Lär dig se och behandla en sjukdom hos din katt kan hjälp till att säkerställa ett långt och lyckligt liv. Se mer kattbilder . Vissa människor har uppfattningen att djur bär på alla möjliga farliga sjukdomar. Vissa av dessa farhågor är välgrundade, särskilt bland vilda eller exotiska djur. Men sanningen är att det inte finns särskilt många allvarliga sjukdomar du kan få från ett husdjur - och speciellt inte från ett husdjur. Annars skulle det inte bli särskilt bra husdjur, eller hur? Det finns dock vissa sjukdomar som kan vara mycket allvarliga för din katt. I den här artikeln kommer vi att granska och tillhandahålla behandling för olika kattsjukdomar i följande avsnitt:
Innan vi går vidare finns det några myter att slå sönder. Det finns ett par kattsjukdomar som har namn som låter lite för nära för tröst till några mycket allvarliga mänskliga sjukdomar. Feline leukemivirus (FeLV) orsakar leukemi... hos katter och endast hos katter. FeLV orsakar inte leukemi hos människor, och det kan inte ens leva i människokroppen. Det finns ingen fara att en FeLV-positiv katt kommer att göra sin ägare sjuk.
Feline immunbristvirus (FIV) låter mycket som humant immunbristvirus (HIV), viruset som förknippas med AIDS. Det är ingen slump:FIV och HIV tillhör samma klass av virus, men det är där likheterna slutar. FIV infekterar inte människor och kan inte orsaka mänsklig AIDS. Vissa människor - och till och med vissa veterinärer - kallar FIV för "katte-aids" som ett snabbt sätt att beskriva vad viruset gör. Tyvärr ökar namnet bara förvirringen. AIDS är en mänsklig sjukdom, och FIV är en kattsjukdom.
Det finns också praktiskt taget ingen chans att din katts förkylning kommer att överföras till dig - eller, för den delen, att din förkylning kommer att överföras till henne. De virus som vanligtvis orsakar nysningar, hosta och rinnande näsa och ögon hos katter smittar inte människor.
Katter kan få några av samma sjukdomar som människor också får:diabetes, artrit, hjärtsjukdomar och cancer, för att nämna några. Men eftersom ingen av dessa sjukdomar är smittsam, finns det inget sätt att fånga dem från din katt.
I allmänhet anses katter vara mindre farliga än hundar (du ser inga förstasideshistorier om en elak siames som bet armen av någon stackars förlossare), och deras rykte om renlighet ger intrycket att de inte bär sjukdomar överhuvudtaget. Men i själva verket skulle de flesta veterinärer hellre möta en arg hund än en arg katt. (Katter kan bita dig och hugga dig med alla fyra fötterna.) Och det finns några saker du kan fånga från din katt. Här är några av de mänskliga kattsjukdomar du bör känna till:
Loppor. Dessa tåliga små insekter biter varmblodiga djur och använder deras blod till mat. Loppor är så små att ett enda bett knappt märks (såvida inte du eller din katt är allergisk, i så fall kliar det som en galning). Ett fullt utvecklat loppangrepp kan dock ta så mycket blod från ett djur att det blir anemiskt.
Lyckligtvis för oss föredrar loppor den varmare kroppstemperaturen hos katter och hundar framför våra 98,6 grader Fahrenheit. Men en hungrig loppa tar vilken hamn som helst i en storm, och en loppa hoppar från en smittad katt till mattor, draperier, möbler och senare på dig för ett snabbt mellanmål.
Det finns en viss oro för att sjukdomar som bärs i blodet kan passera genom loppor, men det skulle innebära att loppan som biter dig måste ha bitit en annan person med en blodburen sjukdom, vilket är möjligt men högst osannolikt. De största farorna med loppor är irritation och klåda vid betten.
Tickar. Dessa är också blodsugande insekter. Fästingar är något större än loppor, speciellt när de har fäst sig vid en värd och svullnar upp. Precis som loppor är det inte lika troligt att fästingar överger din katt för dig, men det kan hända. Dessutom, om din katt har varit någonstans där fästingar hänger, är oddsen antingen att du har varit där också, eller så har din katt tagit med dem hem. Återigen, det vanligaste problemet är irritation. Fästingar kan dock bära på två allvarliga sjukdomar:Rocky Mountain spotted fever och borrelia.
Det bästa skyddet mot båda dessa sjukdomar är ett snabbt och fullständigt avlägsnande av fästingar. Några generationer av pojkscouter fick lära sig att det bästa sättet att ta bort en fästing är att bränna den med en cigarett eller ett rykande tändstickshuvud. Tja, förutom det faktum att pojkscouter inte borde röka, är strategin att vräka ut en fästing för eld inte det bästa valet.
Det bästa sättet att ta bort en fästing är att använda en pincett för att ta tag i fästingen så nära hudlinjen som möjligt. Dra den rakt ut, bestämt men försiktigt, med långsamt, jämnt tryck. Detta bör ta bort hela fästingen - inklusive huvudet. Fästingar är väldigt tåliga, så släpp den i en liten flaska tvättsprit för att se till att den är död (och för att bevara den åt din veterinär om din katt visar några tecken på sjukdom). Sedan, när du har tagit bort fästingen, badda området med en lokal antiseptisk eller antibiotisk salva.
Maskar. Dessa små killar kan leva i din matsmältningskanal utan att du inser att de har bosatt sig. Maskar kan plockas upp genom vårdslös hantering av kattlådor och jord som katter har använt som kattlåda. Barn löper en särskild risk att få upp maskar på detta sätt.
Maskar är ofta svåra att upptäcka, eftersom de lever inuti kroppen. Tipset är vanligtvis något slags matsmältningsproblem som inte försvinner och som inte har någon annan förklaring. Det är också en bra idé att ta ett prov av ditt husdjurs avföring till veterinären för mikroskopisk undersökning av maskar och maskägg. Maskar kan behandlas snabbt och säkert så snart de har diagnostiserats.
