Cats and Kittens

Feline distemper, also known as feline panleukopenia, is a highly contagious viral infection that can be life-threatening to cats. Feline distemper is caused by feline parvovirus, a virus that is very stable in the environment, and can survive for years at room temperature. The feline parvovirus infects and kills rapidly dividing cells. The virus is transmitted through contact with infected cats and their secretions, or contact with contaminated items such as food bowls, carpeting, bedding, or litter boxes.

Cats afflicted with feline distemper have a high mortality rate. The chances of survival depend greatly on how quickly treatment is administered. If you suspect your cat has been infected, seek medical attention immediately. Below is an overview of feline distemper symptoms and treatment.

1) Physical Symptoms: High fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe dehydration are common. Seizures may develop in the more advanced stages of the disease. Symptoms may begin suddenly, and worsen quickly.

2) Behavioral Symptoms: As your cat becomes more ill, you may notice depression, lethargy, and loss of interest in everyday activities, including eating.

3) Diagnosis: A physical exam and blood test will be performed to detect the virus.

4) Treatment: After feline distemper is diagnosed, hospitalization will be necessary. Electrolytes will be administered to combat dehydration, and antibiotics will be issued to fight off infection. In some cases, a blood transfusion may be needed.

5) Prognosis: Although the likelihood of recovery is slim, older cats have a greater chance of survival than young kittens. Prompt medical attention is crucial when dealing with feline distemper. Unfortunately, about 90% of cats diagnosed with feline distemper do not survive.

6) Prevention: Vaccination is the best method of prevention. The feline distemper vaccine is very effective in preventing the disease. Vaccination can begin as early as 6 weeks old. The vaccine will then be administered every 3 weeks until the kitten is 15 weeks old. A booster is recommended at 1 year old, and then every 3 years.

Feline distemper can be devastating, but if your cat is able to survive for 48 hours after symptoms begin, his chances for a full recovery improve greatly. Even after your cat is healthy enough to return home, he will still require plenty of nurturing in order to return to full wellness and strength. He should be kept clean, warm, and strictly isolated from other cats, since the virus continues to shed for up to 6 weeks after recovery.

Once your cat returns to health, the long-term outlook is promising. Most cats that survive feline distemper show no adverse effects after recovery.

Cats are normally very healthy animals but they can suffer from several problems. The majority of diseases can be avoided by vaccinations and regular visits to the vets. In the event of an emergency you should also contact your vet immediately.

Road Accidents

It is impossible to prevent cats from crossing a road. Night time is the most dangerous because the cat can be dazzled by the car headlights. As far as possible, try to stop your cat from leaving the house after nightfall.

If your cat is hit by a car, lift him up with care, making sure that you keep his body flat in case of internal injury. Place your hands under the cat’s chest and his pelvis or use a piece of fabric as a stretcher. Do not lift him under his head.

After an accident, you should always consult your vet, who is the only one able to determine if there are any internal injuries. Keep the cat warm and don’t move him.

Digestive Problems

There are many causes of intestinal disorders. The symptoms are vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, diarrhoea or constipation.

A cat will normally vomit from time to time, especially if they have been eating grass. It is a natural defence which allows the cat to rid itself of harmful substances. If his vomiting is accompanied by diarrhoea or if you notice blood in the stools, contact your vet immediately.

Look out for the emergence of the third eyelid or swelling or softness of the stomach. If any of these symptoms persist more than twelve hours, call your vet.

In the event of constipation, put a dessert spoon of paraffin oil in the cat’s food once a day for a few days.

Poisoning

Some drugs, such as aspirin are fatal to cats and these products should be kept out of the cat’s reach. The symptoms of poisoning are vomiting, convulsions, drooling or loss of consciousness.

Sometimes cats drink antifreeze of cars, a product which is extremely toxic. In this event, take him to the vet’s immediately so he can give the cat an antidote to reverse the effects of the poison.

Cat’s fur can come into contact with harmful substances and the animal can poison itself whilst washing. Wash the cat and wrap it in a towel to shop it licking itself. In a serious case, contact your vet.

