Cat Symptoms – What Cat Allergies Really Are, and How to Control Them

October 12th, 2009

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

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

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

Symptoms

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

The most common symptoms associated with cat allergy are:

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

How to Control Cat Allergy

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

- Use reputable allergy relief and avoidance products at home
- Since “Fel d 1″ allergens float in the air, having a source of fresh air will reduce the allergen. Improve ventilation in your house by using an air conditioner even during humid months.
- Use a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter to reduce particles of cat allergen in your home.

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

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Cat Symptoms – Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease — Will Your Cat be a Victim?

October 11th, 2009

Are you concerned about feline lower urinary tract disease?  All cat owners should be aware of cat urinary health issues to prevent their cats from becoming victims of this common feline problem.  What Cat Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms Should You Be Aware Of?Sometimes the most obvious symptom is that your cat is urinating outside the litter box.  As wonderful as cats are, they don’t have advanced powers of reasoning.  If your cat is hurting every time he uses the litter pan, he thinks that somehow the litter pan is causing his pain.  In his little kitty mind, if he urinates someplace else, it won’t hurt when he goes.  Of course, we humans know it doesn’t work that way.  But if your cat suddenly stops using his litter box, it may not be a behavior issue.  It could be one of several cat urinary tract infection symptoms.If you use clumping cat litter, be observant of the size of the clumps when you scoop or change his litter.  You should see a few large clumps.  A whole bunch of little clumps indicates that he can’t pass much urine at one time.  This is another symptom of feline urinary problems.Bloody urine is another clue to watch for.  It’s a little harder to see in cats than it is in dogs.  However, if your cat is urinating outside his box, you may be more apt to notice it.Be aware of your cat’s behavior in his litter box.  Is he crying out in pain when he tries to urinate?  Is he straining to pass urine?  Often cat owners mistake this for constipation.  Your cat should be using his litter box several times a day.  If he is urinating less and less, or stops completely, he may have a cat urinary blockage, which is a veterinary emergency.Treatments For FLUTDIn order to treat feline lower urinary tract disease, your vet will need to run several tests to find out what’s going on with your cat.  A urinalysis is necessary to determine if your cat has a bladder infection, or if he has feline bladder stones.  A cat urine culture will tell your vet which bacteria are causing the problem, and a sensitivity test indicates which antibiotic will work best.If your cat has a feline bladder infection, antibiotics are the usual course of treatment.  Bladder stones in cats are a common problem, too.  Your cat may have to eat a special diet so the stones can dissolve.  If your cat is blocked, he may need to be catheterized.  Can FLUTD Be Prevented?You can prevent your cat from becoming a statistic by taking these easy steps.  First, feed your cat a high-quality canned food.  In the wild, cats are meant to get their water from their food, which is why cats don’t seem to drink much water.  When we take our cats out of a natural situation and feed them an unnatural diet of dry food with an extremely low moisture content, we’re setting them up for urinary tract infection symptoms.  Canned cat food has a moisture level of about 75%, which is much closer to a cat’s natural diet.  If your cat has always been fed dry food, he may resist a change in his diet.  Cats are notoriously resistant to change, but with patience, time, and persistence, you can switch him over to canned food.A steady supply of clean, fresh water is a must, too.Consider giving your feline friend a natural cat uti remedy that supports bladder health.  Look for a remedy that’s made especially for cats.  You’ll want to deal only with a company with a sterling reputation for producing only the highest quality pet remedies.Don’t let your cat become a victim of FLUTD.  Start taking steps now to protect your cat from feline lower urinary tract disease.

