Reference Materials

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Aging

How Do I Know When My Cat Is a “Senior”?
Most cats are considered a senior pet when they reach the age range of 12 and 14 years of age. Many cats, especially those who are black, experience a graying of their coat as they age.

Here are some other, more subtle signs that your cat is aging:

• Her hearing may not be as sharp as it once was,
• Her fur may be thinner
• She may take a little longer to get up and out of bed in the mornings.
• It is also perfectly normal for an older cat to sleep more than she used to and to tire more quickly when playing.

In healthy cats, these changes occur so gradually over time that you probably won’t even notice.

How Often Should My Older Cat See the Vet?
It is important that cats have an annual checkup or “wellness” visit with their vet. This is even more important as they age, so talk to your vet about whether such visits should become more frequent.

Please note, certain signs of aging may also indicate the onset of disease or nutritional deficiency, so any changes in your cat’s behavior or appearance should be reported to your veterinarian.

What Health Issues Are Common in Older Cats?
There are many health issues more common to aging cats, including:

• Cancer
• Obesity
• Arthritis
• Diabetes
• Constipation
• Kidney and liver disease
• Hyperthyroidism
• Dental disease
• Vision problems
• Skin problems or matted coat (due to increased difficulty in grooming)
• Urinary problems

What Symptoms Should I Be Concerned About in My Older Cat?
If you notice any unusual symptoms, please don’t wait for your regularly scheduled checkup to see your vet. Call right away. Symptoms to watch out for and promptly report include:

• Urinary incontinence, straining or inability to pass urine
• Frequent urination
• Lumps, bumps or scabs on the skin
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing or open-mouth breathing
• Weakness or lethargy
• Drooling or bad breath
• Changes in weight, appetite, amount of urine produced or water intake
• Stiffness or limping
• Increased vocalization
• Change in vision or hearing
• Uncharacteristic aggression or other significant behavior change

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Allergies

What Are Allergies?
When a cat has allergies, her immune system is overly sensitive to certain everyday substances and begins to identify them as dangerous. Even though these substances are usually common in most environments and harmless to most animals, a cat with allergies will have an extreme reaction to them.

What Are the General Symptoms of Allergies in Cats?

• Sneezing, coughing (if the cat has asthma), wheezing
• Itchy skin/increased scratching
• Itchy, runny eyes
• Itchy back or base of tail (most commonly seen in flea allergies)
• Itchy ears and ear infections
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Snoring caused by an inflamed throat
• Paw chewing/swollen paws

Can Cats Be Allergic to Food?
Yes, but it often takes some detective work to find out what substance is causing the allergic reaction; your veterinarian will be able to help you figure this out.  Please note that food allergies may show up in cats at any age.

Which Cats Are At Risk for Getting Allergies?
All cats can be at risk for developing allergies. Cats who develop allergies have usually been exposed to substances— either airborne, in food, applied to their skin or transmitted by fleas—that they cannot tolerate. Those who spend time outdoors may be more prone to flea and pollen allergies. Overweight cats and those exposed to cigarette smoke can develop asthma.

What Are Cats Allergic To?  
A few common allergens include:

• Pollens
• Mold
• Dust and house dust mites
• Dander
• Feathers
• Cigarette smoke
• Food ingredients
• Prescription drugs
• Fleas and flea-control products
• Perfumes
• Cleaning products

What Should I Do If I Think My Cat Has Allergies?
Visit your veterinarian. After taking a complete history and conducting a physical examination, your veterinarian may determine the source of your cat’s allergic reaction. If not, she or he will most probably recommend skin or blood tests and/or a special elimination diet, to find out what's causing the allergic reaction.

How Can Cat Allergies Be Treated?
The best way to treat allergies is to remove the offending allergens from the environment.

• Fleas
• Prevention is the best treatment for allergies caused by fleas.
• Start a flea control program for all of your pets before the season starts.
• Outdoor pets can carry fleas inside to indoor pets.
• See your veterinarian for advice about the best flea control products for your dog and the environment.
• Dust

• Clean your pet's bedding once a week
• Vacuum at least twice weekly—this includes rugs, curtains and any other materials that gather dust.
• Weekly bathing
• Discuss with your vet what prescription shampoos are best, as frequent bathing with the wrong product can dry out skin.
• If you suspect your cat has a food allergy, she’ll need to be put on a special diet.

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Arthritis

What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis causes pain and inflammation in a cat’s joints. Although not very common in felines, arthritis tends to affect the elbow joint when it does strike—but many joints can be afflicted.

What Are the Symptoms of Arthritis in Cats?
Cat suffering from arthritis may show overall stiffness, swelling of the joints, lethargy, lameness, decreased flexibility and discomfort when you pet or handle them in certain positions. You may also notice subtle behavioral changes, including:

• Decreased activity
• Lapsed litterbox habits (due to pain caused by getting in and out of the box)
• Hesitancy to run, jump or climb stairs

What Causes Arthritis in Cats?

• Joints naturally degenerate as part of the aging process. Cartilage forms a cushion between the bones at a joint. As cats get older, the cartilage deteriorates and becomes less flexible.
• Arthritis can develop due to injury, dislocation or infection in the joint. Extra weight can also put extra strain on a cat’s joints.

How Is Arthritis Diagnosed?
A veterinarian may conduct a physical exam, take x-rays and perform other diagnostic tests to help determine the cause of the pain and inflammation in your cat’s joints.

Which Cats Are Prone to Arthritis?
Arthritis most often affects older cats, as their joints degenerate naturally as part of the aging process—but can occur as result of trauma or infection in cats of all ages.

How Can Arthritis Be Treated?
Once symptoms of arthritis set in, there is no cure—but you can work with your veterinarian to minimize your cat’s pain while keeping her healthy. Some general treatment options include:

• Anti-inflammatory/pain medications
• Possible use of nutritional supplements to help replenish cartilage
• Weight loss if necessary, which has been shown to benefit overweight cats with arthritis.

Are Cats with Arthritis Able to Exercise?
Talk to your vet about an exercise program for your pet. Short, gentle play can be helpful in some cases, but you’ll need to introduce these sessions slowly and gradually. Vigorous play involving leaping, jumping and turning is to be avoided.

How Can I Make My Arthritic Cat More Comfortable?
If your cat has arthritis, here are a few things you can do to make her feel better:

• Give her a cozy blanket or cat bed
• When she’s relaxed and at ease, give her a gentle massage
• Groom the areas of her body that may be hard for her to reach
• Make sure she has easy, direct access to her litterbox and food and water bowls

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Asthma

What Is Asthma?
Feline asthma—very similar to human asthma—is a chronic inflammation of the small passageways of a cat’s lungs.

• When an asthma attack occurs, these passageways thicken and constrict, making it very difficult for a cat to breathe.
• This often leads to respiratory distress, which can become grave in a matter of minutes.
• The lungs may also begin to discharge mucus into the airways, leading to fits of coughing and wheezing.
• Some cats with milder cases only experience a slight, chronic cough.
• Because asthma can quickly become a life-threatening health problem, any coughing cat needs a veterinary evaluation.

What Are the General Symptoms of Asthma in Cats?

• Coughing and wheezing
• Persistent cough
• Squatting with shoulders hunched, neck extended and rapid breathing or gasping for breath
• Gagging up foamy mucus
• Open mouth breathing
• Blue lips and gums
• Labored breath after exertion
• Overall weakness and lethargy

What Causes Asthma in Cats?
While there are a number of factors that contribute to asthma in cats, it is thought to develop as a result of allergic bronchitis. Allergic bronchitis occurs when the airways in a cat's lungs become inflamed due to an inhaled allergen or other substance that stimulates the immune system.
Common factors that can contribute to the severity of an asthma attack include:

• Allergens, including pollens, molds, dust from cat litter, cigarette smoke, perfume and certain foods
• Pre-existing heart conditions or illnesses
• Parasites
• Extreme stress
• Obesity

Asthma-like symptoms in cats can also be associated with other disease, including heartworm, respiratory parasites, tumors, heart failure and pneumonia.

Are Asthma and Allergies Are Related?
Yes. Sensitivity to environmental pollutants and pollen can contribute to asthma in some cats.

Are Certain Cats More Prone to Asthma?
Asthma in cats usually develops between the ages of two and eight years old, with a higher occurrence in female cats than males. Siamese and Himalayan breeds and breed mixes seem to get asthma more frequently than other breeds.

What Should I Do If I Think My Cat Has Asthma?
Visit your veterinarian immediately if you think your cat has asthma. He or she will perform a physical examination and most likely recommend diagnostic tests to find out what's causing the problem.

How Is Asthma in Cats Diagnosed?
Since symptoms of asthma can be similar to those seen with other diseases—heartworm, pneumonia and congestive heart failure, for example—it is important for your veterinarian to determine the cause of the attacks. There are no specific tests that prove asthma, but typically x-rays, blood work, evaluation of bronchial secretions and parasite tests will be performed to rule out other causes.

How Can I Help Prevent My Cat From Having an Asthma Attack?

• Have your cat tested routinely for internal parasites.
• Reduce stress in your pet’s environment, as it tends to worsen allergy and asthma symptoms.
• Do not use perfumes, room fresheners, carpet deodorizers, hairspray, aerosol cleaners, etc., around your cat.
• Avoid using cat litters that create a lot of dust, scented litters or litter additives.
• Dry air encourages asthma attacks, so keep a good humidifier going—especially during the winter months.
• Keep your kitty’s weight down and her body active!
• And please remember, no cat should be exposed to cigarette smoke—but if your cat has asthma, cigarette smoke is an absolute no-no.

