Black Feline

As with everything, there are a number of myths surrounding cats and their health. If you want to be sure to provide the best health care to your cat, it is important learn the difference between true health facts and the myth. When in doubt, you should call your vet.

First and foremost, some people believe that spaying a female cat is not always the best choice. This is false, unless your cat has specific medical conditions, as diagnosed by your vet, that make the surgery risky. In majority of cases, cats suffer and are more at risk when having a litter of kittens. It is not true that a cat needs to have a litter before spaying, and it is not true that neutering your male cat will cause depression. In a female cat, fixing can prevent cancer, ovarian cysts, and a number of other health problems. In a male cat, it will prevent unnecessary roaming and fight, which can also help to keep your cat healthy. Beyond that, there are hundreds of cats without good homes. If you really want kittens, go to your local shelter, because they often get litters that need good homes or foster parents.

Another myth about cats is that they cannot be happy or healthy if he or she does not have access to the outdoors. This is not true. If an older cat is suddenly confine, he or she may be very unhappy, but a cat that has grown up indoors can be very happy and healthy. Make sure that you provide lots of stimulating toys and some climbing towers for exercise, but don’t worry that your cat is somehow growing up unnaturally. Of course, you can use gates and leashes to take your cat outside in special cases. It is important to remember that your cat is naturally a carnivore, so if he or she does not go outside where killing mice and other small animals can be done, you’ll need to provide protein to meet dietary needs.

One of the scariest myths is that cat’s shouldn’t be vaccinated. A few years ago, there was a scare amount VAS in cats, or Vaccine Associated Sarcoma. However, vaccinations are crucial in your cat’s life, and your cat’s vet should be able to tell you which ones are absolutely necessary. In general, when you have questions about health facts with your cat and his or her health, you should talk to your vet.

Tags: Cats, Pets, vet, myths

There are many reasons why cat experience seizures, which are convulsing fits. As with any medical condition, you should see your vet is any health problems arise in any of your pets. When you have a cat for a pet, it is important that you are responsible for keeping him or her as healthy and happy as possible. He's happy and you will be happy.

Seizures are not always the same in every cat. They can occur at any time, and often have symptoms like loss of consciousness, contractions of the muscles, involuntary bodily functions, non-responsiveness, hallucinations, running in circles, and viciousness. You cat may or may not recognize you if he of she is going to have a seizure or after the seizure occurs. There are three main phases of seizures. In the pre-ictal phase, the cat may “know” a seizure is going to happen. He or she may appear nervous, hide, or find you and cling to you. Your cat may also be very nervous and tremble. This may last for up to a few hours, but in some cases, only lasts a few seconds. The ictal phase is the actual seizure. In this phase, the cat usually falls to its side and seems paralyzed. The body shakes uncontrollably and the head sometimes draws backwards. Your cat may lose control of bodily functions. Usually this phase will not last more than five minutes, and immediately afterward, he or she enters the post-ictal phase. You cat may experience temporary blindness, confusion, nervousness, and disorientation during this period.

If your cat has a seizure, do not panic. Unlike humans, cats cannot swallow their tongues, so keep your hands away from his or her mouth at all times. There is nothing you can do to stop the seizure, so simply prevent the cat from falling or otherwise hurting him or herself during the seizure and afterwards.

Immediately call your vet. In most cases, seizures are caused by epilepsy, which is treatable and usually not damaging to your cat, but other medical conditions may also occur. Your vet can help your cat by doing a physical examination, studying his or her blood and urine, and doing an electrocardiogram to rule out more serious liver, heart, kidney, and blood disease. Your vet can prescribe medications to help prevent future seizures and talk to you about ways to minimize the harm done to your cat during seizures. Even if he or she has seizures, you cat may be able to live along and healthy life with the proper care.

Tags: Cats, Pets, seizures

When is a Worm not a Worm?

Ringworm is a typical skin disease that affects many cats. This medical condition is actually not caused by worms at all, but rather by a fungus. The sores on the skin due to ringworm fungi are circular, which led to the belief that a curling worm under the skin caused this disease. However, there are no worms involved. If you believe that you cat may have ringworm, make sure that you have him or her see a vet to clear the problem.

Ringworm is also called dermatophytosis. There are four species of fungi that cause ringworm in a cat, and because some of these organisms are so well adapted to a cat’s body, about 20% of cats have ringworm and show no outward signs of the disease. Ringworm commonly infected the dead skin, nails, and hair on an organism, using the keratin in the tissue as food.

Both genetics and environment influence the development of ringworm in cats. For example, research has shown that certain cat species develop the disease more readily. Ringworm spreads quickly between cats, so those illegally or even legally breeding cats may find this a problem. Ringworm caused the hair to break off at the skin and may be itchy.

If your cat has ringworm, there are a lot of ways to treat it. First, medications can be given to clear up the fungi found in the body. These may or may not have side effects, so make sure your vet tells you they are safe for your cat. Anti-fungal shampoo baths may also work. These baths should be given every day regularly and are great for cats that don’t mind the water. Lime sulfur dips, done weekly, can also be affective. If you have other pets, they may need to be treated as well to prevent the ringworm from spreading. Vaccines are available to help build an immunization to ringworm. If you cat has extremely long hair, clipping it may be necessary.

Remember, ringworm can infect humans as well as cats, especially children. If your cat has ringworm, or if you suspect this is the case, see your vet immediately. He or she can recommend what course of action you should taken in order to help your cat overcome the ringworm as well as to help the fungi from spreading to other animals and people in your house.

Tags: Cats, Pets, fungi, Ringworm