Owner's Guide to Jaundice in Cats

Jaundice in cats occurs when their bodies have too much Jilirubin.**Causes,Symptoms,Diagnosis,Treatment ,....

Owner's Guide to Jaundice in Cats

Jaundice in cats occurs when their bodies have too much bilirubin. Bilirubin is a substance produced after red blood cells have been processed. It's important to distinguish that jaundice is not a disease. It is a sign that your cat is affected with one of many different diseases.

Causes

This condition can occur for many reasons. One of the most common causes is destruction of red blood cells within your cat's body. The cells can be destroyed within the liver, spleen, or blood vessels. Diseases of the liver may also bring about this condition. Another one of the common causes is an obstruction of the bile duct. This can occur anywhere in the bile duct or inside the gall bladder. Certain medications can also cause jaundice.

Symptoms

The most common sign of jaundice in cats is a yellowish color to the skin, gums, or whites of the eyes. Other symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, breathing difficulty, and lethargy. It is also common for cats with jaundice to lose their appetite which usually results in weight loss.

Diagnosis

It is relatively easy for your veterinarian to determine if your cat has this jaundice. However, as mentioned earlier, many different diseases can cause this condition. Therefore, the vet will need to determine the underlying cause.

Treatment

Since jaundice in cats is not a disease, the underlying problem needs to be treated before it will go away. If the underlying disease can be determined, it will need to be treated. However, some diseases that cause jaundice such as certain cancers are very severe and incurable. These diseases are usually fatal.

Besides jaundice, there are many other illnesses that can affect your cat such as feline hyperthyroidism. Luckily, cat-illnesses.com provides all of the information you need to learn about these illnesses. So, stop by today to read up on common conditions like cat ringworm.

By D Swain
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

An Owner's Guide to Colitis in Cats

Colitis in cats is characterized by the inflammation of the large intestine...Causes,Symptoms,Diagnosis,Treatment.....

An Owner's Guide to Colitis in Cats

Colitis in cats is characterized by the inflammation of the large intestine. The condition can occur suddenly or be chronic and progress over a few weeks. If not diagnosed and treated in time, it may be life-threatening to your cat. So, what are some of the causes?

Causes

There are many different causes of feline colitis. Some of the most common include certain viruses, fungi, and bacteria. Also, internal parasites such as protozoa and worms can bring about the condition. Your cat may also develop this condition as the result of dietary allergies or indiscretions. Other common causes are stress, cancer, and pancreatitis.

Symptoms

Colitis in cats can range from mild to severe. The most prominent sign of a mild case is diarrhea containing excessive mucus, water, or blood. Cats with a more severe case start having more frequent bowel movements and may also have to strain to pass stool. Cats with this condition also commonly experience vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, weight loss, and loss of appetite.

Diagnosis

After reviewing your cat's medical history and performing a physical exam, your veterinarian will have to perform a range of diagnostic tests. A stool sample will need to be examined to check for the presence of internal parasites, viruses, or bacteria. A biopsy and colonoscopy are also useful tests. To rule out secondary diseases, tests to check for other illnesses will also likely be conducted.

Treatment

In order to deal with colitis in cats, the underlying cause needs to be determined and treated. Deworming medications and antibiotics will get rid of parasites and bacteria that may be the cause of the condition. Your cat will likely be placed on a special low fat, high fiber diet to make it easier for his body to digest the food. Since vomiting and diarrhea and common problems, it may be necessary to provide fluids to prevent dehydration.

Now that you know everything about colitis, it's time you learned about some of the other illnesses that can affect your pet like cat hypothyroidism. Cat-illnesses.com provides all of the information you need to learn about a wide range of diseases. So, stop by today to learn about some of them such as cat lymphoma.

By D Swain
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Owner's Guide to Cryptorchidism in Cats

Cryptorchidism should be taken care of while your cat is still young. Now that you know everything about this disease, you should take it a step further and learn about other illnesses that can affect your cat such as feline asthma. Luckily,....

Owner's Guide to Cryptorchidism in Cats

Cryptorchidism in cats is a condition in which one or both of the testicles fail to descend properly into the scrotum. Cats with only one descended testicle can still produce offspring, but those with two undescended will be sterile. You may be wondering what causes this condition.

Causes

Cryptorchidism is present at birth. This means that the trait can be passed down through family lines. That's why it's a good idea to ensure that cats with the condition never produce offspring, or their descendants may be affected also. All breeds can be affected. However, certain breeds such as Persian, cocker spaniels, and chihuahuas are usually more affected than other breeds.

