Understanding FIV and FeLV in Cats

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) are highly infectious diseases that severely compromise your cat’s immune system. Each of these diseases can make your cat very ill and eventually kill your cat. Transmission occurs from direct contact between cats that share body fluids but cannot be transmitted to humans. This can occur during grooming, fighting or mating. Vaccinations will help your cat become immune to these diseases. Don’t miss any regular booster shots to maintain adequate protection. If your cat does get either FIV or FeLV, you must keep her inside at all times to prevent infection of other cats. If exposed to these diseases, your cat may experience lethargy, fever, weight loss and an unkempt appearance. Treat the symptoms and keep her comfortable but there is no cure for either of these diseases. These symptoms mimic other diseases so make an appointment with your veterinarian Conyers, GA for diagnosis and treatment.

Why your cat needs a break-away feature on her collar

Your cat needs you to offer her a collar she can wear to let others know that she has a home to call her own. Why must this include a break-away feature?

A break-away feature allows your pet to easily remove her collar if she gets it stuck on something. This may seem like a negative feature if you want your pet to keep her collar on, but it is essential in order to keep your pet safe. Because your little fur ball could get herself into tight spots and sticky situations, she may find herself unable to break free without this feature on her collar. If she happens to snag it on something and can’t back her head out of her collar, she would otherwise be stuck. A break-away feature will help her get home to you much more easily. Your local vets London, ON can offer additional suggestions.

Sudden Weight Loss In Cats

Sudden or explained weight loss in cats is not something to be taken lightly by cat owners. Identifying the underlying cause is very important so the problem can be addressed in an appropriate manner. There are many conditions that can cause rapid weight loss in cats; here are two of them:

Heavy parasite load

Gastrointestinal parasites can compete with the nutrients that a cat should have gotten from his daily diet. The heavier the parasite load, the more competition a cat has to valuable nutrients. Regular deworming can help ensure that cats are free from parasites and are able to utilize all the essential nutrients from their food intake. Always ask your vet Marion, IA for an effective deworming product that can be safely used for your pet.

Stress

Cats can be very sensitive to certain stressors in their environment. Chronic exposure can wreak havoc on their physical and emotional health. 

Can Diatomaceous Earth Be Used For Flea Control

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a traditional way of controlling insects including fleas and mites. It is made up of a type of algae called diatoms that have been fossilized. Diatoms have cell walls that is made up of silica which has a glass-like property, thus giving the cell walls glass-sharp edges. The edges can pierce the hard outer shell (also called exoskeleton) of insects, thereby killing them.

Diatomaceous earth is safe for use around pets and people. It is often spread on any surface, even carpets and pet bedding. However, there is a need to vacuum the area daily to remove DE and the dead fleas. The downsides of using DE include being messy and it can also irritate eyes and throat. It is also less effective in environments that are wet and humid .Putting on a mask before spreading the DE on the floor or any surface can help prevent the problem. It’s a good idea to consult your animal hospital Ellicott City, MD regarding flea or tick preventatives that can be used safely on your pet.

Reasons to Bathe Your Cat

Most pet parents can get away without bathing their feline friends. After all, cats don’t like water anyway! However, there are some good reasons to reconsider bath time for your cat.

Is your cat struggling with dandruff? If so, he may have dry skin, and a bath could help. You just have to make sure you choose the right shampoo. Look for a moisturizing formula with oatmeal. Medicated shampoo may also be an option.

Bathing your cat can help you get rid of dead hair. It can be especially helpful for cats with thick, double coats that can be difficult to brush. Just make sure you have a hair stopper in the tub, so it doesn’t all end up down the drain!

For help bathing your cat, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian Tampa, FL, and they can provide you with a recommended groomer near where you live.

Should you bring home a cat tree?

You have a feline friend in your life and you are happy to offer her everything she needs to thrive in your care. Should you bring home a cat tree for her?

Your pet needs to be able to move throughout your home with confidence that her needs will be met. This means that she will require plenty of pet supply items to help her stay healthy and happily entertained. A cat tree can help with this because it offers her a space she can call her own. It can be helpful to you as well since it can take the place of several pet supply items that your pet needs within her living space. This multitasking item can help your pet have a spot to relax, play, scratch on, climb on, and view her living space from. For more information, please contact your local vet London, ON.

Campylobacter Infections in Dogs and Cats

Campylobacter infections can occur not only in cats, dogs, and humans but also in other warm-blooded animals. The primary avenue by which the infection is transmitted to susceptible animals is through ingestion of meat and meat products that have been contaminated and/or uncooked. Directed contact with contaminated fecal materials is also an important mode of infection. Pets that are placed on a raw diet program can have higher risks of acquiring the infection.

The number of cases of Campylobacter infections tends to be higher in puppies and kittens that are under 6 months old. Infected pets suffer diarrhea which is brought about by the action of the toxin produced by the causative agent. Other signs include vomiting, fever, and sudden loss of appetite.

Fortunately, you can protect your pet from Campylobacter infections by several ways. These include giving only premium quality diet and/or cooked food, storing pet food at an appropriate temperature to avoid spoilage, not giving raw or unpasteurized milk to your pet, and avoid mixing raw meat with other foods.

You should call your veterinary clinic Mt. Airy, MD if your pet’s diarrhea has been going on for a day, more so if it is accompanied by other signs of infection.