Feline Immunodeficiency Virus - Everything You Need to Know

By D Swain

As its name suggests, the feline immunodeficiency virus attacks your cat's immune system. It eventually disables the immune system's ability to battle cancers and infections. The feline immunodeficiency virus is usually targets roaming cats. It can also affect larger felines such as tigers, lions and leopards.

Transmission

The feline immunodeficiency virus is shed in saliva. Therefore, it can easily be transmitted to your cat if he is bitten by an infected cat. The virus is rarely transmitted through the mother's milk. However, transmission can occur if the mother is infected with the virus during lactation or gestation.

Symptoms

The feline immunodeficiency virus causes a variety of early symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, lethargy, and weight loss. Many cats also suffer from chronic oral infections. The feline immunodeficiency virus can also cause upper respiratory problems in the form of nasal discharge and sneezing.

Diagnosis

The feline immunodeficiency virus can be detected by testing for antibodies against the disease. The test may take up to 12 weeks before it is able to detect these antibodies. The results are available quickly, usually taking no more than 20 minutes. However, the main test to detect the feline immunodeficiency virus can sometimes render false positives. Therefore, if there is a positive result, it's usually best to confirm the diagnosis with a Western blot assay.

Treatment

Unfortunately, there is no cure for the feline immunodeficiency virus. The main cause of death for cats affected with this virus is from secondary infections. Therefore, you will need to eliminate stress and exposure to other animals so that your cat doesn't get sick. Antibiotics can also be used for the secondary infections. You should also make sure your cat has plenty of fluids and follows a good diet.

Prognosis

The amount of time a cat affected by the feline immunodeficiency virus has left varies widely. Most cats can live for many more years after diagnosis without showing any symptoms. However, a cat diagnosed in an advanced stage of the disease will usually have less than a year remaining.

As a cat owner, you want to keep your special friend as healthy as possible. To learn more about various cat illnesses such as the feline herpes virus, stop by cat-illnesses.com. Your cat will thank you for it.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=D_Swain

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Four Common Causes of Feline Sneezing

By D Swain

In most cases, feline sneezing is a result of your cat's respiratory system functioning properly. However, your cat may possibly be sick if he starts to sneeze a lot. There are various things that can cause an episode of feline sneezing. Let's take a look at some of the most common causes.

Infection

An upper respiratory infection is one of the most common causes of feline sneezing. Infections that cause sneezing episodes are usually caused by the Adenovirus or the Parainfluenza virus. These viruses are highly contagious and can easily infect your cat after he comes into contact with other animals. The infections produce other symptoms besides sneezing such as swollen glands, coughing, and mucus discharge.

Rhinotracheitis

Another common cause of feline sneezing is the rhinotracheitis virus. This virus is responsible for causing herpes-1 in cats. Feline sneezing can be a difficult condition to treat if it is caused by this virus. Kittens infected with this virus can suffer permanent damage to the linings in their nose.

Allergies

Feline sneezing can also be caused by allergies. Your cat can be allergic to household cleaning chemicals, smoke, or even perfume or cologne that you wear. Similar to people, some cats also have episodes of feline sneezing at certain times of the year. This is likely due to the fact that the cat is allergic to something in the air.

Airways

One of the final causes of feline sneezing is a change in your cat's airways. Fungal infections can occur in your cat's nasal passages and cause problems. Also, tumors or nasal polyps can form and cause feline sneezing. This usually affects only one nostril and commonly occurs in older cats.

As a cat owner, you want to keep your special friend as healthy as possible. To learn more about various cat illnesses such as feline acne, stop by cat-illnesses.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=D_Swain

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Is Your Cat Sick? What You Should Be Watching For

As a cat owner there are certain things you should be watching for. Cats are just like us, they have times when they feel good and times when they just don't feel good and times when they are sick. You should know your cat well enough to spot these different symptoms. After all your cat can't tell you but his actions should give you plenty warning.

Here's a list of common health problems that may affect your cat.

As cats get older just like people they become less active. They tend to stay home more, become less energetic and may not eat regularly. If it's eating habits change drastically it could be a sign of diabetes. Watch his drinking and urination habits, if he goes to the bathroom more often than normal and always seems to be thirsty its time take him to the friendly neighborhood vet for a check up.

Changing your cats diet may cause a sever case of diarrhea. If this happens you can keep him on the same diet and see if it continues after a few days or go back to the original food source. In either case if the diarrhea continues its probably due to something else, a virus or some other infection. If this is the case it's time to seek professional help.

Cats can also contract FIV. Somewhat similar to HIV, the dreaded disease contacted by humans. The only way you can be sure this never happens is to keep your cat in there house so he never comes in contact with other cats that may pass along this disease. This is the only way you can truly keep you cat safe from the numerous ailments that can be passed along from other felines. FIV can be disastrous for your cat. If suspected you should again seek professional help to avoid losing your pet.

If your cat begins to throw up the first thing you should take note of is; does this happen after he eats certain foods? His system just like ours changes, what once had no affect can change due to age or metabolism, if after eating certain foods he vomits, change his diet to see if it helps. He may have developed an allergy that he didn't have before. Another reason might be the common hairball. Brush his coat frequently to remove loose hairs and the problem may disappear. Throwing up can lead to dehydration. Try to get your cat to drink plenty of fluids to avoid this problem.