Diagnosis

The veterinarian will have to palpate the scrotum in order to detect the absence of one or both of the testicles. However, if you don't know your cat's entire medical history, it could be difficult to diagnose cryptorchidism in cats easily. Instead of having two undescended testicles, your cat may have just been castrated already.

In these cases, the veterinarian will have two options. He can perform an abdominal ultrasound to look for one or both testicles. He can also measure the level of testosterone in the blood.

Treatment

With cryptorchidism in cats, the undescended testicle is non-functional and not developed properly. However, cats with an undescended testicle are much more likely to develop a certain type of cancer later in their lives. Therefore, it's best to have the testicle removed. Also, you know that one properly descended testicle allows the cat to produce offspring. It too should be removed because any descendants will carry this trait in all likelihood.

Cryptorchidism should be taken care of while your cat is still young. Now that you know everything about this disease, you should take it a step further and learn about other illnesses that can affect your cat such as feline asthma. Luckily, cat-illnesses.com provides all of the information you need to learn about these illnesses. So, stop by today to read up on common conditions like cat distemper

By D Swain
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Your Guide to Spotting, Treating & Preventing Feline Urinary Tract Infections

Treating & Preventing Feline Urinary Tract Infections,When a cat has been diagnosed with a urinary tract infection, this means there is a proliferation of bacteria in the urinary tract....

Your Guide to Spotting,
Treating & Preventing Feline Urinary Tract Infections

Preventing feline urinary tract infections is important because recurring infections can seriously compromise your cat's health. In this article, you'll learn what causes a urinary tract infection (UTI), how to spot them, what to do and how to prevent them from happening in the future.

When a cat has been diagnosed with a urinary tract infection, this means there is a proliferation of bacteria in the urinary tract. Since the urinary tract should not have any bacteria at all, this situation is a symptom of other health issues, such as cancer of the urinary tract, trauma, kidney problems, bladder stones or a blockage of the urethra. Since some of these problems can be life-threatening, it is imperative that you take your cat to the vet for a urine test to help determine the cause. Depending upon the cause, your vet may recommend antibiotics, natural remedies or other treatments.

Before you can even think about preventing feline urinary tract infections, you'll need to know the signs to watch out for: excessive licking of the genitals, straining during urination, urinating in places other than the litter box, unquenchable thirst, and blood in the urine. In fact, it pays to know your cat's habits with regard to drinking and urination, so you will notice immediately when your cat's behavior has changed.

How to Prevent Cat Urinary Tract Problems

Once your cat has been diagnosed with a UTI you will need to learn all about preventing feline urinary tract infections, so your kitty can stay strong and healthy.
Here are some of the things that you should do:

* Encourage your cat to drink a lot of water. Water keeps your kitty hydrated and helps to flush toxins from the bladder. If your cat refuses to drink more water, feeding kitty wet food can help because it has a higher water content than dry food.

* Feed your cat high quality cat food. Although this food may be more expensive than what you've fed kitty in the past, it will provide better nutrition and prevent more trips to the vet. The healthier your cat is, the stronger kitty's immune system.

* Give your cat a daily remedy designed to specifically for preventing feline urinary tract infections. These natural remedies can also be used in place of antibiotics to get rid of infection, soothe the bladder tissues and restore overall health without side effects. Once kitty is healthy, they can be used for prevention because they work daily to support a healthy bladder. Think of kitty's supplement in the same way you do when taking a daily multi-vitamin and mineral for your health.

So there you have it. Make sure to pay attention to your cat's behavior, so you'll know when something is wrong. Take your cat to the vet immediately if you notice any of the symptoms listed above. Beyond that, take good care of kitty by preventing feline urinary tract infections with high quality cat food, lots of water and a daily supplement to support bladder health.

Laura Ramirez is a passionate researcher of natural remedies which heal disorders and keep pets vibrant and healthy. Find out more about safe, effective ways to maintain your pet's urinary tract health at http://www.pet-ut-health.com.

By Laura Ramirez
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Owner's Guide to Heart Disease in Cats

Heart disease in cats is a relatively common condition. It can be very difficult to detect in early stages since most common exhibit no symptoms.....

Owner's Guide to Heart Disease in Cats

Heart disease in cats is a relatively common condition. It can be very difficult to detect in early stages since most common exhibit no symptoms. Felines of any age or breed are at risk for developing heart problems. So, what are some of the most common types?

