Cat Health Index
A Healthy
Cat |
Cat Age
Scale |
Keeping Your
Cat Healthy and Happy
"A cat has absolute emotional
honesty: human beings, for one reason or another, may hide their feelings,
but a cat does not."
-
Ernest Hemingway
All our pets ask of us is to
be well-fed and well-cared-for. We owe them at least that for the love and
companionship they give us freely every day. The information below will
help you keep your cat healthy and recognize illness when it
happens.
A
Healthy Cat All kittens and cats are
given an examination and vaccinations. Every attempt is made to ensure you
are getting a healthy animal. Listed below are some basic things looked
for during this examination. Your cat should be seen by a veterinarian
every 6 months. You may want to periodically check your cat's health
yourself in between time. This can be done quickly and casually while
grooming your cat. Eyes
The eyes should be bright and
clear. The haws (skin at inner corner of eye) should not be swollen,
covering part of the eye. There should be no lumps on the
lids. Ears
The ears should be clean in
appearance, free of discharge and odor. Ear mites cause a black
discharge. Nose
The nose should be wet, clean
and without discharge or sores. Mouth
Examine the mouth
periodically. The gums should be pink and healthy. The roof of the mouth
and the lip areas should have no sores, possibly black, white or
red. Body/Coat
Start at the head and feel
the cat's body for tumors, lumps and ticks. Ruffling your hand against the
hair will disclose fleas, dandruff and dirt. Frequent grooming will help
remove matted hair. Legs/Feet
Inspect for swollen joints by
running your hands down the legs. Check for hair and objects between the
toes. Inspect the condition of the nails. Anus
Examine the anus for swelling
which could mean possible infection. Also check for intestinal parasites.
Tapeworm segments look like rice particles. Both of these conditions
require a veterinarian's care.
Diseases Treated By Vaccine Several diseases pose as
threats to your cat's health. A regular program of immunization can
protect your pet. Kittens are particularly susceptible to viral
infections. Viruses can be transmitted directly, through the air, or
carried on clothing. Never assume your pet is safe from exposure.
Vaccinations are inexpensive insurance. Vaccinate your cat
annually. The following symptoms may
indicate viral or bacterial infection and require veterinary examination
for diagnosis. If your pet shows symptoms of disease, consult your
veterinarian immediately. Early treatment improves your pet's chances for
recovery.
Panleukopenia
(Feline Distemper)
This disease has no
relationship to distemper in dogs or horses. It is a serious viral
infection that is highly contagious and potentially fatal. The virus
attacks the cells in the intestines and brain. No special conditions are
required for it to exist, so it attacks indiscriminately and without
warning. Young kittens can actually fall into a coma and die before the
owner realizes the animal is sick. Vaccination against the disease is
usually given in combination with vaccine against several upper
respiratory diseases. Annual boosters are recommended for all cats.
Upper Respiratory
Infections (URI)
URI is a group of viral and
bacterial diseases of the upper respiratory system including Feline Viral
Rhinotracheitis (FVR) and Feline Calicivirus (FCV). These are highly
contagious and are usually contracted from other cats. Symptoms are
cold-like: sneezing, runny nose, discharge from the eyes, etc. Vaccines
don't offer complete protection because of the many varieties of viruses
causing URIs. Vaccinations do however protect your cat from the most
common.
Rabies
Rabies is a virus transmitted
in the saliva by a bite from an infected animal. The virus is commonly
carried by skunks, foxes, raccoons and bats. It is transmissible to humans
and is generally fatal. Excellent vaccines give protection to pets. The
disease attacks nerve tissues, resulting in paralysis and death. Rabies is
always fatal. While dogs are legally required to have rabies vaccination,
cats are not. However, cats are more susceptible than dogs to the virus.
If your cat is allowed outdoors or if it bites, an annual rabies
vaccination should be given. All animal bite incidents must be reported to
the County Health Department. Biting animals must be quarantined and
observed 10 days.
Feline Leukemia
Virus (FELV)
The Feline Leukemia virus may
be transmitted by the saliva, blood, feces or urine of an infected cat.
Not all cats exposed to FELV become ill, however. Some become chronic
carriers, more susceptible to other diseases and posing a hazard to other
cats. This deadly disease is caused by a virus that inhibits the immune
system and results in various types of cancer and other debilitating
diseases. For those cats who do become ill, the symptoms are non-specific.
A blood test is required for diagnosis. This disease is nearly always
fatal to cats but has never been implicated as a human hazard. Valley
Humane Society vaccinates for FELV, however a yearly booster is required
to maintain the immunity.