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Constipation

What Is Constipation?
Constipation—difficult or infrequent bowel movements—is one of the most common health problems associated with a pet’s digestive system. Cats usually have at least one healthy bowel movement every day. But if your cat is passing dry, hard stools, straining when trying to defecate or making unsuccessful trips to the litter box, please see your veterinarian. These symptoms may indicate an underlying health problem.

How Can I Tell if My Cat Is Constipated?
If your cat suffers from any of the following symptoms, please consult your veterinarian. These signs may also be symptoms of urinary disorders, so it’s important that your vet helps you to determine the cause right away:

• Straining or crying out in pain when trying to eliminate
• Small, dry, hard stools, possibly covered in mucous or blood
• Frequent, unproductive trips to the litter box
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Displays of abdominal discomfort
• Lack of grooming

What Causes Cats to Become Constipated?
There are many reasons why your cat may have trouble eliminating:

• Low-fiber diet
• Dehydration
• Hairballs/excessive grooming
• Blocked or abscessed anal sacs
• Enlarged prostate gland
• Tangled hair on the buttocks
• Ingestion of foreign objects such as string, cloth, bones, etc.
• Side effect of medication
• Tumor or other intestinal obstruction
• Neurologic disorder
• Obesity
• Abnormal colon shape or ability to move

Which Cats Are Susceptible to Constipation?
Elderly pets often suffer from infrequent or difficult bowel movements. However, the condition can occur in any cat who doesn’t eat adequate fiber, get enough water or exercise, or suffers from one or more of the causes of constipation.

Can Constipation Hint at Larger Health Problems?
Yes. Constipation should always be investigated, as it can be a symptom of diabetes, hyperthyroidism, an obstruction of the rectum or a hernia.

How Can I Prevent My Cat from Becoming Constipated?
Feed your cat a healthy high-fiber diet with minimal treats, provide access all day to clean, fresh water and make sure she gets exercise. Brushing your cat regularly will minimize chances of hairballs, which can lead to constipation.

What Can Happen If Constipation Goes Untreated?
If your cat’s constipation is not alleviated, obstipation—the inability to empty her colon on her own—can occur. In this state, the colon is packed with an uncomfortably large amount of feces, causing unproductive straining, lethargy, appetite loss and possibly even vomiting. This can result in the swelling of your cat’s colon and loss of the colon’s ability to move.

Dehydration

What Is Dehydration?
Dehydration is a lack of water in the body, and can cause serious complications for pets and people alike.

What Causes Dehydration in Cats?
Dehydration occurs when fluid levels drop to less than normal. This is due to either reduced water intake or increased fluid loss. Fluid loss can be due to overheating in hot weather or a bout of vomiting or diarrhea, especially in puppies.

Many owners don’t see their cats drinking water and assume they are not sensitive to water loss, but they are—even though they may not drink fluids until they’ve lost as much as eight percent of their body’s water stores. That’s why it’s very important to give your cat access to fresh water at all times to maintain proper hydration.

What Are the General Symptoms of Dehydration in Cats?

• Sunken eyes
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Dry mouth
• Depression
• Elevated heart rate
• Decreased skin elasticity
• Panting

What Should I Do If I Think My Cat Is Dehydrated?
Dehydration may indicate a serious underlying problem. If you suspect that your cat is dehydrated, take him to a veterinarian immediately.

You may be able to detect dehydration at home by gently lifting the skin on the back of your cat’s neck or between the shoulder blades—unless your cat is seriously overweight or very thin, his skin should immediately return to a normal position. If he is lacking in fluids, the lifted skin may not quickly return to normal. Often, however, the signs of dehydration are not as obvious, and only a veterinarian can provide proper diagnosis and treatment.

Are Certain Cats Prone to Dehydration?
Cats most at risk for dehydration are those who suffer from various illnesses such as kidney disorders, cancer and hyperthyroidism. Elderly and nursing cats may be prone to dehydration, as well as diabetic cats whose condition is not regularly monitored.

How Is Dehydration Treated?
A veterinarian will administer intravenous or subcutaneous fluids, and run additional tests, if necessary, to determine the underlying cause of the condition.

How Can I Prevent Dehydration?

• Provide clean water for your cat at all times
• Change it frequently to ensure freshness
• Wash your pet’s water bowl every day to prevent bacteria from forming.
• Observe your cat to determine his preference for obtaining water.
• Some cats prefer certain bowls, while others like either tap or bottled water.
• Other cats prefer water fountains that can be found at many pet stores.
• Try placing multiple bowls of water around the house for easier access.
• Monitor your cat’s water intake.
• If you notice he is drinking more or less than usual, make an appointment to have a check-up with your veterinarian.

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Diarrhea

What Is Diarrhea?
Diarrhea is characterized by frequent loose or liquid bowel movements. It can be caused by something as simple as a change in diet or a more serious illness or infection.  A single bout of diarrhea is generally not a cause for concern in cats—but if it persists for more than a day, it can lead to dehydration and may indicate an underlying health issue and should be checked out by a veterinarian.

What Causes Diarrhea?

• Change in diet or food intolerance including dairy products
• Ingestion of spoiled food
• Hairballs
• Allergic reaction
• Bacterial or viral infection
• Internal parasites
• Cancer or other tumors of the digestive tract
• Disease and colitis
• Certain medications
• Hyperthyroidism
• Stress

What Are the General Symptoms of Diarrhea?
Loose or liquid, frequent stools are the most common symptoms of diarrhea in cats. Other signs include:

• Flatulence
• Blood or mucus in stool
• Changes in volume of stool
• Straining to defecate

The following may also accompany diarrhea:

• Lethargy
• Dehydration
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Decreased appetite
• Weight loss
• Increased urgency to defecate

If your cat’s diarrhea is black, he could be experiencing internal bleeding of the stomach or small intestine and should be examined by a vet immediately.

When Should I Take My Cat to the Vet?
Bring your cat to the vet if his diarrhea continues for more than a day, or if you observe:

• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Dark-colored or bloody stools
• Straining to defecate
• Decreased appetite
• Unexplained weight loss

How Can I Prevent Diarrhea?

• Try to avoid giving your cat dairy foods, no matter how much he likes them!
• Almost all cats enjoy the taste of milk or yogurt, but some adult cats do not have a sufficient amount of lactase, the enzyme necessary for the digestion of diary products.
•  Undigested lactose moves to the large intestine, where it ferments—and can cause a cat to have gas or diarrhea.
• Also, if you decide to switch your cat’s food, it’s a good idea to introduce it gradually, mixing it with the old brand to insure an easier transition for your pet’s GI tract.

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Ear Mites

 What Are Ear Mites?
There are several types of mites that can live in your cat’s ear, but the most common are tiny, eight-legged parasites that feed on the wax and oils in a dog’s ear canal. An individual mite has a three-week life cycle, and is barely detectable by the naked eye. Causing irritation and inflammation, ear mites can infect the external and internal canal, and lead to more serious skin or ear infections if left untreated.  Infection usually produces a characteristic dark discharge; in some cases, the ear canal can become entirely obstructed by this coffee ground-like debris

What Causes Ear Mites in Cats?
Highly contagious, ear mites are often passed from pet to pet in casual contact at home or outside. Though they can infect both cats and dogs, ear mites are much more common in cats, and are responsible for more than 50 percent of all feline ear infections. Humans are generally immune to ear mites.

What Are the General Symptoms of Ear Mites in Cats?

• Excessive scratching and rubbing of ears
• Head shaking
• Hair loss and dermatitis
• Black or brown waxy secretion
• Strong odor
• Inflammation of the ear
• Obstruction of ear canal with coffee ground-like debris
• Scratches or scabs near ear

What Are Some Complications of Ear Mites in Cats?
In addition to the development of skin infections, ear mites can cause blood vessels inside a cat’s ear to rupture from intense scratching and head shaking. This is known as an aural hematoma, and often requires surgery to correct.

Are Certain Cats Prone to Ear Mites?
Although ear mites can infect cats of all ages, they are most common in kittens and outdoor cats.

What Should I Do If I Think My Cat Has Ear Mites?
It is important to bring your cat to a veterinarian for accurate diagnosis. Your vet will take a swap sample of ear discharge and evaluate it under a microscope. Avoid self-diagnosis, since certain types of bacterial infections can mimic the symptoms of ear mites.

How Are Ear Mites Treated?

• Ear mites can be treated with products your veterinarian will prescribe that are applied directly in the ear or parasite medications that are applied right to the skin.
• If the ears have infections or build-up of debris, gentle cleaning may be required with cotton and a canine ear cleaner. (This may require sedation, depending on the dog’s temperament and the severity of build-up.)
• Your veterinarian may also prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs or an antibiotic to resolve infections.
• A dog will start to feel relief soon after treatment begins, but please complete the full cycle of treatment and remember that all animals in a household need to be treated to ensure full eradication.

How Can I Prevent Ear Mites?

Routine cleaning of your cat’s ears will alert you to any early problems. If your pet has recently recovered

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Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

Cats who are infected with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) may not show symptoms until years after the initial infection occurred. Although the virus is slow-acting, a cat’s immune system is severely weakened once the disease takes hold. This makes the cat susceptible to various secondary infections. Infected cats that receive supportive medical care and are kept in a stress-free, indoor environment can live relatively comfortable lives for months to years before the disease reaches its chronic stages.
 
