Nasal Discharge In Cats

In cats, chronic viral nasal disease develops from one of two viruses involved in upper-respiratory tract diseases. Both the feline rhinotracheitis virus (FVR) and feline calici virus (FCV) are extremely contagious. Clinically, the difference between these two viruses is unnecessary for diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms and Causes

The typical signs associated with chronic viral disease include sneezing, bilateral nasal discharge, nasal bleeding, increased breathing sounds, and discharge from the eyes. Any bleeding associated with viral disease is usually very minimal; however, if nasal bleeding becomes extreme, it may be suggestive of a tumor.

Nasal discharge from one side of the nose is more typical of a foreign body, tumor, or tooth-root abscess. Moderate to severe bleeding or deformity of the facial bones suggests an erosive process, such as cancer fungal or a foreign body.

To differentiate chronic viral nasal disease from other causes of feline upper-respiratory disease, you must know the past health of the cat. Any previous signs of acute infection would be expected with viral disease. An old injury or prior trauma might have healed externally but resulted in deep bone damage or changes in the nasal anatomy which can lead a patient to be predisposed to nasal disease.

Diagnosis

A cat with chronic viral nasal disease is generally in good condition. Chronic viral nasal disease can be diagnosed only by the elimination of other upper respiratory conditions, such as cancer, foreign bodies, bacterial disease, allergic disease, fungal disease, polyps, dental disease, and prior trauma. Not only will this guide your veterinarian in the proper course of treatment, but will also give you an accurate prognosis. If the diagnosis becomes chronic viral nasal disease, you may expect a long-term treatment or potentially negative results.

Your veterinarian will examine the skull and hard palate very carefully, along with an eye examination. The viruses involved in upper-respiratory diseases do not cause mass lesions or inflammation of the inner structures of the eye. If these problems are identified, then viral disease is unlikely.

To rule out the possibility of cancer, the lymph nodes around the cat’s head and neck are also carefully examined. Your veterinarian may also look for a discharge from both sides of the nose or from the cat’s eyes. After antibiotics are discontinued, there may be sneezing and relapse of symptoms. These signs are similar to what would be seen in a cat with a polyp.

If the history suggest a systemic cause, then a complete blood count, serum chemistry profile, urinalysis, and chest x-rays are indicated. These tests should also be done if there is any concern about anesthetic risk for the next phase of the examination.

The second phase of examination involves more aggressive testing, such as skull x-rays, endoscopy, and nasal biopsies to eliminate non-viral causes for the nasal disease. You may or may not want to continue with this aggressive diagnostic path, depending on the severity of clinical signs and the evidence provided by the history, physical examination, and other less invasive tests.

Treatment

Some form of antibiotic treatment is often prescribed for a cat with chronic viral nasal disease. If the chosen antibiotic is going to be effective, symptoms should improve noticeably in three to five days.

If improvement is evident, your veterinarian will determine the length of time that the antibiotics should be continued. Normally, the dose is tapered off slowly. In some cats, intermittent bouts of sneezing can be controlled by continued administration of low-dose antibiotics.

Symptomatic treatment also includes the use of decongestants, cortisone, and humidification. Your veterinarian will determine the best treatment for your cat. Local decongestant therapy can be very helpful. Local treatment also decreases the chance of systemic side effects. Decongestants can be given topically or orally.

The problem of using cortisone is that it can mask the development of other problems or decrease the ability of the abnormal nasal cavity to cope with infection. Cats who are virus carriers may start actively shedding the virus. Consequently, cortisone should only be used if absolutely necessary and with close monitoring.

Humidification is a very simple way to provide relief to some patients. Increasing the moisture content of the nasal secretions makes it easier for all the material in the nose to drain. Home vaporizers are inexpensive and easily obtainable from local drug stores. Placing the cat in a bathroom while the shower runs may also be helpful.

To increase your cat’s comfort, frequently clean your cat’s face, nose, and eyes with cotton balls and water. You can also heat the food to help your cat smell it and increase the appetite.

