worms to your cat. This is done when they lick themselves because they are itchy and uncomfortable, and ingest infected fleas. This can be truly hazardous, as fleas can transmit diseases, too, along with even more tape worms. If the intestines become overrun with these worms, the cat will be always hungry, but losing weight. Eventually, getting no nutrition, the cat will die.

Giardia - More common in the western U.S. than the eastern states, this is a one-celled parasite that can be picked up simply by walking on damp ground or touching the feces of an infected animal. And yes, you can get it, too. Signs include vomiting and diarrhea.

Roundworms - These most often infect your kitty when she eats an infected rodent... a good reason not to let them eat mice. Signs are vomiting and diarrhea and a pot-bellied look. As with the Giardia, this is diagnosed by taking in a stool sample to the vet's office, where it will be identified and the appropriate treatment can be prescribed. Since these can infect humans, too, be sure to wash your hands if you accidentally handle any feces, and don't let children play in areas where feces might occur, such as sandy areas in the yard, etc.

Hookworms - Easily infected by walking on soil... your cat and you are both susceptible to this microscopic monster. It burrows in through the skin and migrates to lungs and intestines. Primary sign is dark stools. Luckily, this is easily diagnosed and treated. Don't go barefoot outdoors.

Ticks - Though more common on dogs, they can affect you and your cat. Ticks are visible so they are easy to find, but not so easy to remove. Getting the head out is crucial, to avoid infection, and possibly even Lyme Disease. If you aren't able to remove the head, take your cat to the vet and watch how it's done.

Heartworms - not just for dogs. Your cat can get them, too. Transmitted by infected mosquitoes, the signs include coughing, vomiting and weight loss. It's critical to get your cat to a vet ASAP to save its life.

Precautions you should take include keeping kitty's litter box clean, washing your hands immediately after cleaning it, not allowing kitty to eat mice, and for optimal health, keep kitty indoors.

Feline Health Problems Can Be Linked to Depression

2008-04-05T20:43:00.002-06:00

Is your cat out of sorts lately? Is he less interested in his daily routine? Not eating? Not playing? He could be depressed.

As with humans, emotional state can have a very significant effect on one's health. Happy cats, like happy people, are generally healthy and active and like to play, cuddle, eat great food, and have no trouble sleeping well. Depression, on the other hand, can lead to physical problems that may cause one's health to deteriorate.

At my shelter, we have taken in more cats than dogs when families had to move, as they didn't feel as strong a connection as they did with their dogs. Sadly, since cats can have feelings that run more deeply than a dog's, some of those cats pined away and died, no matter how hard we tried to help them.

Why would a cat become depressed? As with the moving example, cats suffer deeply at the loss of their bonds with others in their lives. They may bond with another pet, or with certain individuals in your family. Since you can't explain these things to them, all they know is that they are in a new place and the people they depend on are not there.

This disorients them and they become emotionally lost. If they refuse to eat (a common reaction to this kind of stress), they not only will quickly lose weight, but the liver will begin to break down, leading to hepatic lipidosis, or, fatty liver. It's fatal if not headed off soon enough.

If your cat is still at home, however, there is something else going on... possibly some disease process, or perhaps some changes in the dynamics of your home that are causing your cat to feel down. This could be the loss of a family member, or the addition of one. Or the addition or loss of another pet.

Try offering him something he likes, such as catnip or his favorite foods; spend more time with him, playing, cuddling or just talking to him. Cats can feel left out and ignored, too. Also try a home health examination to see if you can spot a health problem.

Visit http://tinyurl.com/y98rup to get Dr. Jones' ebook for some guidance.

If these things don't help, it's definitely time for a veterinary health checkup. And don't wait too long.

Caring For a Blind Cat

2008-03-14T22:03:00.004-06:00

There are many reasons a cat might become blind, and some of those reasons aren't very pleasant to think about. As sad as it is for them to lose their sight from a possibly untreated disease process, or to be born blind, it's much more disturbing to learn of those who are victims of cruelty.

Blind cats who end up at shelters may be higher on the list to be euthanized, since they are often harder to find homes for.

I rescued a blind kitten from a cruelty situation several years ago, but no one wanted a "defective" cat. So she is a personal pet now.

Living with her has taught me much about how to handle her special needs. What amazes visitors is how well she has adjusted to her dark world. She even trusts humans again and is very sociable, and playful.

Without the ability to see, one must realize that the other senses become that much more important, such as smell and hearing... and touch.