Many people confuse FIV with feline leukemia virus (FeLV). Although these diseases are in the same retrovirus family and cause many similar secondary conditions FeLV and FIV are different diseases.

What Are the Symptoms of FIV?
An FIV-infected cat may not show any symptoms for years. Once symptoms do develop, however, they may continually progress –or a cat may show signs of sickness interspersed with health for years.  If your cat is demonstrating any of the following symptoms, please have examined by your veterinarian:

• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Fever
• Anemia
• Weight loss and/or poor appetite
• Disheveled coat
• Diarrhea
• Conjunctivitis
• Inflammation of the gums and/or mouth
• Dental disease
• Skin redness or hair loss
• Wounds that don’t heal
• Sneezing
• Discharge from eyes or nose
• Frequent urination, straining to urinate or urinating outside of litter box
• Behavior change

How Is FIV Transmitted?

• FIV is mainly passed from cat to cat through deep bite wounds, the kind that usually occur outdoors during aggressive fights and territorial disputes—the perfect reason to keep your cat inside.
• Another, less common mode of transmission is from an FIV-infected mother cat to her kitten. FIV does not seem to be commonly spread through sharing food bowls and litter boxes, social grooming, sneezing and other casual modes of contact.

Which Cats Are Most Prone to FIV?
Although any feline is susceptible, free-roaming, outdoor intact male cats that fight most frequently contract the disease. Cats who live indoors are the least likely to be infected.

Can a Person Catch FIV from a Cat?
No. FIV cannot be transmitted from cat to human, only from cat to cat.

What Should I Do If I Think My Cat Has FIV?

• If you suspect your cat has FIV, have him examined and tested by your veterinarian right away.
• During your visit, be ready to describe any symptoms that you have detected, no matter how minute they seem.
• Also make sure to keep your cat indoors, away from other felines who might possibly be infected or whom he could infect, until you have a diagnosis.
  

How Is FIV Diagnosed?
FIV infection is routinely diagnosed by blood testing. The FIV status of every cat should be known. 

• The most common type of test looks for the presence of antibodies to the virus in the blood.
• No test is 100-percent accurate all of the time
• Your veterinarian will interpret the test result and determine whether further testing is needed to confirm either a positive or negative test result.
• Once a cat is determined to be FIV-positive, that cat is capable of transmitting the disease to other cats.
• Since it is possible for an infected mother cat to transfer FIV antibodies to her kittens, these kittens may test positive from their mother’s antibodies until they have cleared them from their systems, which happens by six months of age.
• Kittens that test positive for FIV antibodies when they’re younger than six months should undergo antibody tests again at a later date to see if they are infected.

How Is FIV Treated?
Unfortunately, there is no specific antiviral treatment for FIV. Cats can carry the virus for a long time before symptoms appear. Therefore, treatment focuses mainly on extending the asymptomatic period or, if symptoms have set in, on easing the secondary effects of the virus. Your veterinarian may prescribe some of the following treatments:

• Medication for secondary infections
• Healthy, palatable diet to encourage good nutrition
• Fluid and electrolyte replacement therapy
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Immune-enhancing drugs
• Parasite control

How Do I Care for My FIV-Infected Cat?

• Keep your cat indoors.
• This will protect him from contact with disease-causing agents to which he may be susceptible.
• By bringing your cat indoors, you’re also protecting the uninfected cats in your community.
• Watch for changes—even seemingly minor—in your cat’s health and behavior.
• Immediately report any health concerns to your vet.
• Bring your cat to your vet at least twice per year for a wellness checkup, blood count and urine analysis.
• Feed your cat a nutritionally balanced food—no raw food diets, please, as bacteria and parasites in uncooked meat and eggs can be dangerous to immunocompromised pets.
• Be sure your cat is spayed or neutered.

How Can FIV Be Prevented?

• Since no vaccine is available to protect against FIV, the best way to prevent your cat from contracting the virus is to keep him indoors, avoiding any chance of contact with infected felines.
• If you walk your cat, keep him on a leash when outdoors. And if your cat is going to be spending any time in a cattery or in a home with other felines, make sure all cats have tested negative for FIV.
• Also, any recently adopted cat should be tested for FIV prior to entering your home.

What Can Happen If FIV Goes Untreated?
Without proper treatment, the secondary infections that can occur as a consequence of FIV can progress to life-threatening conditions. Additionally, cats with FIV can develop various forms of cancer, blood diseases or kidney failure, which will ultimately claim the cat’s life.

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Feline Infectious Peritonitis

 
What is feline infectious peritonitis?
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is caused by a type of virus called a coronavirus, which tends to attack the cells of the intestinal wall. In 1970, the coronavirus that causes FIP was isolated and characterized. In 1981, another coronavirus was isolated. Although this virus is nearly identical to the FIP virus, cats that were infected with it developed only very mild diarrhea and recovered easily.

What are the symptoms of FIP?
There are two “forms” of FIP, “wet” and “dry.” 
Signs of both forms include:

• Fever that doesn’t respond to antibiotics
• Anorexia
• Weight loss
• Lethargy.

In addition, the wet form of FIP is characterized by accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity and/or the chest cavity.  Cats with fluid in the chest exhibit labored breathing. Cats with fluid in the abdomen show progressive, non-painful abdominal distension.

In the dry form of FIP, small accumulations of inflammatory cells form in various organs, and clinical signs depend on which organ is affected. If the kidneys are affected, excessive thirst and urination, vomiting and weight loss are seen; if the liver, jaundice. The eyes and the neurologic system are frequently affected, as well.

How is FIP diagnosed?
Diagnosing FIP is challenging.  There is currently no test that can distinguish between the harmless intestinal coronavirus and the deadly FIP coronavirus. A positive test may support the veterinarian’s suspicions, but by itself is inconclusive. It means only that a cat has been exposed to and may be harboring a coronavirus. A negative test usually (but not always) indicates that the cat is unlikely to have FIP.

If a cat has what appears to be the wet form of the disease, laboratory analysis of some of the fluid can support a diagnosis of FIP.

Diagnosing the dry form of the disease is even more challenging, often requiring biopsy of affected organs.

How is FIP treated?
FIP is fatal in more than 95 percent of cases. In mild cases of the dry form, it may be possible to prolong the survival period, but most cats with the wet form of the disease die within two months of the onset of signs. Fortunately, the disease is very uncommon.

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Feline Leukemia Virus

What Is the Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)?
Feline leukemia virus is a transmittable RNA retrovirus that can severely inhibit a cat’s immune system. It is one of the most commonly diagnosed causes of disease and death in domestic cats.

Because the virus doesn’t always manifest symptoms right away, any new cat entering a household—and any sick cat—should be tested for FeLV.

How Do Cats Get FeLV?
The FeLV virus is shed in many bodily fluids, including saliva, nasal secretions, urine, feces and blood.  FeLV is most commonly transmitted through direct contact, mutual grooming and through sharing litter boxes, food and water bowls.  It can also be passed in-utero or through mother’s milk.  Outdoor cats that get into fights with other cats can transmit the disease through bites and scratches.

What Are the Signs of FeLV?

• Cats can be infected and show no signs
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Pale or inflamed gums
• Poor coat condition  and chronic skin disease
• Abscesses
• Fever
• Upper respiratory infections and respiratory distress
• Diarrhea and vomiting
• Seizures
• Changes in behavior
• Vision or other eye problems
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Reproductive problems (in females)
• Jaundice
• Lethargy

How Is FeLV Diagnosed?
There are several types of tests available to diagnose FeLV.  Most vets use an antigen test.

What Happens to Cats Who Are Infected With FeLV?
FeLV weakens an animal’s immune system and predisposes cats to a variety of infections and diseases including: anemia, kidney disease and Lymphosarcoma, a highly malignant and fatal cancer of the lymph system. 

Which Cats Are Prone to FeLV?
Young kittens and cats less than one year of age are most susceptible to the virus. Cats that live with an infected cat, cats who are allowed outdoors where they may be bitten by an infected cat, and kittens that are born to a mother who is FeLV positive are most at risk for infection.

Can Other Pets Catch FeLV?
Yes, FeLV is contagious to other cats, but not to humans or other species. Other cats in the house can acquire the virus from an infected cat. Though the virus doesn’t live long outside of the body, and is easily inactivated with common disinfectants, it can be passed through shared food and water as well as common litter boxes.

How Is FeLV Treated?
Sadly there is no cure for FeLV.

How Can FeLV Be Prevented?

• There is a vaccine available for cats that are at risk of contracting FeLV. Like all vaccines, there are risks involved in vaccination, and the vaccine is not a 100-percent guarantee against infection. Your veterinarian can best evaluate whether this vaccine is right for your cat.
• As with any infectious disease, the best prevention is eliminating sources of exposure. Routine FeLV testing and keeping your cat indoors and away from cats whose FeLV status is not known remain the best way to prevent your cat from becoming infected.

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Fleas

What Are Fleas?
Fleas are the most common external parasite to plague companion animals. They are wingless insects that feed on blood, can jump up to two feet high and make a very comfortable home in your pet’s fur. They can live for as few as 13 days or as long as 12 months—and during that time, can produce millions of offspring. Though there are many species of fleas, the one that most often affects both dogs and cats in North America is the cat flea.

How Do I Know if My Cat Has Fleas?