Ringorm. Det här är egentligen ingen mask alls. Det är en svamp som tar plats på huden och orsakar kala, fjällande fläckar som vanligtvis kantas av en röd ring. Katter är ökända för att vara asymtomatiska bärare av ringorm, vilket helt enkelt betyder att de kan bära svampen in i ditt hem (och på dig) utan att någonsin visa några tecken själva. Naturligtvis visar många katter också tecknen.
Oavsett om din katt visar tecknen eller du gör det (eller båda gör det), kommer du med största sannolikhet behöva behandla hela huset, såväl som alla katter i hemmet. Ringormsporer kan överleva i skrymslen och vråren av ditt hem i månader. Behandlingar kan inkludera desinficering av ditt hem, aktuella salvor eller lotioner för de fjällande fläckarna, dopp eller bad för din katt och oral medicinering.
Rabies. Det här är en seriös affär. Rabies är en dödlig sjukdom. Vad mer är, när sjukdomen väl har fått fäste finns det inte mycket som kan göras för att stoppa den. Det bästa försvaret mot rabies är ett starkt anfall. En innekatt har nästan ingen chans att utsättas för rabies, men det säkraste alternativet är att ge din katt ett rabiesvaccin och hålla det aktuellt. Rabies överförs i bett eller repor av ett infekterat djur, så varje gång en utekatt hamnar i en skrapa med en annan katt eller trasslar sig med det lokala vilda djuret, finns det en chans att hon får det.
Rabies infekterar alla varmblodiga djur, inklusive människor. Varje bett eller repa från ett djur - även ett som du känner och som är uppdaterat med dess rabiessprutor - bör behandlas som potentiellt farligt. Det är aldrig en överreaktion att söka vård för ett kattbett eller allvarlig kattskåda.
Kattskrapsjuka (även kallad cat scratch fever). Vissa människor insisterar på att kattkrapsfeber är en myt, men det är verkligen en medicinskt bevisad sjukdom. Kattskrapor och bett kan förvandlas till allvarliga infektioner bokstavligen över en natt. Kattbett, i synnerhet, kräver noggrann uppmärksamhet. Tvätta bett eller allvarliga repor noggrant och ring din läkare för råd. Du kan behöva en stelkrampsbooster eller en antibiotikaspruta för att förhindra infektion.
Toxoplasmos. Toxoplasma gondii är en protozoisk parasit (encellig organism) som kan orsaka en neurologisk sjukdom hos människor. Denna protozo passerar i avföringen från infekterade katter, som i sin tur fångar den från infekterade djur som de har dödat och ätit. Katter är vad som kallas den primära vektorn för toxoplasmaorganismen, vilket innebär att parasitens livscykel beror på att spendera åtminstone lite tid i en katts kropp.
Katter visar vanligtvis inte mycket i vägen för symtom när de är infekterade med toxoplasmos - och en person som plockar upp det gör det vanligtvis inte heller. Det kan finnas några lindriga symtom som förmedlas som förkylning eller influensa, men det handlar oftast om det. De två stora undantagen är personer vars immunförsvar är försvagat (som någon som går på kemoterapi eller en person med AIDS) och gravida kvinnor.
Kanske har så många som 70 procent av vuxna redan smittats av toxoplasmos och är nu immuna. Även om katter är den primära vektorn för denna parasit - och det är teoretiskt möjligt att plocka upp toxoplasmos från vårdslös hantering av kattlådor eller inandning av toxoplasmasporer vid rengöring av kattlådan - får de flesta människor toxoplasmos av att gräva i smuts som är förorenad av kattavföring eller hantera eller äta rått eller dåligt tillagat kött.
Det är de grundläggande sjukdomarna som du måste oroa dig för. I nästa avsnitt kommer vi att visa dig de tidiga varningstecknen på att din katt har fått en farlig sjukdom.
"Varnat är förarbetat", lyder ett fint gammalt folkordspråk. I lite mindre blommiga termer betyder det helt enkelt att om du vet vad du kan förvänta dig -- eller vad du ska leta efter -- kommer du att vara bättre förberedd för att hantera allt som kommer i din väg.
Vi kan se om en person mår dåligt genom sitt ansiktsuttryck ... eller för att han är en av de människor som älskar att berätta om varje liten värk och smärta. Tja, en katts hud är helt täckt av päls, hon har bara ett fåtal ansiktsuttryck och hon kan inte prata, så det är upp till dig att känna till de subtila – och inte så subtila – tecknen på att något kan vara fel.
När något inte står rätt till med din katt, finns det vanligtvis tidiga varningstecken. Tyvärr kan tecknen vara så små när de först dyker upp att du lätt missar dem. Andra gånger kanske du märker något lite annorlunda med din katt, men den verkar harmlös - och till och med söt. Tänk på att de tidiga varningstecknen kan byggas upp så långsamt under så lång tid att de inte längre är tidiga varningar när du märker dem.
När du har en sjuk katt är inget värre än 20/20 efterhand -- den där hemska känslan av att inte se något komma när alla signaler var där. För att bespara dig från allt detta, här är några viktiga saker att hålla utkik efter:
Ändringar i beteende. Har din vanligtvis vänliga katt blivit mer lynnig, blyg eller känslig för att bli klappad på sistone? Eller har din vanligtvis lynniga eller skygga katt blivit märkbart mer vänlig? Vilken personlighetsförändring som helst hos en katt kan vara en signal om ett växande katthälsoproblem.
Nya beteenden eller ökad frekvens av beteenden kan också vara en tidig varning, som att en katt som aldrig druckit ur kranen plötsligt lärde sig tricket eller att en "kliande" katt kliar sig eller gnuggar sina öron oftare. På samma sätt, om din katt verkar törstigare (dricker oftare eller under längre perioder), kan hon berätta att hon har ett njurproblem, tidig diabetes eller helt enkelt att det är lite för torrt i huset.