Types

There are three main types of feline heart disease. They include restrictive, dilative, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Dilative cardiomyopathy is a condition in which the muscular walls of the heart become thinner and weaker. The hypertrophic variety is characterized by the walls become more rigid and thicker. The restrictive type is less common and occurs when the walls are progressively replaced by scar tissue.

Symptoms

Feline heart disease can be fatal quickly and suddenly since cats usually experience no symptoms early on. When signs do appear, they may be very subtle and hard to notice if you're not paying close attention. Common symptoms include difficulty breathing, vomiting, loss of appetite, and breathing with an open mouth. More severe signs include paralysis, fainting, and sudden death.

Diagnosis

Most vets usually only find something wrong with your cat's heart during routine examinations. A heart murmur could suggest that your cat may be having problems with his heart. A variety of tests will likely be done including chest x-rays, echocardiograms, and electrocardiograms. An echocardiogram is one of the more useful tests for determining exactly what problems exist if any.

Treatment

Heart disease in cats can usually be controlled effectively as long as the heart hasn't started to fail already. Treatment include administering diuretics to remove excess fluid so that the heart doesn't have to work as hard. If your cat has hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, he will need to take calcium channel blockers to reduce the stiffness of the muscular walls.

Vasodilators are medications that lower blood pressure. This also helps reduce the heart's workload. Other common medications used to treat this condition are aspirin and betablockers.

By D Swain
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Four Common Causes of Hair Loss in Cats

Four Common Causes of Hair Loss in Cats--Fleas**Mites**Ringworm**Medical Conditions**

Four Common Causes of Hair Loss in Cats

There are many potential causes of hair loss in cats. Some conditions are minor and easy to deal with, while others can be a bit more serious. Let's take a look at some of the main reasons why your cat's fur could be falling out.

Fleas

If your cat spends a lot of time outside, then he will easily be exposed to fleas. One of the more common reasons why cats start losing their hair is because they're allergic to flea bites. Also, it doesn't take many of these parasites to cause a problem, as some cats develop an intense reaction to just one bite. This condition can be treated using effective flea control, antihistamines, and steroids.

Mites

Another parasite that can cause hair loss in cats is the mite. Mange is a condition that can be brought on by various species of mites. An infestation of these parasites will cause intense itching that prompts your cat to lick and chew himself excessively. This eventually causes the hair to fall out. Mites can be dealt with by using medicated shampoos. Cats with longer hair will also need to get it trimmed closely.

Ringworm

Ringworm is caused by a fungus that can also affect dogs and humans. If it affects your cat, it will cause hair to fall out especially around the ears, paws, and face. Your cat will also develop dry, flaky skin in the affected areas. Ringworm can be treated using either topical or oral medications.

Medical Conditions

There are a range of medical conditions that can cause hair loss in cats. These disorders usually affect the thyroid or adrenal gland. Addison's and Cushing's disease are two conditions that affect the adrenal gland. The former is characterized by increased adrenal activity, while the other results from decreased in activity from the adrenal gland.

Two other disorders that can cause feline hair loss are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Like their names suggest, they are brought on by problems with the thyroid gland. These hormone imbalances are common reasons why cats start to lose their hair.

These are some of the most common causes of hair loss in cats. Now that you know this, you should learn about other conditions that can affect your feline like chronic renal failure. Cat-illnesses.com provides a wealth of information on a wide range of diseases. So, stop by today to learn about some of them such as the feline leukemia virus.

By D Swain
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Tips to Having an Outdoor Cat

If you have a cat like this or if you want your cat to live outside then there are a few precautions and things that you should do. You need to make sure that you keep them as safe as you can even though you can't keep your eyes on them all the time.....

Tips to Having an Outdoor Cat

When it comes to deciding what type of cat you want to adopt there are a few things that you first have to think about. You want to make sure that you are getting a breed that will behave around children if you have any or that can be left alone all day if you have to work. One of the biggest questions people ask themselves is whether or not they should let their cats be indoor or outdoor cats.

Many people will make arguments on this subject and the majority of them will tell you to keep them indoors. This is fine for some cats - but what about the ones that love to be outside? I owned a cat that did all it could to get outside. We were afraid something would happen to her so we never let her - but she did end up by escaping every chance she got. It was really sad to see and I wonder even now whether or not we should have let her have her way.