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Cat Symptoms : Signs And Symptoms Of Feline Diabetes

October 11th, 2009

Cat Symptoms :

Cats are one of the most popular pets in North America, for good reason. They are loving pets, capable of providing you years of companionship. Like other pets, cats can sometimes get sick. There are several different types of ailments that cats can get, one of which is feline diabetes. Feline diabetes is a serious disease, although it can be treated by a veterinarian.Diabetes is more common with humans than with cats or other animals. The cause of diabetes is actually quite simple. Sugar, or glucose, is found in the blood. The level of blood sugar in the body or the animal is kept under control by hormone insulin, which the pancreas produces. When the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, diabetes is to blame.The symptoms of feline diabetes will vary. The most common symptoms include an increase in urine and an increase in thirst. Other symptoms of feline diabetes include an increase in the amount of food consumed, weight loss, and a poor coat.  The increase infood  consumption and weight loss will occur together because with diabetes, your cat’s body will begin breaking his food down into compounds too small to be used by his body. An increase in thirst is easy to detect, as you can easily notice the water dish empty throughout the day.If you don’t get your cat treated for feline diabetes immediately, the cat will eventually become inactive, vomit on a regular basis, and eventually fall into a coma. On the other hand, if you get the diabetes treated in time, the cat will more than likely lead a normal and healthy life. Keep in mind that treatment doesn’t happen overnight – it takes time and dedication.Cats that have feline diabetes will need to be given food at the same time every day. They should be prevented from going outside as well. If your cat has diabetes, you’ll need to give him insulin shots once or twice or a day. Once your veterinarian checks your cat, he will tell you how many shots and how much insulin you need to give your cat.Before you give your cat his insulin shot, you should always make sure that he has some food first. If he hasn’t eaten and you give him a shot anyway, he could end up with a hypoglycemic shock. This can also occur from too much insulin as well. A hypo can be really dangerous, and should be avoided at all costs. If your cat gets a hypoglycemic shock and you aren’t around, he may end up dying.If you have to give insulin shots to your cat due to feline diabetes, you should always keep a watchful eye on him after you have administered the shot. After your cat has been on insulin for a period of time, your vet may reduce the amount of feline insulin. Even though he may have to stay on insulin the rest of his life, he will lead an otherwise healthy life.You will also have to monitor your cat’s diet very carefully during this time. If you are giving your cat insulin shots under the guidance of your vet, then it is imperative that if you choose to place your cat on a low carbohydrate diet – TELL YOUR VET FIRST! It is very important to address the carbohydrate level in a cat’s diet but it is ‘tunnel vision’ nutrition to stop there.  We need to address the quality of the ingredients in the foods that we feed to our cats – not just the carb level. Both issues (carb level and nutrient quality) are important since we are feeding the whole cat, not just the disease of diabetes.

Commercial cat food may be the cause of your cat’s illnesses.

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Cat Symptoms : Cat Urinary Blockage: Steps to take during a Urinary Blockage Emergency

October 10th, 2009

Cat Symptoms :

Whether you want to believe it or not, cat urinary blockage is considered a veterinary emergency. Urinary blockage can become fatal if it’s not treated timely.

Symptoms of a blockage in cat include straining to urinate, blood in the urine, frequent urination with only drops of urine coming out each time, and a total cessation of urination. If you notice any of these symptoms, the first thing you need to do is take your cat to the vet.

Common Causes of Cat Urinary Blockage

Some common causes of blockages include an accumulation of bladder stones, mucous, or crystals. Male cats have long, narrow urethras so they are far more susceptible to blockages than female cats.

Sometimes it can be hard to tell the difference between a urinary infection and a blockage because the symptoms are so similar. The symptoms of a blockage in cat can be told apart by feeling your cat’s abdomen. If his abdomen is distended and there is a hard formation there (probably about the size of a peach), you will know that a blockage is what is causing the problem.

A normal bladder feels more like a partially filled water balloon while the bladder of a cat suffering from an infection but no blockage feels small or empty. If you have any doubt, take your cat to see a vet. Your vet will be able to examine your cat properly and figure out exactly what the problem is.

Even leaving a cat urinary blockage untreated for 3-6 days can be fatal, making it especially important to seek early treatment. Even a partial blockage can be serious so the same type of treatment will most likely be necessary.