Although cats with chronic viral nasal disease are prone to intermittent attacks of upper-respiratory symptoms, they can lead normal lives. As with any chronic disease, open communication with your veterinarian and realistic therapeutic goals are essential.
http://www.eliminatecatodour.com

About The Author
Anita Hampton http://www.eliminatecatodour.com

Walking With Your Cat Outdoors

Our homes are also our cats’ homes, and some cats may need to remain house cats for whatever reason. For example, they may be at risk of harm if they go outside; you may live on a busy main road. Other owners choose to keep their pets inside because they are valuable and may be at risk of being stolen. This does not mean that you have to keep them inside your house all of the time though. You need to let them experience the outside world occasionally. Walking your cat outside will enable her to do this in safety.

Another benefit of walking with your cat outdoors is that it will help to overcome the boredom of being constrained inside the home. Just like us, cats also need variety and a change of scenery. Being constrained may cause boredom or anxieties.

Cats are not always expressive, but studies show that boredom causes destructive behaviors such as scratching the furniture etc. Regular access to the outside can help to prevent this.

Walking outside could be a good form of exercise for your cat. There is a risk that cats who stay in the home all the time can become overweight or obese. As well as the associated health risks, this can shorten your pets life span.

Walking with your cat outdoors does not need to be problematic. You will need to get your cat used to walking in a harness, but this can be relatively easy if introduced gradually at a young age. If she is older, introduce it gradually, by letting her get used to the feel of it indoors before you try to lead her outdoors. Take things at her pace, and don’t become impatient with her.

You will also feel the benefits of walking your cat outdoors- you will be exposed to fresh air and exercise yourself!

Returning Home…

I recently went away for a few days, and left my little cat in the care of my next door neighbour. Now, I enjoy going away, but I really hate to leave her, so I have so many mixed feelings…

She knows when I’m going away- she knows just as soon as I reach into my wardrobe and pull out my battered old holdall. I then get the behavior that every cat lover comes to know so well- the turning of the back, the martyred expression, the full feline guilt trip.

I am always a little worried about her reaction when I return- will I be ignored for days on end, and punished in lots of little ways such as refusal to eat, play or be petted? When, if ever, will I be forgiven?

I needn’t have worried- as soon as I push open the door she bounds down the stairs, giving off little welcoming cries of delight. I pick her up and hold her against me, feeling her chest vibrate as she starts to purr.

Cats. It’s almost worth going away again to come home to a welcome like that! (Only joking, Lucky!)

Domestic Shorthair- The Facts Every Owner Of This Breed Should Know

Descended from ‘working cats’ that came to America on ships like the Mayflower to hunt rats, selective breeding resulted in today s Domestic Short Hair. The Domestic Short Hair cat was renamed the American Short Hair in 1966 to better reflect this breed s heritage. Today, the name ‘Domestic Short Hair’ is given to cats whose parentage is in question. Adult male Domestic Short Hairs will reach an average weight of 11 to 15 pounds, but females will only weigh 8 to 12 pounds. They are considered fully mature at 3 to 4 years of age and can live 15 to 20 years.

The American Short Hair coat can come in many colors in patterns. In fact, almost 80 different patterns of colors are recognized in this breed. It is an all weather coat that is dense but won t mat. It should be brushed regularly to remove the dead hairs if the cat will not groom itself.

There are also as many different personality characteristics in Domestic Short Hairs from the stereotypical aloofness to the surprisingly friendly and social. This is a fairly healthy breed (part of its working cat parentage), so it is a relatively low maintenance breed, requiring nothing more than routine health care. However, some Domestic Short Hairs are prone to overeating, so it is important to give them plenty of opportunity to exercise and play. Those that cannot (or will not) engage in exercise will need to have its diet monitored closely to avoid potential problems with obesity.