Injuries and Bleeding

Cats can be injured in many ways, including fighting. If the wounds are benign you can treat them yourself. If they look serious, you need to consult your vet.

If the cat is losing a lot of blood, press on the wound with absorbent

Studies to Analyze the Causes and Treatments of Vaccine-Related Feline Cancers

January 21, 2009Denver, Colorado: Over the past several years, owners of cats have become more aware of injection-site tumors that could be linked to vaccinations. These tumors, or fibrosarcomas, can arise at any injection site, vaccine-related or otherwise. While these tumors are not extremely widespread, the treatment needs to be much more invasive than conventional tumors.

Due to their location (along the surface of the muscles and soft tissue) and their propensity to grow and spread quickly, injection-site tumors are more difficult to treat than conventional tumors. And depending on the location of the fibrosarcoma, the best course of action may unfortunately be amputation of an entire limb.

Researchers don’t yet understand the reasons behind the development of injection-site tumors in cats, but since they are much more aggressive and potentially deadly than conventional tumors, developing a way to determine whether a tumor is caused by an injection is critical to determining the appropriate course of treatment.

Researching Cat Cancer Causes
The Morris Animal Foundation has funded two feline research studies as part of their Happy Healthy Cat Campaign that are looking at how injection-site tumors develop in cats. Drs. Marlene Hauck and Rachael Thomas, along with her mentor Dr. Matthew Breen, at North Carolina State University are taking different approaches, but their research studies complement each other.

For her part, Dr. Hauck is looking at gene expression in cats using microarray technology. By comparing normal tissues in the lymph nodes and muscle with those same tissues at injection-site reactions and injection-site sarcomas, they hope to understand which genes are altered when a tissue develops a tumor.

“If we can look at the same tumor, we can see which genes really are important because they are involved on a chromosomal level as well,” Dr. Hauck says. “We may see multiple chromosomal abnormalities and by comparing to gene expression, we can determine what genes are involved.”

“Ultimately we hope to develop additional diagnostic information that would better inform an owner of the likely clinical course of the disease and how to best treat it,” Dr. Thomas says. “If there is evidence of an injection association, then the treatment could be tailored more appropriately to that individual patient.”

While the researchers agree that science is some way off from translating into separate therapies, they are excited that they have made some important steps in feline health.

Until that time, cat owners should be mindful of the potential risks of vaccinations, but that doesn’t mean they should stop vaccinating.

When it comes to healthy cats, vaccinations are essential. Both Drs. Hauck and Thomas point out that vaccines save more lives than they cause cancer. You should consult your veterinarian to determine the best course of action your your bet based on local laws while factoring in your pet’s lifestyle and risk factors.

Holistic health care for cats is a movement that is gaining popularity among veterinary surgeons and owners alike who wish to consider alternatives to traditional veterinary care. Reports suggest that cats are falling ill far more frequently than before; many experts think this is partly due to the diets owners give their cats, and partly due to the onslaught of vaccinations and drugs that are now used to treat all kinds of feline illnesses and conditions.

Holistic veterinary surgeons believe that prevention is better than cure. It is far more important to maintain the well-being of your cat, rather than concentrating on relieving signs and symptoms of illnesses. Holistic practitioners assert that symptoms hint at an underlying health condition and left untreated, your cat’s health could be severely compromised in the long run.

Holistic and traditional vets are now of the opinion that a raw diet is far preferable to the standard canned and kibbled cat food that is available on the market. Studies have shown that cats fed on raw, wholefood diets are more robust and have greater resistance to the illnesses generally associated with age related degeneration.

Holistic vets believe that cat wellness treatments are not only about the treatment of disease but about prevention as well. By building up your cat’s immune system with the correct and natural diet, and supplemented with suitable therapy, your cat will have a far better quality of life. This translates into a better groomed and happy cat, with improvements in the condition of your cat’s fur, general disposition, better dentition and a lifelong freedom from allergies and infectious diseases.

Rather than resorting to intrusive injections or applications of harsh chemicals to treat fleas and ticks, holistic vets can provide natural alternatives which are just as effective against these parasites yet cause little or no harm to the cat. Holistic vets rely on preparations of nosodes rather than vaccinations, believing that these preparations that use a microscopic portion of diseased tissue will help to stimulate the cat’s natural immune system into building up stronger defences. This holistic treatment is based on the similar premise that smallpox vaccinations in humans use the smallpox virus to build up defences in the immunity system.

