cat worlds

My Christmas Cats

2011-12-21T23:09:00.000-08:00

Two months later in November,after Air Canada told Vanessa Summerfield her cat named George went missing at Edmonton International Airport.The cat found by the airline withfrozen body. When Summerfield had a vet check to make sure it was him, the dead cat turned out to be an unidentified female.

On Tuesday, Vanessa the 25-year-old got a phone call from a search volunteer, George had been found by a family in Leduc,10 kilometres south of the airport.He was a little thinner, a little scratched up but healthy.

Summerfield: “When I found out I was convulsing and shaking and crying,” “Christmas came early for me . . . . It’s the best gift I could ever have.”

The approaching winter had her close to losing hope of ever finding the sleek black and white cat.

“It’s been him and I for six years,” she said. She got George as a kitten in Chatham, Ont., and he moved with her to Fort McMurray, Alta.

“I don’t have any family out here,” she said. George — or “li’l bugger” as she fondly calls him — was someone to come home to.

According to Vanessa, The cat was supposed to be going to stay with her parents in Ontario while she looked for a new pet-friendly home.But he escaped his carrier in the cargo hold on his way from Fort McMurray to Edmonton. Air Canada cargo staff managed to put him back in the kennel, but he got loose again while being driven to the baggage room.

A later examination of the kennel showed “a key bolt was missing from the door,” said Angela Mah, an Air Canada spokesperson.

A frantic search was kicked off, and Summerfield was flown down by Air Canada for a day to assist. Posters of George were put up and circulated online via Facebook and Kijiji by cat-loving volunteers in Edmonton and across the country. A $1,000 reward was offered by Summerfield.

On Sunday, George appeared outside Hope Gulseth’s condo in Leduc. She left out food for the wary cat, as well as a small nest of blankets. Two days later, he’d plucked up enough courage to come inside, happily joining the family’s two other cats.

Meanwhile, a Kijiji post by her husband about this new cat — clearly someone’s pet — was found by one the search volunteers.

“When (my husband) told me that the cat had been gone for three months I said, ‘You’re lying!’ ” Gulseth said.

“We had no idea this was a famous kitty.”

While she is delighted that the cat can be reunited with his owner, her 4-year-old son is already attached to the affectionate feline.

He’ll get to spend Christmas with George though — Summerfield and her pet won’t have their first reunion cuddle until the new year, when she gets back from vacation.

Two WestJet employees in Edmonton who volunteered in the search process have offered to personally escort the cat home, keeping him under the seat in the passenger cabin, not in the hold.

Air Canada is also consulting Summerfield on how to reunite the pair, said their spokesperson

The minor towers next to the citizen.

Pet cat trapped, shot 27 times and survives

2011-01-24T16:28:00.000-08:00

cat worldsThree-year-old silver tabby Sparky was shot after going missing from his house in Caernarfon. In a remarkable case of animal cruelty, a cat was shot 27 times with an air rifle, but survived. It was trapped in a cage and shot at point blank range, twice in the face, and the cat sill has some pellets lodged in its body.

The cat's owner found it and pulled five pellets from its body herself, and doctors have removed more. They don't know who did this to this poor animal.

THE relentless torture of a pet cat that was shot 27 times at point-blank range in the head and neck with an air rifle has outraged animal welfare authorities.

Possum, a two-year-old male domestic cat, somehow survived shocking cruelty after cowards trapped him in a cage about 9pm on Friday.

The gun was shoved in the animal’s face and mouth with two direct shots penetrating his tongue and lodging in his nasal cavity.

Police are investigating the violent attack on the cat, which will have surgery today to remove 15 remaining pellets.

Owner Jodi Mulley pulled out five of the pellets herself while seven other pellets that punctured the skin were not found.

It is believed the animal was caught in a cat trap somewhere at Portsmith and repeatedly shot with the slug gun. One lead pellet narrowly missed the cat’s jugular vein.

He said in 18 years working as a vet, he had never seen such a disturbing attack on an animal.

cat worlds : Dozens of cats, found living in filthy conditions

2009-08-02T22:55:00.000-07:00

cat worlds : EVERETT - Nine cats were dead and dozens of others found living in deplorable conditions in a house on Friday. Authorities on Friday night seized 40 cats and kittens and eight finches from a house in the 11,700-block of Center Road, Snohomish County Animal Control spokeswoman Vicki Lubrin said.

A medical emergency LED Sheriff deputies and paramedics to the house late Friday afternoon. Two dead cats and an adult cat were found dead in the apartment, their bodies lie under mountains of garbage and debris, Lubrin said. Six more dead cats were found wrapped in paper towels in the oven.

Within the housing, animal control officers found feces and urine on the walls, she said. Officers had the fans and protective suits to in.

"The smell was so overwhelming could be detected outside the residence," Lubrin said. "Even the most experienced officials on the ground were surprised by the dirty conditions in which the cats live."

More cats have been roaming around the farm before. Most of the rescued cats were thin, hungry and with fleas. Seven cat were so sick they had to be euthanized, Lubrin said.

The case will be sent to Snohomish County Prosecutor's Office for review. No arrests have been made as of today.

The rescued cats, cats and birds are being cared for at the Everett Animal Shelter. Animals had to be euthanized to make room for them, Lubrin said.

If you have a donation or a pet, the Everett Animal Shelter to 333 Smith Road Iceland. The protective article accepted cat food, litter sheathed, liquid laundry soap and bleach, and new, plastic waste boxes. - cat worlds

cat of the month, Hanna..!!!

2009-07-13T00:07:00.000-07:00

cat worlds - There are still many cats and kittens looking for good homes in the Animal Shelter and other Canyon County Boise area Humane Society shelter. Like the beautiful tourtoise shell calico, Hanna, older cats are harder to find adoptive parents for. Most people are distracted by all the cute little kittens available.

From my own experience of adopting shelter dogs, some older animals are the most loving. In the search for a new pet, please consider adopting an older cat of your local shelter. They are usually good for animals who had to be abandoned for one reason or another. Whether the family was forced to move to a new home where they are not allowed to keep pets, or perhaps someone in the family is allergic to cat dander. Sometimes the neglect of a family pet and having to housing is a painful decision for the family. Give an older displaced a house cat lover would be a wonderful thing to do and probably the family was forced to give up to feel better too.

Older cats make great pets for older people who want a loving companion animals that will sit in your lap and purr of a kitten rather rambunctious young people wishing to explore their surroundings and come in all sorts of mischief.

Remember, all cats are shelter and sterilization or neutered so you save money, for example, get a free kitten in an ad in the newspaper. At the moment there is no fee for adopting a pet from the shelter, so why not a cat? -Author: Sieglinde "Kitty" Scanlan :cat worlds

cat - 300 Shanghai cats rescued, from being eaten

2009-06-29T19:33:00.000-07:00

AFP Photo: Cats are seen in cages for sale at a meat market

cat - 300 cats rescued by animal activists in Shanghai from a dealer who planned to sell the alleged theft of cat to restaurants in southern China. The activists, a tip-off of a cat lover, found 22 bamboo cages full of cats in a freight yard, where they would be sent to Guangdong province, Xiaoyu Lai, 34, who was part of Friday in the night of the rescue, told AFP.

Most of the cat were returned to their owners, but three cats died and some had broken legs, he said.

"They had been cat abused. It is squeezed into cages so small. Some of the cages, which contained more than 20 cats. Two of these cats have been killed by a time when we find them," he said.

"The cats were to be handed over to Guangdong Province to enter into a soup called" Tiger vs Dragon ", which is made with the snake and the cat," said Lai.

Restaurants pay about 50 yuan ($ 7.31), a cat, the Shanghai Daily reported.

More than 50 cat owners came looking for his lost cat on Friday night after the activists sent a message on an Internet forum, said Lai.

Some cats were adopted by animal lovers and others were released in areas where food for the volunteers leave strays, he said.

Police arrested the cat dealer, Yang Baoguo, having battled dozens of animal lovers who fell in the freight yard to break their cages, said the newspaper.

The dealer was released after several hours without charge, because the laws protecting the animals do not exist in China, the report said.

"There is no law in China, saying cats can not be eaten," police officer Ma Yong was quoted as saying. "The cats are not protected animals."

Yang, who negotiated for the cats in a decade, bought the animals from hunters called the cats trapped in residential areas at night, the report said.

Police could not charge him with possession of stolen property because, unlike dogs, a license is not required to own a cat in Shanghai, making it impossible to establish ownership, the report says.

Eating cat meat is a tradition in many parts of China, especially in southern regions, where several restaurants specialize in the preparation of dishes, according to Chinese media reports - cat

Fisher cat screech: A fisher cat screech fact

2009-06-22T23:48:00.000-07:00

fisher cat screech - Wonder if you know what kind of animal is in this video. ITS NOT A PINE MARTIN. FISHER CAT its a two different things. Pine Martins are the size of house cats, fisher cat that is about 3 feet long and the largest recording fisher cat is about 20 pounds. Some cats will house more than 20 pounds, like the Maine Coon, a breed of large cat. Fisher queue is a big part of its length. And yes, the fishermen are the largest cat species Marta.

Done fishermen about cats

The American faster in the animal tree of
The fastest member of the weasel family
The only consistent predator of porcupines
A more efficient predaotrs on earth
Thank you can see these things in real life
Most people never see ...

They make the most god awful noise at night, the murder of children. It is high pitched and screaming as sound. Women who ate dog next door.

My friends live in Barrington, Rhode Island and parents hisy field itself. He did not even leave his German Shepard wonna go with fishermen and cat even worse when you hear her shriek.

German shepherds can not eat, but to attack and injure or even kill dogs sometimes only a couple of weeks ago I read of a fisher attacking and seriously wounding a German shepard and one other was wounded Labrodor Fishers can be as small as a cat but they are very cruel to animals can harm dogs and much larger than themselves.

My friend own mini schnauzer that is attacked by a cat fishermen.

I live in CT and have woken up to them in my backyard for a terrible sound. Almost like laughing and shouting. After passing the light on the floods and those are what I see. Many of these fishermen have cats in my area.

Incredible footage, filming a wild feat. These animals are related to wolverines, so I think it may have on a dog and win. If they are attacking the dogs, it is likely that the population is too high, and they are desperate and hungry. Trap a few, can make good money from them and to help those who are in the process. Use raw meat for bait in a cage trap. But check your local laws first.

fisher cat screech

Cat Abused:Nebraska couple appear in court

2009-05-19T21:29:00.000-07:00

Photo: Shadow after being rescued by Lancaster
County Sheriff's deputies. She was reportedly dazed
but in good condition when she arrived at a
local humane society. Credit: Associated Press.

Schomaker Acea, the 20-year-old Nebraska man cited for animal cruelty offenses in March for allegedly putting a cat in a home made bong and allowing them to smoke marijuana, appeared in court for the second time today.

A hearing was the 30th Schomaker June for the hearing on whether his case will be brought to justice, according to Nebraska's COLOGNE / KGIN news. Schomaker the 22-year-old girlfriend, Marissa Vieux, including animal cruelty charges and appeared in court today. A 8 June jury trial date has been set for Vieux.

Both Vieux Schomaker and pleaded not guilty last month, and Schomaker, says he had no intention of harming the cat, a 6-month-old female named Shadow, by becoming marijuana.

Vieux says she adopted Shadow of friends who had abused them. Apparently the cat was traumatized with behavioral problems, Schomaker, and claimed that he only in the Bong to calm her. "Every time we made it fairly easy to clean and go and like a stoned person," he said.

Shadow was seized and the couple from a local humane society.

Tyre Rim with real logo cats heads....!!!

2009-05-07T18:32:00.000-07:00

Casper the siamese cat, was trapped for an hour with only his head peeping through the tiny hole in the middle of the wheel before he was spotted by passers-by. They contacted the RSPCA who took the tyre and cat to a nearby fire station. Firfighters spent an hour using specialist small cutting gear to free him.

"We've seen lots of unusual cases but this was certainly a new one for us," said Watchmanager James Fawcett, from Bury St Edmunds fire station, Suffolk.

"The poor siamese cat wasn't very happy and kept trying to bite and scratch which made it very difficult for us. We had to use cutting equipment to chip away at the wheel and it took the best part of an hour.

"We made a special plastic guard to fit between his head and the cutters to protect him. The siamese cat was fine afterwards although his skin was a bit raw around his neck."

The Siamese cat, who was a stray, was taken to a local vets to be checked over and is now being cared for by a member of the RSPCA.

"The siamese cat was very lucky to be rescued and it's great that we were contacted about him," said a spokesman for the RSPCA.

"He is absolutely fine now. He's staying with one of our officers until an owner can be found."

Frightened of cats

2009-05-02T00:46:00.000-07:00

LAS VEGAS – IBO lightwelterweight champion Ricky Hatton swears he’s not afraid of Manny Pacquiao whom he faces in a title defense in Las Vegas tonight (tomorrow morning, Manila time) but admits being frightened of cats. Throw in cuts for good measure. “I’m not allergic, I’m just scared of cats,” said Hatton, quoted by Dominic McGuinness in the book “The Real Hitman.” “I got scratched by one right down the face when I was about one year old. Now, when I see ‘em, I’m proper scared.”

Once, Hatton’s conditioning coach Kerry Kayes bought a stuffed cat to put on his fireplace and the fighter went crazy.

“Kerry bought me this stuffed cat and I thought, there’s no way I’m having that in my house,” said Hatton. “Then Campbell (his eight-year-old son) walked in and said, ‘Oh, is that for me, Dad?’ So I’ve got to keep it in the house.”

Another issue is cuts. Ring Magazine mentioned that Hatton’s weaknesses are lack of defense, susceptibility to cuts and facing slick movers.

McGuinness said Hatton often suffered cuts over his left eye early in his pro career.

“It was a real worry for Team Hatton until a visit to a Harley Street plastic surgeon uncovered a problem,” wrote McGuinness. “An old wound had been stitched up with a ball of Vaseline still embedded inside. The eye was cleaned and 22 stitches inserted. The wound hasn’t reopened since.”

Still another problem for Hatton is fighting southpaws.