Treatment Options for Urinary Blockage in Cats

The most important and essential step to alleviate symptoms of a blockage in cat is to remove the blockage itself. This may require your cat to be hospitalized for a few days.

Typically a urinary catheter will be placed in your cat’s urethral opening through the obstruction. Sometimes a solution may be injected into the bladder through the catheter in order to dissolve the obstruction.

If the obstruction is very large, emergency surgery may be necessary. The most important part of treating your cat comes after surgery. Cat urinary blockage is notorious for recurring. That’s why it’s essential to make preventive treatment a part of your cat’s regular routine.

Preventive measures should promote optimal urine flow and bladder functioning. The best way to do this is by giving your cat a homeopathic remedy. Homeopathic remedies will prevent obstructions from forming because they contain natural urinary tonics that increase the flow of urine and keep the bladder and urinary tract functioning well.

Best of all, homeopathic remedies don’t cause any side effects. They can be given to your cat on a daily basis without worry of side effects. This is because homeopathy only uses small amounts of natural ingredients. These small amounts assist your cat in healing naturally and staying healthy.

Get out there and find a good homeopathic remedy for your cat so cat urinary blockage never becomes a problem again. Not only is it scary and life threatening, but a cat urinary blockage can cost you thousands of dollars in medical bills. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by giving your cat a homeopathic remedy instead.

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Cat Symptoms : Cat Health Symptoms Of Kidney Disease

October 10th, 2009

Cat Symptoms :

Cat health symptoms of kidney problems can lead to serious health issues for a cat. Chronic kidney failure happens to older cats more than it does to younger cats. Cats develop kidney problems gradually over time and usually do not show any signs until it becomes serious. With proper check ups and blood tests veterinarians can find problems before they become more serious. Causes of Chronic Kidney Failure
Once a cat has chronic kidney failure, they will need special care and treatment. Kidney failure is irreversible and can lead to other health problems. Kidney failure is caused by many different reasons including trauma, bacterial infections, medications, toxins and cancer along with fungal infections and autoimmune disease. Kidney failure may also be due to hereditary or congenital abnormalities. Some Cat Health Symptoms of Kidney Failure
One sign the cat has a medical problem is inability to urinate. The chronic kidney failure problem may be caused by kidney stones, urethral obstruction or bladder stones. If this symptom occurs, seek immediate medical attention before the problem becomes fatal to the cat. Kidney failure shows no early signs, but as it progresses, sign start to appear.
Another symptom of kidney failure is increased thirst. Because the cat is drinking more water, the urine does not bring along all the toxins in the kidneys, which remains in the kidneys and results in kidney failure. Other cat health symptoms of kidney failure are poor appetite, depression and lack of energy.
Cat health symptoms of kidney failure are diagnosed by blood tests and urinalysis. The BUN levels of a cat with kidney failure will be higher than a cat in perfect health. The Creatinine levels will also be higher than normal, which leads to the diagnosis of kidney failure in the cat. Treating Chronic Kidney Failure
Treatment of kidney failure in cats requires kidney transplant or dialysis. By the time kidney failure is diagnosed the cat may already have so much damage to the kidney that any type of treatment would not benefit the cat and a decision to euthanize the cat before any more suffering occurs would have to be discussed.
Because every owner wants their cat to live a healthy and happy life kidney transplants have become more popular in cats and has allowed them to live a good life. If a kidney transplant does not happen, other methods of treatment may help the cat such as dialysis, which in most cases does work as it filters the kidneys and eliminates the toxins. This procedure requires weekly visits to a veterinary clinic for treatments, which requires a few hours of treatment. For more info see http://www.aboutcathealth.org/cat/Cat_Health_Issues/Ear_Issues.php on Cat Ear Issues.
If the cat has kidney failure a low protein diet helps maintain lower BUN levels, which helps with the metabolic system, but not the renal problems. Proper diets and proper fluid intake requires dedication on the owner’s part. If the cat has a kidney transplant, hospitalization and further medications will be required for a successful kidney transplant that functions properly.