The range of therapies are as wide as those available to human clients of any homeopathy or natural health clinic. Statistics from numerous studies conducted do show benefits that can be gained from these therapies. Holistic vets promote alternative natural remedies in place of traditional treatments, and provide holistic therapies, aimed to promote and care for the overall wellbeing and happiness of the animal.

Many sceptics might be surprised to learn that homeopath and acupuncture are established and successful forms of treatment for many feline conditions. In addition, cat owners report drastic improvements and increased rates of recovery in their animals. Other alternative forms of treatment would include osteopathy, physiotherapy and healing. The trend of holistic healthcare for felines is gaining momentum and the public have displayed positive interest in this branch of veterinary care.

I wonder how many of you out there remember the old Disney classic with the two Siamese cats singing, “We are Siamese, if you please, and we are Siamese if you don’t please. We come from the residence of Siam and there is not a finer cat than I am.” This jingle clearly reflects the attitude of these beautiful cats that are so well known for their vibrant and distinctive markings. The Siamese is one of the first recognized breeds of Oriental cat, although its exact origins are unknown. It is believed that they are descended from the sacred temple cats of Siam (now Thailand), and their Thai name is “Wichien Maat.”

All Siamese have a creamy base coat with colored “points” on their muzzles, ears, paws and lower legs. All Siamese kittens are cream-colored at birth, developing visible points within the first few months of life. Siamese coats tend to darken with age, and those cats living in warmer climates will tend to have lighter coats than those of their counterparts living in the colder regions of the world.

They are highly intelligent and very verbal. I had a girlfriend who had such a cat and over the phone I would hear her “Mirabelle” meowing in the background and swear it sounded more like a human baby crying and not a cat. Their voice is unique and unlike other breeds, and it is said that they cam meow loud enough to compete with fire and rescue equipment! Their temperaments are active, playful and persistent in their need for attention from their loving owners. They have a great need for human bonding and companionship and some describe their behavior as almost “dog-like” in regards to their loyalty and trainability. They can be taught to walk on a leash, go fetch and perform tricks.

If you are lucky enough to have one of these cats living in your home, love it well. It will do more than return the favor!

Oriental Longhair is a long and slender cat quite similar to the Siamese in its body structure. It is also known as British Angora. First recognition of this feline was in the late nineteenth century when it was found to be distinct from the Persian in its coat and physique. This recognition did not last long and it was only in the nineteen sixties that breeders in United Kingdom started developing this cat in earnest. It was named British Angora to distinguish it from Turkish Angora, a separate breed, and it was only recently, in 2002, that British cat fancies named it as the Oriental Longhair.

A lithe and tubular body is the hallmark of this svelte but muscular cat. Coat is silky and long though single layered. It occurs in a variety of colors and patterns including apricot, blue, black, chocolate, cinnamon, fawn, lilac, red, tipped and tabby. Head is wedge shaped and the almond shaped eyes are usually green to blue in coloration. Odd-eyed cats are often seen as well. Ears are large and pointed. Legs are long and so is the bushy tail.

Though Oriental Longhairs are generally quite healthy there have been cases of liver and heart disorders in them. These include hepatic amyloidosis and dilated cardiomyopathy in some lines. There is also a somewhat increased incidence of dental disorders including plaque buildup and gum inflammation. On the whole though these elegant cats are healthy and live for over fifteen years in an indoor environment.

Intelligent and playful by nature, Oriental Longhairs are very active cats. They can be mischievous and demanding at times and are quite inquisitive. Like their relative Siamese cats, the British Angoras are very vocal and expressive. Their fondness for high places is also famous. Even with their active lifestyles these felines take time to develop close attachments to their humans whom they will follow around everywhere.

The American Curl cat breed is beautiful cat with its curled back ears (where the name comes from) all the way to its puffy tail. This beautiful cat breed was compliments of Mother Nature! There was no cross breeding or gene mutations involved.