“In my career, I’ve had 40 fights and I think I’ve boxed about four southpaws,” said Hatton before he took on left-handed Luis Collazo for the WBA welterweight crown in 2006. “The last time I fought a southpaw was two years ago so coming in and sparring with southpaws was something new to me. The first session with Frankie (Figueroa) was a bit of a struggle. I felt a little bit uncomfortable but I’m quite happy with how well I’ve gotten used to him.”

Hatton outpointed Collazo but not before nearly getting floored in the last round. The fight revealed Hatton’s inability to handle a lefthander which, by the way, Pacquiao is.

Touted as a come-forward brawler, Hatton dismissed the common notion that he’s a one-dimensional fighter.

“I’m known as a 100-mile-an-hour fighter and body puncher but I’m a little cleverer than that,” said the Hitman whose skills have been honed by trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr. “I wanna be known as the great white hope. I’m a body puncher. I punch up from the floor with the big legs that I have.”

English actor Steve Arnold commented, “The way Ricky fights, he’s just awesome in there. Everyone thinks, he’s a bit of a mauler and all that but he can really box. He’s a really good boxer. He’s just so exciting. It’s forward, forward, forward and he doesn’t seem to get hurt or fazed by anything. He’s just a great fighter. I think he’s the best thing we’ve ever had (in British boxing).”

Hatton, 30 like Pacquiao, warned critics not to underestimate his intelligence.

“A lot of people think boxing is all about the strongest man or the toughest man getting in a ring and winning,” said Hatton who idolizes Roberto Duran. “It’s not like that at my level. When you’re fighting 12 rounds, your tactics might change three, four or five times during the fight. So if you haven’t got the type of brain that can change tactics like that in a fight, then you’re gonna be in trouble. You have to be a bit clever.”

Unlike Pacquiao who is embarking on a career in politics after boxing, Hatton said he’d like to continue his involvement in the sport beyond retirement.

“I’d like to think that after I finish boxing, I might be a trainer,” he said. “I want to stay in sport and use the knowledge I’ve learned to teach others, whatever their sport. I don’t know what I’d be doing if I hadn’t made it as a boxer. I’d be in a whole lot of trouble ‘cos it’s a difficult world when you leave school.”

As a 17-year-old amateur, Hatton was knocked out by German Jurgen Braemer. A year later, the Hitman turned pro, showing a bronze medal in the 1996 World Championships as his biggest prize in the simon-pure ranks.

“In amateur boxing, people always say, ‘I was robbed’ but I knocked lumps out of him and I didn’t get the decision (in the semifinals of the 1996 World Championships),” said Hatton. “It was that bad a decision the world governing body did an inquiry into the judging and they found that the Russian team had paid off judges. Even so it didn’t help me. I still only had a bronze medal but it did help me feel a little bit better about myself.” The misadventure led to Hatton’s decision to turn pro at 18.

Hatton said 35,000 British fans flew to the US to watch his fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2007 even if only 5,000 had tickets to the arena. Top Rank chairman Bob Arum estimated 15,000 planed in but the number made no difference because British fans are among the most loyal in the world and for sure, they’ll come out strong to cheer the Hitman against Pacquiao in the biggest fight of his life. - By Joaquin Henson

My Cat Name Is Ugly Bat Boy

2009-03-05T20:18:00.000-08:00

STRATHAM — Like Cher or Madonna, a cat at the Exeter Veterinary Hospital has come to be known solely by its name — Ugly. Ugly, full name Ugly Bat Boy, has caught the nation’s attention recently when news of the hairless cat — except for a patch around his chest — began spreading. His picture and story have been posted on Web sites around the country and there have even been inquiries from talk shows. Receptionist Melissa LaRoche said the clinic received a call from Ellen Degeneres’ show, but that the hospital hasn’t heard anything since.

During a visit on Wednesday, Uggs — as he is affectionately nicknamed — seemed to be tired of all the attention. He could barely keep his eyes open for the camera.

“He has ‘cat-itude,’” receptionist Tracey Wentworth said.

Since news of Uggs got out, Wentworth said the hospital has received many calls from clients and people wanting to say “hi” to the ugly cat.

“People have been calling and they just want to say, ‘We’ve seen Ugly on TV. Ugly’s famous,’” she said. “But he’s our cat, that’s the funniest thing. That’s how we feel.”

Veterinarian Stephen Bassett, who owns Ugly and keeps him at the office with three other cats, said his family doesn’t look at the cat as “ugly.”

“We think he’s quite aristocratic,” he said. “We’ve had this cat for eight years and he’s managed to live in relative obscurity, and now he’s a national media star. It’s really strange.”

The hospital staff and Bassett are taking Uggs' sudden popularity in stride, but Bassett said he’s not sure how the cat would do as a celebrity.

“He’s pretty noisy just in the car, so I’m not sure how traveling on a plane would go,” he said.

Clients have been caught off guard by their first look at Uggs since he came to the hospital eight years ago, some even wondering if he was a real cat. The clinic had so many questions about Uggs that they created a write-up posted on the walls that describes that he is, in fact, real, was born that way and feels a little like oily leather.

But client Linda Warnock said she’s very fond of Ugly Bat Boy.

“He’s so interesting. He’s a beauty. He’s exotic, beautiful and sweet,” she said. “Every (cat) is beautiful in a different way.”

Warnock said she loves coming to the veterinary clinic and seeing how its four resident cats simply fit in. The one named Moggot sprawls out on a desk chair, Nippy lies covering an appointment book, Tate rests in the back of the office and Uggs rests on top of his usual computer.

“They get such love here,” she said. “These guys are wonderful. They have such a heart and they are so good to these cats. This is a wonderful home for them.”

Uggs' favorite spot in the office is the building’s back hallway where the sun filters in.

“He just bakes there and he loves it,” LaRoche said.

Uggs loves the warmth of the sun and atop office computers, LaRoche said. The staff tried to warm him up with sweaters and other clothing, but Uggs wouldn’t have any of it.

“His back arches in the air and he crouches his front feet,” she said. “He looks so uncomfortable and irritated. He looked really cute in them though.”

The four cats have come to the veterinary hospital in different ways. Nippy was found as a kitten behind the old Shaw’s on Portsmouth Avenue, Tate came from the New Hampshire Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and Moggot and Uggs came from Basset’s home.

Basset inherited Uggs eight years ago after a client brought in a litter of four kittens, with a sister born just like him who died shortly after. While the owner was disturbed by Uggs, Bassett said he marveled at him.

One day, the owner left Uggs sitting in a cage at the hospital waiting for Bassett. The vet said his daughter originally named the cat Bat Boy after a character from the Exeter News-Letter’s Weekly World News. Ugly followed.

The hospital staff said Uggs is a friendly, affectionate cat, who chases the other cats around the office when he’s bored.

LaRoche said because Uggs was born with a stray litter, they don’t know what breed he is, what his parents looked like or why he only has hair on his chest. They assume it is a genetic defect and say he is healthy and normal in every other way.

They just call him “a one-of-a-kind cat.”

Bassett said every once in a while Uggs will grow a little tuft of hair at the tip of his tail, but that it goes away just as quickly as it grew.

Each office cat has their own quirks. LaRoche said Nippy broke a tooth and now gets the “Elvis lip curl,” Moggot is a “close sitter,” 20-pound Tate is the hospital clown who drinks from the faucet and talks all the time, and Uggs has his looks, or maybe lack thereof.

Hospital staffers said they don’t think Uggs has a complex because of his name or that the other cats judge him by his appearance.

“Cats are not that catty,” Donna Harned said. “I don’t think he would care if his name was Fred. Cats respond to care and love, and they are cared and loved for here. That’s all they care about.”

And the staff wants to keep on giving that care. Staff members said they want to make it clear that Uggs is not looking for a home.

“He has a home. He lives here,” LaRoche said

Cat Survives from Arrow Attack

2009-02-17T19:07:00.000-08:00

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. - An animal abuse case in St. Johns County has investigators looking for answers. On Valentine's Day, a 4-year-old cat named Isabella was shot with an arrow. The arrow impaled both of the black and chocolate tabby's front legs."I heard a cat crying but I didn't realize it was her. When we got some lights on, it was her and I saw she had been shot by an (arrow)," said the cat's owner, Dana Usina.

Usina and her son Lucas said they are still shocked by the sight of the cat in their front yard on Saturday.

"As soon as I realized an arrow went through my cat, I freaked out," said Lucas Usina.

"He didn't even believe it had happened. He thought that she was laying on it, but it was unreal to see your cat shish kabobbed on your front porch," said Dana Usina.

With the help of a police officer, the Usinas clipped the arrow and pulled it out of the suffering cat. They said Isabella immediately got up and has been moving around fine ever since.

"She probably just moved a little bit and got shot in that arms and not through her, which is a good thing. It didn't hit any arteries or any muscles. She got up and ran away after we took the arrow out," said Lucas Usina.

The family gave police a description of a possible getaway car carrying the shooter. Still, no one has been arrested in the animal abuse case.

"Who would do that? Some really mean person?" Dana Usina said.

Police continue to follow leads in the case and hope to catch the culprit responsible for the cat's attack.

Killing of cats provokes outrage

2009-02-17T18:56:00.000-08:00

The Golden Valley Animal Humane Society's move to put down 118 cats rescued from a St. Anthony mobile home last week has prompted leaders of no-kill animal shelters to call for better cooperation that they say might have prevented some of the deaths. Still, opinions are mixed as to what kind of pets would have emerged from such extreme conditions. The Humane Society said offers of help from three other shelters came only after the cats were already put down. Humane Society representatives said the cats had diseases ranging from feline AIDS and herpes to upper respiratory infections and ringworm.

The pervasiveness of chronic and contagious illness among the cats led Humane Society officials to determine that "if placed it could potentially be putting animals into the community that could impact the health of other animals," said Humane Society spokeswoman Tracie Jacobson. The cats had been living in Cheryl and Stanley Saladis' 500-square-foot, debris-packed mobile home in St. Anthony before they were removed Feb. 10.

At the Home for Life sanctuary in Star Prairie, Wis., Lisa LaVerdiere offers a haven for animals that are old, chronically ill or have behavioral problems that make them unlikely to be adopted. She said she wishes that small rescue organizations such as hers could have worked with the Humane Society to try to save at least some of the cats.

"Nobody else but the Humane Society had the resources and the personnel to do that kind of large-scale rescue," she said. "The Humane Society provides that service that's valuable. But people expect the Humane Society to be there for the animals, and when other groups offer to help and support them in that effort, I wish they'd reach out to us. I wish we could work together to help." An official from a Hastings shelter with a "no-kill" policy said the deaths were "totally unnecessary" and claimed that the Humane Society ignored calls and e-mails from people offering to take in the cats.

Cat Safety

2009-01-11T02:16:00.000-08:00

Dear Readers: Here are a few hints on keeping your CAT SAFE:

Be sure your cat always wears an ID outdoors and indoors (in case your cat scoots out the door).

Store all household poisons and cleaning products safely so a curious cat or child won't get in trouble!

Many human medications are lethal to cats, so don't administer without a veterinarian's directions.

Please follow the directions for flea products carefully, and call your vet or the manufacturer if you have any questions.

Recognize the signs of poisoning: bumping into things due to blindness, not eating, seizures, vomiting, dizzy and uncoordinated, constipation or diarrhea. Get your cat to the vet or emergency clinic ASAP.

Car fluids such as gas and oil are harmful, and antifreeze can be lethal!

A new cat law at Canandaigua

2009-01-11T02:00:00.000-08:00

Canandaigua, N.Y. - If you let your cat out or even feed a stray, you can be fined up to $50 if that feline causes damage to someone else's property in the city.After months of discussion, the City Council passed a new law Monday targeted at cats running at large. Early versions of the law only made cat owners responsible for making sure their felines aren't roaming beyond their yard. But due to concerns about feral - or wild - cats in the city, the council modified it to include anyone who harbors, houses, keeps, maintains or cares for cats.

In other words, if a feral cat is on a resident's property and causing a nuisance, that resident can take action against the person who helps support the animal - even if he or she doesn't technically own it.

Mayor Ellen Polimeni said the city would need a reliable account, photos or collaborating testimony to prove a resident is caring for a troublesome feral cat. Residents should report destructive felines to the police department, said Polimeni, and a warning will be issued before the city imposes fines of up to $50.

But Marge Anthony, chairwoman of the council's Ordinance Committee, hopes it won't come to that. Ideally, neighbors can work out the problem among themselves, she said.The new law will go into effect in 30 days.

Cat's face surgeon

2008-12-11T05:15:00.000-08:00

Not for the faint of heart: see a photo of Edgar post-surgery after the jump.

Memo to cat owners: be sure to keep your pet away from your car's fan belt, lest she follow in the footsteps of a very lucky Massachusetts cat named Edgar. Edgar, a four-year-old female, was missing for three days last week before returning home, where she was found in her litter box by her owner. A portion of Edgar's face was -- to quote the gruesome Associated Press report -- "dangling from her head."

Elizabeth Kendrick, a surgical technician at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston, explained what happened next: "When her owner saw her face, she passed out." (The owner asked not to be identified.) Luckily, she regained her faculties quickly enough to rush Edgar to an animal hospital. The AP reports:

Remarkably, Edgar suffered no major blood loss nor any permanent nerve damage from her accident. She just needed to have her facial skin stitched back on during an hour-long surgery, according to veterinary surgeon Michael Pavletic.

"And she should be fine after this," Pavletic said.

Besides the skin hanging from Edgar's face, the cat seemed normal, Kendrick said.

"She was purring and sticking her head up so we could pet her," Kendrick said. "She even tried to chew at her skin. I'd never seen anything like it."

Cats are known to seek out car engines for warmth, but most who get caught in fan belts don't survive the ordeal. PetPlace.com's tips for preventing fan belt accidents:

As you walk by your vehicle, knock on the hood a couple of times. This is a good idea any time of the year but is especially important in the winter. Another option is to honk your horn before starting the engine. This will often scare the cat out of the motor. This is most important is within a few hours after you have returned home and the engine has not had a chance to cool.

