A Guide To Feline Aids and Related Pet Ailments

Cats and other domesticated felines face numerous threats to their health such as FeLV, earmites parasites and many more but none that is as fatal as FIV. FIV or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus is a contagious disease caused by a kind of retrovirus similar to the FeLV or Feline Leukemia Virus that belongs to the lentivrus category. Like the HIV which human contract, it destroys the feline's immune system making it susceptible to other forms of diseases.

Like any other virus existing, it is a microscopic non-living organism which only consists of either a DNA or RNA covered with some kind of protein coat. Unlike other regular cells, they can only replicate and multiply inside living cells, making it a virus factory. In addition, they do not breathe, process any nutrients and or excrete waste products. Once a cat becomes afflicted, it will easily contract other forms of infections such as bacterial, viral, fungal and even protozoan in origin.

The thing with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus is that it is usually too late for the cat's owner to discover that the cat is ill. More often than not, visible symptoms only become apparent when the infection is already at its later stages. The infection usually starts with the virus being carried to the regional lymph node where it attaches itself as it gradually replicates in the white blood cells known as T lymphocyte. It will later spread to other lymph nodes throughout the body causing the cat to experience a few minor ailments such as fever, leukopenia, anemia which lasts for a couple of weeks. This is usually interpreted as a standard illness in a cat and may not be taken seriously.

After the cat recovers from the initial symptoms, it will appear healthy and fit and can remain so in several years. When the cat's immune system has almost been negated by the virus, signs of immunodeficiency will start to become visible and in this stage, the cat will display a few or all of the following; weight loss, poor fur complexion, anemia, gastroenteritis, diarrhea and many more.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus is usually transmitted through a cat's saliva and the most common occurrence of this is through bite wounds. Wandering male cats are more prone to this since they tend to prey on other felines for territorial matters. This is diagnosed based on history, clinical results and blood examination known as Enzyme-Link Immunosorbent Assay or commonly referred to as ELISA. There are two possible results that the process will manifest; the first would be the false positive while the second is a false negative.
If the cat has been injected with an FIV vaccine then the ELISA result will display a positive test result. Kittens born from FIV infected mothers may have received antibodies. This may be transmitted through the milk that the kittens drink though this does not mean that the kittens are afflicted with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. Conducting secondary tests after the first few tests is well advised.

Unfortunately, there is no known remedy for FIV as of the present. The most that one can do is provide constant support and care for the afflicted cat. Support could range from regular veterinary check ups, parasite maintenance, high-quality and proper diet, keeping the cat away from external pollution so as to prevent or lessen the chances of a cat acquiring a disease, vaccination against other diseases. The usage of high-calorie supplements and occasional blood transfusions may be a necessity during the later stages of the disease. Following these procedures and steps can ensure the cat a longer lifespan and will not require euthanasia anymore.

It can also be helpful in preventing the spread of the virus that the cat be quarantined and not allowed to roam in the neighboring area. Conducting tests on each cat that was used for breeding can also be potentially helpful. Though current information claims that there is a vaccine available to remedy the disease, it does not guarantee a reliable result and would still need further observation.

To sum it all up, prevention is still better than cure. By following the aforementioned advices and information, you can lessen the chances of your cat acquiring the disease and lead her to a healthy lifestyle.

Heidi St. James

Feline Leukemia: How Does It Affect Cats?

Like humans, cats experience various diseases but perhaps the most dangerous or fatal of them all is what is referred to as Feline Leukemia Virus or FeLV. Though similar to the virus which causes the immunodeficiency virus or what is commonly referred to as FIV and human AIDS, Feline Leukemia cannot be contracted by another animal nor could it be transmitted to a human.

Feline Leukemia is one of the most common reasons for cat's death. In fact, a 21% of these cats bought to health experts of veterinarians report that such cats are afflicted with it while thirty percent have developed malignant tumors already. This is usually contracted by other cats through exchanges of fluids like saliva, urine, feces of afflicted cats and or tears. Heating however neutralizes the virus. It can also be passed through bites, grooming and sharing of foods or liquids between cats with either one having the virus. Fleas and mosquitoes are also carriers of the said ailment since they suck the blood of carriers then transmit it to others cats.
The good news is that seventy percent of these cats having contracted the virus for a long period of time eventually recover. Some even show no signs at all that they had contracted such a disease. However, weaker cats or kittens in particular have difficulty fighting of the ailment. This can be dangerous or fatal when an afflicted cat resides in a cat-filled residence.