If you have a cat like this or if you want your cat to live outside then there are a few precautions and things that you should do. You need to make sure that you keep them as safe as you can even though you can't keep your eyes on them all the time.

The most important thing you should do (for both indoor and outdoor cats) is to spay or neuter them. When your male cat is not neutered they will fight often and will be at risk for open wounds that can cause serious infections. When you male cat is neutered they will usually stay close to home and will not have the desire to fight as much as usual. And of course when they aren't fixed they have a tendency of knocking up other people's cats and those owners don't appreciate it.


When you don't spay your female cat she will be at risk of getting pregnant and then you will have many kittens on your hand. Plus they will be in heat and when this happens they become irritable. You don't want an irritable cat on your hands!

Outdoor cats need to get vaccinated to prevent them from getting any infectious diseases. It will also help them if they get into fights with other cats or animals. Infections can be caused from these wounds. They also need to be wormed on a regular basis because they will go hunting often.

Your cat will explore and have a tendency to wander off every now and then. Sometimes they will lose the scent and will get lost. That is why you always need to keep a collar on them with your name and phone number. That way if your cat is found by someone else and if they are injured or just lost they can be brought back to you. Make sure that the collar you give them has a safety catch or is elasticized. This helps them to get free it they get caught on something.

Some owners place a tiny microchip under the cat's skin. This microchip has an identification number specific to your outdoor cat. The majority of cat rescue centers will scan for this microchip and match it to the address that they have on file.

You will find that your Outside Cat will be very healthy in the fact that they will constantly be getting exercise. For tips on how to keep them from getting into fights and other helpful tips visit Cat Health.

By Naomi West
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

How Can Rabies Hurt Your Cat?

How Can Rabies Hurt Your Cat?

When you have a cat that lives outdoors or that spends some of its time outside then you need to make sure that you are keeping them up to date with all of their shots. Keep in mind that while they are out in the wild they will hunt many types of animals to eat for a snack and maybe even bring a few of them home as a present to you.

That is why you need to be on the outlook for any strange behavior that your cat might be experiencing. One of the many diseases that they could contract from other animals is rabies. Rabies is a disease that occurs when a virus is attacking an animals' brain. In most cases this disease is fatal.

There are three different stages to rabies. The first stage is the "prodromal" phase that is a marked change in temperament. You will notice that a normally quiet cat will become more agitated and the more active cat will become shy and nervous. Some of the more prominent signs that your cat has been affected with rabies are dilated pupils, too much drooling, and trying to catch objects that are not there.

The first phase will last 2 to 3 days before the second phase kicks in. During the second phase or "excitatory" phase there will be an exaggerated response to any type of stimulus. The cat will have unusual changes in what they eat. You may notice that they will try to eat sticks, stones, and other inedible objects. The cat will also start to walk around aimlessly and try to hurt itself. This is when they begin to fully express an aggressive behavior towards people and other animals. Seizures may also occur.

The symptoms of rabies may stop there or continue to the third stage. During the third stage is the "dumb" form. During this time the cat will become very depressed. It will lay down with its mouth open wide and its tongue sticking out. Paralysis will start to kick in before it takes over the whole body.

In order to prevent this and to keep your cat safe from this deadly disease you should vaccinate them. Rabies vaccines are safe and work well. In fact many laws require that your cat have them so that they do not spread it if they catch it. Cats will usually get the vaccine when they are three or four months old.

As you can see Cat Rabies is something that cannot only affect your feline friend - but also you and your family. Pain Relief For Cats will help to keep you informed on how to treat your cats and other Cat Diseases to look for.

By Naomi West
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Cat Scratching Posts - Offering Your Cat a Nice Place to Scratch Other Than Your Furniture

Cat Scratching Posts -The entire unit itself will typically be crafted from a sturdier wood and then covered in a material that can stand up to your kitten pawing at it every day. The most common fabric that is used is carpeting....

Cat Scratching Posts -Offering Your Cat a Nice Place to
Scratch Other Than Your Furniture

You decided a few weeks ago that it would be a good idea to adopt a kitty. The kids just love the little guy, but you are starting to have second thoughts because every chance he gets, he is attacking your furniture with his front paws like nobody's business. So, to prevent your furniture from getting ruined, you are going to need to give him something else to destroy and that is why cat scratching posts would come into play.