A big cat owner , who bit Santa comes forward

2008-12-11T05:09:00.000-08:00

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (AP)

Santa Claus won't need rabies shots after all.A large kitty that drew blood after biting a volunteer Santa Claus at a charity event in New Jersey has been vaccinated.
The cat's owner, Christine Haughey, came forward and produced vaccination records after learning that Jonathan Bebbington might have to receive the shots.

The man playing the jolly old elf says the cat bit his wrist and hand after becoming terrified because dogs were nearby at the Santa Paws photo event for an animal-rescue group in Hamilton Township.The 25-year-old Bebbington left after the cat attacked Santa.Haughey tells WMGM-TV that the cat, Benny, is a mix between a house cat and bobcat.

Information from: WMGM-TV, http://www.nbc40.net

Don't like cats?

2008-11-13T01:18:00.000-08:00

Meryl Streep has agreed to star in Dewey, an adaptation of the fact-based book Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World. Streep will play the title character, an author who works at the library and observed the impact that a kitten had on the townsfolk once it became the library mascot after wandering in through the after-hours book return slot on a cold night.

Though the project could have experienced a bidding war, New Line took advantage of their first-look deal with Temple Hill Entertainment partners Marty Bowen and Wyck Godfrey. Never heard of Temple Hill? Well, you will. The banner is behind upcoming films such as Twilight, Management, Gears of War, Zero G and Parkour; to name a few. Scribe Pamela Gray is currently working on adapting Dewey with no ETA on the film's production start.

Missing cat back in California home after 13 years

2008-11-13T01:16:00.000-08:00

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (AP) — A California couple recently had an unexpected reunion with an old housemate: their pet cat who went missing more than 13 years ago.

The cat, named George, was last seen by Melinda Merman and Frank Walburg in 1995. He recently resurfaced when the manager of a mobile home park trapped the sickly feline and gave him to an animal hospital.

A microchip implanted in George allowed him to be traced back to his owners.

Merman says after George went missing she visited animal shelters and wrote to veterinarians in search of the gray, yellow-eyed cat, who now weighs less than half his original 14-pounds.

But Merman and Walburg say George is eating well and displaying some of his old behavior, like jumping at flickering light on the wall.

Hot Kitty! Cat Safety in Warm Weather

2008-07-18T13:51:00.000-07:00

If you live in a climate that has sticky, hot, summer days, you may find yourself longing for cooler days. Your cat will definitely agree! In warm weather, it is necessary for you to care for your cat’s healthy so that he or she does not become overheated. Remember, a pet is like a newborn baby—your cat cannot tell you that he or she is hot or uncomfortable. You have to notice warning signs and provide a good living environment so that your cat does not get too hot.

When you take your pet places during the summer, never ever let your cat inside of a parked car, even for a short time. Cars quickly become ovens in the summertime, even when you park in the shade, or even if you have the windows cracked. Your pet will not be able to alert people in order to get out of your car safely. In as little as ten to fifteen minutes, your pet could die from the heat in a parked car, and parking in the shade does little good to prevent this, since the sun continuously moves and the heat of the air alone will be bad for your pet. If your pet will be going with you, make sure that cats are allowed wherever you will be.

When the heat index is high, keep your cats inside. Cats that are not outdoors most of the time won’t know where the cooler places to hide are, or they may find these cooler places and not return home. Hot asphalt can also wreak havoc on a cat’s health, as it can burn his or her sensitive paw pads. If your cat does not use a litter box and instead goes outside, make sure that he or she is let back inside after only a few minutes on the hottest days of the summer. Basically, if it is recommended that seniors and children stay inside, it is good for pets to stay indoors as well.

Keep your cat well groomed during the summer as well. Brushing you cat often will help get rid of the excess hair that has been shed and is weighing down the animal. If your cat has very long hair or is overweight, provide him or her with an air-conditioned room if possible. Preventing overheating is key.

As always, make sure your cat has access to clean, fresh water. This can be tap water, but should be cool and changed multiple times a day when it is hot outside. Your furry feline is very important in your life, so make sure that he or she gets proper care when the summer days make your sweat.

Moving and Cat Concerns

2008-07-18T13:48:00.000-07:00

Moving can be a difficult situation with which to deal for all member of your family, including your cats. If you will be moving in the near future there are a number of things that you should consider in order to make sure that your cat’s health is not compromised. Don’t forget to think about your furry friends when moving!

First, when you are packing for the move, it might be a good idea to confine your cat to a single room or to have a friend of family member watch your cat for the day. Movers are often caring very heavy items, like sofas and refrigerators, so they shouldn’t have to watch where they step. Your curious kitty could also climb into the moving van or boxes and get packed away! If your cat is fully an indoor cat, the open doors while you are loading your belongings are also a worry, since it is easy for a pet to bolt out the door.

About a month before you move, have your cat wear his or her collar full-time, even if you do not normally put the collar on your cat. All of his or her information should be updated and the tags should reflect your new address. When cats are confused, they often run, and a lost cat in a new neighborhood may not be able to find his or her way home very easily. If your cat needs certain medication, this can be very dangerous. By having his or her wear a collar at all times, at least until he or she gets used to the new location, you can make sure that your cat is returned home if lost.

During the move itself, don’t forget to make special accommodations for your cat. A cat carrier that is well ventilated is a necessity, and if the trip will be more than a few hours long, you’ll also need to carry food, water, and litter box supplied for your cat. Cats that are not used to riding in cars may get sick, so talk to your vet about ways to prevent this. You can also cover the carrier with blankets to provide a bit of extra security for a stressed-out kitty when you’re in heavy, loud traffic or construction areas.

Remember, that you’ll need to find a new vet in your new neighborhood. This should be a top priority for you if you’re moving, and you should talk to your current vet about having your cat’s medical records transferred to a new location. If your cat is acting strangely at all, do not hesitate to call your vet to more tips about moving with your cat.

The Advantages of Neutering your Male Cat

2008-07-18T13:44:00.000-07:00

Most male animals that are not used for breeding purposed are castrated, neutered, so that they can no longer impregnate a female. For cats especially, this is crucial, since there are hundreds of kittens every year that go without homes. There are many advantages to neutering your male cat, and the process is quite safe, so you should consider it if your furry feline friend is male and not yet neutered.

Male cats that have not yet been neutered are called tomcats. Simply put, it can be difficult to live with a tomcat, no matter how well trained he may be. When your cat is not neutered, he will want to get outside as frequently as possible to mate with female cats in heat. This can be disastrous if you live in a busy street with lots of traffic or if your cat is not used to being outdoors. Tomcats also roam a lot, meaning that they may travel far distances in search of female cats, and it is possible for your cat to roam too far and not know his way home. It is also possible for him simply to resist coming home at all, since he will be shut indoors. To protect your male cat, neutering it the best choice.

Tomcats also fight and are generally more aggressive than neutered cats. Because they want sexual dominance in a particular area, they may seek fights with other male cats to drive them away. Cats will fight to the death if they feel threatened, and fights cause not only injuries, but also the spread of diseases like the FeLV virus, which can be fatal. Neutering your cat will not stop an aggressive cat from being less aggressive toward humans, but it will prevent your cat from actively seeking fights with other male cats in the neighborhood.

Vasectomies are not done with male cats. Rather, the simple neutering procedure will remove the male reproductive organs, which are easily accessible in most tomcats. In some cases, more extensive surgery has to be done, because they have not developed and descended correctly. The removal of these organs is what causes the changing in male hormones through a cat’s body, changing the cat’s behavior. Sterilization is not enough, because the cat won’t notice the difference and will still seek to fight and mate. Your vet can tell you more about this procedure, but all in all, it is the best choice for any cat, since there are already so many homeless cats in the world.

Recognizing and Treating Over-grooming

2008-07-18T13:41:00.000-07:00

There are a number of medical conditions in cats that may seem like they don’t really harm the cat, but in actuality, they can really take a toll on a cat’s health. One such disorder is over-grooming, which is a stress-related condition that can be compared to obsessive-compulsive disorders in humans. Over-grooming can be very dangerous, so if you see symptoms of this disorder in your cat, talk to your vet right away to find out what you can do to help.

Over-grooming usually starts when there has been a big change in your cat’s life, such as a new baby or pet in the house or a move. Cats naturally groom themselves often, and this activity is like a massage that cats love to do. Therefore, if your cat is stressed out about a change in his or her life, your cat may groom as an attempt to remain calm. Over-grooming takes place with the cat excessively licks or pulls out fur, resulting in bald spots. Commonly, the areas affected by over-grooming at the inner thighs and forelegs.

If you see bald spots on your cat, your first step is to call your vet and schedule an appointment. There are, in fact, over things that cause balding in a cat, and these other medical conditions can become quickly fatal if left untreated. Thyroid problems, allergies, fleas, mites, ringworm, and bacterial pyoderma can all cause bald patches in the fur, which your vet can examine to diagnose your pet.

If your cat is suffering from over-grooming, there are a number of things you can do to her him or her heal. First, identify what has triggered this reaction in your pet and eliminate this if possible. However, this may not help, as the cat’s behavior may be a habit by now. Try to take your cat’s mind off of grooming by regular play and stimuli. Consider a cat video or a fish tank, which can entertain your cat when you have to leave for more than an hour, and when possible, bring your cat wherever you are going.

You vet can also recommend certain medications to help your cat stop over-grooming. Anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medications could do the trick, and your vet can help you learn positive reactions for your cat when you she that he or she is over-grooming. Together, you, your vet, and your cat can put an end to your cat’s health problems.

Smooth Sailing Surgeries for your Cat

2008-07-18T13:37:00.000-07:00

If your cat needs surgery, for whatever reason, there are multiple steps you can take to help your cat with this process. There are three main classifications of surgeries. First, elective surgeries are those that you choose to have done, but that do not have to be done. Spaying and neutering fall into this category. The second kind of surgery is called non-elective, and these are surgeries which have to be done for your cat’s survival, but which you schedule. Lastly, there are emergency surgeries, that are done quickly and as your pet needs them, such as if your cat is hit by a car. If your cat is having elective or not elective surgery, there are ways to prepare for this, and if your cat is recovering from any type of surgery, you can do certain things in your home to make this easier.

First and foremost, when your cat is going to have surgery, it is usually best for this to happen when your cat has an empty stomach, unless your vet indicates otherwise. The most common response to the anesthetics used is vomiting, so your cat will have fewer problems if his or her stomach has no food in it. If you deny your pet food for about 12 hours before the surgery, most of the food in the stomach will be gone. In most cases, your cat having access to water is fine. If you have other pets in the house, you may need to confine your cat to one room so that he or she doesn’t eat from other dishes, or you may need to withhold food from all of your pets.

When your kitty goes into surgery, remember that any number of things may go wrong. You’ll be responsible for the vet bill, even if it is higher than the estimate. After the surgery, it may take a day or even longer for your cat to be awake and functioning. You may also be looking at a few days—sometimes more—in the vet hospital for recovery. You should visit during the hours allowed, and volunteer to help feed or care for your cat. This will let your cat know that you have not abandoned him or her.

When you bring your cat home, follow all instructions completely. Your cat may need multiple medications daily or a special diet. Your cat may also not be allowed outside for a certain amount of time. For cats with any kind of incision, assume this to be at least a week or two, which may be difficult if your cat is used to going outside often. If your cat’s fur had to be clipped or shaved, keep in mind that he or she is probably colder than normal, so it may be a good idea to provide extra blankets warmed in the dryer or a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel. Remember, your other cats will need attention too. By making sure that your house is safe and loving, you can keep all of your cats happy after surgery.

12-year-old douses cat with gasoline

2008-07-16T10:09:00.000-07:00

Bridgeport, New York (WSYR-TV) - A 12-year-old Bridgeport boy has been charged with felony aggravated cruelty to animals after dousing a cat with gasoline. CNYSPCA investigators and the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office took reports from witnesses that led to the charge.

Polly, the 14-year-old cat, underwent medical treatment, but due to the effect of the gasoline, veterinarians euthanized the cat Tuesday. The CNYSPCA is looking for donations to help cover the veterinary costs. Their website is www.cnyspca.org.

Cat mutilation reported near University

2008-07-16T10:05:00.000-07:00

Police are investigating an animal mutilation after a couple found a dead cat in south Edmonton.Cops were called to the University area about 8 a.m. yesterday morning. A couple out for a walk told police they found a dead, mutilated cat in a field north of 112 Street and University Avenue.Police were able to locate the cat's owner. The city's animal bylaw department was notified and door-to-door interviews were done.There are no suspects at this time, said police, and the investigation continues

Cat curfew

2008-07-16T10:02:00.000-07:00

A Melbourne council has abandoned controversial plans to introduce a 24-hour cat curfew. Fur flew and the claws were out when Nillumbik residents learned they would have to curtail their cats to their own properties around the clock. Almost 800 cat owners protested against the proposal, arguing the cost of cat enclosures in their own back yards, the logistics and even cruelty issues relating to confinement would make the curfew impossible to put into practice or police.

Nillumbik, covering Eltham and Hurstbridge and with large native animal populations, already enforces a dusk-to-dawn cat curfew. But the council considered extending the ban to restricting felines to within their own fences day and night. Animal lover Jane Easton was aghast that her cat Sprocket could be forced indoors for good.

"Oh, he'd be terribly miffed if he could see our border collie pups Zuki and Barney playing outside and he couldn't join them," Ms Easton said. While she supports the council's overnight cat curfew, "animals should be allowed to be animals and I don't believe they be locked up day in and day out".

Nillumbik mayor Warwick Leeson said many residents made the point they didn't want to confine cats to their properties or lacked the wherewithal. "Quite clearly, there was not widespread community support and in those circumstances, compliance would have been extremely difficult, if not impossible," Cr Leeson said.The council will step up an education program about responsible pet ownership.

Helping Your Cat Stay Healthy

2008-05-07T14:29:00.000-07:00

To keep your cat healthy a majority of time, all you really need to do is give him good shelter, food, and plenty of water. Like other living things however, cats can get sick from time to time no matter what you do.