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Cat Symptoms : Food Allergy In Cats: The Feline Perspective!

October 9th, 2009

Cat Symptoms :

Food allergies do attack Dogs and cats. To own a pet cat does have its rewards and you seem to have a companion when your alone at home. Are u aware that even if your companion is jus four or five months old, it could have food allergy? Majority of cats show symptoms between two to six years. The cats which are affected have concurrent inhalant or contract allergies.
Often, Pet owners get confused between food allergy and intolerance of food. The first one is a result of vomiting or diarrhea which doesn’t invite any allergic response. The latter is the true allergy where itching and skin problems are the main symptoms. The only common thing among them is that both conditions are removable when a planned diet is carefully carried out. Be sure your cat doesn’t swallow unnecessary things outside or the dirt at home. It might prove to be costly.
In cats, allergic reactions are caused by foods like beef, fish, and dairy products. The offenders are also considered common ingredients in their food. There are antigenic proteins than the rest of proteins. The proteins in food are generally similar and exposure is associated with the allergic responses.
Itchy skin is the main symptom when your cat suffers from food allergy.Exceesive scratching; hair loss and military dermatitis are other symptoms too. You wont be able distinguish incase your cat has food allergy if u base your evaluation on physical signs.
Your cat may be suffering from allergy if during the beginning of winter the cat suffers from an allergic reaction. The alternate confirmation that your pet has an allergy is when your cat’s itchy skin doesn’t respond to antihistamines or steroid treatment.
Before obtaining diagnosis for food allergy, your cats other problems must be treated and identified. It could suffer from parasite hypersensitivities, atopy, and allergies with flea bites, yeast infections, bacterial or seborrhea. If these problems are solved and your cat still shows symptoms, then probably u should be ready to carry the food trial.
The food trial should have carbohydrate and novel food which will last for 12 weeks. You can have the diet homemade or get it in the market. During the trial period do not give your cats any treats. Make sure it goes through a well balanced diet so that it won’t get sick.
If you observe any marked reduction or elimination of the symptoms, you should carry on with provocative testing, which means the original food must be given. This is important to confirm or prove the diagnosis. Incase the symptoms gets back after consuming the original food, it confirms your diagnosis.
You will have two choices after such confirmation. You can feed the cat a commercial or a homemade diet. The first option requires you to purchase food everytime which adds to cost. The second option your cat could be challenged by providing other ingredients that don’t produce allergic reactions. You must be sure about the amount of ingredients.
Whatever you do and choose, you’re doing it only for the cat’s well-being.

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Cat Symptoms : Are These Five Killers Chasing Your Cat?

October 9th, 2009

Cat Symptoms :