Conducting medical tests at kittens is a reliable preventive measure. Cats establishing a resistance or the antibodies against the said virus through vaccines do not get sick though it does not signify that the disease has been totally eradicated. Cats experiencing stress or suffering from lack of immunity due to incorrect medication can fall ill again from FeLV.

Feline Leukemia usually starts with the mough tissues being infected which gradually spreads through the lymph glands. At this point, the cat can still do something about it but if spreads the bone marrow then the cat is doomed for life. It will eventually spread through blood circulation which eventually infects the tear glands, salivary glands and urinary bladder. Because of the widespread, the cat becomes an effective carrier of the virus. Other related conditions can include but not limited to the following; blood in stool, immune system failure, bleeding, increased in fluid intake and urination ulcers and many more.

With all these said, perhaps the best way to prevent the virus from spreading is to quarantine the infected cat. Vaccinations can also be a solution though some disagree in conducting such an approach especially to those already afflicted since it tends to weaken the immune system of the feline, which makes it more susceptible to the disease. And even though the cat is already injected with a vaccine, it is still not recommended to have it mingle with other cats.

It is always advisable to have acat undergo a ELISA or kit test or IFA, a slide test before it is introduced to a new cat environment or before it is even bred with another. ELISE being conducted in a veterinarian's clinic can potentially detect the initial and secondary stages of the disease after it has reached the bone marrow. The IFA on the other hand can find the virus in its secondary stage.
 
And even if the results are negative, it does not immediately mean that the cat is free from it since the virus has a long time incubation period. And such cats can still potentially infect other virus-free cats. Blood counting, blood chemistry, x-rays are but a few diagnostic tests which a cat may undergo.

Unfortunately, with all this information, there is still no reliable cure for Feline Leukemia. It can only be controlled. Other than a stream-lined diet and high-doses or vitamin Cs and other standard treatments, a cure is still yet to be discovered. The best approach would probably to prevent any possibility for a cat to contract such a disease through the aforementioned means.

Heidi St. James

Understanding The Most Common Cat Health Problems

Cats, like people also suffer various health problems with most common ailments. Likewise, some are easily prevented and cured while a few are hereditary to the feline. One of the most common health issues that a cat can have are hairballs. Since cats groom themselves by licking their bodies, they tend to swallow their fur in the process. And as they continue to do so, they eventually accumulate enough which forms into a ball that builds in their stomachs.

Another common ailment would be parasitic worms. Roundworms, tapeworms and hookworms and even heartworms are but a few that usually infest these felines. Usual symptoms include but are not limited to, loss of weight, overgrown bellies, a degenerated fur appearance and vomiting. These can easily be treated through the use of proper medication, though it has the potential to cause a serious condition in cats if not dealt with immediately. Cats also experience occasional vomiting.

This can be due to an illness or food that is not digested well by the cat. Diarrhea, on the other hand, is not an ailment in itself but a sign that there is something wrong with the cat which could potentially lead to worse kind of health condition. Urinary Tract-Infections are also included in the list. Bladder ailments are always a possibility to both genders though male felines usually incur a higher percentage of having their life endangered due to the condition.

Fleas on the other hand, which may not be a disease in itself is an ailment which all cats suffer. They feed on a cat's blood which causes the poor feline to constantly scratch itself eventually leading to self-mutilation or harm. Fleas also are capable of spreading parasites like tapeworm from one cat to another. Furthermore, this will cause a cat to become anemic and more susceptible to other diseases. Ear mites are also a few pests which can endanger a cat's health since they can irritate a cat enough to have it disfigure its ear due to constant scratching. Older cats on the other hand usually die of kidney diseases. Some studies show that constant feeding of dry meals are potential factors to these poor felines. An increased liquid intake is one of the symptoms.

In addition to the aforementioned cat medical conditions, there is also conjunctivitis which is an inflammation of the eye membranes which tend to hit cats once in a while. Upper respiratory sickness is referred to as cat flue which can be fatal to kittens and immunosuppressed older cats.

FIP or Feline Infectious Peritonities is a kind of corona virus mutation which lies dormant in the intestine of a cat for the whole duration of its lifetime. Cats having this disease usually show symptoms of sneezing, teary eyes, nasal discharge, and occasional diarrhea, loss of weight or malnutrition or even lethargy. Though some recover from its initial infection, a number become carriers.