Not quite sure what cat scratching posts are because you are new to owning a feline? Well, there is not much to them really. Basically, they are designed to be put on a floor and have a base with, you guessed it, a post sticking out of it. The entire unit itself will typically be crafted from a sturdier wood and then covered in a material that can stand up to your kitten pawing at it every day. The most common fabric that is used is carpeting. Now, this is the most basic one that you can get because there are actually others that you could purchase as well. For instance, you could get one that has sisal rope wrapped around its post instead of the carpeting. And, there are others that also have hanging toys built right into them at their top as well.

If you like the idea of giving your kitten something to play with, but think that cat scratching posts will not quite do the trick, do not worry. There are actually a slew of other cat items that you could purchase for your feline to help him get rid of all his energy. For example, you could purchase a kitty gym for him. This item is like large structure that comes with interloping limbs, perches, and tunnels, offering your little guy a great place to jump, run, and even sleep if he wants because like the scratching posts, it too will be covered in carpeting that would provide your feline with one comfy place to take it easy. If you do not have a lot of room to work with, you can also purchase a wide variety of toys for your little companion. There are toys with catnip in it, others that are mechanical and run around the floor by themselves, and many, many more.

For an effortless way to look into cat scratching posts and all the other pet items that you could purchase for your companion, the thing to do is to go online and comparison shop. Just by the simple glide and click of your computer mouse can you see everything that is out there. Plus, finding it at the best prices possible is easy too and what you buy will be sent right to you. Thus, no wasting time or money on a trip to the store.

In the end, if your kitten likes to scratching your furniture, give him a better alternative with cat scratching posts. One would definitely be a smart investment.

Author Jennifer Akre is the proprietor of a variety of niche online stores that offer products and information relating to furnishing and decorating indoor and outdoor living areas. Plus, products that will make your furry companion feel at home. Today, she shares her insight when investing in those necessary cat supplies and puppy supplies Each will be helpful in getting your new companion adjusted to his or her new space.
By Jennifer Akre
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Cat Collars - They Are a Necessity

Cat Collars - Recovery-Catching-Walking,Choosing Cat Collars-Choking-Harness-Formal Cat Collars....

Cat Collars - They Are a Necessity

When most people think of pet collars they only think of dog collars. After all, there are dog parks, dog walks and even dog beaches that require this type of fitting for a canine member of the family. But what about your cat? Have you ever considered cat collars?

There are a number of reasons that you should consider one for your feline friend.

Recovery

The first reason you should make sure your cat has cat collars is that if you have an outdoor cat and it gets lost, picked up by animal control or injured, your contact information will help the authorities find you so you can be reunited with your pet. This also lets the authorities know your pet is up to date on its medical coverage.

Catching

If your cat is a dasher and likes to take runs out the back door from time to time, this pet item can help you corral your pet and get it back into the house. Just like the dog ones, they are a great place to reach down and grab to stop your cat in its tracks.

Walking

Believe it or not there are a lot of cats that like to go for a walk. Just like dogs enjoy a good stroll, many cats do as well. If your cat is one of these, make sure they are legal. You should always use cat collars. Just as dogs must be on a leash, your cat needs to be as well.

Choosing Cat Collars

Once you know you need cat collars for your pet, you need to decide which type you want to purchase.

There are some concerns that you need to keep in mind with them that you don't need to worry about as much with dogs.

Choking

Most cats are climbers and adventurers. They will make their way through trees, onto rooftops, and anything else they can get into as they are on the prowl. All of their adventuring is also a threat for more ways to get stuck or possibly choke while wearing this pet item. Imagine if your cat is jumping from tree branch to branch and their collar becomes caught on a branch. This could be a very sad ending for your kitty unless you have thought of this in advance. Some cat collars actually breakaway. Meaning if the full weight of your cat is pulling on it, it will break away so your cat will be able to get free instead of choking.

Harness

If you are just starting to train your cat to like cat collars, you may want to start with a harness. These offer less pulling on your cat's neck and get them used to being walked at the same time.

Formal Cat Collars

If you have an indoor cat, you may decide the only reason for one is decoration. No problem. There are all sorts of great decorative options out there from leather ones that will make your cat look rough and tough to pink and purple rhinestones for the more feminine kitty.

Author Jennifer Akre is the proprietor of a variety of niche online stores that offer products and information relating to furnishing and decorating indoor and outdoor living areas. Plus, products to make your new furry companion feel right at home in your house. Today, she shares her insight when investing in luxurious cat furniture and all those necessary pet supplies. Each would be a great purchase.
By Jennifer Akre
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/