There is a website that has great information on Domestic Short Hair and most other breeds of cats. It has details that pertain to a cat breeds health, grooming, living conditions, best food choices and more, the website is called: Dog And Cat Facts, and can be found at this url:

http://www.dogandcatfacts.com

By Robert W. Benjamin

Copyright © 2006

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.

About The Author
Robert W. Benjamin has been in the software business on the internet for over 5 years, and has been producing low-cost software for the past 25 years. He first released products on the AMIGA and C64 computer systems in the late 1970’s-80’s.

RB59.COM Software
http://www.rb59.com/software

Cat Dandruff

The last thing you expect from your furry little friend is a blizzard of flaky skin. Dandruff.

Cat dandruff…..Now what should a caring pet owner do?

“Pet dandruff looks like a really bad case of people dandruff – you can easily see it with most animals,” says Nancy Scanlan, D.V.M., a veterinarian in private practice in California.

While occasionally dog dandruff and cat dandruff can indicate a serious health problem, like allergies, parasites, or skin infections, more often it occurs when skin cells naturally proliferate — They form, die and then flake off — at an accelerated rate.

Scott Weldy, D.V.M. says, “Since pet dandruff is a sign of flaky skin, giving your pet regular baths will help wash the flakes away before they accumulate. Bathing your pet once a month in winter and twice a month in summer may clear up the problem for good.”

* To bathe your pet, use warm water, Not hot water.

* Use a mild shampoo and massage it well into your pet’s skin.

* Then rinse thoroughly and dry your pet well.

* Don’t use medicated shampoos made for humans because they can be harmful for pets.

* Check the label carefully! Products that may be safe for dogs, may not necessarily be safe for cats.

* To prevent making dandruff worse, avoid using shampoos that include an insecticide.

* Most flea shampoos are very drying to the skin, thus creating more dandruff problems.

Regular brushing and grooming your pet will help distribute natural oils evenly over dry skin, which will help keep dandruff down.

Choose a brush that’s not too harsh. You can tell by rubbing the brush against the back of your hand to see if it will hurt. Something you would use on your own head will be excellent for your pet.

“If you’ve tried shampoos, regular brushing and new foods and it still looks like winter on your pet’s coat, you’re probably going to need professional help,” says Jan A. Hall, D.V.M.

“While dandruff is usually nothing more than flaky skin, in some cases it can indicate serious problems. Warning signs to watch for, besides the flakes, include scabs, crusting or itching.”

“Problems with the skin can be an indication of internal disease. After a month or so, if there is no improvement, you should take your pet to the vet.”

According to Mollyann Holland, D.V.M., “Sometimes we’ll see dandruff when animals aren’t getting enough fat in their diets. Giving your pet fish oil supplements will help improve the metabolism of fats in skin tissue. Some generic and supermarket brand foods do not provide the full range of vitamins and minerals your pet needs to maintain a healthy skin. Many pets have been taken off generic foods and put on a high quality food and the cases of dandruff have disappeared.”

http://www.eliminatecatodour.com

About The Author
Anita Hampton http://www.eliminatecatodour.com

Cat Behavior Problems; The Most Common Problem & How To Deal With It

Cats make excellent pets and have recently overtaken dogs as Britain’s favourite pet. There are many reasons for this shift but it may well be a reflection of the fact that our lifestyles have become busier and more hectic so we no longer have the time to devote to more demanding pets. Cats need less space, less food, don’t need to be walked twice a day and are generally easier to care for. However they can be prone to behaviour problems which may lead to extremely unpleasant ‘deposits’ around the home, ruined furniture and limbs covered in bites and scratches. Here is some information regarding the most common cat behaviour problem and some tips to help treat it…

Failure to use the litter box or house soiling is undoubtedly the most common cat behaviour problem. Cats may stop using their litter box/tray or even have trouble learning to use it in the first place. One thing to remember is that you should never punish the cat by ‘rubbing it’s nose in it’. This method of correction has never worked and will only serve to make the cat even more traumatised, thus adding to the problem.