Proper
Diet
What to
Feed
Changes in diet should be
made gradually over several days. Abrupt changes in diet often cause
diarrhea. Kittens under one year must have food designed to meet the
nutritional needs of growing animals, so look for food advertised as
"complete" for kittens. Two important things to
remember when purchasing commercial cat food are quality and variety. High
quality (premium) eg Canin Royal, Harbingers of the New Age, Hill's
Science Diet etc means low in magnesium ash (a probable contributor to
urinary disorders) and high in important nutrients and supplements.
Because they are so nutritious, a smaller portion is needed.
Dry food helps to clean the
teeth and if nutritionally complete can be the bulk of the cat's diet. It
is easily stored. Canned food provides additional water and comes in a
wide variety of flavors. Although it must be refrigerated once opened,
most cats enjoy the variety. Cats prefer their food at room temperature.
Never feed your cat food that comes directly from the refrigerator. There
are some foods you should never feed your cat.
Dog
Food
Cats need four times as much
protein as dogs; therefore dog food is never suitable for cats. Also,
there is no taurine in dog food, essential to a cat's
diet. Table
Scraps
Table scraps are not
recommended, because they generally don't provide balanced nutrition and
can make your cat a beggar and finicky eater.
Fresh water is essential!
Many cats cannot digest milk
and develop diarrhea when given milk. This can be particularly serious for
kittens who become quickly dehydrated when suffering from diarrhea. Always
provide clean fresh water for your cat. When to
Feed
Your new cat is used to dry
food available throughout the day and a small portion of canned food in
the morning and evening. Kittens under three months of age should be fed
small portions several times a day. After one year you may switch to once
a day feedings. It is important to establish a feeding schedule that you
can maintain. Irregular feeding is confusing for the cat. Feed your cat
from its own clean bowl in the same place each day. Don't allow children
to disturb it while eating.
How Much to
Feed
How much to feed your cat
depends upon its age, size and activity level. Feed enough to maintain its
weight. Cats like their food fresh. Give them a new portion at each
mealtime and if they haven't eaten it all, measure it and give them that
much less the next time. Don't fill their plate. If you cannot feel its
ribs, it is probably overweight and daily rations should be reduced. It
you think you are feeding your cat adequate amounts of food, but it looks
thin or loses weight, have it examined by a veterinarian. "Loving" owners
often indulge their pets into obesity. Overweight pets have shorter
lifespans and are more prone to heart and respiratory problems and
arthritic pain. They are poorer surgical risks. Help your cat stay healthy
by keeping it at its proper weight.
External
Parasites
Fleas
Fleas can torment your cat
continually and may cause anemia, flea allergy, dermatitis, skin
infections, hair loss and tapeworm infestations. A conscientious effort
must be made to rid the cat and the environment of adult fleas, larvae and
eggs. Adults fleas feed on the cat and lay eggs that fall to the floor,
grass and bedding. Eggs hatch into larvae which feed on debris, spin
cocoons and hatch into adults. A variety of flea powders, dips, sprays and
shampoos are available for flea control. Read labels carefully and follow
instructions exactly and be sure the product is safe for cats and kittens.
If you use a water sprayer to discipline your cat, a powder may be the
best for flea control. Flea collars are the least effective method of flea
control. They may irritate your cat's skin, can cause a toxic reaction,
especially when wet, and can get caught on branches and fences. There are
flea collars available with break-away elastic, ask your veterinarian. If
you must use a flea collar, leave it out of the package at least 24 hours
before putting it on your cat. Check it often to make sure no rash
develops. A cat will soon become
reinfested if the environment is not treated. Thoroughly clean all areas
frequented by your cat, especially bedding. If a flea problem begins,
vacuum your carpets regularly to pick up the eggs and larvae. Empty the
bag outside after each time you vacuum or fleas may hatch inside the bag.
Follow with a treatment of powder, spray or fogger, designed to kill both
larval and adult fleas. Eggs will probably survive to hatch in 10-14 days
and you'll need to repeat the treatment. Severe infestations may take
months to control. If your cat develops skin problems from flea
infestations, take it to a veterinarian. Flea dermatitis can be a serious
health problem. Regular grooming with a flea
comb is an effective non-toxic method of flea control. Any fleas removed
in this manner should be drowned in a bowl of warm, soapy water. Never try
to crush fleas. If it is a female, eggs can scatter and hatch.