Du förstår, det är viktigt att betona här att dessa beteendemässiga tidiga varningar är just det:varningar. De betyder inte nödvändigtvis att det finns ett allvarligt problem med din katt, att hon har något som kan utvecklas till ett allvarligt problem, eller ens att det är något fel på henne alls. Om du får ett tidigt varningstecken, håll bara ett öga på din katt för att se om varningsskylten fortsätter eller förvärras.
Ring din veterinär så snart som helst och diskutera vad du har sett. Din veterinär kan föreslå att du bokar en tid för en undersökning eller bara ställer några frågor och ger dig några andra ledtrådar att hålla utkik efter.
Kom ihåg att varje slags beteendeförändring kan vara betydande, oavsett hur liten eller oviktig den kan verka. Att vara en bra kattskådare hjälper dig inte bara fånga uppkommande hälsoproblem tidigt – när de har störst chans att bli framgångsrika behandlade – det kan ge dig en djupare uppskattning för katternas vackra och komplexa beteende.
Förändring i utseende. Verkar det vara lite mindre av din katt nu för tiden? Eller kanske lite mer? Förutsatt att hennes diet och aptit är densamma, kan en uppgång eller viktminskning vara att berätta för dig att något potentiellt mer allvarligt händer i din katts kropp. Ser hennes hår tunnare ut? Grövare? Har den tappat sin friska glans? En matt päls, överdrivet håravfall eller päls som känns torr, grov eller skör är också viktiga tecken på möjliga hälsoproblem.
Naturligtvis är förändringar i utseende naturliga med stigande ålder, inklusive en viss förlust av kroppsmassa eller något tjusigare päls. Men även dessa normala förändringar är viktiga signaler; de säger att du nu har en äldre katt vars behov kommer att förändras tillsammans med hennes kropp.
Förändringar i aptit och eliminering. Katter är ökända för att vara kräsna ätare. Men i själva verket är noggrannhet inte riktigt en normal del av kattbeteende. I allmänhet kommer katter att dra upp näsan åt mat av samma tre skäl som barn gör det:Det smakar inte bra; de håller ut för något bättre (och vet att de kommer att få det om de vägrar vad de har fått); eller så mår de inte bra.
Om din katt stadigt har ätit samma diet och plötsligt tappar entusiasmen, anta inte att hon bara har tröttnat på samma gamla mat. Om vi kan äta samma frukostflingor eller ha samma kaffe och wienerbröd varje morgon, finns det ingen anledning till att din katt inte kan nöja sig med samma meny varje dag. Att sluta äta (eller för den delen bli glupsk hungrig) är ett annat sätt som din katt låter dig veta att hon inte mår bra.
Eftersom katter använder kattlådan kanske du inte märker en förändring i elimineringsvanorna direkt. Hur obehagligt det än kan verka är det en bra idé att åtminstone vara medveten om vad du öser på eller dumpar från kattens kull. En markant ökning eller minskning av urin eller avföring, förekomst av blod eller slemhinnor, eller en särskilt stickande lukt (när lådan nyligen har rengjorts) är alla varningar om möjliga problem framöver.
Likaså skickar en katt som är utbildad kattlåda men som plötsligt tycks glömma ett meddelande till dig. Det kan vara ett beteende, stress eller miljö, men det kan också utlösas av maskar, en blåsinfektion eller andra potentiellt allvarliga problem.
Det är ofta svårt att fastställa om en förändring strikt är i beteende, utseende eller aptit och eliminering. Till exempel, att gå på golvet kan betraktas som antingen en beteendeförändring eller en indikation på en hyperaktiv sköldkörtel, och en katt som har repat av hårfläckar har en förändring i utseende som kan komma från ett beteendeförändringar. Dessutom kan förändringar ske under en period av dagar, veckor eller månader – eller så kan de bara dyka upp från ett ögonblick till ett annat.
Plötsliga eller plötsliga förändringar är lättare att märka. Långdistansförändringar ökar med tiden, vanligtvis så långsamt att vi inte fångar dem förrän de har gjort några betydande framsteg.
Låt oss gå tillbaka till diabetes som ett exempel. En katt som utvecklar diabetes kommer att dricka mer och kommer att göra mer frekventa resor till kattlådan, vilket producerar större mängder urin. Det skulle vara nästan omöjligt att märka att din katt bara gör en extra tur till vattenskålen eller kattlådan under en vecka, och det skulle fortfarande vara ganska svårt även om det ökades till en extra tur varje dag. Och till och med flera extra turer per dag kan också glida förbi din notis, särskilt eftersom katter är nattaktiva och de flesta av de extra vatten- eller kattrasterna kan komma medan du sover.
När du tänker, "Jösses, den där katten verkar tillbringa mycket tid vid vattenskålen eller kattlådan," är hon förmodligen på nivån flera-extra-resor om dagen. Du måste träna dig själv för att lägga märke till ditt husdjurs dagliga vanor så att du kan upptäcka och rapportera subtila och gradvisa förändringar till din veterinär.
Nu när du har märkt ett problem med din katt måste du nu bestämma om detta är ett problem du kan lösa hemma eller om du behöver hjälp av din veterinär. Vi kommer att ge dig några tips för att fatta detta beslut i nästa avsnitt.
Tidiga varningar gör dig naturligtvis ingen nytta om du inte gör något åt dem. You should check out any indicators of potential health problems with your vet as soon as possible, just to be sure. But there are other times when a call to the vet -- or a trip straight to the animal hospital -- is a right-this-minute priority.