As a cat owner, your first responsibility is to keep your pet healthy. However, even with balanced nutrition and a good amount of love and attention, cats can still get sick. Learn about the most common ailments that affect cats so you can try to prevent them or cure them quickly with the proper medical care when you first spot the symptoms.
Fleas
Although cats and dogs can live with fleas, flea infestations should be controlled for several reasons. The most common flea, the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) may carry the Dipylidium caninum tapeworm larvae. If cats eat fleas during grooming, they may become infested with these tapeworms.
Fleas could also transmit other infectious agents to both you and your pet. If kittens are exposed to fleas, they may become anemic. Cats can also develop an allergy to flea bites, resulting in excessive scratching or possibly skin disease. Finally, humans are also susceptive to itchy flea bites, usually on the ankles.
You may suspect your cat has fleas if he seems particularly itchy, or you see bites on human members of your household. To check if your cat has fleas, groom him over a sheet of white paper. Look for a few fleas caught in the comb’s teeth or flea dirt on the paper. Flea dirt is actually excrement of undigested cat blood, and appears black and comma shaped to the naked eye. If you place it on damp cotton wool, the flea dirt dissolves into bloody streaks.
To control fleas, all mature fleas must be killed and reinfestation prevented. Many commercial products are available both to kill adult fleas and remove fleas from the environment. Ask your vet for specific recommendations. Make sure what you use kills both the adult mature fleas, as well as the eggs left behind, usually on carpet and bedding. Nothing is worse than to think you have conquered the problem, than several months later to have your family and pets attacked by blood hungry new hatchlings.
Hairballs
When cats cannot digest hair and food debris, they regurgitate hairballs. Hairballs are formed either at the back of the throat or in the small intestines. Hairballs not only sound disgusting while your cat is producing them for you, but they also make an unsightly mess on your carpets and floors. Any cat owner who has had the thrill of watching their pet suffer through the process of hacking up fur balls will be highly motivated to prevent new ones from forming.
The simplest method of hairball prevention is grooming your cat to remove excess hair. The next step involves many products already on the market to prevent hairball build-up such as oils, treats, and diets. If your cat vomits frequently and the problem isn’t resolved with regular brushings, you should consult with the veterinarian to be certain that a more serious problem is not the cause.
Overactive thyroid
Overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, is a condition where the thyroid gland becomes enlarged and produces excess amounts of thyroid hormone. The condition is often provoked by a benign tumor on one or both lobes of the thyroid gland. The good news is that thyroid tumors have only a 2-5% chance of malignancy.
Symptoms of an overactive thyroid include: increased appetite or thirst, unexplained weight loss (particularly muscle mass), nervousness or irritability, frequent vomiting, lethargy and weakness, diarrhea, or a coat that looks ungroomed. A cat with the condition may not present every symptom, but the presence of two or more should prompt a visit to the veterinarian’s office.
At the vet’s, your cat will be given a physical exam. If she notices enlarged glands, a CBC (blood panel) and a thyroid-specific test can make the diagnosis more conclusive. There are three treatments that offer a good chance for your cat’s full recovery: anti-thyroid medication, surgery, and radioiodine treatment. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you should learn more about the disease and its treatments and discuss your options with the veterinarian before making a decision.
Diabetes
Feline Diabetes can affect cats of any age, but is most common in older, obese cats—typically males. There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 is caused by insufficient insulin production while Type 2 results from a body’s inability to handle insulin effectively. Another type of diabetes, secondary diabetes, occurs as a side effect of drugs or diseases that impair the natural secretion of insulin or its effects in the body.
The symptoms of feline diabetes include vomiting, dehydration, weakness and loss of appetite, increased thirst and urination, weight loss, breathing abnormalities, and an unkempt-looking coat. If your cat has any or several of these symptoms, take him to the vet. The vet will test for blood sugar levels and sugar levels in the urine. Doing both tests rules out an increased blood sugar level due to the stress of the office visit.
If your cat is diagnosed with diabetes, it is usually treated through one or a combination of five methods: diet and weight control, insulin injections, oral medications, monitoring glucose and insulin levels, and nutrient and botanical supplements. Each method of treatments has unique benefits and drawbacks, so be sure to decide on a treatment plan with your veterinarian.
Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD)
This disease is a painful inflammation of the lower urinary tract that has the potential to be fatal. Feline lower urinary tract disease has a number of causes from decreased water intake and urine retention to viruses, bacteria, or diet. Symptoms that your cat may have FLUTD include inappropriate or difficult and frequent urination, appetite loss, listlessness, blood in the urine, or frequent licking of the genitals.
Vet treatment for FLUTD can include catheterization, fluid therapy, antibiotics, or even (rarely) surgery. At home, cat owners are often encouraged to change their pet’s diet and style of feeding (more frequent, smaller meals). It is also important for your cat to drink plenty of water.
We all want to keep our cats healthy and with us for as long as possible. Understanding and being on the lookout for these common ailments will allow the discerning cat owner to take action before a small health problem turns into something more serious. Using good observation skills to evaluate any potential change in your cat’s condition will allow you to take simple steps to keep your cat healthy, happy, and disease free. If you notice a continuing pattern of symptoms that may point to flea infestation, hairballs, an overactive thyroid, urinary tract disease, or even diabetes, timely consulation with your vet will allow you both to plan the best course of action. Your happy, healthy cat will thank you.

