External Parasites Of Cats

Cats can harbor external parasites that feed off their blood or body tissues. Some of these parasites can be transmitted from pets to people and can thrive inside the home and outdoors. The most common external parasites of cats are ticks, fleas, mites, and lice.

Ticks

Ticks are blood-sucking parasites and are important carriers of disease such as Lyme disease and Ehrlichia.

Fleas

Fleas have well-developed jointed legs that enable them to jump several feet so they can easily transfer from one vulnerable host to the next. They are very prolific and lay eggs everywhere. Some pets are extremely sensitive to flea bites because of an allergen that is present in flea saliva. A single flea bite or two can make them suffer intense itching.

Mites

There are different types of mites that can affect cats. There are the skin mites that cause skin irritation, itching, and hair loss, and there are the ear mites.

Lice

A heavy louse population can cause anemia especially in pets with compromised immune systems and also in kittens.

Work with your Murrieta, CA vet in creating a preventive program that will be beneficial for your pet.

Aggressive Behavior In Cats

Although cats have been domesticated for a very long time, they have been known to display instinctive behaviors when subjected to stress or during social interactions. Unfortunately, these behaviors lean more on the aggressive side considering that cats are natural predators. A cat’s aggressive tendencies should be nipped in the bud before they can become deeply rooted. There are various factors that can trigger displays of aggressive behavior in cats. These include the following:

Status-related aggression

Cats are naturally inclined to form a social hierarchy in the household. This is common in multi-cat households. The most dominant cats occupy the highest rungs of the social ladder while the more submissive ones are on the lower rungs.

Play aggression

Have you noticed your cat playing? You will surely notice that they move as if they are hunting and stalking prey.

Consult your veterinarians Murrieta, CA if you have problems with your cat’s behavior.

Arthritis In Dogs

Arthritis is quite common in larger breeds of dogs and those that are overweight or obese. Affected dogs have inflamed joints and suffer from pain, mobility problems, and poor flexibilitry. In dogs, the most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. The joints that are mainly affected include the elbows, knees, hips, shoulders, and the vertebral column. Arthritis can develop as a primary condition or it can be secondary trauma, hip dysplasia, or other issues. There is also a type of arthritis that can cause severe deterioration of the bone and cartilage; it’s called rheumatoid arthritis and is caused by a defect in the dog’s immune system. Septic arthritis occurs when a joint has an infection caused by bacteria, virus, or fungi. Work with your veterinarians Murrieta, CA in managing your pet’s arthritis symptoms.