As a cat owner, you’ll want to ensure that you feed your cat only the best. Premium cat food is the ideal for cats, as the food is designed to keep your pet happy and healthy. You’ll also need to pay attention to his behavior, so you’ll know when he’s sick and when to take him to the vet. Most of the more common ailments and sicknesses are minor, although there are some cases where a vet can be the determining factor between life and death for your cat.

Your cat’s behavior will be one of the most critical factors when you are trying to determine whether or not he is under the weather. Acting sluggish, laying around all the time, lack of energy and not eating are all signs that you need to take him to the vet immediately. His coat is also a good thing to watch as well. If you notice his coat dull and patchy or notice him shedding abnormally, you should contact your vet as soon as you possibly can.

Diarrhea and vomiting are sometimes common, even with basic sickness. On the other hand, if your cat seems to be doing either one of the two for more than a day, you should contact your veterinarian. Coughing is common as well, simply because coughing will cats dislodge hairballs. If your cat seems to be coughing for another reason, you should have him checked out as soon as possible.

To ensure that your cat isn’t subjected to various diseases, you should always make sure that he stays up do date with his vaccinations. There are several diseases out there that require vaccinations, including rabies and feline distemper. Feline distemper is one of most devastating diseases a cat can get, yet it is also one of the easiest to prevent as well. The disease strikes cats very fast, and leaves you as an own very little time to seek treatment.

Feline leukemia is another disease that is very deadly, yet can be prevented early on with the proper vaccinations. Although the disease isn’t possible for humans to contract, it can be spread quickly among cats. There are vaccinations that can treat the disease these days, although you’ll still want to be careful and not expose other cats around a cat you know has feline leukemia.

Another problem, which is very common with cats that stay outdoors, is worms. Cats that have worms will normally have a lackluster coat and little to no appetite. There are several different types of worms, including ringworm and hookworm. Worms can come from fleas, lice, or even the organs of dead rodents that cats consume. Normally, the cat will digest the eggs which will later mature and attach themselves to the walls of the intestines. If you feed your cat garlic frequently during feedings, it can help to protect him against worms.

If you take care of your cat, chances are you’ll keep him healthy for years to come. You should always make sure he has quality food, and doesn’t miss any of his scheduled checkups with the vet. If he gets the proper vaccinations when he is required to get them, he should be safe against numerous pests and diseases. Taking the proper steps with your cat now will prevent anything from happening in the future.

Keeping Cats Out Of Your Garden

2008-05-07T14:28:00.000-07:00

Your first line of defense when keeping cats out of your garden is to make sure that you have your boundaries secure. If there are any gaps in your fence, you should make sure that you block them to prevent any low access. Cats are very agile animals, and can jump very high. Normally they can jump a fence, which is why you should also invest in string or taut wire across the top.

If a cat has made his way into your garden, it may be hard to get him out. Most people choose to use dogs, simply because dogs are known to dislike cats. There are several dog breeds out there that completely dislike cats, such as pit bulls and Dobermans. Cats are completely fearful of these breeds, and will flee if they see them around.

All cats are known to despise water as well. If you spot a cat in your garden, water almost always gets him out. All it takes is a bucket of water or a well aimed squirt with a garden hose to make him run away. After you have hit the cat with water several times, he should get the hint not to come back anymore. If he comes back, simply squirt him or throw more water on him until he gets the idea.

Protecting your plants is a different story. Mothballs are said to be very effective, as cats don’t like the smell. You can use mothballs around your plants, garden borders, or even along the fence. There are other repellents that you can use as well, such as cayenne peppers, tobacco, lavender oil, citronella oil, mustard oil, and even lemon grass oil.

If you visit your local hardware or lawn store, you can find motion activated sprinklers. They work great in keeping cats out of your garden. Once you install the sprinkler system and a cat comes into the area, the detector will pick up the cat’s presence and immediately shoot out a jet of water that will douse the cat. In most cases, all it takes is a few times of exposure to the sprinkler before a cat learns to stay out of that area.

Sound devices that feature high frequencies are also a great way to scare off cats, although they aren’t annoying to humans. You can find several different models, such as those that stay on all the time, and those that are motion detected. To use this type of device, you’ll need to make sure that the model you have is strong enough to cover the entire area. If you model you are using is strong enough to cover your entire garden, it should suffice in scaring off any unwanted animals.

You can also use commercial repellents as well. Commercial repellents use scents to keep cats away, and shouldn’t be used near any food crops. Due to their high chemical content, commercial repellents can pollute your crops. You can find them at your local department store, with several varieties to choose from, many of which will fend off other animals from your garden as well.

If you have a garden, it can be very annoying if cats and other animals decide to make your garden their home. If you stick to your guns and do your part, you can prevent them from bothering your garden or your crops. Once you have secured your boundaries around the garden, you should try using water first. If water doesn’t seem to work, you can look into another method, such as commercial repellents.

Litter Cleaning For Cats

2008-05-07T14:27:00.000-07:00

Almost everyone, adults and kids alike have a natural fondness for cats. They are loving, quiet, and very playful pets that can provide you with years of entertainment. Although most of us have a fondness for cats, that fondness can rapidly diminish when it comes to the litter box. Even the most hardened cat lover may get tired of litter box duty, especially when it comes down to scooping “you know what” from the litter box.

Cats are very intelligent, instinctively knowing how they should use the litter box. After the cat has finished using the litter box, someone in the family will need to scoop the waste from the litter box. This can be a very dirty and somewhat smelly job, one that is often overlooked during the day when the workload gets heavy. Cleaning up the litter box doesn’t take but a few minutes, although most would prefer not to do it at all. Although the litter box will need to be scooped out daily, it will also need to be changed once a week as well, by throwing the current bag out and replacing the box with a new bag and fresh litter.

Those who don’t like to scoop out the litter box should invest in one of the best inventions ever – the self cleaning litter box. These litter boxes are easy to use, and will keep the area clean. After the cat has used it, the self cleaning litter box will automatically clean the litter either by sifting or using a device that resembles a rake.

Self cleaning boxes that use shifting will often times have a round design. Once the cat leaves the covered box, the dome on top will revolve for the box to clean. The litter in the box will be shifted with the waste being put below the litter where it is discarded. Once the waste is properly disposed of, the litter will be returned to its normal position in the box for the cat to use again.

Boxes that have raking systems will often times sport a rectangular design. Once the cat leaves the box, the rake will automatically come out and clean the litter. The rake will clean all of the litter in the box, including the clumps of waste as well. Rakes are popular, although the shifting litter boxes are by far more popular and more common.

Those who are often times away from home could greatly benefit from a self cleaning litter box. They are great to have for cats that spend a lot of time by themselves, as they virtually eliminate any scooping of litter on your part. You can find them at your local pet or department store, even online as well. They are very affordable – and ideal for anyone who doesn’t like scooping waste from their litter box.

Taking Care Of Cats

2008-04-10T16:56:00.000-07:00

Taking Care Of Cats

These days, cats are among the most popular pet you can own. There are several breeds available, with the most popular being Persian and Siamese. Cats are a domesticated animal, with origins dating back some 8,000 years and beyond. Like any other pet that you may own, including dogs, cats cost money to take care of properly.

When you get a cat, you’ll need to think about the costs. You’ll obviously need food, and you’ll also need to plan ahead for vet costs. You’ll also need litter, which can tend to get quite expensive as the years go by. Your cat will need a litter box, food dish, and water dish. You should also invest in some toys as well, such as a scratching post, cat toys, a pet carrier, and a bed. You should also look into getting an ID collar as well, just in case your cat ever gets lost.

Feeding your pet will depend a great deal on his age. Older cats require two small meals or one large meal for the day. Kittens on the other hand, require several feedings a day until they get around the age of 12 weeks. Cats that are between three and six months of age need to be fed three times a day. Canned food can be fed to cats, although any food that has been left out longer than 30 minutes need to be disposed of. Canned food can get expensive fast, and you should always keep in mind that some may need to be thrown away when you buy it. Cats loved canned food, although it doesn’t have any benefits to their dental health like dry food does.

As an alternative plan, you can always leave a supply of dry food out for your pet. When you give your cat dry food, you should always make sure that he has enough water. Dry food costs less than canned food, and it can also help to prevent the buildup of tartar on your cat’s teeth. When you buy dry food, you should always look in terms of health and benefits, and stay away from generic food. Even though generic food may be cheaper, it may not offer the nutrients your pet needs.

If you own a kitten, you should only give you kitten food designed for him. You’ll also need to clean and refill his water dish every day. Even though kittens and adult cats like cow’s milk, you should avoid giving it to them as it can cause diarrhea. Treats are fine on occasion, although too many of them can cause your pet to get fat. Feeding your kitten human food is good on occasion, although you may have to mix it in with his cat food.

By themselves, cats stay fairly clean. Although you don’t have to bathe them that often, you’ll need to give them a brushing at least once a day. Brushing will reduce the risk of hairballs and keep your cat’s coat nice and clean. If you are keeping your cat indoors, you’ll need to have a litter box in an area that is easy for your cat to access. You should always scoop it on a daily basis, and clean it out once a week. Cats don’t like to use dirty litter boxes, they prefer for it to be nice and clean.

Although cats do require some work, they are great pets that will provide you with years and years of companionship. As long as you take care of your cat and take him to the vet for his checkups, he should remain healthy. Even though cats can get sick from time to time – knowing how to care for him will make a world of difference.

The Amazing Cat Species

2008-04-10T16:55:00.000-07:00

The Amazing Cat Species

We all know that cats are loving and truly wonderful creatures. These days, it isn’t out of the ordinary to see a cat in virtually every other home, sleeping in the window or cuddling up on the laps of their owners. Although cats have been popular pets for as long as most can remember, they weren’t domesticated less than 5,000 years or so ago. Domestication took place in the valley of the Nile, which is what research tells us today.

In the beginning, people were very grateful to cats and encouraged them to stay with them by feeding them various scraps of food. Once they were fed and perceived humans to be no threat, the cats would move in permanently with their human owners. As time went by, even the wildest of cat would allows humans to approach him, often times even hold and touch as well.

In those days, cats were very loyal and endearing pets. They proved to be great hunters, as they done their sleeping in short periods and were much easier to wake up than dogs. Cats also have better night vision than dogs, and much better hearing as well. If someone moved through the house or if they heard suspicious noises, they would wake while dogs would sleep right through it. Humans loved having cats around, and they seemed to get along good with dogs as well.

These days, cats are used for both companionship and show. They aren’t used much at all for hunting mice and rodent anymore at all. There are a lot of breeds available, from the traditional alley cat to the well known Siamese. All breeds are unique in their own way, and will provide you with years of companionship if you take care of them.

Before you get a kitten or older cat, you’ll first want to examine the source. If you are getting the kitten from a breeder, you’ll want to make sure that the breeder has a reputable reputation. You’ll also want to ensure that the cattery is clean and in good shape. The kittens that are still there shouldn’t be overcrowded, and their surroundings should be clean. The litter boxes there should be kept up and both the food and water dish should be clean and full. The kittens shouldn’t be caged, instead free to run around. All cats that are there should appear healthy, with shiny coats and none of their ribs showing.

When you get your kitten, it should be used to being touched and handled. The kitten should be sweet, not afraid in the least. Kittens that have been handled young normally have a better temperament. The better breeders won’t allow their kittens to leave the nest until they are around 12 weeks old, with some waiting until the kittens are 16 weeks. By doing this, breeders ensure that the kitten is in good health and his immune system has properly developed.

There’s no mistaken the fact that cats are great to own. You can get a kitten from a reputable breeder, through a local newspaper, or an adoption agency. Cats can also be obtained from a local pound, although people normally don’t like to choose this option. No matter which way you decide to pursue, you should always make sure that your cat is healthy. If you get a healthy cat, you won’t have a lot of problems later on down the road. Healthy cats were taken care of – and normally have everything up to date – including their vaccinations.

The Cat Whisperer

2008-04-10T16:53:00.000-07:00

The Cat Whisperer

A cat whisper is somewhat similar to a dog or horse whisperer, although cat whisperers relate quite well with cats. These types of people are unusually lucky and very successfully with cats. In most cases, a cat will be abandoned or just show up at someone’s door. In this event, the cat will adopt this individual as the cat whisperer.

Often times, alley cats and black cats will show up at someone’s door and decide to move into their homes. This can be a result of abandonment, or the cat’s family moving away and simply leaving the cat behind. Sometimes, the cat may decide that he likes someone else’s home better and decide to move there instead of staying with his owner.

A lot of people will tell you that a cat whisperer can be thought of as a therapist for cats. Almost all cat whisperers haven’t have any type of training, what they know just seems to come to them naturally. These types of people understand the way a cat thinks and knows how to work with the cat to achieve the results they want. Even though many think of a cat whisperer as a therapist, it actually couldn’t be further from the truth.

Cats who have been abused or mistreated, often times won’t respond to anyone but a cat whisperer. Although others may have tried to help the cat, it will only make matters worse by making the cat feel scared and afraid. In most cases, these cats will end up in a pound. This is very tragic, as the cats have already endured more than they ever should have. A majority of the cats who have been abused were once loved pets. Along the way, they were abandoned, mistreated, attacked by dogs, and in some cases tortured.

Cats who have been treated unfairly often times won’t trust anyone. They are often times confused, in a lot of pain, and not sure what they should do. Like humans, cats feel pain. Those that have been physically abused are a sad sight indeed. Emotionally damaged cats may appear to be in perfect health on the outside, although their emotions are a wreck. Emotionally abused cats are much harder to get through to, especially if they were stray cats to begin with.

Cat whisperers on the other hand, can communicate with physically and emotionally abused cats. Cats know who they will choose to be their cat whisperer, which is normally an individual they sense trust with. Cat whisperers are common with cats, although most people have never heard of them before. Even though a cat whisperer may be able to communicate better with cats, it will still take time to heal a cat that has been abused.

