Cats have long been among the most favourite pets for Thai families. But with their independent and on-the-move lifestyle, they have high exposure to harmful diseases.
There are many infectious feline illnesses. Some are easily preventable, while others are life-threatening. Below are some of the more common health problems that cats encounter.
nFeline leukemia _ Until recently, this has been the most common fatal disease in cats. It is associated with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) that destroys cells in the immune system, making it unable to fight against infections like pneumonitis or pneumonia (lung infections or inflammation).
Other diseases associated with this virus are types of cancer such as cancer of the blood cells and feline lymphoma. Once infected with FeLV, some cats are lucky enough as their immune system can tackle it and they might fully recover from this primary infection. However, in many cases the disease is immediately fatal, especially in those already suffering from other chronic illnesses or infections.
FeLV is now preventable if your cat is immunised before being exposed to the virus. Adult cats receiving an initial vaccine against FeLV should have a booster given three to four weeks later. For cats at risk, annual vaccination against FeLV is recommended following the initial two booster series of the vaccine.
- Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) _ FIP is caused by a mutation of the corona virus. Despite the fact that it is not highly contagious, most infected cats die within six months after the primary infection. Once a cat has contracted FIP, it will display symptoms such as a painful swelling of its stomach, watery eyes, fever with nasal discharge and weight loss.
- Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) _ This is also commonly referred to as feline distemper, a highly contagious and life-threatening viral disease in the cat population of all ages. Symptoms can vary and may include high fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, weight loss, complete loss of appetite and activities with loss of balance when walking. An infected cat might die within a week. Statistics show that three out of four baby kittens are at the highest risk for developing severe disease symptoms, and the death rate among FPV-infected cats approaches 50%. As this disease can kill very rapidly, and is very common, vaccination is the best preventative option available. Vaccinations for kittens, in particular, usually start at ages below 12 weeks with one or two booster within three weeks after the initial vaccination. Adult cats must also receive an annual booster to maintain immunity.
- Feline respiratory diseases _ These are highly contagious and can spread rapidly among cats. Also, the death rate among young kittens is high. The disease is transmitted from cat to cat by direct contact with infected discharge from the eyes, nose, mouth, and sometimes, by airborne droplets. Symptoms may include watery eyes, fever with nasal discharge, bruised mouth and nose, and eye inflammation. It has been recognised that two major viral groups are responsible for this: feline rhinotracheitis and feline calicivirus. Again, vaccination is the most effective, preventative option.
- Rabies in cats _ In addition to affecting dogs, cats and other warm-blooded animals, this fatal disease can be transmitted to humans. Rabies is an inflammatory infection that specifically affects the cat's brain and its central nervous system (CNS).
Once the virus enters the cat's body, it takes from 10 days to several months to develop, but once the symptoms have begun, the virus progresses rapidly.
There are two forms of rabies: paralytic (loss of coordination) and furious (characterised by extreme behavioural changes, including attack behaviour).
Infected cats may display either the furious or the paralytic stage, or a combination of the two.
After displaying any major symptoms, rabid animals will always die.
Infectious virus particles are in a rabid animal's salivary glands and disseminate the virus through their saliva (especially when your cat has been in a fight with another animal, or has been bitten or scratched by a rabid animal).
Vaccination is the best way to prevent infection and properly vaccinated animals stand very little chance of contracting the disease. The standard procedure is to vaccinate cats at 12 weeks of age or above, and then again as recommended by your vet. A nutritious, balanced diet is essential to keeping your cat healthy and is one of the most important factors for longevity. Learn to feed your cat properly.
CAN I FEED MY CAT WITH DOG FOOD?
This is not a strange question at all. In fact, eating dog food won't kill a cat. However, the point is what is lacking in dog food. It does not provide the nutrients required by cats.
Genetically designed to be both carnivorous and herbivorous, cats need more protein than dogs.
Protein (a mixture of multiple essential amino acids) is essential for the development of muscles and immunity in cats, shortage of protein over a long period of time may cause adverse effects to their health.
The amino acid taurine, for example, can be found in supplements formulated especially for cats. Long-term taurine deficiency resulting from feeding taurine-deficient dog food may result in retinal degeneration, cardiac damage and abnormalities in the reproductive system.
In addition, the fatty acid arachidonic helps regulate skin growth, manage proper blood clotting, and is necessary for the reproductive and gastrointestinal systems to function properly.
CATS ALSO NEED PLENTY OF WATER
Like every living creature, water is an extremely important nutrient that contributes to overall health of cats. But cats do not have a very strong thirst drive when compared to other species, so it is critical for them to ingest a water-rich diet with minerals to help optimise water absorption and reduce the risk of ureterolithiasis in cats _ a condition which involves formation of stones that may lodge in the ureter, causing a blockage. You can't find these properties in any diet formulated for dogs.
Simply put, it is suggested to feed cats the food specifically formulated for their own, unique nutritional needs. Cat food comes in either dry form (also known kibbled) or wet canned form.
Many brands today come with certain nutrients such as vitamin C to improve the immune system, garlic extract to help control cholesterol and heart to work properly, while some are rich in DHA, Omega3 and lecithin to boost the brain and nervous system.
Prevention is always better than cure. By keeping your cat healthy using preventative methods and giving him proper and nutritious meals, both of you can live a happy life together in a cost-saving manner.
If you have any reason to suspect that your cat has high exposure to any of the illnesses above, or just want to talk about your pet's health and care, please contact us at 02-887-8321-3 or www.facebook.com/talingchanpet.
This article was based on text suppled by a team at Taling Chan Animal Hospital which can be contacted by phoning 02-887-8321/3
