Cat Care

CAT HEALTH > Cat Diabetes and how to Care for them

Cat Diabetes and how to Care for them

Cat care and diabetes go hand in hand to ensure that your pet cat can live an otherwise more normal life than usual. It may be unfortunate for pet cats to have their own version of diabetes, also a serious affliction among humans. It is also important for pet owners to know how feline diabetes affects cats and how they can help make life better for their pets by learning how to better care for them.

There are two types of feline diabetes that may affect your pet cats. Type 1 is caused by an insufficient production of insulin while type 2 diabetes is characterized by the inability of the cat's body to process insulin more effectively. And just like in humans, diabetes can also strike cats at any age but is more likely to affect older cats.

There is also a secondary feline diabetes that can be caused by drugs or by some diseases that may impair the natural processing of insulin in the body.

Cats also display symptoms that may tell veterinarians or pet owners of the onset of diabetes. These symptoms also have similarities with what humans with diabetes develop as the disease progresses. Cats may show frequent thirst and urination. With the body's inability to process or handle glucose, diabetic cats may also experience weight loss.

Other symptoms that may be associated with feline diabetes include vomiting, loss of appetite and general weakness. Diabetic cats may also have poor skin and coat condition as well as breathing abnormalities.

When a pet cat displays the symptoms mentioned above, it might be wise for pet owners to have their cats tested for sugar levels in the blood as well as in their urine. The reason why both tests might be required is that cats under stress may experience a temporary spike of their blood sugar levels. The two tests will help confirm if your pet cat really has diabetes.

Just like diabetes in humans, the feline version also has no cure yet available. Instead, feline diabetes can be controlled through a number of means. And for cats, it can be done through diet and weight control. A diet that is high in fiber and complex carbohydrates would be ideal for diabetic cats, especially the obese ones.

This type of diet is maintained not only to control the cat's weight but also to control the cat's blood sugar levels. There are also oral medications available that can help your diabetic pet cat maintain a suitable blood sugar level.

Pet owners of diabetic cats may also need to carefully monitor their pet's glucose and insulin levels. For those pet owners who resort to giving their diabetic cats insulin injections for their diabetes, care to avoid overdose should always be maintained. An overdose of insulin can be a very fatal condition in cats. There are also some dietary supplements that can be used to help diabetic cats deal with their condition.

Cat care and diabetes always go hand in hand to ensure that your pet cat can lead a normal life. Providing the right care for diabetic pet cats can make sure that pet cat owners can enjoy the company of their pet for as long as possible.

The genuine concern that is shared through the care given to diabetic pet cats can show the love that pet owners may have on their dear animal companions.

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CAT HEALTH > Health Care for Your Pet Cat

Health Care for Your Pet Cat

Pet cat health care may be similar to caring for other pets. But such care may also have its own differences. One of them is that pet cats may suffer from a host of different diseases that other pets may not go through. Here is a list of some feline diseases that pet cats may suffer from at some point.

Feline Distemper

This disease usually affects pet cats at a young age. Known medically as feline panleukopenia, this type of viral infection lowers down the immune defenses of young kittens by severely affecting the production of white blood cells. This infection can make young kittens pass, liquid stool with blood due to the severe hemorrhaging that happens in their small intestine.

Fever may also be expected and will lead the young kitten to become depressed and then refuse to take any food and water. It may seem to the pet owner that the cat has a temperamental personality, hence the name feline distemper. The infection actually has no effect on the cat's personality in any way. Sadly, recovery for such conditions is very rare for a cat.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis

This is another viral infection that is also fatal in cats. Once your pet cat shows signs of this infection, it can take years and years of trouble. This infection is usually common mostly in young adult cats and can be transmitted to other cats. There are two known types of this infection.

There is the "dry" type where the young adult cat is affected by high fever as well as problems with internal organs such as the kidneys, lungs and the intestines. With this type of infection, the cats never seem improve no matter how well the treatment is given.

There is also the "wet" type of the disease has the young adult cat having a fluid discharge within the abdomen. Occasionally the cat's chest displays a golden and dense liquid that contains flakes within. This infection makes the cat run a high fever and would usually not eat well.

The only protection that cats can have over the disease is vaccination. But vaccines should be given to pet cats prior to any exposure to the virus or else the vaccine would not be very effective to prevent any infection.

Feline immune Deficiency Virus

This disease is similar to the Human Immune Deficiency Virus or HIV in humans. This virus in only found in cats and is being spread mainly through a bite from an infected cat. This disease suppresses the cat's immune system and leads the cat to be more prone to all sorts of infection. There is an intranasal vaccine available to protect cats from the FIV infection although some veterinarians are not that convinced that it can protect more effectively as compared to other vaccines.