• If you see your cat scratching often and persistently, it’s time for a spot check.
• Invest in a fine tooth comb and run it through your cat’s fur, especially around the neck and at the base of the tail.
• If you see small, fast-moving brown shapes about the size of a pinhead in her fur, your cat has fleas.
• Also check for black spots in between the teeth of the comb.
• The black spots are called “flea dirt”—dried blood excreted by fleas.
• If you see tiny white grains, these may be flea eggs.

What Are Common Symptoms of Flea Infestation?
If your cat exhibits the following symptoms, she may have fleas and should promptly be taken to the vet:

• Itchy/irritated skin with persistent scratching
• Chewing and licking
• Hair loss
• Tapeworms (small, white, rice-shaped objects in your pet’s feces or in the hair around her anus)
• Pale lips and gums

How Did My Cat Get Fleas in The First Place?
It’s easy for people and animals to bring fleas in from the outdoors. All it takes is one flea to begin a cycle of infestation.

How Can I Get Rid of My Cat’s Fleas?
The best way to tackle the problem is to consult your veterinarian for a flea control program designed specifically for your pet and your pet’s environment—one that treats fleas in all stages of life. There are increasingly effective flea control products available both as prescription and over-the-counter formulas. These formulas often require just one monthly application to the skin to effectively kill adult fleas and prevent egg development.

How Can I Get Rid of Fleas In My House?

• Thoroughly vacuum rugs, upholstery, your cat’s bedding and her favorite places to sleep and eat—and throw out the vacuum bag right away.  Vacuum daily in high traffic areas, weekly in other areas. This will help eliminate flea eggs, pupae and young fleas.
• Wash your pet’s bedding weekly.
• Treat all animals in the house, not just the pets with obvious infestations.
• For severe infestations, a professional exterminator may be of help.
• While cleaning, remember that fleas naturally hide in dark areas such as behind furniture and under bedding.

How Can I Get Rid of Fleas In My Yard?
Flea control outdoors may not be necessary if you keep up your indoor program. If you are going to treat the yard, the following tips may be useful:

• Clean up organic debris, such as rake clippings, leaves and straw.
• Use an environmentally safe spray and follow label directions.
• Repeat treatment as directed.
• Remember that fleas like to hide in dark, moist, shady areas.

Can I Use My Dog’s Flea-Control Product on My Cat?
Absolutely not! Canine flea-control formulas can be lethal to cats.

Please also make sure that all products are age-appropriate and compatible when used together. Some formulas may not be healthy for kittens under four months of age, so heed the manufacturer’s instructions. Always consult a veterinarian before using any product on very young kittens.

What Happens if a Case of Fleas Goes Untreated?
If a cat with fleas goes untreated, she may develop anemia, skin problems and parasite infestations.

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Hairballs

What Are Hairballs?
Most cat owners are familiar with the sight and sound of their cat producing hairballs. Rid by vomiting, hairballs are common in cats and are usually a byproduct of feline hygiene.

What Causes Hairballs in Cats?
During a cat’s daily grooming regimen, he may inadvertently swallow loose hair, which generally passes through the digestive system into the cat’s stool. Some hair can remain, however, and collect in the stomach or small intestine, causing the cat to hack, gag or retch until he vomits the collection of hair. The hair that is vomited can appear matted or tubular in shape.

What Are the General Symptoms of Hairballs?
The primary symptoms of hairballs are:

• Periodic hacking
• Gagging
• Vomiting.

Hairballs may also cause decreased appetite and constipation. You might see accumulated hair in the vomited material. However, sometimes a hairball can cause an upset stomach and the cat will bring up just food or mucus.

What Should I Do If I Think My Cat Has Hairballs?

• If your cat’s gagging continues for more than one day or if he seems constipated or has diarrhea, please see your veterinarian.
• In rare cases, hairballs can get stuck in the esophagus or cause intestinal blockages, which may require surgery to correct. These symptoms can also be signs of a more serious condition.
• It’s a good idea to consult with your vet if you see any of these abnormal clinical signs.

Are Certain Cats Prone to Hairballs?
Long-haired cats, those who shed excessively and those who groom themselves compulsively are especially prone to hairballs. In some cases, frequent vomiting of hairballs may indicate an underlying gastrointestinal problem, such as inflammatory bowel disease or cancer.

How Can I Prevent Hairballs?
If your veterinarian has determined that hairballs are causing your cat’s occasional vomiting, there are several ways to help decrease their formation:

• Brush your cat to decrease the amount of hair that is ingested.
• If he has long hair, try to brush him daily.
• Afterwards, wipe your cat with a clean cloth to remove any loose hairs.
• Feed your pet commercial cat food specifically formulated to reduce hairballs.
• By improving skin and coat health, reducing shedding and increasing the amount of fiber in your cat’s diet, certain foods can decrease the formation of hairballs.
• Give your cat a hairball remedy or lubricant, available at most pet supply stores, to encourage the passage of hair through the intestinal tract. Such products should be used as directed.
• If your cat grooms himself excessively, give him a new toy or engage him in play to distract him from this activity.

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Heartworm

What Is Heartworm?
Spread by infected mosquitoes, heartworm is increasingly being recognized as an underlying cause of health problems in domestic cats. Despite its name, heartworm primarily causes lung disease in cats. It is an important concern for any cat owner living in areas densely populated by mosquitoes, and prevention methods should be discussed with a veterinarian.
 
How Can I Tell if My Cat Has Heartworm?
The following signs may indicate that your cat has been infected:

• Persistent cough
• Breathing difficulties (panting, wheezing, rapid or open-mouthed breathing)
• Depression
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Sporadic vomiting
• Lethargy

How Do Cats Get Heartworm?

• When a mosquito carrying the heartworm parasite bites a cat, larvae are transmitted into the bloodstream.
• The larvae migrate toward the heart over a period of around four to six months, maturing as they go, then settle in the heart, pulmonary arteries and blood vessels of the lungs.
• Because a domestic cat is not a natural host for the heartworm parasite, many of the worms die.
• These—along with the living worms—cause severe inflammatory and immune responses in an infected cat.  

What Cats Have the Greatest Risk of Contracting Heartworm?

• Cats of all ages, living in any region, can contract heartworm, but the disease is more prevalent in felines who live in areas densely populated by mosquitoes.
• Outdoor cats that are more exposed to mosquitoes may be at a greater risk.
• However, indoor cats are also susceptible to mosquito bites, so it’s smart to discuss prevention with your vet.
• The heartworm infection can be especially life-threatening to kittens and older cats.

How Is Feline Heartworm Diagnosed?
Heartworm disease is not as easily diagnosed in cats as it is in dogs. Routine testing requires a combination of blood tests. When cats show signs of respiratory difficulty and heartworm is suspected, diagnosis is usually attempted based on a cat’s history, physical examination, x-rays, echocardiogram and blood tests.

How Can Heartworm Be Treated?
There are currently no products in the United States approved for treating feline heartworm infection. The good news is that many heartworm-infected cats are able to fight the infection themselves, and can be monitored with x-rays every few months, while waiting out the worms’ lifespan. If an infected cat shows symptoms of lung disease, the cat can be given a cortisone-like medication as needed. Medication can also be given to help control coughing and vomiting.

How Can I Prevent My Cat from Getting Heartworm?

• Check with your vet!
• It is recommended that cats are screened for heartworm infection with blood tests before being given any type of preventative medication.
• Limit your cat’s exposure to mosquito-infested areas and bring her in for preventative screenings during vet visits.
• Regular checkups are key to detecting an infection early, and can give your cat a good chance at recovery.

What Can Happen if Heartworm Goes Untreated?
Although some cats are able to fight the infection on their own, the following can occur if heartworms are not monitored and treated:

• Damage to walls of heart
• Damage to pulmonary blood vessels
• Possible obstruction of blood flow through pulmonary arteries
• Impaired breathing
• Heart and lung failure
• Kidney and liver damage
• Sudden death

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Herpes

What Is Feline Herpes?
Also known as Feline Viral Rhinopneumonitis (FVR), Rhinotracheitis virus and Feline Herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1); Herpes is one of the most common causes of upper respiratory infections in cats. Many cats are exposed to this virus at some point in their lives.

What Are the Symptoms of Feline Herpes?

• Sneezing “attacks”
• Discharge from the nose and eyes
• Conjunctivitis
• Lesions in and around the eyes
• Eye ulcers
• Congestion
• Fever
• Depression
• Loss of appetite
• Drooling
• Squinting
• Lethargy

Cats weakened by the virus may also develop secondary infections.

How Do Cats Get Herpes?

• The most common way for the herpes virus to spread is through contact with discharge from an infected cat’s eyes, mouth or nose.
• Cats can catch this virus by sharing litter boxes, food and water dishes with an infected cat, as well as by mutual grooming.
• An infected pregnant cat might also pass the virus on to kittens that are still in the womb. 
• The virus is highly contagious; it is common in catteries, shelters and multi-cat households.
• Some cats who become infected with feline herpes are latent carriers.
• Even though they will never display symptoms, they can still pass the virus on to other cats. 
• Stress can cause these carriers to “shed” the virus, exhibiting mild symptoms, which clear up on their own after a few days.

Which Cats Are Prone to the Herpes Virus?
Cats of all sizes, ages and breeds are susceptible to feline herpes. However, cats in crowded or stressful conditions or with weak immune systems often develop more severe symptoms, as can kittens, Persians and other flat-face breeds.

Can Human Beings or Dogs Catch Herpes from Cats?
No. Humans and dogs are not at risk for catching feline herpes, and cats cannot catch the strains of herpes that humans carry.