Here are some tips for handling a pet with limited or no sight:

1. Approach with respect. Do not startle the pet by sneaking up and touching her. It helps to speak first, and perhaps touch her whiskers to let her know how close you are, before petting or picking her up.
2. When new in your home, let the pet get used to one room first, then increase her territory gradually, as she builds a mental map of the layout or floorplan. Also, try not to rearrange furniture too often, or too drastically different.
3. If you have other pets in the home, allow them to become friends, if possible. Sometimes a blind pet can be helped by having a "guide" buddy.
4. For exercise, use toys that make noise, or have a definite scent, like catnip.

For more information on this subject, drop by my website, The Problem Cat to learn more about Special Needs kitties.

The Latest Cat DNA Research

2008-02-03T16:08:00.000-07:00

New research with cat DNA shows they originated in the Middle East.

Researchers at the University of California at Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, used cheek cell samples from more than 11,000 cats from a number of locations, such as Europe, the Americas, the Mediterranean, Asia and Africa.

The cats studied included ferals, "mutts," and 22 pure breeds.

It's the biggest study done on cats, and largely supports earlier theories that cats did, indeed, come from the Middle East.

While earlier studies found that cats belong to one of four genetic sub- groups - European, Asian, Mediterranean and east African - it is now known that the root of this tree is in the Middle East regions.

Not surprisingly, cats that originated in America, such as the Maine coon and American shorthair, are genetically similar to the European strains.

And Persian cats aren't from Persia! Their DNA seems to point to Europe.

The Mediterranean breeds include Egyptian Mau, Turkish Angora and Turkish Van. The Asian cats include the Siamese, Burmese and Korats, but the Japanese Bobtail is linked to Europe. A new breed, the Sokoke, is of African origin.

The importance of these studies is to learn about genetic weaknesses and diseases, such as polycystic kidney disease that is so common with Persians.
Knowing about these things may help prevent certain diseases, as with proper breeding, and may help researchers to develop treatments.

To read the entire article, Click here.

Cats are not doomed to death for some diseases

2008-01-13T18:04:00.000-07:00

Last year, one of my cats at the shelter tested positive for FIV. That's Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. It's similar to HIV in humans, but is not cross contagious. In other words, you won't get it from your cat. And it's not even terribly contagious between cats. They can, therefore, live long and prosper... but you have to take precautions.

It usually is transferred through biting or other forms of body fluid exchanges, such as mutual grooming and sharing food bowls, though the "injection" method is the most risky... that is, injecting each other with the virus through biting and scratching. Thus, it's best to keep such cats as single pets.

However, since shelters are always on the lookout for a safe place to send pets no one wants, word gets out fast if someone has room for an FIV cat. And so it came to be that I now have 4 cats here with immune diseases. They live together, but do not mingle with the other cats.

They seem healthy and are getting along fine. But they are not adoptable now, and so they will stay with me permanently.

If you have such a cat, you have two choices: euthanize the cat, or keep it as a single pet, indoors only. OK, you have a third choice, but it's the hardest one of all: Try to find someone who is willing to take on a cat with a health risk. It's not easy, and not likely, either. Be sure to donate to your local shelter so they can continue to care for the unwanted pets with no place to go.

To learn more about this disease, you can find some information at my main web site, The Problem Cat.

There are several feline diseases about which little is known, and include FIV, FeLV (feline leukemia) and FIP (feline infectious peritonitis). It's an area where not many research dollars are spent.

Covering Cat Health in 2008

2008-01-01T21:23:00.001-07:00

Ah, welcome to 2008. I plan to bring more information to this spot to help you with your cats this year. But if it doesn't seem often enough, feel free to add your comments! Also, you might want to sign up for my newsletter, The Kitty Times. It comes out twice a month and has the latest tidbits of info I can find, and that people send in. Thanks to my readers, I usually have some pretty up-to-date stuff.

Newsletter signup is here:
Kitty Times Subscribe

Hope to see you on the list!

Pet Insurance Concept is Growing!

2007-10-17T19:26:00.001-06:00

Hey, it looks like pet insurance is going to be the "next big thing" in the pet care industry. Even Purina is getting on this one. Here's a quote from Purina, from an article that appeared in a publication called Business Wire this month:

"Pet insurance can bring real peace of mind - and [is] a great help when it comes to the unforeseen expenses of treatment. Even so, you should be careful to choose the right company and the right policy for your pet."

More and more companies are adding pet coverages to their products. It pays to ask when you are shopping for insurance, as there are different options available at this point.

