Cat Health
Every pet deserves to be kept in peak condition. Those that consider breeding owe it to their animals and to potential buyers to insure that their animals are at optimum health before they breed. It is up to the breeder to know whether or not the cat carries inherent diseases and if so, not breed them. Do your homework, and choose your stock carefully. Please remember - not every animal should be bred. Below is a list of common health issues and diseases often found in cats:
Feline Health Related Links Feline Leukemia Virus The Winn Foundation Feline Health Related Links
Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
Abnormal Events of the Feline Luteal Period Zoonotic Diseases Feline Respiratory Disease Complex
Could my Fertility Problem be Caused by G-Srep? Feline Leukemia Virus
Coronavirus and FIP
The coronavirus is an enteric virus found in most cats. A 2005 estimate showed the coronavirus to be present in approximately 90% of all catteries and 40% of single cat households. At the onset, the coronavirus can be spread through sneezing, but is almost always spread through feces. After a cat is exposed to the virus an owner may notice the cat sneeze a few times followed by a day or two of diarrhea. Once infected, the cat will continue to shed for weeks or even months without ay other sign of illness. Currently, there is no effective vaccine that will guarantee immunity against this virus. The cat may completely shed the virus, become a chronic carrier, or the virus may mutate. In itself, the coronavirus is of minor importance.
Unfortunately, approximately 1% of cats exposed to the coronavirus will mutate into the more deadly form of the virus, Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP). FIP is almost always fatal. Scientists are not sure why some cats are able to shed the virus with no ill effects while a few are lost to the deadly mutation of the coronavirus. Some research indicates that a genetic link may predispose some cats to be susceptible to the deadly mutation. Most all scientists agree that stress, overcrowding, unclean catteries, poor immune systems, etc., will contribute to the virus mutating into VIP. At this time, there are no tests that can distinguish the cornavirus from FIP. And there is no guaranteed cure.
Dr. Addie’s Website Page from University of Georgia Cornell Site Morris Foundation
Long Beach Animal Hospital Veterinarian Partners.com Winn Foundation
Feline Coronavirus Serotypes 1 and 2: Seroprevalence and Association of Disease in Switzerland
Common Pet Poisons
Many things around the home can be toxic. Cleaning supplies should be made inaccessible to a curious kitten. Rat poisons, insecticides, and other chemicals should be stored in areas away from the family pet. Also, when creating a garden (inside or outside) make sure the plants are not toxic to pets.
Cornell University Poisonous Plants Database Cats and Plants
There has been some recent controversy concerning the use of soft wood shavings (such as cedar and pine) for cat litter. Read the link below to see why.
Toxicity of Pine and Cedar Shavings
Essential oils can be toxic to cats. Many herbal remedies sold for cats contain essential oils. Over time, these can cause liver damage or even death. Please take the time to read the following links before deciding to use products containing essential oils on your cat.
The Lavendar Cat - Essential Oil Safety Aromatherapy and your cat Tea Tree Oil Poisoning
Essential Oil & Cats - A potentially toxic mix Essential Oil Risks
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