How Is Feline Herpes Diagnosed?
Diagnosis can be challenging, and is often based on a combination of symptoms, health history and lab tests.

How Is Feline Herpes Treated?
Once infected, the majority of cats do not get rid of the virus. However, symptoms can be treated. Please note, any cat developing an upper respiratory infection should be under veterinary supervision.  Please do not administer any medication to your cat unless you’ve discussed it with your veterinarian.

How Can Feline Herpes Be Prevented?
Vaccination! Talk to your vet about what vaccines are available to protect cats from this virus. Keeping your cat up-to-date on his vaccines can help to minimize his risk.

What Should I Do If I Think My Cat Has Herpes?
If you think your cat may have feline herpes, take him in for a veterinary exam immediately.

How Can I Reduce Flare-Ups?
Since the herpes virus reactivates with stress, a low- or no-stress environment is helpful in reducing flare-ups. Your cat can be put under stress by any sudden change in his—or your—daily routine, by a sudden change in environment, such as new visitors, a move or loud noises. To create a calm environment for your cat, provide him with clean bedding and access to natural light and hiding places.

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Hyperthyroidism

What is hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism is the most common glandular disorder in cats. It is most frequently caused by an excessive concentration of a thyroid hormone known as T4 in a cat’s bloodstream.

What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?

• Weight loss and increased appetite are among the most common clinical signs of this condition.
• Excessive thirst and increased urination
• Hyperactivity
• Unkempt appearance
• Panting
• Diarrhea
• Increased shedding
• Vomiting is seen in about 50 percent of affected cats.

What breeds/ages are prone to hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism can occur in any breed of cat, male or female, but occurs almost exclusively in older animals; the average age at onset is between 12 and 13 years.

How is hyperthyroidism diagnosed?

• A CBC, chemistry panel and urinalysis alone will not diagnose hyperthyroidism, but they can certainly rule out diabetes and kidney failure.
• Hyperthyroid cats may have normal findings on the CBC and urinalysis, but the chemistry panel often shows elevation of several liver enzymes.
• In the vast majority of cases, a definitive diagnosis of hyperthyroidism is based on a simple blood test that shows elevated T4 levels in the bloodstream.
• Unfortunately, between 2 percent and 10 percent of cats with hyperthyroidism will have normal T4 levels

How is hyperthyroidism treated?
Several treatment options for hyperthyroidism exist, each with advantages and disadvantages.

• Oral administration of a medication called Methimazole has long been the mainstay of drug therapy for feline hyperthyroidism.
• It is highly effective in correcting the condition, often within two to three weeks.
• Unfortunately, about 15 percent to 20 percent of cats will suffer side effects, such as”
• Loss of appetite, vomiting, lethargy, blood clotting problems, jaundice, itching around the head and face and, occasionally, blood cell abnormalities.
• Most side effects are mild and eventually resolve, although some necessitate discontinuation of the medication.
• Lifelong daily medication is required, which is a disadvantage to owners whose cats resist pilling. CBC and T4 levels need to be rechecked regularly for the remainder of the cat’s life.
• Surgical removal of the thyroid gland:
• Hyperthyroidism is usually caused by a benign tumor called that involves one or, more often, both thyroid glands.
• Fortunately, most hyperthyroid cats have benign tumors that are easily removed.
• Surgery usually results in a cure, but anesthesia can be challenging in these older patients whose disease may have affected their hearts and other organs.
• Although surgery may seem costly, it often ends up being less expensive than years of oral medication and regular bloodwork rechecks.
• Radioactive iodine therapy:
• This is the best and most sophisticated treatment option.
• Radioactive iodine, given by injection (usually under the skin), becomes concentrated in the thyroid gland, where it irradiates and destroys the hyper-functioning tissue.
• No anesthesia or surgery is required, and only one treatment is usually needed to achieve a cure.
• Hospitalization may be prolonged; depending on local or state ordinances, cats may need to be kept at the treatment facility for 10 to 14 days until the level of radioactivity in their urine and feces decreases to an acceptable level.
• Radioiodine therapy is costly

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Lower Urinary Tract Problems

What Are Some Common Urinary Tract Problems in Cats?
Once called Feline Urologic Syndrome (FUS), Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) is not merely one problem, but a collection of clinical symptoms that may have more than one possible cause. Symptoms of FLUTD include: frequent or painful urination, bloody urine, and frequent licking of the urinary opening. One key to treating FLUTD is to determine the root cause, which may include: bladder stone, urinary tract blockage, infection, and cancer.  If the cause of these symptoms cannot be determined, the cat is considered to have bladder inflammation (cystitis).

What Causes Lower Urinary Tract Problems in Cats?

• Stones, crystals or debris accumulation in the bladder or urethra
• Urethral plug (accumulation of debris from urine)
• Bladder inflammation or infection
• Incontinence from excessive water drinking or weak bladder
• Injury to, or tumor in, the urinary tract
• Stress
• Spinal cord problems
• Congenital abnormality

What Health Conditions Might Lead to Lower Urinary Tract Problems?
Endocrine diseases such as hyperthyroidism and diabetes mellitus can cause lower urinary tract problems in cats.

Which Cats Are Prone to Lower Urinary Tract Problems?
FLUTD is rarely diagnosed in animals younger than one year; the average age is typically four years. Male cats are generally more prone to urethral blockages because of their narrower urethras.

How Can I Tell if My Cat Has Lower Urinary Tract Problems?
The following signs may indicate that your cat is having trouble with his urinary tract:

• Inability to urinate or only passing a small amount of urine
• Bloody or cloudy urine
• Loss of bladder control
• Increased frequency of urination or visits to the litter box
• Straining and/or crying out in pain when trying to pass urine
• Prolonged squatting in litter box
• Fear/avoidance of litter box and soiling in inappropriate places
• Constant licking of urinary opening
• Strong odor of ammonia in urine
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Increased water consumption
• Hard, distended abdomen

What Should I Do If I Think My Cat Has Lower Urinary Tract Problems?
See your veterinarian for immediate medical attention, especially if your cat is straining to urinate or crying out in pain. This could be a medical emergency!

How Are Lower Urinary Tract Problems Diagnosed?
To diagnose a lower urinary tract problem, your vet should conduct a complete physical exam, a urinalysis and possibly urine culture, blood work, x-rays or ultrasound.

How Are Lower Urinary Tract Problems Treated?
Because feline urinary problems are so varied and potentially serious in nature, your first step is to get immediate veterinary care.

What Can Happen If a Cat’s Lower Urinary Tract Problems Go Untreated?
Untreated urinary problems can cause partial or complete obstruction of the urethra, preventing a cat from urinating. This is a medical emergency that can very quickly lead to kidney failure and/or rupture of the bladder, and can prove fatal if the obstruction is not relieved right away.

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Mange

 What Is Mange?
Rarely diagnosed in cats but one of the most common conditions affecting dogs, mange is a skin disease caused by several species of tiny mites. Some mange mites are normal residents of a cat’s skin and hair follicles, while others are considered parasites. All mites can cause mild to severe skin infections if they proliferate.

What Causes Mange in Cats?

• Feline sarcoptic mange is uncommon. Sarcoptic mange is sometimes referred to as scabies.
• Notedric mange is also sometimes referred to as feline scabies, because the disease is similar to sarcoptic mange in dogs.
• These mites cause severe skin infections in cats, generally starting on the face and ears and spreading to the rest of the body, and are highly contagious.
• Demodectic mange is not considered contagious, nor is it common in cats. These mites are normal residents of a healthy cat’s skin and hair follicles.  Disease only occurs when the mites are present in large numbers, which could be a sign of a compromised immune system.

What Are the General Symptoms of Mange in Cats?

• Restlessness
• Intense itching and frantic scratching
• Patchy hair loss

The most commonly affected areas are a cat’s ears and face, but it can spread to the entire body.

What Should I Do If I Think My Cat Has Mange?
Take your cat to a veterinarian, who will perform skin scrapings and confirm the presence of mites with a microscope. It can be difficult to identify mange mites if they’re buried deep in the skin, so your vet may rely on clinical signs or your pet’s history to make a final diagnosis.

Are Certain Cats Prone to Mange?
Exceptionally malnourished cats or those with compromised immune systems are prone to mange, which often appears as a secondary condition to a more severe disorder.

How Is Mange Treated?

• The first step in the treatment of mange is isolating your cat to prevent the condition from affecting other pets and humans.
• Your vet will prescribe medication to kill the mites.
• Check with your vet before beginning any treatment program for mange.

How Can I Prevent a Recurrence of Mange?

• If your cat has been diagnosed with mange, you’ll need to thoroughly clean or replace his bedding, collar, toys, dishes, etc.
• If you suspect a neighbor’s cat may be infected, keep your pets away to keep the disease at bay.
• Bring your cat to the vet as directed for rechecks to ensure the mites have been eradicated.

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Rabies

What Is Rabies?
Rabies is a virus that may affect the brain and spinal cord of all mammals, including dogs, cats and humans. Though preventable, there is good reason that the word “rabies” evokes fear in people.  Annually, rabies causes the deaths of more than 50,000 humans and millions of animals worldwide. Once Rabies symptoms appear, the disease results in fatality.

How Would My Cat Get Rabies?