Any emergency situation. The common sense definition of a veterinary emergency is when you would call the doctor for yourself if it happened to you. Emergencies where you should take a cat to the vet would therefore include:
Any symptom that persists more than 48 hours or worsens (even a relatively mild one). Let's say you notice your cat has started sneezing a lot. It could be that she just crawled into a dusty nook somewhere, or it could be the start of a feline cold. If the sneezing doesn't go away after several hours, the cold begins to look like the more likely choice. If your cat is still sneezing a lot by the second day, it's pretty clear it's not going away by itself any time soon and it's time to call the vet.Of course, if any symptom worsens suddenly or interferes with your cat's breathing, eating, drinking, walking, or elimination, don't wait 48 hours. Call the vet immediately.Now that you know the fundamentals of cat disease, we will start to get into the particulars. We will begin in the next section with discussion of cats with asthma.
Asthma is a chronic breathing problem. Both cats and people suffer from it, but it isn't contagious. An asthmatic cat (or person) has bouts of extremely difficult breathing called asthma attacks. An asthma attack is fairly easy to spot; you'll notice rapid, open-mouthed breathing accompanied by wheezing and often by forced exhalations.
Because breathing is so severely restricted during an asthma attack, the cat's gums and tongue may take on a bluish color. (Do not try to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or CPR to a cat having an asthma attack.)
Asthma often develops from another breathing problem called allergic bronchitis. This is pretty much what it sounds like:The airways in the cat's lungs get inflamed as the result of an allergic reaction to inhaled germs, dust (including dust from litter), wood smoke, and other irritants.
Usually the cat has no other major signs of illness, a normal temperature, and continues to eat well. The only telltale sign is that she just has fits of deep, moist-sounding coughing. If the allergic bronchitis goes untreated or the source of the allergy isn't removed, the lungs can be permanently damaged, resulting in emphysema and asthma. Once the damage is done, even removing the original cause or causes of the allergic bronchitis won't make asthma go away.
Recently, some studies have been done on the effects of secondhand smoke on pets. The news is about what you'd expect:Secondhand smoke isn't particularly good for your cat. Cats with asthma or other breathing problems suffer more from secondhand smoke. Remember, asthma is related to allergies, so anything that irritates the air passages of the lungs -- including cigarette smoke -- can trigger an asthma attack.
Reduce stress. Stress makes allergies and asthma worse. Right about now you're saying to yourself, "Stress? What the heck kind of stress does a cat have?" That's a fair question. They certainly don't have to worry about paying bills or where their next meal is coming from. (Those are your stresses, actually.) They don't have job pressures or deadlines to meet. Heck, they don't even have to think about what they're going to wear every day.
Cats have stress that we like to call "domestication stress" or "family stress." You see, cats weren't originally designed and built to live among humans. They've done a superb job of adapting, but no matter how independent and primal your cat seems, she's still having to deal with the human world and human civilization every single day. And that gets tough. Giving her plenty of options to do cat things such as run, climb, stalk (preferably another cat), bat things around, hide, and nap in secluded spots helps her cope.
If the stress level goes up in your life or in your household, it goes up in your cat's life, too. She can't understand why things are getting tense -- she just knows people are moving and sounding anxious. Remember, "stress" doesn't just mean negative things; positive events carry stress, too. In fact, probably the worst kind of stress for a cat is change.
A new baby, for instance, is not only a time for great joy but also for great change -- and the stresses that go with that. For you, those stresses mean less sleep (or none at all), a change in lifestyle, and an extra mouth to feed. For your cat, it means some strange new animal, who makes odd noises, smells funny, and doesn't do much, suddenly takes all the human attention away from her!
Clear the air. Secondhand smoke isn't the only thing that can make asthma worse. Even things that we think make our home more pleasant can be a no-no for a cat with bronchitis or asthma. Perfumes, room fresheners, deodorizers, and even scented litters or litter additives can trigger allergy and asthma attacks.
Likewise, the fumes from paints, cleaners, varnishes, and new carpeting are actually chemical irritants that create problems for the asthmatic cat. Use natural objects, such as flowers, eucalyptus sprigs, and fresh floral potpourri, to provide a fresh scent to a room instead of sprays or solids that contain chemicals. Use strong-smelling paints, stains, cleaners, and solvents in well-ventilated rooms, and keep the cat out until the smell goes away. And put out those smokes.
It's a good idea to use plain, natural, unscented litter and to stay away from deodorizers you add to the litter. Also the dust from the litter itself irritates the lungs and can cause attacks in asthmatic cats. Some natural litters -- like the ones made of recycled paper -- have virtually no dust at all. To cut down on dust from clay litters, pour them slowly, keeping the opening of the bag just a few inches from the litter box.
Wetter is better. Dry air dries out the lining of your cat's air passages, encouraging coughing and making your cat more vulnerable to infection and allergic reactions. Be sure to have a good humidifier going, especially in winter, during heating season, and in arid areas of the country. There's an added bonus to this remedy:You will also be less likely to have as many coughs, stuffy noses, and colds in the air if your home is kept properly moist.
Moderation in all things. A sedentary cat is more prone to health problems, but a cat who already has asthma can have a severe attack if she exerts herself too much. On the other hand, if she barely exerts at all, her breathing will be more labored because her heart and lungs aren't fit. Plus, she'll probably gain weight, and the heavier the cat, the more trouble she'll have with her asthma.
Stick to the right amount of a high-quality, healthy diet; cut out the snacks and treats; and make sure your cat stays active. Get her a feline playmate and a good supply of toys. Be certain to play with her yourself, but keep the play sessions short and low-impact.
Any full-blown asthma attack is a medical emergency, which means your cat needs immediate veterinary medical care. Likewise, if your cat gasps for air, collapses, or turns blue in the gums and tongue, don't wait to take her to the animal hospital. Milder signs (such as noisy breath, occasional and intermittent wheezing or moist coughs, or slightly labored breathing after exertion) aren't emergencies, but you should get your cat to the vet as soon as possible. They could be caused by something other than allergies. And if it is bronchitis or the start of asthma, your vet may be able to give your cat medication that can prevent the danger and fright of a full-blown attack.