Ticks
Ticks live in shrubs and
undergrowth and drop into animals as they pass. Ticks attach themselves
and feed, filling their bodies with blood until they look like a small
wart or seed. Ticks can cause serious infections and may be carriers of
disease. Check your pet for ticks during grooming sessions. Remove ticks
carefully and destroy them. Ear
Mites
Ear Mites are microscopic
parasites and are difficult to detect. They live in the ear canal. They
cause irritation and discomfort and are often followed by bacterial
infection. Excessive ear scratching and head shaking may be symptoms of
ear mites. Have your cat examined by a veterinarian if it exhibits this
behavior. Treatment for ear mites is simple and effective. If you have
more than one pet, all may be affected. Ringworm
This is not a worm but a
fungus infection of the skin that attacks kittens more often than cats.
Infection is usually from another kitten or from fungus in the soil. The
classic symptom appears as a scab or irregularly shaped area of skin
infection and may include a rapidly enlarging circle of hair loss.
Ringworm can be transmitted to humans. Have your veterinarian examine
areas of hair loss and wounds that refuse to heal.
Internal
Parasites
Worms
Worms are a common ailment,
especially with kittens. Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms
infest the cat's intestinal tract. Your cat should be checked twice a year
for worms. Treatment of worms can be prescribed by your veterinarian.
Anemia, weight loss, lethargy, intestinal irritation, dull coat, diarrhea
and vomiting are common consequences of worm infestation. Kittens are
particularly susceptible to the effects of worm infestations.
Roundworms
These are the most common
feline parasites. They are usually passed in vomit or feces, as short
white spaghetti-like strands that move when fresh. They are transmitted by
ingesting contaminated soil, feces or prey. Tapeworms
Cats commonly acquire
tapeworms from fleas. They can also acquire them by eating uncooked meat
and prey. Tapeworm segments break off and can be observed in the cat's
stool. Look for white rice-like segments that move when fresh. These
contain eggs and represent only a small piece of the whole intestinal
parasite. Hookworms
These parasites are named
because they hook themselves to the cat's intestinal wall, and are a
problem in warm, moist climates. Cats are infected by ingesting hookworm
eggs from the ground or through skin contact with the eggs. Kittens can be
infected before birth. Microscopic examination of feces by your
veterinarian can determine whether or not your cat is infected.
Toxoplasmosis
This disease is caused by
protozoa. Cats may become infected by eating birds, rodents or raw meat.
Symptoms are usually rare, but include lethargy, loss of appetite, weight
loss, Diarrhea, coughing, and breathing difficulty. If left untreated it
can cause blindness and paralysis. This disease is transmissible to humans
through contact with contaminated cat feces. The best way to avoid
infection is to remove stools from the litterbox daily wearing disposable
gloves and disinfect the litterbox daily. Pregnant women should take
special precautions since this can cause brain damage to human
fetuses. Coccidiosis
This disease is also caused
by protozoa. These organisms irritate the intestinal lining, leading to
diarrhea and weight loss. They are transmitted through feces to other
cats. Your veterinarian can determine if your cat is infected by
microscopic examination of feces.
Urinary Problems and Foxtails
Feline Lower Tract Disease
a.k.a. Urological Syndrome (FUS)
This is a common and
potentially serious problem. It is actually a number of interrelated
diseases that affect the bladder, kidneys, urethra and other parts of the
urinary tract. The major cause is the formation of crystals or stones in
the urinary tract, often caused by excess magnesium in the diet. Symptoms
are frequent urination and passage of blood in the urine. Cats with this
condition may behave restlessly or urinate outside the litterbox. Because
of the buildup of toxic waste in the bloodstream, kidney damage and even
death can result within two to three days if left unattended. Your cat
should be examined by a veterinarian at the first signs. Good quality cat
food will help avoid this fatal problem. Foxtails
From late spring through
fall, weeds such as foxtails and shed burrs can work their way through
your cat's coat and into its skin. The area around the eyes is
particularly susceptible. They can also enter through the nose, ears and
genitals. During grooming sessions, check your cat's coat thoroughly for
foxtails. Once a foxtail has penetrated the tissue, it can migrate to
cause infection and may have to be surgically removed. Unattended, it may
cause death. Vigorous head shaking and ear scratching may indicate
foxtails in the ears. Sneezing fits and occasional blood discharge from
the nostrils may be symptoms of foxtails in the nose. Excessive licking at
one spot should be investigated.
Playing And Exercise
Some cats don't need or
expect constant attention every day. A brief play period and the privilege
of being near you may satisfy your pet once it knows you will give this
consistently. If you are away all day, allow your cat to be in the room
with you in the evening. When you play, be sure to
avoid wrestling or roughhousing with your cat. This teaches the cat that
it is OK to use teeth and claws on you and is a very difficult habit to
break. The toys you choose for your cat should be too large to be
swallowed and sturdy enough to withstand chewing and tearing. Balls made
of foil, catnip sewed into a cloth bag, and knotted socks are all safe
acceptable toys. Cats will play with almost anything that moves. Deadly
toys are those made of string or yarn. Cats' tongues are designed so that
it is almost impossible to spit something out. This makes it very easy for
them to choke on string. The pieces that are swallowed can become lodged
in the intestinal tract.