• Since animals that have rabies secrete large amounts of virus in their saliva, the disease is primarily passed to cats through a bite from an infected animal.
• It can also be transmitted through a scratch or when infected saliva makes contact with mucous membranes or an open, fresh wound. The risk runs highest if your cat--or any pet--is exposed to wild animals.
• The most common carriers of the rabies virus in this country are bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes.
• In the United States, rabies is reported in cats more than in any domestic species. If there are also cats in your household, it’s important to make sure they are vaccinated and kept indoors.

What Are the General Symptoms of Rabies?

• Animals will not show signs immediately following exposure to a rabid animal. Symptoms can be varied and can take months to develop.
• Classic signs of rabies in cats are changes in behavior (including aggression, restlessness and lethargy), increased vocalization, loss of appetite, weakness, disorientation, paralysis, seizures and even sudden death.

Which Cats Are Most at Risk For Getting Rabies?

• Unvaccinated cats who are allowed to roam outdoors are at the highest risk for rabies infection.
• Outdoor cats may, in the course of daily life, get into a fight with an infected wild animal or an infected stray dog or cat.
• And although widespread vaccination programs have helped to control rabies in dogs, feral cat populations remain a reservoir host for the rabies virus.

How Is Rabies Diagnosed?
There is no accurate test to diagnose rabies in live animals. The direct fluorescent antibody test is the most accurate test for diagnosis--but because it requires brain tissue, it can only be performed after the death of the animal.

How Is Rabies Treated?
There is no treatment or cure for rabies once symptoms appear. The disease results in fatality.

How Can Rabies Be Prevented?

• Keeping your cat up to date with vaccinations is not only essential to prevention, it’s the law.
• Check with your veterinarian about the right vaccine and vaccination schedule for your cat.
• In many areas of the country, it’s mandatory that all domestic dogs and cats are vaccinated after the age of three months.
• Vaccinating your pet not only protects him from getting rabies, it protects him if he bites someone.
• Cats that have bitten humans are required to be confined for at least 10 days to see if rabies develops, and if the animal’s vaccination records are not current, a lengthy quarantine or even euthanasia may be mandated.
• If you’re not sure of the laws in your town, consult your local animal affairs agency.
• Avoiding contact with wild animals is also necessary to prevention.  Keeping your cat indoors will help protect her from rabies.

                               
What Should I Do If I Think My Cat Has Had Contact with a Rabid Animal?

• Put on some gloves to protect yourself from infection, and call your veterinarian for an immediate appointment!
• Contact local animal control officers if the animal who bit your pet is still at large; they will be best able to safely apprehend and remove the animal from the environment.
• A cat who is up to date with his vaccinations and who has been bitten by a possibly rabid animal should also be given a rabies booster vaccine immediately and kept under observation for 45 days.

What Should I Do If I Think I’ve Been Bitten by a Rabid Animal?

• See your doctor immediately! You may need to get a series of injections.
• Note: Do not attempt to handle or capture a wild animal who is acting strangely (i.e., a nocturnal animal who is out during the day, an animal who acts unusually tame).
• Report the animal to local animal control officers as soon as possible.

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Ringworm

What Is Ringworm?
Although the name suggests otherwise, ringworm is not caused by a worm at all—but a fungus. This highly contagious infection can lead to patchy areas of hair loss on a dog, and can spread to other animals—and to humans.

What Are the General Symptoms of Ringworm?

• Classic symptoms of ringworm include lesions that typically appear on a dog’s head, ears, paws and forelimbs.
• These lesions can cause patchy, crusted circular “bald spots” that sometimes look red in the center.
• In mild cases of ringworm, there may be just a few broken hairs, while bad cases of ringworm can spread over most of a dog’s body.
• It’s also possible for a dog to carry the fungus and not show any symptoms whatsoever.

How Do Cats Get Ringworm?
A cat can get ringworm directly through contact with an infected animal—or indirectly through contact with bedding, dishes and other materials that have been contaminated with the skin cells or hairs of infected animals. Ringworm spores are notoriously hardy and can survive in the environment for more than a year!

Which Cats Are Prone to Ringworm Infection?
Any cat can develop ringworm, but kittens less than a year old and geriatric cats are most prone to infection, while longhaired cats and those who are immunocompromised are also more susceptible. Ringworm can quickly spread in shelters or other crowded environments; warm and humid conditions tend to promote ringworm infections.

What Should I Do If I Think My Cat Has Ringworm?

• Because infection can potentially spread over a cat’s body, it is important that you see your vet for an accurate diagnosis if you suspect your pet has ringworm.
• Because the infection can easily spread to you and other animals in the household, it’s a smart idea to immediately quarantine your cat until a veterinarian can confirm a diagnosis.
• You should also thoroughly wash your hands after you touch your cat.

How Is Ringworm Diagnosed?
Since some cats show few or no symptoms, a diagnosis of ringworm is rarely made just by looking at the skin. A veterinarian may use an ultraviolet light to diagnose ringworm, or may examine a fungal culture taken from a cat’s hair or skin cells. Skin biopsy and microscopic exam are sometimes also performed.

How Is Ringworm Treated?

• Treatment of ringworm depends on the severity of the infection.
• It’s also important to treat the cat’s environment, too, to prevent infection from recurring.

How Can I Prevent Ringworm from Spreading?

• If your veterinarian has diagnosed your pet with ringworm, he or she will explain what you must do to prevent the fungus from spreading to your other pets—and to the human members of the household.
• This is especially important because the fungus is difficult to kill and can live in the environment for several months.
• Your vet may recommend baths with a medicated shampoo for all your pets, and will likely suggest washing, disinfecting or even discarding the infected animal’s bedding, equipment and toys. 
• Since ringworm can survive on hair and skin that your pet sheds, frequent vacuuming can help prevent transmission of the infection—but don’t forget to change the vacuum bag!
• As a commonsense precaution, it is a smart idea to thoroughly wash your hands after you bathe or touch your cat. Good personal hygiene and environmental decontamination are essential to keep the disease from spreading to humans.

What Can Happen If Ringworm Is Left Untreated?
If a cat with ringworm is not properly treated, the lesions can spread over large areas of the animal’s body, causing hair loss and skin infections.

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Spay-Neuter

What Are Spaying and Neutering?
Spaying and neutering are surgical procedures performed by veterinarians that render cats incapable of breeding by removing their reproductive organs.

• When a female cat is spayed (also called an ovariohysterectomy), the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus are removed.
• Neutering results in the castration of males and the complete removal of their testicles.

What Are the Health Benefits of Spaying and Neutering?

• Spayed cats are less likely to develop breast cancer and will not be at risk for ovarian or uterine cancer
• Neutered males will not get testicular cancer.
• By neutering male cats, you also reduce the risk of injury and transmission of disease, since intact males have a natural instinct to roam and get into fights with other cats, who may have contagious diseases or parasites.

Why Should I Spay or Neuter My Cat?
In addition to the many health benefits, spaying or neutering your cat ensures that he or she won’t contribute to the feline overpopulation problem. Even a cat who lives indoors may escape and produce kittens if not sterilized. Each year, millions of homeless cats are euthanized or end up in shelters due to a lack of good homes.

What Are Some Behavioral Issues Associated with Cats Who Aren’t Spayed or Neutered?

• Although any cat can spray urine to mark territory, intact males are those who most often engage in this behavior.
• Both intact male and female cats may try to escape their homes to roam outside.
• When female cats are in estrus (heat), they yowl and attract male cats.

When Is the Best Time To Spay or Neuter My Cat?
It is generally considered safe for kittens as young as eight weeks old to be spayed or neutered. In animal shelters, surgery is often performed at this time so that kittens can be sterilized prior to adoption. In an effort to avoid the start of urine spraying and eliminate the chance for pregnancy, it’s advisable to schedule the surgery before your own cat reaches six months of age. It’s possible to spay a female cat while she’s in heat, but not always recommended since she’s susceptible to increased blood loss. Although older cats can be good candidates, your vet can best determine if the procedure can be safely performed.

What Happens When My Cat Is Spayed or Neutered? Will He or She Act Differently?
After sterilization, your cat may be calmer and less likely to exhibit certain behaviors, but his or her personality will not change. Contrary to myth, a neutered cat does not become lazy and overweight. Fixed males do require fewer calories to maintain their body weight, so please talk to your vet about adjusting your cat’s dietary needs.

How Do I Prepare My Pet for Surgery?

• Your veterinary clinic will provide pre-surgical advice that you should follow.
• In general, avoid giving your cat any food after midnight the night before surgery.
• A kitten, however, needs adequate nutrition, and your veterinarian may advise that food not be withheld.

What Is the Recovery Process for Recently Spayed or Neutered Cats?
Although your cat may experience some discomfort after surgery, he shouldn’t be in pain. Depending on the procedure performed, medication to control pain may be sent home with your cat. Here are some tips for a safe and comfortable recovery:

• Provide your cat with a quiet place to recover indoors and away from other animals.
• Try to prevent your cat from running or jumping for the first few days following surgery.
• Prevent your cat from licking the incision site, which may cause infection, by distracting him with a few treats or by using an  Elizabethan collar.
• Consider using shredded paper instead of cat litter, since dust from the litter can also cause infection.
• Avoid bathing your cat for at least ten days after surgery.
• Check the incision site daily to confirm proper healing.
• If you notice any redness, swelling or discharge at the surgery site, or if the incision is open, please contact your vet.
• Also call your vet if your cat is lethargic, has a decreased appetite, is vomiting or has diarrhea following surgery.