The three main reasons for failing to use the litter box/tray are: –

1. Medical Problems such as:

· Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)
· Bacterial Infections
· Tumours
· Kidney Disease
· Liver Disease

Treatment

· Always take the cat to a reputable vet in the first instance in order to rule out the possibility of any medical problems.
· If there is more than one cat in the household, all will need to be examined.

Once all medical problems have been ruled out, you can consider the following: –

2. Problems with the litter box/tray itself:

· Not emptied often enough
· Not clean
· Too many cats using the same box
· Overuse of deodorizers
· Changing the type or brand of the litter
· Changing the location
· Too near to ‘frightening’ domestic appliances e.g. the washing machine

Treatment

· Change the litter at least once every 3 days or as often as daily for some cats
· Ensure deposits are removed on a daily basis
· Clean the box with an odourless disinfectant – there are many brands available designed especially for litter boxes
· If there is more than one cat in the household, make sure, where possible, each has it’s own litter box
· Introduce any new brand/type of litter a little at a time, mixing it with the old brand/type. Do this until eventually you are using only the new brand. If this doesn’t work, you may have to consider returning to the old brand/type.
· If the box has been moved put it back to where it was previously. If this is not possible, put the box on the spot that the cat is choosing to use and then move it towards the desired new location at a rate of one foot per day
· Move the box away from the ‘frightening’ noise or move the appliance that’s causing the problem
· Consider a covered litter box/tray. This gives the cat more privacy, which many prefer and it also helps with odour control and prevents litter being kicked out of the box.

3. Stress/Trauma:

· New cats introduced to the household
· Visitors, especially large gatherings e.g. a party
· Workmen carrying out work in the household
· Moving house
· A change in routine e.g. new working hours
· Problems with other cats in the neighbourhood
· A new baby

Treatment

· Try to give each cat it’s ‘own space’ within the household and introduce them gradually spending a little more time together each day. The unfortunate fact of the matter is that if the soiling continues to be persistent, then it may be advisable not to keep the second cat
· Remove the cat to another area of the house along with it’s bed, litter box, food and water when visitors are present
· The above point can be used when workmen are in the house as well but if it is likely to be for more than a couple of days or very noisy then you should consider placing the cat in a cattery until the work is finished
· Tranquillisers prescribed by your vet may be effective or consider products like Feliway also available from your vet as a spray or in a diffuser
· A new baby sometimes means the cat can become jealous. Give your cat plenty of attention to reassure it that you still love him/her

Above all, remember that punishing the cat using pain or fear will completely destroy any relationship you may have with him/her. At the very least, discipline in this way is likely to escalate the problem and will very likely result in the cat leaving the household altogether to escape the ‘abusive human behaviour’.

About The Author
Paul Bicknell recommends Solutions To Cat Behaviour Problems. See more at http://www.cat-answers.com.

My cat’s toiletting habits were destroying my relationship with her. Learn how I completely solved them in a matter of days!

Protect Your Cat Against Sunburn & Skin Cancer

We are all used to seeing the many advertisements on our televisions about protecting ourselves and our children from the summer sun, but do we ever think about protecting our pets? Probably not. However cats and dogs can get sun burnt too and with the same terrible consequences that causes, including the possibility of skin cancer.

Cats who are outside a lot during the summer, especially those with light coloured fur are particularly at risk from the effects of the sun and the heat. So before we let our pets outside on a summer’s day we must make sure we provide adequate care for them, just as we would for our children and ourselves.

Areas particularly at risk on your pets are their ears. They often have a much lighter covering of fur and this makes them much more likely to burn in the sun. Add this to the fact that cats will often spend hours laying in the sun and the risks of skin cancer rise dramatically. Often in Mediterranean countries you will often see a lot of cats with both their ears missing. This is because that the region receives a lot of hot sunny weather and skin cancer on cats has become so common that owners will often ask the vet to remove the cats ears to reduce the risk of them catching skin cancer. Another method used is to have the ears tattooed all over in black; this helps to reflect the sun and provides protection.