Also, for more info, check my site at http://www.everypetmatters.com

Is Your Cat Insured?

2007-09-18T20:47:00.000-06:00

Besides veterinary insurance for your cat's health problems, now there is also auto insurance!

It won't pay for everything, but there is a new policy that covers cats and dogs who are injured in a vehicle accident.

Earlier this month, Progressive, the insurance company that has those engaging TV commercials, announced they will now cover pets that are injured (or, sadly, killed) in an accident while riding in your car.

Here's how it works:

You don't have to ask for it... it is automatically included in the collision part of your policy. However, you have to ask for the collision coverage. It's not required like liability is.

There is no deductible. However, the coverage is capped at $500 per accident. A small catch here is that the cap applies no matter how many pets are involved. So you can't expect multiples of $500 per animal.

This is not a replacement for veterinary health insurance. Many companies now cover health claims, but not accidents. Progressive's coverage ONLY covers injuries that result from the accident. They also cover replacement of the pet if it dies from the injuries.

To get a claim paid, all you have to do is send in the vet's bill. The company promises there will be no hassles.

Pet auto insurance is a very new feature in the industry and as far as I know, no other company offers it... yet. Progressive is (as they themselves say), well, progressive!

Check them out at www.progressive.com.

If you want to know more about pet health insurance, look at this web site:

Every Pet Matters.com

How to tell if your cat has a health problem

2007-09-10T23:37:00.000-06:00

Cats can have a variety of health problems, some of which can defy detection.
Cats do not reveal they are in pain, unless it is extreme, so it is up to us to be vigilant in our observations.

Use your 5 senses to notice problems:
1. Smell - If your kitty has a bad odor, take note of its source. It could be bad breath... signaling a dental or oral problem, or a digestive problem. Body odor can mean the cat is not self-grooming, perhaps due to arthritis or obesity.
2. Sight - Watch for changes in weight, especially drastic weight loss, for signs of underlying health problems. Notice eating habits, elimination behaviors, changes in sleep patterns and overall energy levels.
3. Listen to your cat's breathing. If there are sounds of congestion in the lungs, or a stuffy nose, it could mean a respiratory illness. Also be mindful of your cat trying to get your attention by whining or whimpering. Sometimes they "ask for help" by vocalizing.
4. Touch - Regularly pet your cat and notice if the fur is as smooth as usual. If the coat is oily, or dry, or if there is significant dandruff, there might be a skin problem. Also feel for lumps under the skin, sore spots (kitty will let you know if you touch a painful place), and for general condition. Sometimes you will notice weight loss by feel before you see it, especially if kitty has long hair.
5. Taste - Well, let's not go there. However, you might take a moment to see if kitty is still interested in the usual foods. Cats can lose interest in food if it doesn't taste right, and that can signal illness, too.

In all cases, if you notice any problems in your observations, take your cat to the veterinarian as soon as possible. When cats get sick, they can deteriorate rather quickly. Don't wait until it's too late.

Some Cat Health Problems Can Be Due to Dental Disease

2007-08-28T00:44:00.000-06:00

(Feeding dry food to prevent it is a myth)

Middle aged and older cats are especially susceptible to health problems due to dental disease, possibly because their teeth have had longer to deteriorate if they have not had proper care. As with humans, lack of proper dental care may lead to gum disease, for one thing.

Many pet care experts recommend feeding dry kibble style foods as the main dietary component, presumably to keep the teeth cleaned, but that's a myth.

One look at a cat's teeth will tell you why.

The primary use of cats' teeth, which have sharp points and edges, is shredding and tearing... not grinding. That's because cats are "obligate carnivores," that is, they are "obligated" by Nature to be meat eaters. Not kibble eaters, not grain eaters, not even canned food eaters.

Just watch a cat eating dry food. A lot of it is swallowed whole. Some of it is crunched, maybe once, and they swallow the particles when each kibble bit shatters. It simply does not scrub the teeth.

Over the last hundred years or so, people have created pet foods as a convenience to themselves, and is not always the best quality for their pets.

The fact remains, though, Nature created their digestive systems to require a primarily meat diet. So why have we been trying to tame it out of them? It's because we can't handle either the mess or the idea of it. It seems so... well... barbaric!

If you can't stand to feed your kitties some raw meat now and then, along with raw bones to give them something to really chew on to strengthen their jaw muscles, plus something that really does clean their teeth, then you need to resort to alternatives.

Those alternatives include brushing your cat's teeth yourself, but be sure to ask for guidance on how. For example, don't use a human tooth brush, and never use human tooth paste.

