Cats are precious companions to their owners. Cats may be more aloof than dogs, but they are also more self sufficient, making them greats that don’t require constant care. Cats offer companionship to their owners, sometimes sitting the their owner’s laps and letting themselves be petted.
Guard your cat’s health by taking the cat the vet regularly and making sure that vaccinations are up to date. Cats can live long, healthy lives with proper care and vaccinations to guard against disease.
Heartworm
Heartworm is a problems for cats, just as it is a problem for dogs. There is research that shows that cats have the potential fro more severe reactions and sudden death. The risk for heartworm disease is higher for outdoor cats, but indoor casts are also susceptible. Mosquitoes can slip indoors and infect the indoor cat.
The most common signs of heartworm in cats is coughing, breathing problems, vomiting, lethargy and weight loss. These symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions, such as asthma, digestive problems and pneumonia. The most common signs of heartworm resembles bronchial asthma. More acute signs of feline heartworm include collapse, convulsions and sudden death.
Once diagnosed, heartworm in a cat is difficult to treat because there is no approved product for treating adult heartworms. Even with treatment, the infected cat may experience serious complications. Ask your vet about prevention.
Feline Panleukpenia
Known as Feline Distemper, this is a contagious viral disease that occurs among cats. Young cats and kittens are at higher risk, as older cats often acquire an immunity. Urban area are the most likely to experience outbreaks of feline panleukpenia during the warm summer months. Cats in kennels, pets hops and humane shelters and wherever groups of cats live. The virus is passed from cat to cat by direct contact with each other.The virus can also be spread by contact with bedding, cages, food dishes and the hand of handlers that can contain secretions from an infected cat. The virus can survive at room temperature for up to a year.
The first signs of infections include loss of appetite, depression, fever, vomiting, lethargy, dehydration and hanging over the water dish. Cats with these symptoms should be taken to the vet immediately. The vet my treat the cat by combating dehydration, and by giving antibiotics. When the cat returns home, they will need tender loving care and a warm clean bed to recuperate in. Talk to your vet about vaccinations.
Serious disease that is usually fatal. The disease affects the cats immune system. Signs of the disease include lethargy, diarrhea, fever, unusual breathing, and a yellow color around the eyes and mouth. The vet will test with a blood test.
Feline Respiratory Disease
There are three highly contagious respiratory diseases including Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Feline Calicivirus and Feline Pneumonia. Talk to your vet about a vaccination program.
Take your cat to the veterinarian about the necessary vaccinations to keep your cat safe and healthy. Regular veterinary visits are important.
Information in this article is not intended as a substitute for veterinary care.