The Cruelty Of Claw Removal

2008-04-10T16:52:00.000-07:00

The Cruelty Of Claw Removal

Cats use their claws for various purposes. The claws are important to cats, as they are an essential part of balancing. If you’ve ever noticed a cat jumping and latching on to a high object, you’ve probably noticed that he uses his claws to pull himself up. When climbing trees, cats tend to use their claws to latch onto the bark and climb towards their destination.

Cats also use their claws for stretching, walking, and running as well. The claws are also a cat’s primary source of defense against other animals and humans as well. Most cats keep their claws extremely sharp, as their claws and teeth are basically their only weapons. The claws are also essential for using the bathroom as well, as cats use them to cover up their mess with dirt.

Cats also use their claws to scratch things, which mark their territory. Their claws have glands, which contain a secretion. When they leave their mark on something, the secretion is transferred to the area they scratched. This is detectable to other cats although not to humans. Sometimes, they will also scratch something to remove the older claw which will fall off and give them a brand new claw that resides underneath.

As sad as it is, a lot of pet owners choose to put their own possessions above their cat, such as their expensive furniture or carpets. These cat owners are afraid that they cat will ruin their furniture or carpet, and therefore will choose to get their cat de-clawed. Getting a cat’s claws removed is a surgical procedure, one that can only be performed by a veterinarian. The owner will need a good reason though, as a vet won’t do the surgery just to keep one’s furniture or carpet protected.

If you’ve been thinking of getting your cat de-clawed, you should know that the process can totally change his personality. Once the cat is de-clawed, he will be in pain and confused. He may not be able to jump in the window or on the couch, and he may not be able to play like he once did. Some cats, after being de-clawed, tend to get aggressive and bite with their teeth. To make a long story short, the cat will be completely miserable – which is a tough thing to bear for those who love their cats.

Those who decide to own cats should know that a cat can scratch on occasion. If someone isn’t prepared to deal with that fact, they shouldn’t own a cat in the first place. Cats are great pets, although they do have claws and they will use them on occasion. There are plenty of other great pets out there, if you aren’t up for handling a cat. If you’re just worried about your furniture or carpet, there are ways that you can keep your cat from scratching on your belongings.

The first thing to do is to get your cat a scratching post and let him know where it is and how to use it. You can also get a rush mat as well, which will help your cat with his instincts to scratch. You may have to demonstrate how to use the mat or the post at first, although your cat should catch onto it quick. Once you have shown him the ropes, he will scratch on the post or the mat – and not your furniture or your carpet.

Although many don’t realize it, there are other ways to protect your things other than getting your cat de-clawed. Getting a cat’s claws removed is very painful and confusing to the cat, and may totally change his outlook on things. Before you decide to take the inhumane path of getting your cat de-clawed, you should look into your other available options- your cat will like these options much better.

PPPPP

(word count 640)

Things To Know About Abused Cats

2008-04-10T16:50:00.000-07:00

Things To Know About Abused Cats

Cats that have been abused can appear severely maimed and damaged all over their exterior. Some may appear to be in perfect shape on the outside, although all of the damage they sustained may be internal or emotional. Even though physical damage is bad, emotional damage is much tougher to fix. Cats who have physical abuse will still answer to a soft touch and soft voice, as long as they know that the abuse has come to an end.

When you have a cat that has been emotionally abused, you’ll need to wait until the cat comes to you. You’ll need to use patience, as the cat will be confused and not know if you plan to hurt him or not. If you take your time and let him know that you are nothing to fear, he will eventually come to you. When he starts to come to you, you can let him sniff you and pet him. After a while, he will learn that he can trust you and he will come to you when you call him.

Yelling, raising your voice, or using disciplinary tools such as flyswatters or water guns the wrong way can lead to emotional damage. If you continue to use the wrong means of discipline on an emotionally damaged cat, the cat can become mean or lethargic. When a cat turns mean, it’s not always a bad thing. Meaner cats are easier to reach, as they still care a bit about what happens to them – while lethargic cats could really care less.

Cats that have become lethargic won’t play, take treats, or respond to anything you say to them. With a lethargic cat, the ideal way to get him to respond is to bring in a companion cat. Over time, a lethargic cat will eventually look for attention, normally a scratch or a pat. When this happens, you should always use a soft voice and snuggle with him. Never raise your voice at this point, and make sure you let the cat know that his behavior is a lot better.

You should make slow movements around a lethargic cat, as he is still quite traumatic. Once he is coming around and letting you touch him again, he is getting back to his normal self. Keep in mind that it may take some time, which is to be expected with this type of situation. If your cat starts to get upset again or if you raise your voice, he will hide again. If you continue to use a soft voice and have patience, your cat will eventually get past this. If you get a cat that is lethargic, you should prepare yourself for a long and very intensive healing period.

Angry or mean cats on the other hand, will either fight and scratch with you, or simply run away from you. With mean cats, the best thing to do is use gentle treatment with a soft voice. You can never try to raise your voice or use strict discipline, as it will only make the cat meaner. Never attempt to trap the cat either, as trapping it will only make the cat react. If you take your time and let the cat know that you are there for him, he will eventually calm down.

Abused cats are truly a sad thing, although they are out there. Abused cats can be a sad thing to see indeed, especially those that were physically abused. Abused cats need a loving home and a loving owner who will give them the type of lifestyle they deserve. Always remember that if you are dealing with an abused cat – you should always be as gentle as you possibly can.

Things To Know Before Breeding Your Cat

2008-04-10T16:49:00.000-07:00

Things To Know Before Breeding Your Cat

The population of cats is the United States alone is unbelievable. Nearly all experts will tell you that you should spay your cat instead of breed it. No matter what experts have to say, a lot of people want to have a litter of kittens from their cat. Before you decide to breed your cat, there are a few things that you should think about.

The first thing you should know is that breeding cats takes time. For the next two months after the litter is born, you’ll need to clean the area on a daily basis. You’ll also need to watch over the kittens as well, and keep a close eye on how they are developing. If you plan to breed a litter of cats, you won’t have time for much of anything else.

Breeding cats will also require a good degree of space as well. If you have a small apartment, you shouldn’t attempt to breed a cat. You should also make sure that your family agrees with the idea, as it isn’t good for the kittens if you keep them locked up. Keep in mind that kittens like to see things; they’ll end up going all over your home as well.

Breeding cats also requires a degree of responsibility as well. You should always have a plan of approach, including homes for the kittens to go that you aren’t planning to keep. Keep in mind that things can change, someone who wanted a cat may change his mind once the litter is born. In this event, you must decide whether or not you can keep a kitten that doesn’t have a home.

Breeding also requires some education as well. You should be prepared for any problems along the way, as well as what takes place during birth. From cutting umbilical cords to delivering early, you’ll need to be well prepared. You should also have the proper supplies, and know how to handle things in the event of a c-section. You’ll also need to know what to feed pregnant cats, as their diets are very important if you are breeding.

Breeding will also cost money as well, with kittens costing a lot more money than you may think. The food isn’t the only thing that’s expensive, as the vet bills can also get expensive. Even though you may go through the entire pregnancy without going to the vet, you’ll still need de-worming and vaccination medicines as well.

In short, there is a lot to think about where breeding is concerned. If you have your mind set on it and you want to breed, you should be sure that you have the proper knowledge and everything you need before hand. You should always be ready to handle anything associated with breeding – and prepare yourself for the worst possible scenario.

Tips For Introducing Cats

2008-04-10T16:48:00.000-07:00

Tips For Introducing Cats

When you decide to add a new cat to your home, it’s normally more exiting for you and your family than it is for the cat you already own. Although most cats are solitary by nature, most will also come to accept or eventually tolerate any additions. Cats can be very territorial, which is why you should always be careful when you introduce a new cat to your current cat.

If you are introducing kittens to one another, the entire introduction process can be short, lasting as little as 10 – 15 days. Introducing cats to each other all depends on their temperament and their personality. When you introduce a new cat to your current cat, you should always make sure that you give your current cat plenty of love and attention. This way, your cat will feel secure and know that he isn’t in competition with your new cat for affection.

When you bring your new cat home, you should let him stay in a safe room until you have finished introducing the cats. Your safe room can be any small room in your home, such as a bathroom or spare bedroom. The key here is to use a room that your current cat doesn’t go in. In the room, you should leave your new cat a scratching post, bed, water dish, litter box, and food dish.

At first, your current cat may howl and hiss when he stands at the door, trying to tell the other cat that he doesn’t belong. When this happens you should ignore it, as punishing your cat for his behavior will only lead to more problems. After a while, the first cat will start to act calm when he is near the new cat’s door. As he starts to act calm, you should pet him and give him praise.

When your first cat starts to go by your new cat’s door and doesn’t howl or hiss; you can start introducing them to each other. The best way to do this is to get them used to each others scent. You can start letting them eat out of the same food dish, although you’ll want to feed them at different intervals at first. This way, the scent of each cat will be present at the food dish, and each cat will get the scent when he eats his food.

Once both cats have got used to the scent, you can begin to feed them closer together. To do this, you should keep your new cat in the safe room with the door closed, and your first cat on the other side of the door with his food dish. This time, feed both cats at the same time. After doing this a few times, they should start eating without any hissing or growling. At this point, they are ready to be introduced to one another.

When you introduce them to each other in the same room, a bit of growling and hissing is to be expected. Although they may be used to each others scent; your first cat will still feel a bit awkward with your new cat being in his territory. You should play with them both at first, so they can smell one another and greet in their own way. If they start to fight you should break them up, and give them some time apart.

It may take some time to get them fully used to one another, although once they do – they will become playmates for life. Cats love to be social, although it may be a bit rough at first, especially for your first cat. Cats can be very territorial, especially if you have a kitten around. If you get both of them used to each other early on – it will be a lot easier to add future cats to your home.

Tips For Stopping Spraying

2008-04-10T16:43:00.000-07:00

Tips For Stopping Spraying

Anytime your cat backs himself up to a door or other object in your house, lifts his tail, and releases urine – you have a problem. This problem is known as spraying, and is very common with cats kept indoors. Even though it is a very annoying problem, it’s a problem that can be solved.

Contrary to what many think, spraying isn’t a litter box problem, but rather a problem with marking. Cat urine that is sprayed contains pheromones, which is a substance that cats and other animals use for communicating. Pheromones are much like fingerprints with humans, as they are used to identify the cat to other animals.

When a cat sprays something, he is simply marking his territory through his urine. The spraying is simply the cat’s way of letting others know that the territory is his. Even though it may make you mad and annoy you, getting angry with your cat will solve nothing. If you raise your voice or show angry towards your cat, it can very well result in more spraying.

Cats that are in heat are easily attracted to the odor of urine. For cats in heat, spraying is more or less an invitation for love. Often times cats that spray while in heat results in a litter of kittens that are born in just a few short months. Keep in mind that cats not only spray during heat, as some will also spray during encounters with other cats, or when they are feeling stressed.

Although spraying is a way of communicating for cats, the smell for people is horrible. The good thing here is that most cats will do a majority of their spraying outdoors. If you have an indoor cat that never goes outside, spraying can indeed be a problem. If you’ve noticed spraying in your home, you should take action and do something about it immediately.

The most effective and also the easiest way to stop spraying is to have your cat either neutered or spayed, which of course depends on the sex. Most male cats that have been neutered will stop spraying the same day they have the surgery. If you don’t want to get your cat neutered or spayed, you should look into other options. If you hope to one day breed your cat, you certainly don’t want to have him neutered or spayed.

The best thing to do in this situation is to talk to your veterinarian. He will be able to give you advice, and possibly even solve the problem without having surgery. There may be a medical problem present that is causing the problem, which your vet can identify. You should always do something about spraying the moment it starts – simply because cat urine stinks and it can leave stains all over your home.

Cat Disease

2008-03-11T20:02:00.000-07:00

Cat Disease

View Cat Disease - Toxoplasmosis

View Cat Disease - Moist

View Cat disease - ringworm (Dermatophytosis)

View Cat disease - Mange

View Cats Disease - Heart

View Cat disease - Jaundice

View Cat Disease - Mycoplasma

View Cat disease - Chlamydia psittaci

View Cat disease - Feline Calicivirus (FCV)

View Cat disease - Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR)

View Cat disease - Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

View Cat disease - Sporotrichosis

Cat Disease - Toxoplasmosis

2008-03-11T19:50:00.000-07:00

Cat Disease - Toxoplasmosis

What is cat toxoplasmosis?

A single-celled parasite called Toxoplasma gondii causes a disease known as toxoplasmosis. While the parasite is found throughout the world, more than 60 million people in the United States may be infected with the Toxoplasma parasite. Of those who are infected, very few have symptoms because a healthy person’s immune system usually keeps the parasite from causing illness. However, pregnant women and individuals who have compromised immune systems should be cautious; for them, a Toxoplasma infection could cause serious health problems.

How do people get cat toxoplasmosis?

A) Toxoplasma infection occurs by:

1. Accidentally swallowing cat feces from a Toxoplasma-infected cat that is shedding the organism in its feces. This might happen if you were to accidentally touch your hands to your mouth after gardening, cleaning a cat’s litter box, or touching anything that has come into contact with cat feces.

2.Eating contaminated raw or partly cooked meat, especially pork, lamb, or venison; by touching your hands to your mouth after handling undercooked meat.

3. Contaminating food with knives, utensils, cutting boards and other foods that have had contact with raw meat.

4. Drinking water contaminated with Toxoplasma.

5. Receiving an infected organ transplant or blood transfusion, though this is rare.

What are the symptoms of cat toxoplasmosis?

Symptoms of the infection vary.

1. Most people who become infected with Toxoplasma are not aware of it.
Some people who have toxoplasmosis may feel as if they have the “flu” with swollen lymph glands or muscle aches and pains that last for a month or more.

2. Severe toxoplasmosis, causing damage to the brain, eyes, or other organs, can develop from an acute Toxoplasma infection or one that had occurred earlier in life and is now reactivated. Severe cases are more likely in individuals who have weak immune systems, though occasionally, even persons with healthy immune systems may experience eye damage from toxoplasmosis.

3. Most infants who are infected while still in the womb have no symptoms at birth, but they may develop symptoms later in life. A small percentage of infected newborns have serious eye or brain damage at birth.