There are also products that help with dental health, such as chew toys for cats, and some chewy treats made specifically for this purpose.

Last, don't forget to provide supplemental vitamins to help with their nutritional needs if you just can't do the raw meat thing.

For more great info on cat health problems, visit this site:

Cat Health Secrets

Kidney Failure is a Major Cat Health Problem

2007-08-25T00:04:00.000-06:00

Kidney failure, more common in older cats than young ones, seldom results in a shut down all at once, so a kidney problem can become a chronic, or, long-standing cat health problem. In that case, the kidney's tissues gradually deteriorate, until there is not enough functional tissue left to do the job.

The kidneys' job is to filter impurities out of the blood. So the individual usually dies when those toxins become overwhelming.

Fortunately, kidneys can maintain normal, or nearly normal, function for a long time - until only a tiny fraction of the kidney remains. However, this makes it easy to miss the signs of disease until it's too late. Add to that a cat's ability to keep a stiff upper lip through some of the most debilitating conditions and their reluctance to show pain, and you have a formula for tragedy.

Since cats seldom admit to feeling poorly, you have to be extra vigilant to even notice most cat health problems. Watch eating patterns, drinking habits, sleep cycles, personality changes, and litter box routines. These all can provide clues to your cat's health. With chronic renal failure (CRF) it is especially important to watch these things.

The disease typically progresses slowly, but it can run a more rapid course, too. It depends on why the kidneys are failing and how well the "patient" is supported.

Causes can include certain diseases of the kidneys, such as pyelonephritis, amyloidosis and chronic obstructive uropathy in older cats, or it can be caused by congenital defects or tumors in younger ones.

What to watch for:
In the early stages, the cat will typically be very thirsty and drink a lot, will urinate often and a lot, and there may be occasional vomiting. As the disease progresses, there will be loss of appetite, ulcers in the mouth, more vomiting, and diarrhea. In the terminal stage, there is severe dehydration, even more vomiting, convulsions, and sometimes they will go into a coma at this time, and death ensues. It is important to differentiate this from diabetes, as the symptoms are similar. Sadly, by the time any symptoms show up at all, it is likely the kidneys have already lost about 70% function.

What to do:
While there is no cure, there are things you can do to make your kitty more comfortable as the disease progresses.

* Provide lots of fresh water daily.
* Low protein diet. (There are commercial foods available that meet these requirements. Or, you can feed a high quality protein, such as egg or liver, in small amounts daily. Consult with a veterinarian who is familiar with CRF.)
* Low salt diet for cats that develop high blood pressure.
* Administer a medicated gel that contains aluminum hydroxide to control phosphate levels. (Cautionary notes: see med notes)
* Medicate with cimetidine to control stomach acidity.
* Supplements high in B-vitamins can help compensate for urinary losses.
* Steroids such as oxymethalone or nandrolone may help cats that are anemic.
* IV therapy may be needed for cats with uremia (waste products in the blood) in the final stages.

Remember to make dietary changes slowly as changes made too rapidly can make the condition worse.

More information here: The Problem Cat

Senior Cat Health Problems

2007-08-23T13:18:00.000-06:00

Just because your cat is old doesn't mean she is all used up! She may have fewer years left to play and purr and keep you company, but she may still enjoy all the things she always did. The key is to keep her happy and healthy. And you need to be more attentive to her needs as her body changes with the aging process.

As with humans, cats can experience hearing loss, decreased eyesight, cataracts, arthritis, diabetes, heart problems, digestive problems, and a general slowing down of all physical processes. While she may still play and chase a string or a ball, she may not do so as often or as vigorously.

But with proper diet, appropriate exercise and a happy, stress-free environment (preferably indoors), many cats can live more than 20 years. (By contrast, outdoor cats are lucky to make it to their second birthday.)

If kitty develops joint pain, usually due to arthritis, she may feel less inclined to play, or even to move around, and may nap most of the day. If this is due to pain, she will decline faster from inactivity, losing muscle mass, making further movement more and more difficult.

A good massage feels great at any age, although youngsters may not appreciate a session. As we all age, sometimes a relaxing massage is just what one needs to keep the old bones a-movin' so we can get through another day. It takes a special touch and the right approach to massage a cat, since we can't explain to them what we plan to do. Learn how it's done with the information here:

Cat Massage Secrets

The bottom line with any pet's well-being, including their old age needs, is the concept of consideration. When you grow old, won't it be nice if your family is considerate of your new needs? Just do the same for Fluffy, and she will appreciate you for it.