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Ticks and Lyme Disease

What Are Ticks?
Ticks are external parasites that feed on the blood of host animals. Like mites and spiders, ticks are arachnids. The brown dog tick and the American dog tick, examples of ticks that commonly affect dogs, require three feedings to complete their life cycles. Tick species and disease transmission tend to vary based on where you live, so check with your vet about what is common in your area.

How Are Ticks Transmitted to Cats?
Ticks tend to be most active in late spring and summer and live in tall brush or grass, where they may attach to dogs and outdoor cats frolicking on their turf. Even if you have an indoors-only cat, ticks can be transferred from dogs coming into the household from outdoors. These parasites prefer to attach close to the head, neck ears and feet. However, they can be found anywhere on your pet’s body.

How Do I Know if My Cat Has Ticks?

• Most ticks are visible to the naked eye.
• Wile these parasites rarely cause obvious discomfort, it’s a good idea to check your cat regularly if you live in an area where ticks are prevalent, especially if he spends a lot of time outside.
• Run your hands carefully over your pet every time he comes inside, and especially check inside and around the ears, head and feet.

How Do I Safely Remove a Tick?

• If you do spot a tick, remove it immediately by treating the area with rubbing alcohol and plucking the parasite with tweezers.
• It is important to be careful when removing the tick, however, as any contact with the tick’s blood can potentially transmit infection to your cat or even to you.
• Please also note that just pulling the tick off may leave the biting head or other body parts still imbedded in your cat’s skin.
• Throwing a tick in the trash or flushing it down the toilet will not kill it.
• Instead, drop the tick in a jar of alcohol to prevent it from reattaching itself to your pet.

Are Certain Cats Prone to Ticks?
Outdoor cats that live in the southern states and certain wooded areas of the Northeast, where ticks are prominent, are more prone to ticks due to increased exposure.

What Are Some Complications Associated with Ticks in Cats?

• Ticks can transmit several diseases to cats similar to Lyme disease in humans, including Babesia, Cytauxzoonosis and Mycoplasma.
• Symptoms of these diseases vary, but often include fever, lack of appetite, jaundice and severe anemia.
• Ticks on cats can also transmit disease to humans and other animals, like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
• Blood loss
• Skin irritations and infections

My Cat Has Been Bitten by a Tick! What Should I Do?
Consult with a veterinarian, who can advise on the best way to remove the tick and help you prevent future infestation. Your vet may also perform blood tests to rule out a more serious tick-borne disease, such as Cytauxzoonosis.

What is Cytauxzoonosis?

• Cytauxzoonosis is a lethal infection caused by tick bites.
• Prominent in the south Cytauxzoonosis, blood parasite, is carried by bobcats.
• Ticks feed on bobcats, and in later cycles, may transmit the infection to domestic cats, for whom the disease is fatal.
• The infection progresses rapidly, in a matter of weeks, and there is no known cure, though several studies have proved successful in managing certain strains of the disease.

How Can I Prevent Tick Infestation?

Many of the same products on the market that treat fleas also kill ticks and protect against future infestation. These topical treatments are especially recommended for those cats that live in areas with high tick populations. Speak to your vet to select the best product for your cat.

The key to any successful tick control program lies, literally, in your own backyard. Ensure a tick-free lawn by mowing it regularly, removing tall weeds and making it inhospitable to rodents by keeping garbage covered and inaccessible

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Toxoplasmosis

 
What Is Toxoplasmosis?
Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by a parasite, which can be found in garden soil and raw meat. Cats can get toxoplasma infection by killing and eating infected prey. The disease can also be passed on from cats to humans.

How Do Cats Get Toxoplasmosis?
Cats most often become carriers of toxoplasmosis by killing and eating wild animals that have been infected.  A cat may also contract the disease should he come into contact with an infected cat’s feces. Once a cat is infected, the parasite multiplies in his intestines until immature eggs are shed in his feces. Infected cats can shed these eggs for up to two weeks after initial infection.

What Are The Symptoms Of Toxoplasmosis in Cats?
Most cats become immune to the disease through exposure to the parasite. However, those who aren’t already immune may have mild diarrhea and a loss of appetite; the disease can also affect a feline’s lungs, liver and nervous system. Kittens exposed to the parasite while still in the womb are most vulnerable—and are more likely than adult cats to show symptoms.

What Should I Do If I Think My Cat Has Toxoplasmosis?
If you suspect your cat is carrying the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, it’s time to get him tested by your veterinarian.

• If he tests positive, it means he has been exposed to the disease but is unlikely to be shedding eggs after an initial two-week period.
• If he tests negative, it means he has not been exposed and could still become infected and shed eggs—but again only for two weeks.  Cats that are capable of shedding eggs should be isolated from children and other pets, pregnant moms and any immunocompromised people in the household.   Also, be sure to clean his litter box and bedding twice each day while wearing disposable gloves.

Is There A Cure for Toxoplasmosis?
Antibiotics are available that can clear up most of the symptoms of toxoplasmosis. Although they do not kill the parasite, they can provide an effective treatment.

How Can People Catch Toxoplasmosis?
Although people can be infected through contact with cat feces,  the far more common way for someone to have contact with the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis is through unhygienic handling of raw or undercooked meat, drinking contaminated water , exposure to garden soil or sandboxes where infected cats may have defecated. People do not get the disease through direct contact with the cat himself.

Fortunately, most people have been exposed to or infected by Toxoplasma and already have immunity to the disease. People with weakened immune systems run the greatest risk of contracting toxoplasmosis. If a woman is infected while pregnant, the growing fetus can also become infected. This can result in cysts in the fetus’ brain, and can lead to developmental abnormalities, miscarriage or stillbirth. People with compromised immune systems are susceptible to a number of infections and should take the proper hygienic precautions to protect themselves against exposure to the disease.

What Are the Symptoms of Toxoplasmosis in Humans?
People who are affected by toxoplasmosis may have fever, shortness of breath and neurological problems, such as seizures and lack of coordination. Those in relatively good health will usually show no signs or simply have mild, flu-like symptoms.

How Can Toxoplasmosis Be Prevented?
If you have reason to be concerned (if your cat hunts, for example), pregnant moms and immunocompromised individuals can take some simple precautions against toxoplasmosis:

• Have all cats in your household tested by your veterinarian for the parasite and make certain the test results are explained to you.
• Keep your cat(s) indoors.
• Do not feed yourself or your cat raw meat, take proper hygienic steps when handling raw meat
• Do not allow your cat to hunt and eat wild mice, birds, etc.
• Use disposable rubber gloves when cleaning the litter box.
• Wear gloves and protective clothing when gardening.
• Cover your child’s sandbox when not in use; this will prevent possibly infected cats from defecating in it.

It is not necessary to relinquish a cat if he has toxoplasmosis. By taking the recommended steps above to practice good hygiene, both cat and humans can remain safe and healthy.

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Upper Respiratory Infections

A cat’s upper respiratory tract—the nose, throat and sinus area—is susceptible to infections caused by a variety of viruses and bacteria.

What Causes Upper Respiratory Infections in Cats?

• Feline Calicivirus and Feline Herpesvirus account for 80 to 90 percent of all contagious upper respiratory problems.  These viruses can be transmitted from cat to cat through sneezing, coughing, or while grooming or sharing food and water bowls.
• Once infected, cats can become carriers for life, and though they may not show clinical signs, they can still transmit the viruses to others. Cats often develop bacterial infections secondary to these common viral infections.
• There are also upper respiratory infections in cats that are primarily caused by bacteria.  Chlamydia and Bordetella—also commonly found in shelters and areas with multiple cats—are two such bacterial infections. Less common in cats than dogs, Bordetella is usually associated with stress and overcrowded living conditions.

What Are the General Symptoms of Upper Respiratory Infections?
Symptoms differ depending on the cause and location of the infection, but some common clinical signs of upper respiratory problems in cats include:

• Sneezing
• Congestion
• Runny nose
• Cough
• Clear to colored nasal discharge
• Gagging, drooling
• Fever
• Loss of or decreased appetite
• Rapid breathing
• Nasal and oral ulcers
• Squinting or rubbing eyes
• Open-mouth breathing
• Depression

Are Certain Cats Prone to Upper Respiratory Infections?
Age, vaccination status and physical condition all play a role in a cat’s susceptibility to upper respiratory infections, but cats that live in multi-cat households or shelters are most susceptible.

Certain breeds like Persians and other flat-faced breeds have a predisposition to develop upper respiratory infections due to their facial structure.

What Should I Do If I Think My Cat Has an Upper Respiratory Infection?
It’s important to bring your cat to a veterinarian if you think she may be suffering from an upper respiratory infection. A brief exam by a veterinarian will help to determine if your cat requires medication, has a fever or is dehydrated. Avoid self-diagnosis, since your cat may be infectious and require isolation, antibiotics or additional veterinary care.

How Are Upper Respiratory Infections Treated in Cats?
Your veterinarian will prescribe the best course of treatment for your cat, which may include medications, isolation, rest and support with fluids and nutritional support.

What Happens if an Upper Respiratory Infection Is Left Untreated?
Left untreated, some upper respiratory infections can progress to pneumonia or have other serious complications, such as blindness or chronic breathing difficulties.

How Can I Prevent My Cat From Getting Upper Respiratory Infections?