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Cat Symptoms : Early Detection of Feline Diabetes Can Save your Cat’s Life

October 8th, 2009

Cat Symptoms :

“What is Feline Diabetes?”

Symptoms for feline diabetes can vary considerably among cats afflicted with this disease. Because many of the symptoms of diabetes in cat are characteristic of other illnesses and diseases as well, feline diabetes is not always diagnosed in a timely manner.

Also known as feline diabetes mellitus, the most common characteristic of this disease is an imbalance in glucose, or blood sugar, levels. For both animals and human beings, the level of glucose in blood is controlled by the pancreas, which secretes and releases insulin, a hormone, into the blood as needed. Insulin helps the body convert glucose into energy.

In diabetics, both animal and human, the cells which produce insulin are damaged, so the body cannot produce enough insulin to control blood sugar levels. Sugars are present in the blood, but cannot be converted to energy. In another form of diabetes, there may be enough insulin produced, but it does not work well.”What Symptoms are Exhibited in Cat Diabetes?”>

Feline diabetes most often occurs in older cats. There are certain factors that increase the risk factor: overweight cats are more susceptible, as are male cats who have been neutered.

Some of the more common symptoms of feline diabetes include the following:

>> increase in thirst

>> frequent urination

>> weight loss

>> loss of appetite

>> dull coat

>> walking on hocks (joint of the rear leg) instead of paws

>> cataracts forming on eyes

An increase in your cat’s thirst is one of the earliest and most noticeable symptoms. Ordinarily, cats whose diet consists primarily of wet canned food may not drink a lot of water due to the high water content of their food. So you may notice that the level in your cat’s water bowl is dropping faster than usual.”How is Feline Diabetes Diagnosed?”

Because there are a number of medical conditions that can cause these symptoms – viruses can cause loss of appetite, for example – the possibility that your cat may be diabetic is not the first thought to occur. The best course of action when your cat is exhibiting several of these symptoms is to have your cat examined by your veterinarian.

Diagnosis of cat diabetes is not necessarily straightforward, since stress and other illnesses can cause temporary imbalances in your cat’s blood glucose levels. A thorough physical exam as well as an array of blood and urine tests are needed to obtain a proper diagnosis.”What is the Treatment for Cat Diabetes?”

With early detection, your cat may continue to live a normal and otherwise healthy life. Regular exams should be scheduled to ensure the continued good health of your cat, and in all likelihood, your cat will need injections of insulin twice a day. This is a simple procedure that your vet can train you how to do. Once the diabetes is under control, you may be able to reduce the amount of insulin. In the meantime, the best routine to develop is to give the injection to your cat every morning and evening right after its meal.

There are cat food formulations that have been optimized for diabetic cats, which you should speak with your vet about. If your vet recommends this as an approach to controlling your cat’s diabetes, you may need to keep your cat indoors so as to control its diet.

Feline diabetes that remains undetected or untreated will lead to your cat’s death. Typically, the cat becomes less and less active, falls into a coma, and dies. If your cat is manifesting any of the symptoms described here, it’s best to take the situation seriously and have your cat checked by your vet as quickly as possible. Doing so can save your cat’s life.

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Cat Symptoms : 3 Major Health Problems in Cats

October 8th, 2009

Cat Symptoms :

Having a cat to share your life with can be a rewarding experience. This furry family member can often be aloof, but he needs your love and care to thrive. In order to protect the health of your cat, it is important that you become familiar with common feline health problems. By knowing what to watch for in your cat, you will be able to keep him healthy and happy throughout his life.

HEARTWORM

Heartworm is one of the most common and well-known health problems that your cat may encounter. Heartworm is contracted by contact with mosquitoes and can cause very severe reactions in cats. Dogs get heartworm as well but they do not have the same reactions and symptoms as do cats. For obvious reasons, it is more common for an outdoor cat to contract heartworm. There is a possibility of a mosquito getting inside your home, so indoor cats can be at risk as well.