Grooming
Your cat uses saliva and the
spiny surface of its tongue to wash and comb its coat. Although your cat
will keep himself relatively clean, you should brush it regularly with a
rubber or soft-bristled brush to help remove loose hair and stimulate its
coat and skin. A narrow-toothed flea comb will remove fleas and dirt as
well. The flea comb provides sufficient grooming for a shorthaired cat if
used 3 times a week. Longhaired cats need daily grooming with a brush and
coarse-toothed plastic comb to prevent matting and tangling of the coat.
Your cat's claws should be neatly trimmed. Ask your veterinarian about the
proper tool and procedure. Hairballs
Swallowed hair can form a
wad, called a hairball that can cause potentially dangerous intestinal
blockage and vomiting. A commercial lubricant for the prevention of
hairballs can be given regularly.
Spay
And Neutering
Pet overpopulation is a
serious problem in the U.S. Unfortunately, there are over 4 million more
cats in the U.S. than there are homes available. You've already helped by
adopting a cat of your own, but you can also help to solve the
overpopulation problem even more by having your cat neutered or spayed.
The procedure is simple and painless while done under general anesthesia,
and may take as little as a few hours. You'll need to start thinking about
it early, since cats can reach puberty as early as four months of age.
A female kitten's first cycle
will last about four to eight days, and again in another two to three
weeks. A female cat's ovaries do not release eggs until she has mated, so
every mating nearly always results in pregnancy. Full term pregnancy for a
cat is eight to nine weeks; a healthy female is capable of producing
several litters of kittens a year. Spaying a female kitten reduces or
eliminates the risk of breast cancer, tumors of the reproductive system,
uterine infections, and certain skin conditions related to hormonal
imbalances. It also saves you from trying to find homes for all the
kittens! Male cats are sexually active
all year round and will roam in search of females. Fighting with other
rival male cats and spraying of urine to mark their territory, are signs
of an unneutered male. Neutering a male kitten may reduce the risk of
cancer and other health problems. It also reduces objectionable behavior
such as roaming, fighting and spraying.
Sneezing
in cats
Question: Good Morning - I am a subscriber and enjoy the newsletter you send. I have a 12 year old cat who
has had diabetes for 2 years and is doing fine After Christmas this past year,
he developed a herpes virus that affected Answer: Linda- Sneezing like this can occur
due to the herpes virus but it may be an Sneezing also occurs with other
conditions. Dental disease, especially Cats get nasal polyps more
frequently than dogs do and these can cause Sneezing seems to occur due to
allergies in some cats but this is not as We sometimes see sneezing in
cats with asthma. Some of the symptoms, such Hopefully your vet was able to
help, but if not, these are some other Mike Richards, DVM
Question: Dear Dr
Mike: Answer: Suzanne-
Q: Hello: I recently bought a red tabby five month old persian from a reliable breeder at a cat show. He seems to be in excellent health but sneezes quite often. Is this a characteristic of the breed because of their small pushed in noses or could he be allergic to his new envioroment,i.e., my other cat or dog? Thank you in advance A: I was recently at a continuing education session. At this session, the speaker (Dr. Nassise) suggested that the most common cause of persistant sneezing in cats was probably rhinotracheitis virus. This is a herpes virus and it can cause chronic infection, or it can be latent for long periods and then recur in times of stress. I do think that some Persians and Himalayans seem to sneeze without ever showing any other clinical signs of disease at all and I have assumed that this might be some sort of problem from the shape of their face. Once in a while we see persistent sneezing because there is a foreign body in the nasal passages. We have found a piece of thread, a piece of ribbon and several blades of grass on exams over the years. Also, periodontal disease is reported to make some cats sneeze but this seems pretty unlikely in a 5 month old cat. Rhinotracheitis is very easy for cats to pick up prior to being successfully vaccinated against it. It is probably not possible to protect all cats, even with vigorous effort. Allergies probably do cause some of the sneezing seen in cats. Five months is also pretty young for allergies to show up but I can't say with certainty that they aren't present. Your vet can examine your new kitten and rule out some of these causes. Mike Richards, DVM
Q: Dr. Richards, Thank You, A: Loretta- Feline leukemia virus infection
or feline immunodeficiency virus infection Mike Richards, DVM |
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