Who is at risk for developing severe cat toxoplasmosis?

People who are most likely to develop severe toxoplasmosis include:

1. Infants born to mothers who became infected with Toxoplasma for the first time during or just before pregnancy.

2. Persons with severely weakened immune systems, such as individuals with HIV/AIDS, those taking certain types of chemotherapy, and those who have recently received an organ transplant.
What should I do if I think I am at risk for severe cat toxoplasmosis?

If you are planning to become pregnant, your health care provider may test you for Toxoplasma. If the test is positive it means you have already been infected sometime in your life. There usually is little need to worry about passing the infection to your baby. If the test is negative, take necessary precautions to avoid infection (See below).

If you are already pregnant, you and your health care provider should discuss your risk for toxoplasmosis. Your health care provider may order a blood sample for testing.

If you have a weakened immune system, ask your doctor about having your blood tested for Toxoplasma. If your test is positive, your doctor can tell you if and when you need to take medicine to prevent the infection from reactivating. If your test is negative, it means you have never been infected and you need to take precautions to avoid infection. (See below).

What should I do if I think I may have cat toxoplasmosis?

If you suspect that you may have toxoplasmosis, talk to your health care provider. Your provider may order one or more varieties of blood tests specific for toxoplasmosis. The results from the different tests can help your provider determine if you have a Toxoplasma infection and whether it is a recent (acute) infection.
What is the treatment for cat toxoplasmosis?

Once a diagnosis of toxoplasmosis is confirmed, you and your health care provider can discuss whether treatment is necessary. In an otherwise healthy person who is not pregnant, treatment usually is not needed. If symptoms occur, they typically go away within a few weeks to months. For pregnant women or persons who have weakened immune systems, medications are available to treat toxoplasmosis.

How can I prevent cat toxoplasmosis?

There are several general sanitation and food safety steps you can take to reduce your chances of becoming infected with Toxoplasma.

1. Wear gloves when you garden or do anything outdoors that involves handling soil. Cats, which may pass the parasite in their feces, often use gardens and sandboxes as litter boxes. Wash your hands well with soap and water after outdoor activities, especially before you eat or prepare any food.

When preparing raw meat, wash any cutting boards, sinks, knives, and other utensils that might have touched the raw meat thoroughly with soap and hot water to avoid cross-contaminating other foods. Wash your hands well with soap and water after handling raw meat.

2. Cook all meat thoroughly; that is, to an internal temperature of 160° F and until it is no longer pink in the center or until the juices become colorless. Do not taste meat before it is fully cooked.

3. For further information on safe food handling to help reduce food borne illness visit the Fight BAC! ® Web site at http://www.fightbac.org/main.cfm.
If I am at risk, would I be able to keep my cat?

Yes, you may keep your cat if you are a person at risk for a severe infection (e.g., you have a weakened immune system or are pregnant); however, there are several safety precautions to avoid being exposed to Toxoplasma:

1. Keep your cat healthy and help prevent it from becoming infected with Toxoplasma. Keep your cat indoors and feed it dry or canned cat food rather than allowing it to have access to wild birds and rodents or to food scraps. A cat can become infected by eating infected prey or by eating raw or undercooked meat infected with the parasite. Do not bring a new cat into your house that might have spent time out of doors or might have been fed raw meat. Avoid stray cats and kittens and the area they have adopted as their “home.” Your veterinarian can answer any other questions you may have regarding your cat and risk for toxoplasmosis.

2. Have someone who is healthy and not pregnant change your cat’s litter box daily. If this is not possible, wear gloves and clean the litter box every day, because the parasite found in cat feces needs one or more days after being passed to become infectious. Wash your hands well with soap and water afterwards.

Once infected with Toxoplasma is my cat always able to spread the infection to me?
No, cats only spread Toxoplasma in their feces for a few weeks following infection with the parasite. Like humans, cats rarely have symptoms when first infected, so most people do not know if their cat has been infected. The infection will go away on its own; therefore it does not help to have your cat or your cat’s feces tested for Toxoplasma.

This fact sheet is for information only and is not meant to be used for self-diagnosis or as a substitute for consultation with a health care provider. If you have any questions about the disease described above or think that you may have a parasitic infection, consult a health care provider.

Cat Disease Home

Cat Disease - Moist Dermatitis

2008-03-11T19:44:00.000-07:00

Cat Disease - Moist Dermatitis

Acute moist dermatitis, also known as hot spots, are localized, moist, reddened bacterial infections of the skin. A hot spot starts because something irritates the skin. The body’s response is either to itch or become inflamed. The itching then causes the cat to lick or chew the area, which further damages the skin, and creates a cycle of itching, scratching and chewing.

Hot spots can be caused by anything that irritates the skin and initiates an itch-scratch cycle, but the most common irritants are fleas. Other causes are allergies (flea, inhalant, food), parasitic disease (sarcoptic and demodectic mange), anal gland disease, poor grooming, tick and mosquito bites, burrs, and summer heat. They are most common in long-haired and heavy-coated breeds, and are more prevalent during the summer months. Typical locations for hot spots are the side of the face or the hip areas. Hot spots are uncommon in cats compared to dogs.

What to Watch For

Typically, your pet will exhibit the following:

Areas of hair loss with very red skin that is moist and oozing
In some cases, the skin becomes crusty or scabbed
Intense scratching. Hot spots are extremely itchy and your cat will scratch without letup

Cat Diagnosis

Diagnostic tests are needed to recognize acute moist dermatitis and exclude other diseases, as well as to determine the underlying cause of the hot spot. However, your veterinarian can usually make a preliminary diagnosis based on a history of rapid onset and the clinical appearance of the lesions.

Cat Treatment

Treatment for acute moist dermatitis may include one or more of the following:

Clipping and cleaning of the affected areas. Lesions often are more extensive than they initially appear.
Clipping the hair in the area is important to allow proper cleaning of the affected skin. Antibacterial solutions (chlorhexidine) or drying solutions (Burrow’s solution) combat infection and decrease pruritus (itchiness).
Interruption of the pruritic cycle. This is crucial to successful treatment. Once the cycle has been triggered, it is important to stop it so as to prevent self-mutilation. Orally-administered cortisone-like drugs often are used for a short period of time to make the cat more comfortable. Your cat may be more hungry and thirsty while receiving corticosteroids – this is a common side effect of this medication. As a consequence, the cat may need to urinate more frequently than normal. Some cats may also pant as a consequence of corticosteroid therapy.
Secondary bacterial infection must be treated when present. In some cases, damage is so extensive that bacteria proliferate, resulting in secondary infection. In such instances, an antibiotic may be prescribed for 2 to 3 weeks.
Identification and treatment of the underlying cause is important to prevent recurrent episodes of acute moist dermatitis. Most cases are secondary to flea allergy and aggressive flea control usually is necessary.

Cat Home Care and Prevention

Clean the affected areas with antibacterial and astringent products daily until healing is complete. Make sure that your cat has sufficient water while receiving corticosteroids. House soiling incidents may occur during corticosteroid therapy if the cat is not allowed outdoors frequently enough.

If your cat has flea allergy and is prone to develop hot spots, you should be aggressive with your flea control program. In addition to treating the environment, you also should apply an appropriate insecticide or repellent to your cat to prevent flea bites.

Cat Disease Home

Cat disease - ringworm (Dermatophytosis)

2008-03-11T19:37:00.000-07:00

Cat disease - ringworm

Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection of the skin, caused by Microsporum canis. It is not caused by a worm. It is spread from person to person, from animal to person, or indirectly from contaminated objects. Ringworm infects three sites: scalp, body and nails.

Ringworm is typically seen in young cats and long-haired cats, and cats with pre-existing skin disease or trauma are more likely to become infected. Diseases or medications that suppress the immune system generally render the cat more susceptible to ringworm.

Typical lesions are circular areas of hair loss (alopecia) on the hair coat; however, any change in the hair coat and/or skin may be consistent with ringworm. The affected skin often appears scaly and inflamed. Some cats suffer from severe skin disease while others have minor lesions, or even none at all.

What to Watch For :

Circular areas of hair loss (alopecia)
Scaly and inflamed skin

Cat Diagnosis

Ringworm often looks similar to other skin diseases, so it is difficult to diagnose based on skin appearance alone. Your veterinarian will run diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of the fungus. Some of these test may include:

Laboratory tests to include a complete blood count, biochemical profile, and urinalysis if immune suppression is a suspected underlying cause of the ringworm
A fungal culture to provide positive identification
Woods lamp examination. If the area fluoresces under the light, ringworm is suspected. However, culture is still strongly recommended. A negative fluorescence does not rule out ringworm, as several species of the ringworm do not fluoresce.
Microscopic examination of hairs

CatTreatment

The treatment for ringworm can be both frustrating and expensive, especially in a multi-pet household. Treating both the cat and the environment are of equal importance. Many cats will resolve an infection spontaneously over several months, but treatment generally expedites cure and helps reduce environmental contamination. Nevertheless, some infections can persist. Vaccines for ringworm are available, but are only used in addition to treatment.

Cat Systemic treatment.

There are several different oral medications available. Griseofulvin is the most commonly prescribed, and it needs to be given with food. Your cat will also have to have her blood count monitored by your veterinarian to watch for possible bone marrow suppression (low white blood cell, red blood cell, and platelet counts) as a side effect. If there is a possibility of pregnancy, alert your doctor at once, as certain medications may be contraindicated.

Cat Topical treatment.

Anti-fungal creams and shampoos are important in reducing environmental contamination. This usually includes clipping the hair of affected cats and dipping in lime sulfur or antiseptics.

Cat Home Care and Prevention

At home, give your cat prescribed medication as directed by your veterinarian. Return for follow-up appointments as directed. If side effects develop, early detection can reverse these effects. Culturing your cat for ringworm is the only true means of monitoring response to therapy.

Due to the contagious nature of ringworm to humans, care should be taken to wash hands thoroughly after handling the cat. Immunocompromised individuals should exercise extreme caution and may want to consider not handling the cat until fully recovered.

Extreme care can help prevent ringworm disease. When bringing a new cat into a household, use a quarantine period and do a fungal culture to test for the presence of the fungus. You can also employ preventative treatment of exposed animals.

Cat Disease Home

Cat disease - Mange

2008-03-11T19:30:00.000-07:00

Cat disease - Mange

Sarcoptic mange (also known as scabies) is a highly contagious parasitic disease caused by a microscopic mite called Sarcoptes scabiei that affects animals and people. These mites invade the skin of healthy cats and kittens and create a variety of skin problems. Humans exposed to infested cats commonly are affected.

Cats of all ages may be affected, but sarcoptic mange is more common in young animals. Cats living in close contact with affected dogs may develop the disease. The mite prefers to live lives on the surface of the skin, and does not survive for very long off the host.

The hallmark of the disease is intense pruritus that does not respond to symptomatic treatment; the cat scratches and chews at himself. There may also be papules (small red bumps) located on the margins of the ears, elbows, hocks (ankles), chest and abdomen. These lesions may become generalized. Other symptoms may include patchy hair loss, and crusty sores. Symptoms are thought to be the result of a severe allergic reaction to the mite. Just a few mites can cause severe generalized pruritus (itchiness), which sometimes persists after therapy due to the allergic component of this disease. The incubation period (time until clinical symptoms become apparent) can be as long as 3 weeks after exposure.

If left untreated, chronic skin lesions develop including increased pigmentation, thickening and wrinkling of the skin, ulcerations and draining tracts. Secondary bacterial infections are common due to self-trauma.

Pruritic (itchy) papules (small red bumps) can be found on the arms, neck and waistline of affected humans. The sarcoptic mange mite of cats cannot reproduce on human skin, and lesions on humans regress spontaneously in 12 to 14 days.

What to Watch For :

Intense itching
Presence of papules
Patchy hair loss
Crusty sores

Cat Diagnosis

The diagnosis of sarcoptic mange is based on three things:

Suggestive clinical signs. The rapid onset of pruritis and the rapid progression of lesions should suggest scabies.
Microscopic examination of skin scrapings. Mites are occasionally found on microscopic examination of skin scrapings, but failure to find the mite should not eliminate the diagnosis of scabies.

Cat Treatment

Treatment should be carried out for the entire life cycle of the mite, which is 3 weeks. All animals in the household should be treated to reduce the possibility of re-infestation. There are several ways to treat scabies.

You may be asked to bathe your animal weekly and use an anti-parasitic lime sulfur dip (LymDip).
An alternative treatment consists of the administration of the anti-parasitic drug ivermectin once every 2 weeks for 3 treatments. Some breeds (especially collies, shelties, and Australian shepherds) are extremely sensitive to the adverse effects of ivermectin.
Revolution, a topical product applied monthly for flea control and heartworm prevention, also is a safe and effective treatment for sarcoptic mange.
Treatment with antibiotics may be necessary if your cat has developed a secondary bacterial infection.
Regular cleaning, vacuuming and washing of bedding usually are sufficient to rid the household of the mites.

Cat Home Care

At home you may be asked to bathe your animal weekly and use an anti-parasitic lime sulfur dip (LymDip). The dip preparation is very safe, but may damage jewelry and porcelain. It produces a yellow stain on the hair coat and skin due to its sulfur content. The sulfur content also imparts a strong odor of “rotten eggs.” Gloves should be used when applying the dip.

Ideally, the dip should be applied outdoors and the animal not allowed back into the house until it is completely dry. This precaution will prevent staining of furniture and carpeting by the dip. Mites do not survive for long in the environment. Regular cleaning, vacuuming and washing of bedding usually are sufficient to rid the household of the mites. Remember, mites can be transmitted to humans, so care must be taken when handling an infested cat.

Cat Preventative Care

Prevention consists of avoiding contact with infected animals. Mites do not survive very long in the environment, and direct contact is necessary to become infected. All animals in the household should be treated to reduce the possibility of re-infestation. Regular cleaning, vacuuming and washing of bedding usually are sufficient to rid the household of the mites.