DANGER LEVEL: Dangerous; a severe asthma attack can be fatal.
In the next section, we will examine how to treat your cat if she has urinary tract disease.
A cat's bladder can become inflamed because of infection or irritation. Cystitis most often happens as part of a collection of bladder and urinary problems commonly called feline urological syndrome (FUS) or feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD).
Attacks of cystitis or FUS (which includes cystitis, along with inflammation of the urinary tract and the formation of stones or sand in the bladder) are announced by bloody urine, frequent urination of small amounts, litter box accidents, spraying, excessive licking of the urinary opening, straining in the litter box, and possibly tenderness of the lower abdomen.
The pH of a cat's urine -- how acidic or alkaline it is -- has a lot to do with cystitis and FUS. If the cat's urine is alkaline, it's much easier for urinary crystals to form. These crystals in turn form gritty "sand" or small stones that irritate the lining of the bladder and can plug up the urinary opening in male cats, which is an extremely serious problem.
Serious complications of cystitis and FUS show up most often in adult male cats. The first flare-up usually occurs when the cat is fairly young, and repeat bouts can pop up for the rest of his life. That having been said, don't think that just because you have an older or female cat that you're in the clear:Urinary tract problems can strike any cat.
Food for thought. Most experts agree that many factors, including diet, contribute to a cat's susceptibility to developing FUS. Plant-based cat foods tend to make a cat's urine more alkaline (higher pH), which encourages the formation of crystals and stones and is a more hospitable environment for bacteria. Some commercial dry cat foods seem to have the same effect on urinary pH. As a result, cats who develop cystitis or FUS should only eat dry foods recommended by a veterinarian or stick to prescription dry food specially formulated for cats with bladder problems.
Your vet may also suggest a urinary acidifier to add to your cat's diet, making sure the pH of his urine stays low enough to prevent bladder stones, or may recommend a special diet formulated to dissolve crystals or stones in the bladder.
Magnesium is an important trace nutrient that every cat needs. Unfortunately, some commercial cat foods provide it in a form that also encourages crystals to form in the cat's urine, which can lead to bladder stones and, which, in turn, can cause a urinary obstruction. A quality commercial canned food is usually relatively low in magnesium, easy to digest, produces more acidic urine, and provides more fluid intake.
Water, water everywhere. The body is an amazing thing:If it doesn't have enough of something it needs, it finds a way to get it. If a cat isn't drinking enough, his body will find a way to conserve and reclaim water. One way is by reabsorbing water from the urine, making it more concentrated. The urinary tract lining in cats that have already had a bout of cystitis or FUS is particularly sensitive, and concentrated urine can trigger additional attacks.
Make sure your cat has constant access to plenty of clean, fresh water. Watch for your cat's drinking preferences -- some favor a water faucet or even the toilet over a water bowl on the floor. It might seem odd or even a little bit disgusting, but it's probably a good idea to cater to his water-drinking whims, especially if the option is a flare-up of bladder disease.
Cats also get water from their food. The higher the moisture content in his diet, the more water he's getting -- even without drinking. A cat who eats canned food gets a lot of water with the meal and more as a result of breaking down the higher fat, higher energy ingredients that are in most wet foods.
Less stress. The "body-mind connection" works for cats just as well as it does for people. Country folks know that a healthy attitude toward life makes for a healthy body. Unfortunately, you can't explain that to your cat. Instead, it's up to you to minimize his stress and maximize his health.
Try to anticipate problems. Do you know a major change is coming up in your household? Whether it's a new baby, someone going off to college for the first time, a family vacation, or remodeling the kitchen, if you know it's coming it's best to either ease the cat into it slowly or expect an attack of urinary problems and take the necessary precautions.
You should have realistic expectations for your cat. Sure, cats are clever and agile and maybe even a little sneaky, but they're still cats. It's entirely possible that your cat understands everything you say and is just playing dumb or being obstinate.
However, it's equally possible that he's only learned how to get along in human society just well enough to find himself a comfortable situation and doesn't have a clue why you're so bent out of shape that he's been urinating in your beautiful potted plants instead of the convenient litter box you bought him.
Also, if a cat doesn't understand why he's being reprimanded, he stresses out. A stressed cat will announce his unhappiness with a change in behavior, often by elimination. And, to a cat, leaving it where you're sure to notice it -- where your personal smell is strongest -- is a great way to guarantee you'll get the message.
Finally, to lessen your cat's stress, try to stay cool yourself. Have you ever tried to enjoy a favorite activity and then had someone who was really, really intense about it right next to you? To cats, life in your home is basically one long stay at a resort hotel:The weather is always fine, everything is already paid for, you don't have to work, and you can eat, sleep, and play whenever you like.
If the humans in this little paradise are under stress, though, the vacation is suddenly over. Some of this may be cats' fabled sensitivity to people's emotions, but some of it certainly is a reaction to the changes in the way we humans move and speak when we're agitated.
Check the box. A clean litter box filled with the appropriate kind of litter must be available to the cat at all times. Using the litter box is not an instinctive behavior in cats; the instinct part is the action of digging in loose materials to bury their urine and feces (especially if there is a habit of using that spot or the very faint residual smell of elimination there). If something turns them off to the box (like it's too dirty, too perfumey, or too much trouble to get to), they'll either hold it too long (increasing bladder irritation and the risk of infection) or find another "toilet." Check your cat's litter box regularly, making sure it is clean and free of irritants.
Cats with urinary tract problems will often deliberately urinate outside of the litter box, even if they've been 100 percent accurate all their lives. If your cat suddenly starts having "accidents," spraying urine, or squatting and straining outside of the box, don't punish him. He's probably telling you he's got a problem. Call the vet as soon as you notice one of these signals and schedule an appointment for an exam. If it's a physical problem, the sooner your catch it, the easier it will be to treat. If it's a purely behavioral thing, you can start correcting it before it becomes an ingrained habit.