• Keep your cat indoors to minimize the risk of exposure to infected animals.
• Properly isolate infected cats to protect other pets living in the same environment.
• Minimize stress.
• Keep your cat up to date on vaccines as recommended by your vet. Vaccines for upper respiratory disease in cats may not actually prevent infection, but they help lessen the severity of the disease in some cases.
• Regularly veterinary exams and preventative care can help catch and treat problems early. A cat’s best defense against upper respiratory infection is a healthy immune system.
• Practice good hygiene and wash your hands thoroughly when handling multiple cats.

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Vaccinations

• Vaccinating your cat has long been considered one of the easiest ways to help her live a long, healthy life.
• Not only are there different vaccines for different diseases, there are different types and combinations of vaccines.
• Although vaccination has the potential to protect pets against life-threatening diseases, vaccination is not without its risks.
• Recently, there has been some controversy regarding duration of protection and timing of vaccination, as well as the safety and necessity of certain vaccines.
• What does this all mean for your cat?
• Vaccination is a procedure that has risks and benefits that must be weighed for every patient relative to their lifestyle and health.
• Your veterinarian can determine a vaccination regime that will provide the safest and best protection for your individual cat.

Here are answers to some of your most frequently asked questions regarding vaccines:
What Exactly Are Vaccines?

• Vaccines contain antigens, which look like the disease-causing organism to the immune system but don't actually cause disease.
• When the vaccine is introduced to the body, the immune system is mildly stimulated.
• If a cat is ever exposed to the real disease, his immune system is now prepared to recognize and fight it off entirely or reduce its severity.

How Important Are Vaccines to the Health of My Cat?

• Vaccines are very important in managing the health of your cats.
• However not every cat needs to be vaccinated against every disease.
• It is very important to discuss with your veterinarian a vaccination protocol that’s right for your cat.
• Factors that should be examined include age, medical history, environment and lifestyle.
• Most vets highly recommend administering core vaccines to healthy cats.

What Are Core Vaccines?

• The American Association of Feline Practitioners divided vaccines into two categories—core and non-core.
• Core vaccines are considered vital to all cats and protect against Panleukopenia (feline distemper), Feline Calicivirus, Feline Herpes Virus type I (Rhinotracheitis), and Rabies.
• Non-core vaccines are given depending on the cat's lifestyle; these include vaccines for feline leukemia virus, Bordetella, Chylamydophila Felis and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus.
• Your veterinarian can determine what vaccines are best for your cat.
  

Are Any Vaccines Required By Law?
Each state has its own laws governing the administration of the rabies vaccine. Some areas require yearly rabies vaccination. Other areas call for vaccines every three years. In almost all states, proof of rabies vaccination is mandatory.

How Often Should My Adult Cat Be Vaccinated?
Your veterinarian can best determine a vaccination schedule for your cat. This will depend on the type of vaccine, your cat’s age, medical history, environment and lifestyle. Adult cats might be revaccinated annually or every three years.

When Should My Kitten Be Vaccinated?

• Kittens automatically receive antibodies in the milk their mother produces if their mother has a healthy immune system.
• These antibodies help protect against infectious disease until the kitten's own immune system develops.
• When the kitten is around six to eight weeks of age, your veterinarian can begin to administer a series of vaccines at three- or four-week intervals until the kitten reaches 16 weeks of age.

Are There Any Risks Associated With Vaccines?

• Immunizations are supposed to mildly stimulate the animal’s immune system in order to create protection from specific infectious diseases.
• This stimulation can create mild symptoms, ranging from soreness at the injection site to fever and allergic reactions.
• There are other, less common side effects like injection site tumors and immune disease associated with vaccination.
• That said, it is important to realize that vaccines have saved countless lives, and play a vital role in the battle against feline infectious disease.
• As with any medical procedure, there is a small chance of side effects. In most cases, the risks are much smaller than the risks of disease itself. But it is important to talk to your veterinarian about your cat’s medical history before he is vaccinated.

What Symptoms Should I Look For?
Most cats show no ill effect from vaccination. Vaccine reactions are usually minor and short-lived. Clinical signs include:

• Fever
• Sluggishness
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Swelling and redness around the injection site
• Lameness

What Should I Do if I Think My Cat is Having an Adverse Reaction to a Vaccine?
If you suspect your cat is having a reaction to a vaccine, call your veterinarian immediately.

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Vomiting

What Causes Cats to Vomit?
You have probably seen your cat vomit from time to time without much concern. Vomiting can be a result of something minor, like a cat consuming his meal too quickly, or it can be a sign of a much more serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Usually, a cat vomits because he ate something disagreeable, ate too much or played too soon after dinner. Vomiting can also be associated with gastrointestinal or systemic disorders.
Some causes for a sudden episode of vomiting, or acute vomiting, include:

• Bacterial infection of the gastrointestinal tract
• Diet-related causes (diet change, food intolerance)
• Gastric or intestinal foreign bodies (toys, hairballs)
• Intestinal parasite
• Acute kidney failure
• Acute liver failure or gall bladder inflammation
• Pancreatitis
• Post-operative nausea
• Toxins or chemicals
• Viral infections
• Certain medications

What Should I Do If My Cat Vomits Frequently?
An occasional, isolated bout of vomiting is normal. However, frequent vomiting can be a sign of a more serious condition. Please bring your cat to the vet for a complete examination and diagnosis.
Some causes of chronic (ongoing) vomiting include:

• Illnesses such as Gastritis, Colitis, Panreatitis
• Diaphragmatic hernia
• Diet related (food allergy or intolerance)
• Foreign bodies
• Gastrointestinal ulceration
• Heartworm infection
• Intestinal obstruction
• Kidney and/or liver failure
• Neurological disorders
• Parasites
• Severe constipation
• Toxicity (such as lead)
• Gastric or intestinal tumors

What Other Symptoms Should I Watch For?
The causes of vomiting are so varied that it can be difficult to diagnose, and so it’s important to consider the circumstances.
What to Watch For:

• Frequency of vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Lethargy
• Blood in vomit
• Weight loss
• Change in appetite and water intake
•  

When Is It Time To See The Vet?
Please see your vet if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above or if vomiting persists. Depending on your pet’s age, medical history, physical examination findings and your cat’s particular symptoms, your vet may choose to perform various tests (blood test, X-ray, sonogram, fecal examination) in order to make a diagnosis.

What Are Some Treatment Options?
It is best to follow your veterinarian’s recommendations regarding appropriate treatment.

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Worms

What Are Worms?
Cats can get a variety of intestinal and pulmonary parasites, including some that are commonly referred to as “worms.”

What Are the Most Common Types of Worms in Cats?

• Roundworms are the most common internal parasites in cats.
• Resembling spaghetti, adult worms are three to four inches long
• There are several ways cats can become infected
• Nursing kittens can get roundworms from an infected mother’s milk
• Adult cats can acquire them by ingesting an infected rodent or the feces of an infected cat.
• Hookworms
• Less than an inch long—and reside primarily in the small intestine.
• Feed on an animal’s blood, hookworms can cause life-threatening anemia, especially in kittens.
• Eggs are passed in the stool and hatch into larvae, and a cat can become infected either through ingestion or skin contact.
• Please note; hookworms are more common in dogs than in cats.
• Tapeworms are long, flat, segmented parasites and range from 4 to 28 inches in length.
• An infestation can cause vomiting or weight loss.
• Cats acquire tapeworms by ingesting an intermediate host, like an infected flea or rodent.
• When cats are infected, tapeworm segments—actual pieces of the worm that resemble grains of rice—can often be seen on the fur around a cat’s hind end.
• Lungworms reside in the lungs of a cat.
• Most cats will not show any signs of having lungworms, but some can develop a cough.
• Snails and slugs are popular intermediate hosts of this type of parasite, but cats are usually infected after eating a bird or rodent who has ingested an intermediate host.

How Do Cats Get Worms?
Though means of transmission can vary, one of the main ways that cats get worms is through the ingestion of the feces of infected felines. Mother cats can also pass on worms to their kittens.

What Are the General Symptoms of Worms?
Symptoms differ depending on the type of parasite and the location of infection, but some common clinical signs include:

• Diarrhea and/or bloody stool
• Worms visible in stool or segments of worm seen near anus
• Bloating or round, potbellied appearance to abdomen
• Weight loss
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Coughing
• Trouble breathing

Are Certain Cats Prone to Worms?
Outdoor cats and those who are routinely exposed to soil where other animals defecate are prone to worms. Kittens and cats who do not receive regular preventative health care are most at risk for developing complications associated with internal parasites.

What Should I Do If I Think My Cat Has Worms?
It’s important to bring your cat to a veterinarian, who can confirm the presence of worms. Avoid self-diagnosis, since worms are not always visible or identifiable. 

How Are Worms Treated?
It is important that your veterinarian prescribe the best treatment for the type of parasite you pet has.  Do not attempt to treat your pet yourself.

Can I Catch Worms from My Cat?
Yes!

• A large number of roundworm eggs can accumulate where cats defecate.
• People, especially children, who ingest such eggs, can develop serious health problems, such as blindness.
• In fact, roughly 10,000 children are infected with roundworms each year.
• Hookworm larvae can penetrate human skin and cause lesions.
• People can acquire tapeworms through the ingestion of an infected flea.

How Can I Prevent My Cat from Getting Worms?

• Keep your cat indoors to avoid exposure to infected cats, rodents, fleas and feces.
• Make sure your home, yard and pets are flea-free.
• Practice good hygiene and wear gloves when changing cat litter or handling feces. It’s also important to frequently dispose of stool.
• Ask your veterinarian to recommend an appropriate internal parasite treatment or prevention program for your cat.

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