Based on past studies, this kind of ailment is contracted in environments where there is a huge domestication of cats or an area simply filled with felines. Unusual as it may be, cats also occasionally get a Feline Immunodeficiency Virus or simply Cat AIDS. Like human AIDS, the cat's immune system is gradually weakened by this virus which increases the chances of chronic diseases to afflict the cat. This is usually transmitted through cat saliva such as one gotten through a cat fight or with any other animal infected with a similar virus. Unfortunately, there is no existing remedy for the disease.

But perhaps one of the most dangerous or fatal disease a feline may contract is the Feline Leukemia Virus. Like human leukemia, it is a cancer in white blood cells. The good news is that there is already a vaccine against it and immunization can greatly lessen the chances of a cat incurring such a virus. It is important however to quarantine the cat and keep other cats from interacting with the afflicted cat.

In addition, there is also what is referred to as "abscess". This is caused by bacteria which are pressed deep underneath a cat's thick fur deep into the muscle surfaces through another cat's bite or scratch. Due to the warm and moist environment enclosed within, abscess develops causing the cat extreme pain and may eventually cause a cat to fall ill. Last but not the least would be tooth decay.

Like humans, cats also suffer tooth decay or toothache and symptoms that a cat is suffering from such may include reluctance to feed or the tendency to drop the food once it tries to eat. This is due to the extreme pain that it experience. At the worse, the cat will stop eating and become malnourished and may eventually die.
These are just few common ailments which cats suffer from and having knowledge about them is really helpful especially if you are a cat lover and determined to maintain the wellness of your pet cat.

Heidi St. James

Important Things To Know About Ear Mites In Cats

Cats, like humans suffer various ailments or health issues and one of the most common threat to their health are parasites, particularly ear mites. Ear mites are tiny insect-like creatures that infect the ears of both dogs and cats, with cats being the most common hosts. They appear similar to spiders except that reside in the ear canals and or other parts of the animal's body. The thing with these parasites is that they feed on the blood of the cat or dog.

Because of this, the animal will feel irritated, causing them to continuously scratch their ears, eventually wounding themselves in the process. So when you start seeing your cat frequently scratching their ears and or shaking their heads as if irritated by something, you can bet that your feline is infected by these parasites. The cat's ears will eventually appear to be folded or flattened and touching it can cause excruciating pain. Another sign is that a foul odor can be smelled from within the ear.

Examining the internal part of the ear reveals dark debris or sometimes reddish brown colors throughout the ear canal. Further observation reveals small dots in between these debris. This would be the ear mites. Veterinarians use otoscope to locate the position of these parasites since they are too small to see clearly. Ear mites can cause serious health problems if not attended to immediately and can potentially lead to deafness and deformity of the cat's ears. Bacterial or yeast infections are also common so it is always recommended to get medical advice from a veterinarian.

Veterinarians usually advise the purchase of ear mite treatment ointment from the neighborhood pet supply. This appears to be an oily liquid which serves as an insecticide that can be used to clean the cat's ear canal. Once started, all ear residue or debris should be cleaned off the cat. Carefully following the veterinarian's advice is paramount at this stage since you have to make sure that no parasite is left surviving or else, everything will be in vain.

Another option is purchasing "Revolution". It is a parasiticide that is applied on the skin of cats who are six weeks of age or even older. The drawback however is that it is a bit expensive compared to the usual medication. Antibiotics may also be advised by the veterinarian depending on the gravity of the infection. If your cat shows any signs of ear mites then it is important to take her to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Heidi St. James

Cat Diarrhea and Its Contributing Factors

Diarrhea is caused by a number of factors. The list includes, but is not limited to, a blockage in the stomach such as hairballs or any foreign object. Drugs and or any toxins, like poisons, Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency, bacterial infections, viral infections, parasitic worms are also common factors. Kidney disease, liver disease, pancreatitis are also part of such reasons. However, one common cause is the cat's diet.
A sudden switch in the cat's regular food routine can be a factor as well as the allergy to certain foods or any intolerance. Cow milk and dairy products are usual causes why cats tend to have diarrhea since they are lactose intolerant.

An increased in volume, around two to three times the usual frequency in the cat and having no mucous is one sign that it is suffering from a small intestine diarrhea. While the cat having normal volume or a decreased in volume, having occasional mucous or blood in the feces, and an increase in the urgency and frequency may lead to the cat having a large intestine diarrhea. Other symptoms may include a loss of appetite in the feline, depression, dehydration and an increased fluid intake behavior due to an increased fluid loss.