Cat Disease Home

Cats Disease - Heart

2008-03-11T19:25:00.000-07:00

Cats Disease - Heart

As cat owners, our cats hold a special place in our hearts and keeping our cat’s heart is one of our responsibilities. When it comes to heart disease, regular visits to your veterinarian could mean the difference between life and premature death. Owners may not realize that their cats are susceptible to many forms of heart disease. In most cases, heart disease can be successfully managed with early detection and treatment.

Cats rarely have typical ‘heart attacks’ that we humans are so familiar with. However, cats can have what are called cardiomyopathie or diseases of the heart muscle. Such diseases include:

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (the most common feline heart problem)
When areas of the heart muscle (most often the left ventricle) enlarge and thicken

Congestive heart failure

When the heart cannot pump blood efficiently enough for the blood to function.

Cardiac arrhythmias

Also known as abnormal timing of the heart’s beat when the heart ‘skips’ a beat every once a while.

Thromboembolic disease

When a thrombus (blood clot formations) becomes dislodged and travels through the bloodstream.

Cat Symptoms & Diagnosis

Heart disease usually takes several weeks to months to progress to the serious stage. For the first few weeks, your cat will look and act completely normal. Eventually you will start noticing your cat being lethargic and having a poor appetite. Near the end, your cat will start to have trouble breathing and will be at risk for blood clots that can lodge themselves in blood vessels throughout the body. The most common place for clots to lodge is where the aorta splits before going to the back legs. Your cat may seem paralyzed or as if he/she has a broken leg, but the reality is that there is no blood or oxygen going to the leg. If your cat has a blood clot, the affected area will have no pulse in it and will begin turn cold and blue.

No one is really sure why cat gets disease of the heart. Some think it may have a genetic precursor and be caused by a genetic defect that is inherited. In the past, cardiomyopathies were seen quite often due to taurine (an essential amino acid) deficiencies. However, all commercially available cat foods today are enriched with taurine to avoid this problem.

Cat Treatment & Prevention

Congestive heart is a chronic disorder and thus if you catch it early and treat it early, your cat can love a long and happy life. Diagnosis will be done with X-rays, echocardiograms, sonograms or blood tests. If your cat is suspected of having heart problem other tests will most likely be performed to rule out other causes of heart disease such as kidney disease, hyperthyroidism or liver disease.

If you think your cat may have heart problem, consult your vet as soon as possible. There are many options for cats with cardiomyopathies today, but you need to catch the disease early and treat it as soon as possible.

Make sure your cat eats healthy and exercises often. A kitty in good shape is less likely to develop heart problems or exhibit heart failure even if they have a weak heart to begin with.

Cat Disease Home

Cat disease - Jaundice

2008-03-11T19:18:00.000-07:00

Cat disease - Jaundice

Jaundice is actually a condition called icterus, meaning that a yellow pigment is found in the blood and in the tissues. It is most easily seen in the gums, the whites of eyes and the earflaps.

Cat Causes & Symptoms

Risk factors for icterus may include the presence of fleas or ticks, infection with feline leukemia virus or feline infectious peritonitis virus, residence in or travel to areas endemic for liver flukes or fungal diseases, prolonged anorexia and ingestion of drugs or toxins. A yellow color is noted in the skin, white part of the eyes, or on the earflaps. The causes of icterus fall into 3 major categories:

1. Destruction of red blood cells

This can occur within the blood vessels (intravascular) or in the spleen and liver (extravascular). The process of red cell destruction is known as hemolysis.

2. Liver disease

Any disease that causes destruction of liver cells or causes bile to become trapped in the liver can cause icterus.

3. Obstruction of the bile duct

The bile duct carries an important fluid for digestion, bile, from the gall bladder to the small intestine. Obstruction can occur within the gall bladder or anywhere along the bile duct.

Cat Diagnosis

Diagnosis of icterus itself is straightforward. However, determining the cause of icterus can be a challenge and usually requires a series of tests. Within each category listed above are several possible causes of icterus. Once the probable cause can be placed into one of these 3 categories, additional tests are performed to look for a specific disease, which is leading to the icteric state.

Occasionally, blood is drawn and the serum component is found to be yellow before the cat is visibly jaundiced. This information is helpful and can give a clue to impending problems.

Hemolysis

Since hemolysis results in destruction of erythrocytes (red blood cells), determination of erythrocyte numbers is one of the first tests performed on the icteric patient. There are 3 tests, which may be used for this. Toxic plants, chemicals, drugs, parasites in the red blood cells, heartworms, autoimmune diseases and cancer can cause hemolysis. Several tests are needed to determine which of these is the cause.

Liver Disease

A chemistry profile is performed on cats with icterus. This is a group of 20 – 30 tests that are performed on a blood sample. The chemistry profile contains several tests that are specific for liver disease. If these tests are normal yet there is reason to suspect liver disease, a bile acid analysis is performed. Although each of these tests is used to ‘look’ at the liver from a slightly different perspective, ultimately they only determine that liver disease is present. None of them are able to determine the exact cause of the disease, to make that determination; a study of liver tissue (biopsy) or liver cells (cytology) is necessary. This can be done in 3 ways:

1. Fine-needle aspirate cytology
To perform this procedure, a small gauge needle is inserted through the skin into the liver. A syringe is used to aspirate some cells from the liver. The cells are placed on a glass slide, stained and studied under a microscope.

2. Needle biopsy
This procedure is similar to fine-needle aspirate except a much larger needle is used. The needle is able to recover a core of tissue, not just a few cells. The sample is fixed in formaldehyde and submitted to a pathologist for analysis.

3. Surgical wedge biopsy
The cat is placed under general anesthesia, and the abdomen is opened surgically. This permits direct visualization of the liver so the exact site for biopsy can be chosen. A piece of the liver is surgically removed using a scalpel. This approach gives the most reliable biopsy sample but the stress of surgery and the expense are the greatest of all of the biopsy methods. Some of the causes of liver-related icterus include infectious diseases (feline leukemia, feline infectious peritonitis, fungal disease), neoplasia and hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver diseases)

4. Bile duct obstruction
Cats with obstructed bile ducts are usually extremely icteric. Their yellow color can often be seen readily in the skin, as well as the sclera (whites of the eyes) and gingival (gums). However, an evaluation of the gall bladder and bile ducts is necessary to be sure that obstruction is present. An ultrasound examination is the most accurate and non-invasive way to evaluate the gall bladder and bile duct. This technology uses sound waves to ‘look’ at the liver, gall bladder and bile duct. If this is not available, x-rays should be taken of the liver. However, sometimes exploratory surgery is necessary to properly evaluate the cat for biliary obstruction. The most common causes of bile duct obstruction include pancreatitis, trauma, cancer, gall bladder stones, liver flukes, and severely thickened bile.

Cat Treatment & Recovery

Icterus is not a disease; it is a sign that disease is present. Therefore, there is no specific treatment. Icterus will resolve when the disease that causes it is cured. The basis for resolving icterus is to diagnose the underlying disease. When the proper testing is done, this is usually possible. The prognosis is dependent upon the underlying cause. Some diseases causing icterus are fatal but others have a good prognosis for full recovery

Cat Disease Home

Cat Disease - Mycoplasma

2008-03-11T19:08:00.000-07:00

Cat Disease - Mycoplasma

This is another bacterial infection common in catteries. It is transmitted in ocular discharges from infected cats. Cats that recover from a mycoplasma infection may become carriers.

Cat Symptoms

Symptoms are mainly ocular and consist of a mildly painful conjunctivitis in one or both eyes. Symptoms usually develop when kittens are about 3 or 4 weeks old. Mycoplasma infections may induce abortions in pregnant queens.

Cat Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made by examining conjunctival scrapings or cultures taken from affected cats.

Cat Treatment

As is the case with chlamydia infections, tetracyclines or their derivatives are the best treatment for chlamydial infections. These treatments last for 2 weeks. Tetracycline is static for this bacteria, e.g. it does not destroy bacteria cells; it impedes their ability to synthesize protein, thereby causing a slowing or stoppage of the bacteria’s replication. Thus a cat’s immune system must cooperate in warding off the infection.

Cat Prevention

There is no mycoplasma vaccine presently available, so good cattery hygiene and avoiding overcrowding in the cattery are vital.

Although the symptoms of upper-respiratory infections are similar, treatments of these diseases differ. If you suspect a problem with your cats, do not attempt treatment without first getting a confirmed diagnosis and treatment recommendations from your vet. Prevention, as always is the best medicine. Therefore, you should make vaccinations a routine part of your normal cattery hygiene.

Cat Disease Home

Cat disease - Chlamydia psittaci

2008-03-11T19:04:00.000-07:00

Cat disease - Chlamydia psittaci

This is another common bacterial infection that often occurs in catteries. Kittens of weaning age (when the immunity they acquire through their mother’s milk is virtually depleted) are the primary victims. They are usually infected through contact with other adult cats or older kittens, the chlamydia psittaci bacteria is transmitted in faeces and in discharges from the eyes and nose. Cats that recover from a chlamydia psittaci infection may become carriers, and because they often do not develop strong immunity to the disease, they are subject to reoccurring infections.

Cat Symptoms

The primary symptom is conjunctivitis in one or both eyes. Severe conjunctivitis of the unopened eyes of newborn kittens is also possible. Very young kittens (2-4 weeks old) may develop pneumonia, which is nearly fatal. Evidence of a respiratory problem is not readily evident in such cases. The kitten seems to die for no apparent cause. Chlamydia may also cause reproductive problems and abortions in pregnant queens.
Cat Diagnosis

Diagnosis of chlamydia can be made by examining conjunctival scrapings or through an immunological test (IFA test).

Cat Treatment

Tetracycline or its derivatives is the best treatment for chlamydial infections. The treatment time may be long and it should be continued for 2 weeks after the disappearance of any observable symptoms.

Cat Prevention

Preventive measures include vaccinations and good cattery hygiene. Do not vaccinate pregnant queens, however, or allow other recently vaccinated cats to come into contact with pregnant queens. This contact could cause abortions.

Cat Disease Home

Cat disease - Feline Calicivirus (FCV)

2008-03-11T19:00:00.000-07:00

Cat disease - Feline Calicivirus (FCV)

Caliciviruses occur in the numerous strains, some which cannot be prevented by vaccinations. Roughly 20% of all cats shed caliciviruses, whose principal victims in catteries are kittens. Caliciviruses are shed in faeces and saliva and are able to survive for 1 or 2 weeks at room temperature.

Cat Symptoms

These include fever, limping and blisters ranging in size from pinpoint to large and occurring on the palate or tongue. Ulcers may also appear on the lips, nose and limbs. In general, calicivirus infections are milder than FVR infections.

Cat Diagnosis

Calicivirus infections are diagnosed by examining cultures taken from the throat, nose or eyes.

Cat Treatment

The best treatment is supportive care, a well balanced diet, plenty of liquids, and a warm environment. A soft-food diet will allow lesions to heal. Chronic cases should be tested for FeLV (Feline Leukemia) and FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency) infections.

Cat Prevention

Vaccination, for those strains of calicivirus for which vaccines are available is the most effective form of preventive treatment, good cattery management, including management if the cattery population is also important.

Cat Disease Home

Cat disease - Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR)

2008-03-11T18:53:00.000-07:00

Cat disease -Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR)

This herpes-virus infection is one of the most vexing – and most habitual – diseases that affect catteries. The first episode of infection normally lasts several weeks. Reoccurrences last 3-10 days. After recovering from FVR cats continue to shed the virus intermittently from back of the mouth (oropharynx) for many months, thereby posing an infectious threat to healthy cats are most likely to shed herpes virus during times of stress. In addition, queens infected with FVR as kittens may eventually pass the virus to their young.

Cat Symptoms

Herpes-virus symptoms can be ocular (occurring in the eyes) or systemic (occurring any other part of the body). Ocular symptoms include keratoconjunctivitis, a painful inflammation of the cornea (the transparent outer portion of the coating of the eye) and the conjunctiva (the mucous membrane that covers the surface of the eyeball and that lines the inner surface of the eyelids). Keratoconjunctivitis, which sometimes leads to corneal ulcers in large-eyed breeds, causes a cat to keep his eyes completely or partially closed and to shed tears copiously.

Systemic symptoms of a herpes-virus infection include rhinitis, an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nasal passage that causes sneezing and runny nose. Some cats afflicted with herpes virus develop chronic rhinitis and/or sinusitis because of permanent damage to the walls of the nasal passages. Herpes virus can also lead to pneumonia, a potential cause of rapid death in very young cats.

Cat Diagnosis

Herpes-virus infections can be diagnosed by examining nasal, ocular or oral secretions and by checking cell scrapings from the conjunctiva for cellular changes.

Cat Treatment

Treatments includes antiviral drugs in the form of eye drops, antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections and if necessary, intravenous fluids. In chronic cases the nasal passages can be kept clear with a dose of Neosynephrine or the equivalent administered every other day. Steroids (cortisone) are not recommended because they can reactivate the infection, suppress the immune system and prevent corneal ulcers from healing.

CatPrevention

Prevention is best accomplished by vaccination, good cattery hygiene and by avoiding overcrowding in the cattery. (If you have so many cats you cannot give each one fifteen to twenty minutes worth of individual attention each day, your cattery is over-crowded) Because FVR and other upper respiratory infections are spread primarily through direct contact between infected and susceptible cats, breeders/owners should isolate all new cats they acquire, any cats that have just seen shown and cats that have just returned after having been sent out for breeding.

Quarantine should last for at least 2 weeks. Moreover, because upper respiratory viruses are airborne, ventilation that allows 10 air exchanges per hour in the cattery room(s) is essential, so is a reasonably low humidity level and the regular use of disinfectants. The herpes virus can survive only 18-24 hours at room temperature)

Cat Disease Home

Cat disease - Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

2008-03-11T18:44:00.000-07:00

Cat disease - Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

What is cat feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)?

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a disease caused by a coronavirus infection. Many different strains of coronavirus are capable of infecting cats, but most do not produce serious disease. FIP-producing strains are distinguished by their ability to invade and grow in certain white blood cells. The infected cells transport the virus throughout the cat’s body. An intense inflammatory reaction occurs in the tissues where these virus-infected cells locate. It is this interaction between the body’s own immune system and the virus that is responsible for the disease.