There are several symptoms to be aware of that are consistent with heartworm. These symptoms are coughing, lethargy, weight loss, and vomiting. Prevention is the best way to protect your cat from this deadly disease, which can come from heart worm medications.

FELINE DISTEMPER

Feline distemper is a viral disease that is very contagious. This disease is most common in younger cats and kittens. Feline distemper is passed from cat to cat through direct contact, which makes it more common for cats to contract this disease that are around other cats.

There are many symptoms of feline distemper. These symptoms are very common to many feline health problems. The symptoms that you need to watch out for are loss of appetite, fever, and depression. It is important to take your cat to the vet if you observe any of these symptoms.

When the need to board your cat arises, be sure that the facility you choose requires that all cat boarders are current on the Feline Panleukopenia vaccine.

FELINE LEUKEMIA

Feline Leukemia is one of the most fatal diseases that your cat can contract. The most important thing to do to help your cat with feline leukemia is to through prevention. There are vaccines that your cat can get at the vet to help prevent this disease. Some of the symptoms of feline leukemia are fever, vomiting, and yellow around the nose and mouth.

Keeping your cat healthy is important to you both. By being knowledgeable about the common health problems in cats and their symptoms, you will be able to protect and advocate for your furry loved ones.

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Cat Symptoms : Cat Allergy Symptoms

October 7th, 2009

Cat Symptoms :

Cat allergy symptoms afflict many people. Sufferers are in real trouble if they happen to own a cat. This might not make sense to the ordinary person but to a cat lover it does. The symptoms may developed long after they have acquired their furry companion so getting rid of the rascal my simply not be an option. So for many cat lovers and owners living with cat allergies is a real problem that they have to live with.

Allergies in general are still not completely understood by the medical community. Inroads have been made but the fact remains that not enough knowledge has been gained on allergies to completely eliminate them. Some of the best experts on allergies in the medical community are themselves allergy sufferers. This in itself has allowed them to make the observations necessary to gain a better understanding of allergy symptoms.

Cat allergy symptoms can manifest themselves in many forms. They can appear singularly or in combination. They can come and go for no apparent reason. So you may have been mistaking your symptoms for a lingering cold and or a sore throat that comes and goes. A rash that sometimes responds to topical treatment and sometimes doesn’t. Sneezing fits that you blame on dust or pollen allergies.

Some of the symptoms are clogged and ringing ears. Sneezing fits. Red and watering eyes. Burning eyes. Skin rashes. Cold-like symptoms. Sore throat. Sound familiar? If you are a cat owner and you have these symptoms on a regular basis that you may be suffering from cat allergies. You can however take steps to reduce your suffering and still keep your beloved friend.

Until recently the actual cause of the allergy symptoms was a mystery. People thought they knew but in the end no one really knew for sure what in fact was on the cat that was causing the suffering. Hair?small skin flakes? The cat box? It turns out it is the cats saliva that is the culprit. By licking its hair, which is a cats favorite past time, your cat is spreading the stuff that is the root of your suffering.

The best method of determining if you are suffering from cat allergies is to remove your cat from the house for about two weeks and vacuum and clean anything your cat is in contact with and see if the symptoms disappear or are lessened. Not doing a thorough cleaning defeats the purpose of this test. This is a common test for most allergy sufferers. Remove the suspect material and see if it goes away.

Assuming that you have made a determination that you are in fact suffering from cat allergies then the next question is what to do about it. The easiest and most complete solution short of finding your cat a new home is to make it an outside cat. This might seem like a great sacrifice to yourself but your cat may love it once it has adjusted. A cat door can be installed on a side room or garage so it can still come in from the weather.

Other solutions can be had but they are not as completely as effective as putting your cat outside. Vacuuming and cleaning your house more often helps. It’s a lot more work for yourself but the allergen can be removed. Receiving medical treatment for your allergies can be effective if you respond positively to the treatment. Limiting your cats access to your whole house particularly your bedroom is a must.

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