Feline Leukemia Virus

This virus can severely limit an infected cat's immune system. With the affected immune system, the cat has limited ability to defend against all sorts of other infections. This virus can be spread from contact with infected cats. Many cats can become carriers of the virus for years without displaying any outside symptoms of the infection.

Cats harboring the virus may at times develop clinical signs of the infection if they undergo surgery, get injured or when they get lost outside their usual environment. These diseases may give pet owners an idea of how pet cat health care may be important to ensure that their pets live healthier and longer lives.

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CAT HEALTH > Aiming for Long Term Cat Care

Aiming for Long Term Cat Care

If you are planning to be a pet owner, you must be ready for the long term cat care. That is if you are settled on having cat as pet. You must be off to a good start. Everything must be planned in order to avoid future mistakes.

Cats will be a nice companion. But you have to understand their needs. First, your cat has to eat. But you can't feed your feline friend your leftovers. It is better to look for the best cat food that can give your pal energy boost as well as good health.

You need to allot money for that. You can sacrifice some luxuries to be able to provide for your pet's needs. But that will all be worth it in the end. You will be happy to see your cat happy.

You also have to make sure that the surrounding your cat is living in is free from anything that can cause them accidents. Do not let anything that is lethal and poisonous hanging about. And when it comes to neatness, you have the right pet. Cats are known to take ample time in grooming themselves.

Although too much grooming can also be bad because they can hurt themselves in the process. And it is also a sign of fleas and therefore must be taken to the vet for a quick fix.

And because you have a vain housemate, you must also be tidy with everything. You need to keep their litter boxes clean and well maintained. Did you know that the cat's sense of smell is 14 times stronger than yours? You may not smell a thing but your cat will.

They will not do their thing on the provided litter box if it stinks. You may get the surprise of your life to see your cat's poops well hidden under your clean carpet or how about that basket of clean clothes.

Don't give your cat a reason to stray when it comes to those things. Give them what they want. And it's a clean and odor free litter box.

You also have to find a good doctor for your cats. The moment that you got a pet, start making friends with your local veterinarians. Be mindful of the simplest symptoms that your cat may show. Just by observing your pet, you will know if something is wrong. Call the vet immediately and ask their opinion.

Long Term

If you are settled at the thought that you want the cat to be with you for long, then you may really be the rightful owner of one. You cannot be act like you want it now and completely scrap the idea the next minute. It won't be good for your feline friend and it won't be good for you as well.

So before you welcome a cat into the household, think things through over and over again. Do not act on your impulse because once you are there, you must not back out. And you must be able to carry out the responsibilities of being a pet owner.

Aiming for a long term cat care is good. By doing so, you only need to match that goal with the right steps to enrich the lives of your pets as well as yours.

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CAT HEALTH > A Basic Introduction to Cat Eye Care

The eyes of your feline friends have often been used on horror films. But if you are a pet owner, you will know that the cat's stare is really the opposite of what's being portrayed on films. That is why you have to know the importance of cat eye care.

I Love You
How do cats say these words? Through their eyes, of course. That is why you shouldn't be frightened by that gaze. How does this work? First, the cat stares at you for a long while. And after that, it blinks its eyes slowly. Some people tag this as a cat's kiss. But you can also say that this is your cat's way of saying that it loves you.

But how do you return the favor? Easy, just follow your cat's lead. Stare at it for a long time and then slowly blink your eyes. See? Cats' eyes can also be used as elements for romantic films.

Not a Third Eye
Don't believe the horror films you see. Cats don't have a third eye. Their eyesight is really sharper than with humans. Instead of a third eye, what cats have is a third eyelid. This is called a nictitating membrane.

This inner eyelid protects the eyes of the cats from harm and also from dryness. You will notice that when a cat is sick, this membrane will somewhat close. This should alarm you to call the vet or get your cat to them fast.

But this third eyelid will also show once a cat is happy. So you will know what mood your cat is in just by looking at the membrane.

The Pupil
Your feline friend's pupil of the eyes should also be observed. A change in size of one pupil can be an indication of an inflammation. It can also be a sign of a kind of a disorder in neurologic called Horner's Syndrome. Or worse, it can also indicate tumors or injuries in the central nervous system.

The Nocturnal Vision
Do not believe what others say that cats are color blind. They see some. They may not see as clear as humans do, but it's not like that they cannot see any colors at all.

Cats can also see clearly from afar. It's very different from people. They find it blurry to be looking at things that are so close to them.

Yes, cats have the nocturnal vision. But they can't see in complete darkness. Do you see the muscles on their iris that surround the pupils of their eyes? They are constructed in a way that it narrows into a vertical split when they are exposed in the bright lights. And it opens fully when the acts are in a quite dim light.

This feature of the cats may be traced back to their roots. They can use such to hunt for food during the night if they were left out in the jungle or left with no one to care for them.