If your cat is straining in the litter box (or elsewhere) and not producing any urine, produces small amounts of bloody urine, or cries during urination, call the vet immediately. These are the signs of a urinary blockage, an extremely serious -- and potentially fatal -- problem.
DANGER LEVEL: Most bladder problems by themselves are not dangerous; they're mostly inconvenient and a nuisance for the owner. However, urinary blockage is extremely dangerous and should be treated as a life-threatening situation.
Next we will deal with a disease that is just as serious for cats as it is for humans -- diabetes.
The pancreas is a long gland that lies directly beneath the stomach. A cluster of specialized cells in the pancreas produce insulin, which regulates the body's uptake and breakdown of sugar. Diabetes mellitus (usually just called diabetes or sugar diabetes) is the result of a shortage of insulin. Diabetics have intense thirst, produce large amounts of urine, and have abnormally high levels of sugar in their blood and urine. Other signs of diabetes are increased appetite and slow healing.
Left untreated, the diabetic cat will lose weight (despite eating more) and become lethargic. Later signs of untreated diabetes include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, weakness, and finally collapse and death.
Your vet's diagnosis of diabetes is based on the cat's clinical signs, physical exam findings, and laboratory test results, primarily a persistent presence of abnormally high levels of sugar in the blood and urine.
Diabetes is a disease of older cats, rarely occurring before the age of seven years. It can be managed through diet and, when necessary, supplementary insulin. With treatment, diabetic cats can live ordinary lives, and a few may return to normal function for reasons that are not well understood.
Watch that weight. Obese cats are more likely to develop diabetes. In fact, cats who weigh in at 15 pounds or more have double the risk of diabetes than the under-15-pound crowd. Keeping your cat's weight under control is a simple formula:Feed only the recommended amounts, limit (or eliminate) snacks and treats, and make sure Tabby stays active.
You are what you eat. A high-fiber diet helps control diabetes by regulating the rate at which nutrients are taken into body cells. This, in turn, keeps blood sugar levels more consistent. Feeding several small meals during the day has a similar effect on blood sugar. A couple of large meals spread several hours apart cause a post-meal blood sugar surge, followed by a below-normal level by the time the next meal comes around. A normal cat's body smooths out these peaks and valleys, but it's a problem for diabetics. Many diabetic cats can have their blood sugar levels returned to normal through diet and weight loss alone.
Be prepared. One of the most important aspects of managing the health of a diabetic cat is consistency. Food and medication must come at regular times, so be sure you always have an adequate supply of both and never skip or substitute.
Occasionally, a diabetic cat on insulin will have her blood sugar level suddenly swing dangerously to the low side -- a condition known as hypoglycemia. Signs of hypoglycemia include shaking, disorientation, salivating, staggering and falling, and seizures. Keep an emergency sugar source on hand at all times (honey or Karo syrup are the usual recommendations). At the first sign of hypoglycemia, rub some on the cat's gums -- and call the vet immediately.
If your cat shows signs of diabetes, schedule a veterinary exam as soon as possible. The longer a diabetic cat goes untreated, the more serious her condition gets. The earlier you can catch and control her diabetes, the more likely she is to have a normal life.
A cat who's already being treated for diabetes needs to go to the vet immediately if she shows signs of hypoglycemia or any kind of reaction to her medication.
DANGER LEVEL: Untreated diabetes and hypoglycemia are extremely dangerous; however, both can be treated and controlled.
While diabetes is a serious problem for cats, we will discuss an even more dire condition in our next section -- FIV, or what is commonly referred to as "feline AIDS."
FIV, FIP, and FeLV are three extremely serious, incurable, and usually fatal cat diseases caused by viruses. Each is caused by a different kind of virus. However, they are all contagious only between cats, and have the interesting quirk that not all cats exposed to them will get sick.
Unlike the viruses that cause upper respiratory diseases or distemper in cats and can be carried in the air, these three require the physical presence of an infected cat in the same place (although not necessarily at the same time) as the cat who catches it. FIP and FeLV are spread most often by prolonged close contact with an infected cat.
Close contact can include mutual grooming or sharing food, water, elimination areas, or sleeping quarters. This means a cat who goes outdoors and urinates or defecates where a cat carrying FIP or FeLV goes can catch the virus without ever having had physical contact with the carrier. FIP and FeLV can also be spread to kittens by a mother with the virus.
The main route of infection for FIV appears to be a bite from an infected cat. Cats who go outdoors -- particularly if they fight -- are therefore at risk. The most common profile of an FIV-positive cat is an unneutered male who goes outdoors and has sustained bites and scratches from other cats.
Cats who appear otherwise healthy may be carrying these viruses. Reliable blood tests exist for FeLV and FIV. There is a test for FIP; however, a positive FIP test alone -- without other symptoms or risk factors -- is not absolute proof the cat has the virus.
FIV is sometimes also called feline AIDS (or FAIDS). FIV does have a few general similarities to HIV, the virus associated with AIDS:It belongs to the same class of viruses, can stay in the body for years without causing illness, and when it becomes active, slowly breaks down the disease-fighting immune system. However, AIDS is a human disease, and FIV cannot infect humans.
Take the test. Since a cat can appear healthy and still carry one of these viruses, a new arrival -- even your first cat -- should be tested for FeLV. Kittens probably don't need FIV tests unless they were strays, but it's probably a good idea to test adult cats from any source. Your veterinarian may recommend a retest in a few months. This isn't a scam; if your cat was very recently infected, it may not show up on the first test.
Stop the spread. There's only one surefire way to prevent your cat from contracting FeLV, FIP, or FIV:Keep her away from the sources of the viruses. In other words, keep her away from other cats and the places they frequent. This usually means keeping cats indoors at all times. It definitely means testing any new cat added to your household for FeLV and FIV before she's allowed to meet the resident cat or have run of any of the same areas. Preventative vaccines are available for FeLV and FIP. Schedule an appointment with your vet to talk about the advisability of vaccinating your cats for these diseases.