Of course there are other simpler methods to protect your pet from the effects of the sun. Simply remember when you let your pet out on a hot summers day, make sure you rub a high factor sun cream onto the ears and areas which are not as covered with a thick layer of fur. Some breeds have a very thin covering of fur all over, and it might be safer to keep these breeds inside on very hot sunny days.

Also make sure that you provide plenty of fresh water for your pet which is readily available all through the day. Perhaps have several bowls of water dotted about the garden in a cool spot. Of course making sure that there are plenty of shady places that your pet can keep cool is essential. The affects of heat stroke can come on very fast and if not treated promptly can be fatal. If you suspect that your pet is suffering from heat stroke i.e. is panty very heavily and seems to be wobbly on their legs and disorientated. Cool them down immediately in a bath of cool water and then take them immediately to a vet.

All of the above are quite simple and affective steps, which will protect your pet during the summer months. A little time and thought could save both you and your pet any suffering and will ensure that summertime is enjoyed by every member of your family. More helpful tips for looking after our cat can be found at http://www.our-happy-cat.com

About The Author Copyright 2007 Kate Tilmouth. Kate and her partner co-write http://www.our-happy-cat.com a site full of further cat care and cat health topics. As well as being a feline friendly community site for happy cat and a happy owner.

 

 

Pet Obesity

Obesity as commonly perceived is not just a problem with human beings. It is also prevalent in animals, both wild and domestic, but usually domestic. According to a recent research it has been found that around 25% of our pets are obese or overweight. This indicates that the problem has reached proportions where it can no longer be ignored.

A pet’s weight cannot be evaluated by just weighing them on the scales. You will get a better idea by observing the physical condition of your pet when compared with one of its own breed or species. The overall appearance of the pet is of prime importance since the ideal weight can be very varied and obesity not always obvious.

A scale of body condition scores is used in observation of the physical condition of a pet. The body condition score is normally between 5 and 9, and a score of 7 is optimal or ideal. This score is assigned after observing a pets build, fat coverage on rib cage and the waist. Other factors that influence this score are sex, breed, age and life style.

Some observations that can help in your own assessment of your pet are suggested. The ribs should not be visible to the eye but should be easily felt without pressing. The stomach or the abdominal area should be tucked in. These simple tests can be carried out at home if the owner can objectively record them. A veterinarian should be consulted for advice if you are in doubt or find that your pet does not possess the much sought after hour-glass physique. The owner should have a good reference point to infer the results from his observations, i.e. he should have good knowledge and information about the general physical appearance of the species of his pet.

Obesity decreases the life span of your pet, and an overweight pet is generally not healthy. Obesity may lead to diabetes, arthritis, heart complications, endocrinal diseases and bad joints. The effectiveness of the medication for these conditions can also seriously compromised due to underlying obesity factors.

You pet is overweight due to the simple fact that it eats too much and does not take enough exercise. The over feeding trend arises from the owners’ wish to show love to their pets by feeding tidbits and unhealthy snacks. It is very important to keep tabs on your pet’s feeding habits. Many pet food packs carry portion guidelines, but this is not always accurate. It is up to the owner to take responsibility on how much feed the pet, taking into account a lot of other factors such as life style, exercise, activities, age etc. Most animals tend to overeat given the opportunity, again, curbing this is the owner’s responsibility. Taking advice from a veterinarian on determining the pets ideal weight and creating a weight loss and maintenance plan if required would be ideal.

Cat Allergy- What Can I Do, I Love Cats?

According to a recent report, between six and ten million people (that’s approximately two percent of the population!) in the United States are allergic to cats or exhibit symptoms of cat allergy. However, people often misunderstand these symptoms. Majority believe that cat allergy are caused by allergens from the fur or cat dander (scales of the skin), when, in fact, most of the potent allergens come mainly from saliva and sweat.