So forget about the horror flicks. You've already got the thrills. Not it's time to put some effort into cat eye care. Do not let a minor thing worsen. Call the vet immediately when something's amiss. You don't want your cat to lose their sight or even lose their lives. It is always better to be safe than blind.

 

 

Common cat eye problems

We’ve outlined some of the most common eye conditions found in cats. If you’re ever concerned about your cat’s eyes, it’s always best to seek the advice of your vet as soon as possible.

 

Conjunctivitis

Also known as pink eye, this condition creates inflammation over the inner eyelid or outer layers of the eye. It’s one of the most common eye problems for cats and is often caused by viral infection, although it can also be caused by bacteria, allergens and foreign bodies.

Symptoms

• Redness
• Swelling
• Discharge
• Squinting
• Irritation and pawing at the eyes

Treatment

The treatment your vet recommends will depend on what caused your cat’s conjunctivitis. If your cat’s conjunctivitis is bacterial, your vet may prescribe antibiotics that may be topical, oral or both. For viral infections, antiviral medications are sometimes recommended, but vaccinations can also protect against future infections. Allergic conjunctivitis may be treated with an eye wash or ‘anti-allergy’ medications. Steroidal treatments may also be recommended.

Corneal ulcers

If your cat’s cornea becomes scratched, this can develop into a painful ulcer. Often these ulcers are caused by a laceration from a scratch to the eye, or a foreign body like a grass seed. Corneal ulcers can be difficult to detect, but can rapidly progress.

Symptoms

• Watery eyes
• Excessive discharge
• Blinking more than usual
• Redness
• Pawing at the eye

Treatment

Your vet may use a special stain to detect a corneal ulcer. The treatment will depend on what caused the ulcer, but can include topical antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. Sometimes, surgery will be necessary to debride the cornea and promote healing. 

Cataracts

Cataracts can be an inherited condition. Some breeds, including Birman, Persian and Himalayan cats, are predisposed to developing cataracts. Older cats, or those with diabetes, are also more at risk. Other reasons for developing feline cataracts include trauma, inflammation and hypertension.

Symptoms

• Blue-grey cloudiness of the pupil
• Signs of reduced vision including bumping into objects, reluctance to explore and instability

Treatment

The severity of the cataract will determine treatment. Your vet may recommend removing the affected lens, which will reduce your pet’s ability to focus but improve their overall vision. This will require referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist. Cataracts are not painful, but you may need to take extra care of your cat if their vision is impaired.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma occurs when the fluid within the eye cannot drain as normal. As a result, there’s a build-up of pressure, which can cause your cat’s eye to become enlarged. Glaucoma is a condition that can develop as your cat ages. Left untreated, it can cause permanent damage to the optic nerve and retina, potentially resulting in loss of sight.

Symptoms

• Squinting or blinking
• Overly large or small pupils, that are unresponsive to light changes
• Redness
• Cloudiness
• Sticky discharge
• Signs of vision impairment, walking into objects or moving slowly

Treatment

Your vet may prescribe medication to lower the pressure within the eye or, in severe cases, removal of the eye may be necessary.

As independent creatures, cats are often very good at disguising any signs that they’re in pain. Take the time to check your cat’s eyes regularly, and ask your vet for advice if you spot any symptoms that give you cause for concern.

 

Recommended products

Beaphar Eye Lotion

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CAT HEALTH > Your Cat’s Liver Disorder

Liver disease is more common in cats than is commonly realized.  It is important to recognize for leaving the disorder untreated will result in the liver shutting down and the cat dying.  Literally, your cat will starve to death.  One of the earliest symptoms is jaundice, which shows as a yellow coloring of the cat’s eye whites.

It is hard to identify a cat is suffering from liver disease because the signs and symptoms vary. Some might show decrease in appetite, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, depression and jaundice. Other cats pass off pasty looking stool and display inappropriate urination and defecation behavior. This happen because fatty liver disease causes the liver to be is weighed down by rapid fat accumulation and simply shut down.

Immediate medication treatment is necessary for the recovery of liver disease. The treatment would depend on the cause and may include antibiotics, coagulation treatment for bleeding, intravenous fluid therapy, appetite stimulants, anti-emetics and diet management.

When preparing a diet plan for a cat with liver disease, note that he needs a high-quality protein diet in moderate amount, with most of the cat’s caloric intake coming from non-protein sources. If you are preparing your own food, it is recommended that the diet be based around eggs, cottage cheese, rice and liver. Your cat may also need multivitamin supplement.

Small, easily digestible and frequent meals are generally recommended. Many experts also recommend organic foods because they are not exposed to chemicals, artificial colors or preservatives.

It may seem like a lot of work, but preparing the special diet necessary is well worth the effort.  If you have more than one cat, it will be necessary to keep feeding stations separate so you can watch the cat who is ill.  You will need to keep a close eye on his eating habits.

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