Joe and Grace Ruga of Lakewood, California, discovered the “odd” two looking kittens roaming around looking for food so they began feeding her and then adopted her. Not knowing that she would turn out to be a new cat breed.

The cat gave birth to six kittens that had straight ears so the owners assumed their cat was just different although with the first few days the kittens ears began to curl just like their mothers. Little did they know at the time they had a momma cat and six kittens that would soon be consider a breed all their own.

The American curl is bred in a variety of colors and pattern variations both short and long haired which is silky and easy to care for by brushing a few times a week. They have small expressive eyes in a wide range of colors. Other than their curled ears they look just like a domestic house cat.

They weight between six and ten pounds making them a medium size cat.

This cat is loveable, playful and moderately active. They enjoy high places and hiding. They will spend hours sitting on the lap of their “special person” and even like to sleep under the covers at night. They are good with children and other pets.

They have an unusual way of greeting people and other animals, they “head but them” gently of course.

They don’t care to be alone for long periods of time but seem to do okay with an eight hour work day. They need toys to keep them busy or they will make themselves a toy! If the owner will be away all day every day then it’s best to get another cat for them to play with.

When the owner returns the cat will be waiting by the door and will follow its “people” around until they sit down then the cat will sit on their lap. They are very loveable and enjoy human companionship.

They are registered with; the Grand Champion (GC), The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA). The American Curl is a show cat as well as used for breeding purposes.

Sources

www.catbredd.com

www.cfa.com

www.gcc.com

Many new kitten owners may have never heard of the Feline Leukemia disease, medically abbreviated as FELV. When the kitten is then brought into the vet clinic for its first sets of shots the veterinarian will very likely ask if the owners will authorize a Feline Leukemia test.

Many owners may look puzzled for a few seconds, and then they will ask their vet’s opinion and further explanations about this unknown disease.

WHAT IS FELINE LEUKEMIA?

Feline leukemia is a viral and incurable disease. The virus is specifically a retrovirus strain which is known to be particularly aggressive and contagious.

If your kitten was a stray or has an unknown medical history, a Feline Leukemia test is highly recommended.

CAUSES

This nasty disease is transmitted in various ways but always derives from contact with other diseased cats.

The virus is shed from saliva, nasal secretions, urine, feces and even milk. This means that basically any interaction with an infected cat can cause the disease.

Common means of exposure are as follows:

Licking

Bite wounds

Sharing water

Sharing food

Sharing litter boxes

Sneezing

Blood transfusions

Lactation

Pregnancy

PREVENTION

-Keeping a cat indoors can be the secret to having an FELV free household.

- Never let an unknown cat enter your home, you may be tempted to take in a stray cat but it is best to keep it out or in a separate room until it has been claimed by a vet to be free from any transmittable disease.

-If your cat is outdoors have him/her vaccinated against FELV, the vaccine is not 100%effectiveve but may lower the chances. Talk to your vet about FELV vaccine induced side effects.

-Neuter male cats to prevent them from escaping and getting into fights with infected cats.

-Consider that the virus can survive anytime between 2 hours to 8 hours depending on how hospitable the environment. The damper the better for the virus’s survival. Dogs and humans are not affected.

SYMPTOMS

Affected cats may suffer from a weakened immunity, causing sicknesses that under normal circumstances would not occur. One negative particular about Feline Leukemia is the fact that affected cats may not develop visible symptoms until only later as the disease progresses. Common symptoms exhibited include but are not limited to:

Weight loss

Inappetence

Lethargy

Constant fever

Coughing

Eye problems

Tumors

PROGNOSIS

With supportive care many kittens and cats could lead a good quality of life for some good months or years. However, many will eventually succumb to this disease sooner or later.

Supportive care is provided by giving antibiotics to treat infection, by providing nutritional support and fluid therapy, by preventing parasites and by screening for tumors.

CONCLUSION

A Feline Leukemia simple blood test takes about 10 minutes to reveal the results. If your kitten has a history of being around other cats and kittens or has been adopted from a shelter, a Feline Leukemia test should be run as it is certainly worth the money and peace of mind.