Distemper - one of the most common cat health problems

2007-08-21T23:55:00.000-06:00

Distemper is one of the worst, and most common of cat health problems. It is caused by a parvo virus and is similar to that found in dogs.

This is an extremely deadly disease, highly contagious among cats, and the virus itself can live in the environment for years. If planning to bring a new cat into your home, be sure it has been vaccinated first.

The disease has a high mortality rate - up to 60 percent of adults, and 90 percent of kittens. The incubation period is 3 to 7 days. The disease begins with a fever, loss of appetite, weakness and depression. Diarrhea and vomiting are common. And while they remain thirsty, victims usually suffer dehydration. Once infected, they seldom live longer than 5 or 6 days. If they survive, they usually have some brain damage, which results in a lack of coordination later.

The only good thing that ever comes of this is that survivors are solidly immune for life and never need to be vaccinated against distemper.

Because some cats may experience severe vaccine reactions and can die from that, it is best to wait until kittens are old enough, strong enough, and healthy enough to tolerate vaccination.

Check with your vet on that. It's usually around 9 weeks, but it isn't always best to follow a schedule from a book, but rather, to be sure individual kittens can handle the vaccine.

To be safe, never vaccinate a kitten that is still nursing, no matter what age it is. The kitten is receiving passive immunity from the mother and the vaccine is wasted anyway, as the kitten will not develop its own immunity as desired.

Also be sure to have any vaccinations completed at least 2 weeks prior to any potential exposure (no matter how remote the possibility), such as what could occur if going to a farm, to a new home, a cat show, or anywhere that groups of unacquainted, unrelated cats may be present.

More information here: The Problem Cat - Diseases

7 Tips To Help Kitty Stay Young and Healthy

2007-08-20T00:17:00.000-06:00

Follow these 7 tips to avoid the most common cat health problems:

1. No people food. Well, keep it to a minimum. Some of our
little buddies go nuts for some of the silliest things. I
have one who would kill for pizza crust. So, I give in now
and then. But just a tiny bit of it, and not often. Just
enough to let her know I'm paying attention to her requests.
But most of our human food provides little nutritive value
for cats (for us, either!), and may even be detrimental.

2. Use treats sparingly. Some cats absolutely love those
very tasty treats and may try to convince you to use them
exclusively as their primary food. Don't let kitty talk
you into this. They are usually very high calorie and
could make your little buddy become your large buddy!

3. Keep the overall caloric daily intake to a reasonable
level. Check with your vet to find out what your cat's
requirements are. Like people, cats have individual needs,
too. Also, balance diet with exercise. You can walk with
your cat outdoors with a leash (if kitty is trained to do so), or if
kept exclusively indoors, be sure to engage in daily play times.

4. Maintain good oral hygiene. If your cat will allow it,
brush her teeth often. If not, check with your vet to find
out how to do it, or to obtain dental treats. Did you know
that gum disease is the greatest source of health problems
in cats? Good dental and gum care will prevent some very
painful problems that can shorten your cat's life.

5. Keep kitty safe indoors. This is probably one of the best
things you can do to lengthen your cat's life. The risks of
being outside include: disease, predators, traffic, poison
(either accidental or otherwise), and other hazards.

6. Indoor cats need more play time than outdoor cats.
This means more attention from you, which is good for
both of you anyway. Be sure kitty's toys are safe. A ball
of yarn is not safe, for example, as a cat could swallow some
and get into trouble with a twisted bowel, requiring surgery.
If you do play with string or yarn, be sure to always be present to
prevent her from swallowing any.

7. Regualr vet visits. Get your vet's advice on any changes in your
cat's routines to be sure they don't signal illness.

For more great info on cat health problems, visit this site:

Cat Health Secrets

Did you know cats can get Alzheimer's Disease?

2007-08-19T12:52:00.000-06:00

If your older cat is acting weird, it could be a mental disorder... even Alzheimer's disease... according to a news item posted at Discovery News. (See Alzheimer's in Cats)

Dementia isn't just for humans anymore... more than half of domesticated cats over age 15 have been identified as having some form of mental disorder, possibly due to their close association with people, as they often are exposed to the same kinds of environmental and nutritional deficiencies as their owners.

The good news is that many cat health problems may be mostly preventable with proper diet along with physical and mental stimulation throughout their lives. In other words, feed nutritionally complete foods, keep kitty away from hazards, and play with her to keep her mind active.