A cat’s saliva or sweat contains a protein with a carbohydrate structure called “Fel d 1.” It is an allergen that causes symptoms of cat allergy. “Fel d 1” is much smaller than pollen or mold spores, which are already very potent allergens because of their diminutive size, but because of its much smaller size, “Fel d 1” has even greater potential to cause an allergic reaction. “Fel d 1” can easily bypass nasal passages and lodges deep in the lungs, where it can cause allergic episodes and asthma.

Like pollen and mold spores, “Fel d 1” are airborne allergens. They are often microscopic and float in the air easily. After a cat licks itself while grooming, “Fel d 1” allergen is deposited on its fur and once that happens, the dried specks of saliva can float off and drift around your home. The protein allergen can be found anywhere as aside from being airborne, it attaches itself to walls, windows, and furniture. What is even more amazing is that this allergen can remain in your home for years after a cat leaves your home. So if you want to remove the allergen from your home to protect yourself from cat allergy, everything would have to be totally cleaned.

Symptoms

Like most allergies, cat allergy can affect your eyes, nose, ears, throat, lungs, and skin. The symptoms, especially respiratory reactions, usually occur between fifteen and forty minutes after one is exposed. However, note that pet-related allergies like cat allergy can take days from initial exposure for its onset.

The most common symptoms associated with cat allergy are:

* Red, itchy, or swollen eyes
* Reddened areas on the skin
* Runny nose
* Nasal congestion
* Sneezing
* Ears that become stuffed up or itchy
* Post nasal drip
* Itching and hoarseness in the throat
* Frequent bronchitis
* Coughing and wheezing

How to Control Cat Allergy

Always the best way to control allergic reactions is avoidance method. However, majority of people with cat allergy often ignore medical advice and continue to keep at least one cat at home even after diagnosis of their condition. We all love our cats and we want to protect them, but you should think about yourself once in a while. Below are some tips to help you control your cat allergy even while keeping a cat home:

* Use reputable allergy relief and avoidance products at home

* Since “Fel d 1” allergens float in the air, having a source of fresh air will reduce the allergen. Improve ventilation in your house by using an air conditioner even during humid months.

* Use a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter to reduce particles of cat allergen in your home.

If symptoms persist even after following the tips provided above, then perhaps it’s time for you to consult a doctor for his advice on proper medication or immunotherapy.

About The AuthorHans-Ole Wandt is a very known environmental inventor. He have started a site called http://www.health-information.info. He will come with some very unique system for the net, in the future.

 

 

 

Facts About Cats

Cats are very interesting members of the animal kingdom. Some of them roam wild in the forests and jungles while others prefer a life of domesticity in our homes. Wherever they choose to live, cats are fascinating and possess some exquisite characteristics. How much do you know about cats?

Did you know that cats can see 6 times better than human beings? According to studies, it is during night time when a cats vision really comes into its own.

Cats are to be found anywhere in the world, from sweltering Africa to icy cold Greenland; they may look very different or have different characteristics according to their environment.

Just like dogs, cats can swim; they are not very keen on water so very rarely do this, apart from the Turkish Van Cat.

Cats can sleep for up to eighteen hours a day.

There are several different breeds of cats, and some of them are very unusual;

One breed inspired ancient Egyptians and was worshipped as a god. This is the Sphynx cat- it is totally hairless.

There are the Manx cats which originate from the Isle of Man- they do not have tails, some of them may have a short ’stub’.

The Scottish Fold has ears which are permanently folded over.

The Devon Rex has a dense, curly coat.

There is a new breed of cat called the ‘Munchkin’- they have very short legs, but cat societies are reluctant to acknowledge them as a breed due to the fact that the short legs are often considered a deformity.

Who does not know which is the fastest land animal? The Cheetah is of course- another member of the cat family.

There are also fishing cats which are adept at catching fish.

These tidbits are just some of the cool things about cats. You can always use the power of the internet to study more about our feline friends.