Physical examination by a veterinarian and further observation can help determine the kind of diarrhea that the cat is suffering from. This includes fecal examination to know if the ailment is parasitic, bacterial or protozoal in origin. FIV or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus or FeLV commonly referred to as feline Leukemia Virus tests are also conducted. Chemical profile checks are also done to determine if the cat is also suffering from any liver, kidney and or any similar disease. Urinalysis, X-rays, Ultrasound and intestinal biopsy are also in the process in identifying the main cause.

Diarrhea treatment is dependent on the type of diarrhea that the cat is afflicted with. If it is an acute diarrhea and the cat appears to be fit and healthy, then reinforcing proper diet would be an advisable action plan. Water however should still be implemented. After this period, the cat can be fed but the first set of meals should be bland for the first few days. In addition, dehydration and electrolyte imbalance should be treated if needed.

Parasitic and or protozoal infection should also be checked. Bacterial infection medications should be implemented and a surgery if the cause is an obstruction. To sum it all up, there are various information that one needs to know to treat diarrhea but it is recommended to consult with a veterinarian first before taking any action.

Heidi St. James

Bengal Cat

Another of the cat breeds only codified in the latter part of the twentieth century, the Bengal cat was designed for that look of the wild and exotic with the love and affection of the basic house cat. Western civilization first became aware of the crossbreeding of Asian Leopard Cats with domestic breeds near the turn of the twentieth century. It was not, however, until the 1960's and 70's that these crosses were used to create an acceptable unique breed.

The Bengal cat is not named for the Asian tiger but is derived from the Latin name for the Asian Leopard cat, bengalensis, even though some Bengals do have tiger-like striped markings. Most commonly the Bengal Cat has large spots and rosettes along its back and sides with some striping on the legs. They usually have white underbellies and feature the black "mascara" lines across the eyes. The acceptable coloration includes brown, mink, sepia, and silver and comes in both spotted and marbled patterns.

Temperamentally, the average cat owner should not get closer than three or four generations from the original cross as the aggressive nature of the Leopard Cat takes a while to breed out of subsequent generations. Still, once achieved, the Bengal becomes a very intelligent, interactive, and happy pet to have. They are constantly on the move and are as likely to be caught fishing in the aquarium as chasing other pets around the house or exploring the contents of a kitchen cupboard. They are not for those who maintain a sedentary lifestyle. They will still be happy to stretch out and nap with you for a while before resuming the exploration.

For best results in maintaining a happy and sociable Bengal Cat, it is recommended that you play with it daily and help it feel comfortably accepted in the family group where it draws its social acceptance and contentment from.

Shannon Hutcheson

Catnip

'Catnip' or Nepeta cataria is a particular herb which belongs to the mint family, which was originally it was native to only Europe. It is famous for causing different levels of feline enjoyment! There are over 250 species of this herb, but "Common Catnip" is the variety that most felines enjoy!

Catnip will affect around 50% of cats, and their reaction may range from the weird to the bizarre, but will generally give them great enjoyment, and you a whole lot of laughs!

So What Will Catnip do to my Cat?!

Many cats will roll in catnip to their hearts content. Other will lick it, dribble in it and sniff it - amongst many others no doubt!

The effect will last in many cases around 10 minutes after which the catnip's effects will wear off. But these 10 minutes are great fun for the cat and the owner alike!

Their behaviour may be strange to you - they may appear drunk, noisy or wobbly whilst under the effects of catnip, but don't worry, catnip is harmless.

Some cats, however, are completely unaffected by catnip, and some may become aggressive. But these are rare cases.

Catnip toys are a great way of combining a regular toy with this funny herb, to add another level of enjoyment to your cat's playtime!

Catnip is also known by the following names: Cataria, Catmint, Catnep, Catrup, Cat's Heal All, Cat's-play, Cat's Wort, Catswort, Catwort, Chi Hsueh Tsao, Field Balm, Garden Nep, Herba Cataria, Herba Catti, Nebada, Nep.

John Evans 

Raw pet food diet

When families acquire pets and bring them into their homes, they are committing to providing them with good love and care. An essential part of that is giving their furry loved one a healthy, nutritious diet. Dried food is a popular choice because it can be purchased in bulk at an economical price. However, there is a new trend these days toward giving domestic animals a healthy diet of raw pet food.

Raw foods are increasingly popular for humans as people are paying a lot more attention to healthy eating these days to help ward off obesity and other widespread health conditions. People want to keep their pets healthier as well and protect them from potential harmful additives and other factors that could contribute to feline or health problems. Uncooked pet food is a new option that is more in keeping with the natural way that animals acquire food in the wild.