Be positive about positives. If your cat tests positive for FeLV or FIV and a retest confirms it, don't give up hope. With good care, FeLV- and FIV-positive cats can live for years, even after signs of disease appear. New treatments are coming all the time, and there may be a breakthrough that will help your cat long before she gets seriously ill.
Be responsible about the news. Keep your cat away from uninfected cats, and don't add any FeLV- or FIV-negative cats to your household. It may be tempting to start taking in other FeLV- and FIV-positive cats who are facing euthanasia, but think it over carefully. Eventually, the disease will catch up with them, and they'll demand a lot of time and resources. It may be best to focus on the special status of your own cat and give her the best possible quality of life.
Treat the symptoms. Most of what you can do for cats who are sick with FeLV, FIP, or FIV is just make them feel better. This might be as simple as indulging them with their favorite foods when their appetites are poor or coaxing them to eat with petting and hand-feeding. However, each virus has its signature complications that may also need attention, usually from the vet and with follow-up or nursing care at home. FeLV causes lymphosarcoma, a kind of cancerous tumor that may need to be removed.
The "wet" (effusive) form of FIP causes fluid to build up in the chest, making breathing difficult, or in the abdomen, giving the cat a bloated appearance. This buildup is a problem your vet can sometimes relieve by suctioning out the fluid with a needle and syringe. Since FIV attacks the immune system, you'll have to stay on top of secondary infections with prevention and medication.
These three viral diseases are a strong case for annual veterinary checkups. The early signs of any of the diseases are often too subtle for the average cat owner to notice, but a veterinarian knows what to look for. In between checkups, notify your vet of any sudden abdominal bloating or swelling, low-grade signs of illness that never quite go away (sneezing or diarrhea, for example), any lumps on your cat's body, or bites or scratches from cats not known to be FeLV- and FIV-negative.
Cats who have been diagnosed with FeLV, FIP, or FIV should see the vet regularly.
DANGER LEVEL: All three of these diseases (FeLV, FIP, and FIV) are extremely dangerous. Although surprisingly few cats exposed to these viruses will get sick from them, once the illness begins it is almost always fatal.
Kidney disease in cats is not nearly as fatal as FIV, but it can still be quite serious. Learn more in the next section.
The kidneys' major job is filtering out wastes. Age, injury, or disease can damage and destroy the function of kidney tissue. The body can adjust to minor kidney damage or the early stages of kidney failure, so there may be no noticeable signs at first.
As damage or failure worsens, a cat produces more urine and drinks more to compensate. In the later stages of failure, the kidneys can't keep up the pace, and wastes back up in the body, poisoning the cat and causing vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, and often telltale "ammonia breath."
Unfortunately, once kidney failure reaches this point, it's usually irreversible. The best way to detect a kidney problem is by a blood test. Mature cats and cats that show any signs of early kidney disease should be screened for kidney function.
Kidney failure is sneaky. Many times, the symptoms are masked or completely invisible until the damage is critical. The typical cat in kidney failure has already lost about 70 percent of her kidney function by the time she's diagnosed.
Veterinarians sometimes talk about what is called "end-stage" kidney disease when things start getting that bad. This diagnosis is just what it sounds like. Treatment for end-stage kidney disease can prolong the cat's life and make her feel better, but the end is inevitable.
This doesn't mean that every cat showing signs of kidney trouble is doomed. Sometimes, an infection can set in and the kidneys will shut down. Quick treatment can stop the infection and get the cat back on her feet with very little long-term damage.
Watch for the signs. Do you notice your cat drinking more? Has she suddenly quit eating? Is she listless or depressed? Does she seem to be urinating a lot more or barely at all? Does she seem sore over the lower part of her back or sit in a hunched-up "pain crouch"? All of these -- along with vomiting and diarrhea -- are signs of a possible kidney problem or infection.
Get to the vet. Home care for cats with kidney problems is only follow-up care. You need a vet to diagnose the problem, start treatment, and possibly even hospitalize your cat until she's stable.
Do the right thing. You'll probably be given a very strict diet for your cat and possibly some medications. Follow your vet's instructions as if your cat's life depends on it -- because it does.
You should call the vet immediately if any of the warning signs of kidney failure show up in your cat. Other problems have similar symptoms, and only a thorough exam and blood test can determine for sure that it's a kidney problem. The sooner you can catch it, the better the odds will be.
DANGER LEVEL: Kidney failure is extremely dangerous.
Another urinary tract problem that can significantly affect your cat's health is liver disease. We'll learn about the warning signs and symptoms in the next section.
The liver plays an important role in metabolism and taking toxins and other unneeded compounds out of the blood. Liver damage or disease can be the result of a birth defect, infections, poisoning, or other conditions such as heart disease.
Because liver problems are often part of other illnesses, they usually don't have unique symptoms of their own. The notable exception is jaundice, which is a yellowish cast to the white of the cat's eye and possibly even her skin and under her tongue. Usually, abnormal liver function is only discovered or verified through blood tests.
Keep a sharp eye out. Liver problems due to infection and poisoning can often be stopped and much of the damage reversed if caught early enough. Watch for symptoms, and don't wait too long to call the vet if your cat is sick (especially if she's not getting better). Never assume any illness will get better by itself.
Since the clinical signs of a cat with liver problems are the same as several other illnesses it can be difficult to determine what's wrong with your cat. These signs include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, weight loss, dehydration, seizures, and increased urination (thus increased water consumption). Once you notice these symptoms, check for any signs of jaundice to determine if the problem is liver-related.
Follow directions. Once a cat has been diagnosed with liver disease, her recovery depends on you. Carefully follow all diet and medication instructions your vet gives you. Resist the temptation to cheat in order to make your cat "feel better"; in the long run, you may be shortening her life.