When your pet is a cat, as with any other animal, observation is your best weapon. Watch him and observe his habits. When you notice a difference try to figure out the cause, it might be something simple or it might be something serious. As the owner you have to decide when it's time to take serious action. Your cat is depending on you. Don't let him down.

I'm a pet lover, if my observations help just one pet lead a better, more healthful life, then I'm happy. If you would like to learn more visit my site " Pet Paradise " at: http://zzd.in/cats

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Doug_Sheridan

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Is Your Cat Sick? What You Should Be Watching For

As a cat owner there are certain things you should be watching for. Cats are just like us, they have times when they feel good and times when they just don't feel good and times when they are sick. You should know your cat well enough to spot these different symptoms. After all your cat can't tell you but his actions should give you plenty warning.

Here's a list of common health problems that may affect your cat.

As cats get older just like people they become less active. They tend to stay home more, become less energetic and may not eat regularly. If it's eating habits change drastically it could be a sign of diabetes. Watch his drinking and urination habits, if he goes to the bathroom more often than normal and always seems to be thirsty its time take him to the friendly neighborhood vet for a check up.

Changing your cats diet may cause a sever case of diarrhea. If this happens you can keep him on the same diet and see if it continues after a few days or go back to the original food source. In either case if the diarrhea continues its probably due to something else, a virus or some other infection. If this is the case it's time to seek professional help.

Cats can also contract FIV. Somewhat similar to HIV, the dreaded disease contacted by humans. The only way you can be sure this never happens is to keep your cat in there house so he never comes in contact with other cats that may pass along this disease. This is the only way you can truly keep you cat safe from the numerous ailments that can be passed along from other felines. FIV can be disastrous for your cat. If suspected you should again seek professional help to avoid losing your pet.

If your cat begins to throw up the first thing you should take note of is; does this happen after he eats certain foods? His system just like ours changes, what once had no affect can change due to age or metabolism, if after eating certain foods he vomits, change his diet to see if it helps. He may have developed an allergy that he didn't have before. Another reason might be the common hairball. Brush his coat frequently to remove loose hairs and the problem may disappear. Throwing up can lead to dehydration. Try to get your cat to drink plenty of fluids to avoid this problem.

When your pet is a cat, as with any other animal, observation is your best weapon. Watch him and observe his habits. When you notice a difference try to figure out the cause, it might be something simple or it might be something serious. As the owner you have to decide when it's time to take serious action. Your cat is depending on you. Don't let him down.

I'm a pet lover, if my observations help just one pet lead a better, more healthful life, then I'm happy. If you would like to learn more visit my site " Pet Paradise " at: http://zzd.in/cats

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Doug_Sheridan

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How To Care For An Elderly Or Sick Kitty by Elise Rogers

As cats age, they require more and more attention and loving care from their owners. Though cats tend to lead uneventful, happy lives, disease and discomfort increase as they age. Listed here are a few conditions and diseases to keep an eye out for that are common in elderly cats, in addition to a few tips in caring for your cat to aid in their graceful and comfortable aging.

Like humans and dogs, as cats age, they begin to show signs of degeneration. One of the most common signs of aging felines is their loss of litter box training. Some elderly cats acquire conditions such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or decreased proper kidney function. These health issues can in turn lead to irregular urination and elimination processes. You may find your cat relieving him or herself outside the litter box. If this becomes a common practice, it is a good idea to buy one of or two more litter boxes and place them in various locations throughout your home. This will make litter boxes more accessible to your cat and will aid in their proper elimination practices.

A common feline condition is arthritis. Arthritis is a condition in which inflammation of joints occurs. Signs of arthritis include swollen and tender joints, limping, lameness, and stiffness in joints, often occurring when they get up from lying down or when it is cold or rainy outside. You can help your cat by placing their litter box and food and water dishes in easily accessible places. If, for example, their litter box is upstairs and their food and water dishes are on top of the dryer in the laundry room, they will have difficulty getting to them when they are needed. The more you help ease the discomfort of your cat, the happier they will be!

Poor dental health and dental disease is fairly common in elderly felines. Tartar, gingivitis, and sensitive gums are often seen in older cats. Believe it or not, the tartar build up or dental disease in cats can spread to their heart or kidneys, which can cause serious problems. The best thing for you to do as an owner is to start early and clean your cat's teeth regularly in addition to feeding them dry cat food, which will help clean their teeth on a daily basis.

Lastly, as cats age, they seem to lose interest in basic grooming practices. This may be due to arthritis or dental issues, but whatever the reason, it is something you will most likely need to help your cat with. Giving them weekly baths and gently brushing their coat will help tremendously. Cats feel better and are happier when they are clean and well groomed. Don't forget to keep their claws trimmed regularly because their nails can become brittle in their older age.

Just as humans and dogs need extra care as they age, so do cats. By having a basic understanding of cats' diseases and basic needs as they age will help increase their comfort dramatically. Understand your cat, and learn to take them of them properly in their mature stage of life; this will keep them happy, and will help you enjoy the final years of your cat's life.

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Discount Pet Mall features dog beds & elevated dog feeders.

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