Animals who eat food enjoy a diet of raw meat, bones, vegetables as well as special vitamins. For humans, raw meat is unsafe due to the strong possibility of getting salmonella poisoning. Raw food experts propose that this type of diet is appropriate for cats and dogs because it is in keeping with the way wild animals eat. This is the kind of diet a wild animal, such as a lion or tiger, might receive at the zoo.

There are raw food diets that are ready-made for you to use, but they are not cheap. These foods are available at pet stores and may be available in bulk on some pet food websites. The higher costs make the prospects of putting together a homemade raw diet an appealing alternative for some pet owners.

There are many online resources available that go into detail about the ingredients of a raw diet for pets. There are recipes that people can follow to put together a special raw diet for their pet. The advantage of this is the money saved as well as putting together the kind of meats and vegetables that your pet will enjoy eating.

Raw pet food is a newer dietary option that pet owners are choosing to feed their pets. There are commercial versions available in pet books as well as online recipes that give instructions about putting together homemade raw food diets. Either option provides pets with a good, healthy array of nutritious foods that helps them to grow healthy and strong.

John J. Watson

Cat scratching solution

Almost every cat owner has experienced coming home, only to find his or her furniture scratched and damaged. Scratching furniture, which is also called stropping, is actually a perfectly normal behavior for cats. Sadly, the scratching of furniture causes inconvenient damage and expenses, and is the leading cause for cats being put in shelters. Cats cannot stop scratching, however, there are many methods which can be used to stop cats from scratching the home decor.

A lot of owners choose the means of de-clawing their cat, which is not only painful for the cat, but also unnecessary. De-clawing is a painful operation, in which a cat's claw is amputated up to the first joint. Many alternative methods can be used, which are much easier on the cat than de-clawing.

A popular way is to buy a more attractive alternative for a cat to scratch on, which makes the furniture less tempting. There is a broad variety of scratching posts, or the cheaper scratching boards, which are not hard on a wallet. Most of these posts are covered with either carpet or sorsal, both of which are materials which cats tend to scratch. The cat can scratch to its heart content without ruining chairs and couches in the home.
In addition to buying a more attractive alternative, you can also find ways to make the current target more unpleasant. One thing that can be considered is water spray, sometimes this works, but sometimes it just stops cats from scratching when the owner is around. You can also try placing orange peels around the furniture as they have a citrus smell, which is extremely unpleasant to cats.

When you see the cat going over to the furniture, simply pick the cat up and bring it over to the scratching post or board. If your cat begins using it, reward it with petting, or giving it a special treat. Cats respond much better to positive behavior, so never resort to physically punishing a cat, when rewarding them for positive behavior will leave a more lasting impression.

These are a few of the many different techniques you can use to stop cats from scratching the furniture. While de-clawing is probably the easiest way, the other alternatives are kinder to your cat. All that is needed is time and patience to train your cat to scratch things other than your favorite sofa or chair.

John J. Watson

Cat incontinence

One of the main reasons that many people choose cats as pets is that they instinctively use a litter box and do not need to be taken out to use the bathroom. Since using the litter box is so natural for a cat, cat incontinence is usually quite alarming to their owners. There are a variety of things that may cause this and, while some are quite serious, others can be treated and the incontinence will cease.

Feline diabetes is beginning to occur more and more often, and can cause incontinence. A diabetic cat will drink water in excess and need to urinate often, which means that they may not always make it to the litter box on time. If the diabetes is treated properly, then the incontinence associated with it will eventually stop being a problem.

A cat that has feline leukemia is likely to dribble urine while they are resting or sleeping. This is a condition that a cat is more at risk for if they have been spayed or neutered, and it is also more common in male cats than females. Veterinarians find that a low dose of chemotherapy, although it may not eliminate the leukemia, will eliminate the symptom of incontinence.

A cat who appears to be incontinent may also be suffering from bladder cancer. Cats that are given flea dips or who go outside and are exposed to insecticides are at a particularly high risk for bladder cancer. A cat owner should get their cat tested for bladder cancer immediately if they notice incontinence along with symptoms such as lethargy or straining to urinate.

Just like humans, there is the possibility that a cat will become senile as they get older. In this case, they may no longer be able to tell when they have to go to the bathroom or they may not remember where their litter box is located. To avoid accidents and make things easier for both the cat and their owner, it is a good idea to get several litter boxes and put them in various places around the house.

Cat incontinence is not only inconvenient for the owner, but it could be a sign of a serious health problem. If the cat is getting on in years, they may simply have lost their ability to know when they need their litter box. However, if incontinence is occurring in a young cat, their owner should be sure to take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible to get checked out.

John J. Watson