Jaundice is a sure sign that something is not normal in the liver, so call the vet immediately.
DANGER LEVEL: Liver disease is usually fatal if not treated, and some forms are fatal no matter what. Therefore, liver disease is extremely dangerous.
Your cat does not brush her teeth every night before bed, and, as a result, tooth and gum disease can be a problem. We'll cover how to care for your cat's choppers in the next section.
Just like people, cats have a set of baby (deciduous) teeth when young, which are replaced by permanent teeth. Similarly, keeping the teeth and gums healthy requires regular preventative care. Food and saliva form plaque, which can mineralize into hard deposits of tartar.
Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and loss of permanent teeth can result. Actual cavities are relatively rare, but pitting and other tooth damage can result from neglecting oral hygiene. Mouth pain and tooth loss may reduce a cat's interest or ability to eat, causing weight loss and making the cat more prone to illness.
Brush regularly. You don't need to have an actual toothbrush and paste, but giving your cat's teeth a good going-over a few times a week is the best way to fight plaque. There are pet toothbrushes available, but you can also just use a piece of gauze or rough cloth that is moistened and wrapped around your index finger. Rub the cloth vigorously over the outside surfaces of the teeth (you don't usually need to get the inner or biting surfaces). This will help keep your cat's teeth clean and gums healthy.
Give Tabby the crunchies. Hard, dry cat food is the best bet to prevent plaque and tartar. There are now some chew-toy products on the market made especially for cats, which can also help.
Look out for tartar. Plaque is a mushy whitish material that you can easily scrape off the teeth with your fingernail. Tartar, on the other hand, is greyish, white, or brown and does not come off with brushing. Tartar buildup needs to be removed by your vet.
Gums the word. Giving your cat a weekly gum massage helps keep gums healthy and prevents tooth loss. Using a cotton swab, rub the area where the teeth and gums meet. If the gums are red or there's any bleeding, it could be gingivitis, and your cat may need veterinary treatment.
Broken teeth and abscesses. A cracked canine tooth isn't rare in cats, especially outdoor cats and former strays. Broken teeth are usually only a problem if the pulp (the capsule of blood vessels and nerves in the middle of the tooth) is exposed. This can be quite painful, and the tooth may die.
In either case, there's a risk of infection in the tooth root -- an abscess. Abscesses can also form from bad oral hygiene. Symptoms include swelling around the mouth that may come and go and tenderness. Broken teeth that have exposed pulp, die, or abscess need to be removed by your veterinarian.
Make an appointment with your vet if your cat has tartar buildup, shows signs of gingivitis (red or bleeding gums), has a broken tooth with exposed pulp or that has died (it will usually become discolored), has any swelling or tenderness around the mouth, or has any loose permanent teeth. Adult cats often lose teeth as they get older -- especially the small front incisors -- and veterinary care usually isn't necessary for this.
DANGER LEVEL: Tooth and gum problems can cause discomfort, make the cat touchy, and give her bad breath -- annoying but not particularly dangerous. However, as the problems worsen, the cat can stop eating altogether and infections can set in. These infections could be considered dangerous if not treated.
Moving down from the mouth a little bit, we will discuss upper respiratory diseases in our last section.
Coughing, sneezing, runny eyes and nose, and possibly a fever are all the familiar symptoms of a cold. Unlike in humans, however, most feline "colds" have known (and preventable) causes, usually one of three kinds of viruses. Safe and reliable vaccines are available to prevent them all.
Even vaccinated cats may have upper respiratory infections, though, and most will resolve within a few days to two weeks. Severe infections or those in cats with weakened immune systems may last several weeks. Although antibiotics won't kill the viruses, they are often prescribed to treat or prevent secondary infections that take hold when the virus damages tissue in the nose, eyes, sinuses, mouth, and possibly even the lungs of an affected cat.
Early signs of upper respiratory disease include sneezing, watery eyes, and a clear discharge from the nose. The cat usually runs a fever and may salivate. As the infection advances, the lining of the eyes may get inflamed (conjunctivitis), giving the eyes a "meaty" appearance; the nasal discharge contains pus; the tearing from the eyes turns white; and ulcers may appear in the mouth or on the tongue.
Advanced symptoms -- most commonly seen if the disease is left untreated -- include the eyelid being glued shut by pus and discharge with ulceration and destruction of the eyeball, loss of appetite due to obstruction of the nose by mucous and pus, and pneumonia. Viral pneumonia can be fatal and about one in five cats that develop it will die.
Be sure she has her shots. Current vaccinations are the best protection against upper respiratory viruses. Even indoor cats who never have contact with another cat need their shots since the viruses are carried through the air.
Don't wait for it to go away. Even though many upper respiratory infections clear up on their own, don't assume this one will. Notify your vet. The virus can attack the eyeball, causing permanent damage or blindness. Also, a cat with an untreated cold will stop eating or may develop a fatal case of pneumonia.
Don't spread it around. Upper respiratory viruses are highly contagious. A cat with an active case must be kept away from other cats. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and hot water after petting, medicating, or otherwise working with the sick cat.
If you call the vet when you see the early symptoms of a cold, the odds are you can prevent the worst-case scenario. Veterinarians can recommend a vaccine that can prevent feline "colds." This vaccination may not always work, but it can improve your cat's chances for a healthy recovery. At any rate, once any of the later symptoms appear (pus in the discharge from nose or eyes, ulcers in the mouth or on the tongue, loss of appetite), get the cat to the vet immediately.
DANGER LEVEL: Upper respiratory infections are fairly common and mild ones are only moderately dangerous. However, if left untreated or found in very young or elderly cats or cats with weakened immune systems, complications from what started out as a simple cold can be fatal.
Cats are just as susceptible to diseases as their owners. Just as there are steps you take in your life to prevent disease, there are steps you can take to keep your cat healthy. But, as with any serious disease, you should immediately see a medical professional if you suspect a serious problem.
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