Infected cats shed coronavirus in their saliva and feces. Most cats become infected by inhaling or ingesting the virus, either by direct contact with an infected cat, or by contact with virus-contaminated surfaces like clothing, bedding, feeding bowls, or toys.

Although the virus can survive for a number of weeks in the environment, it is rapidly inactivated by most household detergents and disinfectants. An inexpensive and effective disinfectant is one part of household bleach in thirty-two parts of water (4 ounces of bleach per gallon of water).

Is cat FIP related to Feline Leukemia?

FIP and Feline Leukemia are caused by different viruses. Some cats that have FIP may also be infected by the feline leukemia virus, but the diseases are two separate entities.

What are the cat signs of FIP?

Initial exposure to the FIP virus usually results in no obvious clinical disease, although some cats may experience a mild upper respiratory disease that is characterized by sneezing, watery eyes, and watery nasal discharge. Some cats may experience a mild intestinal disease. Most cats that undergo the primary infection completely recover, although some of them may become virus carriers. Only a small percentage of exposed cats develop the lethal disease: weeks, months, or perhaps years after primary infection.

The onset of clinical signs of lethal FIP may be sudden (especially in kittens), or the signs may gradually increase in severity over a period of weeks. Many cats have nonspecific signs such as intermittent inappetence, depression, rough hair coat, weight loss, and fever.

The major forms of lethal FIP are effusive (wet) FIP, noneffusive (dry) FIP, and combinations of both. The most characteristic sign of effusive FIP is the accumulation of fluid within the abdomen and/or chest. When fluid accumulation becomes excessive, it may become difficult for the cat to breathe normally.

The onset of noneffusive FIP is usually slower. Fluid accumulation is minimal, although weight loss, depression, anemia, and fever are almost always present. Signs of kidney failure (increased water consumption and urination), liver failure (jaundice), pancreatic disease (vomiting, diarrhea, diabetes), neurologic disease (loss of balance, behavioral changes, paralysis, seizures), enteritis (vomiting, diarrhea), or eye disease (inflammation, blindness) may be seen in various combinations. FIP is often a difficult disease to diagnose because each cat can display different signs that are similar to those of many other diseases.
What are the chances my cat will get FIP in its lifetime?

Young cats (less than two years of age), older cats (over ten years old), cats in poor physical condition, and cats undergoing concurrent infections or stress are more susceptible to FIP. It is a relatively uncommon disease in the general cat population, probably affecting fewer than one percent of the cats brought to a veterinarian’s office for treatment. In multiple-cat populations such as some shelters and catteries the disease rate can be much higher, affecting up to 10 to 20 percent of the susceptible population over a period of several months.

Are there any laboratory tests that can detect the cat FIP virus?

The KELA, ELISA, IFA, and virus-neutralization tests detect the presence of coronavirus antibodies in a cat. A positive test result only means the cat has had a prior exposure to a coronavirus — not necessarily one that causes FIP — and has developed antibodies against that virus. If the test is negative, it means the cat has not been exposed to a coronavirus.

The number, or titer, that is reported is the highest serum dilution that still produced a positive reaction. Low titers indicate a small amount of coronavirus antibodies in the serum, while high titers indicate greater amounts of antibodies. A healthy cat with a high titer is not necessarily more likely to develop FIP or be a carrier of an FIP-causing coronavirus than a cat with a low titer. It also is not necessarily protected against future FIP virus infection.

Recently, two new tests have been developed that can detect parts of the virus itself. The immunoperoxidase test can diagnose FIP more accurately than traditional histopathologic examination because it detects virus-infected cells in the tissue. A biopsy of affected tissue is necessary for evaluation. Another antigen test utilizes polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect viral genetic material in tissue or body fluid. Although this test shows promise, PCR is presently only capable of detecting coronaviruses in general, not necessarily those that cause FIP.

Should I have an FIP test done on my cat?

There are two primary situations where the determination of coronavirus-antibody titers can be useful to the cat owner or breeder and the veterinarian:

As a screening test, to determine the presence or absence of antibodies in a previously untested household and to detect potential virus carriers or shedders when introducing new cats into households or catteries that are negative for coronavirus antibodies

As an aid (and nothing more than an aid) in the clinical diagnosis of a diseased cat that has signs suggestive of FIP.

Why did I get two different cat test results from two different laboratories?

Unfortunately, many laboratories use different antigens prepared in different ways, and their interpretation of the assay can differ. False results can occur from nonspecific reactions unless the tests are meticulously controlled. The test can be difficult to interpret, since it usually depends on a subjective decision made by the person reading the test.

How is a positive cat diagnosis made?

A presumptive diagnosis of FIP can usually be made on the basis of clinical signs, routine laboratory tests, and evaluation of abdominal or chest fluid. Some cases, however, present a diagnostic challenge, since the signs of illness are not distinct for FIP. In all cases, a tissue biopsy is the only way to absolutely confirm a diagnosis of FIP.

Is there a cat cure for FIP?

Currently, FIP is considered to be a routinely fatal disease once a positive diagnosis has been made. Unfortunately, no cure yet exists. The basic aim of therapy is to provide supportive care and to alleviate the self- destroying inflammatory response of the disease. Some treatments may induce short-term remissions in a small percentage of patients. A combination of corticosteroids, cytotoxic drugs, and antibiotics with maintenance of nutrient and fluid intake may be helpful in some cases. In the future, combining immune-modulating drugs with effective antiviral medications may prove to be beneficial for treatment of FIP.

Can I protect my cat from getting FIP?

In multiple cat environments, keeping cats as healthy as possible and minimizing exposure to infectious agents lessens the likelihood of cats’ developing FIP. Preventing overcrowding, keeping cats current on vaccinations, providing proper nutrition and adequate sanitation, and eliminating feline leukemia virus infections can be helpful in reducing the incidence of FIP groups of cats.

The first FIP vaccine (Primucell FIP by Pfizer Animal Health) was introduced in 1991. It is a temperature- sensitive, modified-live vaccine. The vaccine is licensed for intranasal vaccination of cats at 16 weeks of age, with boosters in 3 to 4 weeks, and then yearly. Once a cat is vaccinated, its serum may have a positive coronavirus antibody titer. This could be a problem for cattery owners who use serologic testing to maintain a coronavirus-free population.

The vaccine appears to be safe, but various studies have yielded different estimates of vaccine efficacy. The role that Primucell FIP will ultimately play in protecting cats from FIP is not yet known; for the time being, discussions with your veterinarian should help you decide if your cat should be vaccinated.

My cat has FIP. How long can it be expected to live? How can I make my cat comfortable during its last days?

Once clinical signs appear, cats with the effusive (wet) form of FIP will live a few days to a few weeks, although some adult cats may linger for six to eight months. Cats with the dry form of FIP usually die within a few weeks, but survival for up to a year or more is possible.

Providing good nursing care and feeding a balanced, highly nutritious diet will make your cat more comfortable in the terminal stages of the disease. Your veterinarian may prescribe medications to reduce the discomfort associated with the disease or provide more-specific supportive therapy.

Can a person or a dog become infected with FIP?

FIP has not been documented in any species other than those of the cat family. FIP is not known to constitute any health risk for human beings. However, FIP virus is similar to a common virus of dogs - canine coronavirus, that produces enteritis in dogs.

Cat Disease Home

Cat disease - Sporotrichosis

2008-03-11T18:37:00.000-07:00

Cat Disease - Sporotrichosis

Sporotrichosis (fungal infection) is very common here and it can be a potentially serious fungal infection that can infect cats, dogs, or people. The risk of people contracting this disease from infected cats, the seriousness of this disease should never be underestimated and veterinarians or owners may often overlook Sporotrichosis as a potential cause of the symptoms.

What is sporotrichosis and how does an animal acquire it?

Sporotrichosis is an infection caused by the fungus Sporothrix schenckii. This fungus is found in soil and organic debris. Sporotrichosis is more commonly seen in outdoor dogs and in outdoor cats (especially males) that are prone to fighting. In dogs, it is believed that the fungus enters through a puncture wound from a stick or thorn. In cats, it is thought to be transmitted from a scratch or bite from a cat that has contaminated claws or teeth. Humans have become infected through coming in contact with the open, draining sores on infected cats.

Cat Symptoms of sporotrichosis?

In cats, the lesions often occur on the head, legs, and tail which are the same locations as most cat bites. The cat bites may abscess and turn into lesions that will not heal and that ulcerate and drain. Cats generally have more of the fungal organisms in the draining fluids and are thus more likely to transmit the disease to humans. Some cats may become systemically sick and develop fevers, loss of appetite, and become lethargic.

In humans, sporotrichosis is more common on the fingers, hands, or face - locations where the person may have had an open wound and come into contact with an infected cat. The nodule may open and drain and the surrounding lymph nodes may become swollen as well.

Cat sporotrichosis diagnosed?

The diagnosis of sporotrichosis is very straightforward in the cat. A large number of the Sporothrix organisms are usually present in the wound and draining fluid and they can be identified under a microscope.

Cat treatment for sporotrichosis?

Infected cats are treated with oral potassium iodide. Treatment usually lasts 4 to 8 weeks. Ketoconazole, and the more expensive itraconazole, are sometimes used as an alternative therapy. All of these compounds can be toxic to cats and are administered with caution and at lower doses than dogs.

Since Sporothrix is a fungus and not a bacteria, antibiotics are ineffective. Animals with sporotrichosis should not be given steroids.

Cats sporotrichosis prevented?

Prevention consists of prompt treatment of all puncture wounds and minimizing cat fights by neutering cats and keeping them indoors.

Sporotrichosis is common enough that we should keep it in mind if our pets develop nodules or non-healing sores, particularly if they spend time in the outdoor or are involved in cat skirmishes.

Cat Disease Home

cat poetry

2008-02-19T16:46:00.000-08:00

Cat Poetry :

cat poetry

View Chang Tuan's Cats

View The Naming of Cats

View Gray Thrums

View Loving and Liking

Jubilate Agno

View The Rat-Catcher and Cats

Hodge the Cat

View Ode on the Death of a Favorite Cat - Drowned in a ...

View To Mrs Reynold's Cat

View Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat

View The Owl and the Pussycat

View This Old Cat

View Baggage (The Meaning of Rescue)

View I'm Only a Cat

View Cat!

View Pussy Can Sit by the Fire and Sing

View On a Cat Ageing

View The Cat That Walked by Himself

View St. Jerome's Cat

View The Kitten and the Falling Leaves

View Cats Sleep Anywhere

View Two Cats

View Pussy Cat, Pussy Cat

Chang Tuan's Cats

2008-02-19T15:13:00.001-08:00

Chang Tuan's Cats

Scholar Chang Tuan was fond of cats,
And had seven of them,
Wonderful beasts with wonderful names.

They were:

Guardian of the East
White Phoenix
Purple Blossom
Drive-Away-Vexation
Brocade Sash
Cloud Pattern
Ten Thousand strings of Cash

Each was worth several pieces of gold
And nothing could persuade Chang
To part with them.

After Wang Chih, c. 1100 C.E.

Funny Cat 1	Funny Cat 2	Funny Cat 3	Funny Cat 4
Funny Cat 5	Funny Cat 6	Funny Cat 7	Funny Cat 8
Funny Cat 9	Funny Cat 10	Funny Cat 11	Funny Cat 12
Funny Cat 13	Funny Cat 14	Funny Cat 15	Funny Cat 16
Funny Cat 17	Funny Cat 18

cat worlds

My Christmas Cats

Pet cat trapped, shot 27 times and survives

cat worlds : Dozens of cats, found living in filthy conditions

cat of the month, Hanna..!!!

cat - 300 Shanghai cats rescued, from being eaten

Fisher cat screech: A fisher cat screech fact

Cat Abused:Nebraska couple appear in court

Tyre Rim with real logo cats heads....!!!

Frightened of cats

My Cat Name Is Ugly Bat Boy

Cat Survives from Arrow Attack

Killing of cats provokes outrage

Cat Safety

A new cat law at Canandaigua

Cat's face surgeon

A big cat owner , who bit Santa comes forward

Don't like cats?

Missing cat back in California home after 13 years

Hot Kitty! Cat Safety in Warm Weather

Moving and Cat Concerns

The Advantages of Neutering your Male Cat

Recognizing and Treating Over-grooming

Smooth Sailing Surgeries for your Cat

12-year-old douses cat with gasoline

Cat mutilation reported near University

Cat curfew

Helping Your Cat Stay Healthy

Keeping Cats Out Of Your Garden

Litter Cleaning For Cats

Taking Care Of Cats

The Amazing Cat Species

The Cat Whisperer

The Cruelty Of Claw Removal

Things To Know About Abused Cats

Things To Know Before Breeding Your Cat

Tips For Introducing Cats

Tips For Stopping Spraying

Cat Disease

Cat Disease - Toxoplasmosis

Cat Disease - Moist Dermatitis

Cat disease - ringworm (Dermatophytosis)

Cat disease - Mange

Cats Disease - Heart

Cat disease - Jaundice

Cat Disease - Mycoplasma

Cat disease - Chlamydia psittaci

Cat disease - Feline Calicivirus (FCV)

Cat disease - Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR)

Cat disease - Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

Cat disease - Sporotrichosis

cat poetry

Chang Tuan's Cats

The Naming of Cats

Gray Thrums

Loving and Liking

Jubilate Agno

The Rat-Catcher and Cats

Hodge the Cat

Ode on the Death of a Favorite Cat - Drowned in a Tub of Goldfishes

To Mrs Reynold's Cat

Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat

The Owl and the Pussycat

This Old Cat

Baggage (The Meaning of Rescue)

I'm Only a Cat

Cat!

Cat!

Pussy Can Sit by the Fire and Sing

On a Cat Ageing

The Cat That Walked by Himself

St. Jerome's Cat

The Kitten and the Falling Leaves

Cats Sleep Anywhere

Two Cats

Black Cat

Pussy Cat, Pussy Cat

Cat superstition around the worlds

Cat in Myths

Cat in India Myths