Who can resist a sweet little kitten? You want a cat, but do you know the best way to get one? When it comes to buying a cat, several options are available. You can buy a cat from a pet store, a breeder, from someone you know, or from a shelter or rescue organization. You can even find a cat from an ad in the classified section of your local newspaper.

However, no matter where you get your cat, you should keep a few points in mind. These are:

1. Only buy a cat from some you know you can trust. This is very important. You should buy a cat from a person who you know treats pets well, and who will not lie to you. Often, people sell cats that are less than 6-8 weeks old, knowing full well that cats should not be separated from their mothers at such a young age.

2. The cat you buy should be a healthy, affable, and well-treated creature. You will end up paying hefty bills to your vet if you buy a sick cat. Whenever you visit a seller, check out where the cats are kept. Don’t buy cats from a place which keeps cats in an unhealthy or unhygienic environment.

3. Ask for pedigrees, registration certificates, and records of vaccinations and de-worming. Check to see if the cat or kitten is alert and well fed, and find out if its parents are at the same place. Seeing your potential pet’s parents will give you a clue as to its personality and pedigree.

4. Keep your eyes open for signs of an unhealthy cat. Cats who are sneezing, have a cold, or are suffering from diarrhea are not a good choice — even if the condition is only temporary. Do not take chances, request permission to take the cat to a vet before taking it home. This will give you a better idea of the cat’s real health.

5. Be alert for fidgety or suspicious answers. Sellers who are honest will not have any hesitation in answering your questions. On the other hand, sellers who have something to hide will be very reluctant to share information.

When buying a cat from a rescue organization or animal shelter, check their policies. It is possible that you may need to return the pet after a few days for some unforeseen reason. Shelters or organizations that won’t take a cat back should be avoided. No matter where you choose to get your new pet, make sure to base your decision on sound reasoning, and not just the emotional appeal of a furry face.

What can you give your favorite cat-lover as a gift? What clever or creative items might you present to your favorite feline fanatic for a holiday, birthday, or special occasion?

Feline-friendly gifts are available in every price range. The possibilities are vast. Pounce on over to the pet store, gift shop, boutique, or craft corner for creative ideas. You can browse in the bookstore or stationery shop for thoughtful kitty-themed items as well!

First, you will want to decide whether you wish to offer a gift for the cat owner or for his or her cat. After viewing this selection of goodies, perhaps you will choose to do both!

GIFTS FOR CAT-LOVERS:

Artistic cat figurines, Webkinz, beanbag toys, and stuffed animals: If you are feeling particularly generous, you could even select a Faberge crystal cat egg (for just under $200)! Looking for cat collectibles? Try http://petlovergifts.collectib lestoday.com.

Apparel: Shop for cat-printed baseball caps, bandannas, jackets, neckties, pajamas, scarves, socks, tee shirts, sweatshirts, etc. You can even find umbrellas covered with kitties! Check out http://www.kittycity.com/appar el.html for ideas.

Calendars: Select from feline photography or cartoon calendars and day planners. Look at www.calendars.com (in the US) or www.moggies.co.uk/calendars (in the UK).

Cat cookie cutters: Tie these to a cookie mix for a darling gift. Add a recipe for cat treats or delicious cookies! Gourmet cooking stores always offer a great selection of whimsical cookie cutters.

Crafts: You might put cat stickers or cut-outs on a wooden keepsake box, stepstool, tray table, or chair. Use Modge-Podge to decoupage and finish it for a true treasure!

Donations: Why not make a financial gift (in the cat-lover’s name) to an animal shelter, feline rescue society, veterinary research association, or other cat-related charity?

Gift cards: Order these from pet stores, or online catalogs. Send your cat-lover on a shopping spree! (BONUS: PetSmart, PetCo, and many other large pet supply chains actually allow pets to visit with customers!)

Holiday items: Buy kitty tree ornaments, cat light strands, feline tree skirts, wreaths of cat treats, etc. Look at LLadro and Radko elegant collectible tree ornaments. Browse through the selection of cat items at Whales & Friends online (or order the colorful catalog).

Cat games and puzzles: Look for board and video games. (How about Cat-o-poly or Hello Kitty?)

Jewelry: Pick out cat-themed