A lot of the medical information on this web site are interchangeable between dogs and cats.
But some diseases and problems are more or less unique to cats.
And of course, cats themselves are unique and fascinating creatures.
This page is devoted to my feline friends:
Total U.S. owned cat population 71 million
Of the 71 million, 87% are already neutered or spayed by their caring owners
Total unowned/feral cat population est. 25-40 million
Number of cats *and dogs* entering shelters annually 8.3 million
More than half of cats entering shelters are relinquished by their owners for reasons such as: a) moving b) landlord won't allow pet; c) too many animals in household; d) cost of pet maintenance; e) owner's personal problems; etc.
Approximately half of the cats entering shelters are unadoptable because they are too old, sick, have serious behavior problems, or are unweaned litters of unowned/feral cats.
Less than 1% of cats entering shelters are purebred
Feline Normal Values:
Normal Temperature range - 100.0 to 102.5
Average weight range - 6 to 14 lbs
Heart rate - up to 250 beats per minute
Pulse rate - 110 to 130
Respiration - 20 to 30
Gestation - 62 days give or take a few days
Estrous Cycle - as often as every 15 to 21 days
Estrus - 2-4 days
Average life span - 10 to 18 years
ACETAMINOPHEN (Tylenol) is Poisonous to Cats
Cats have less of the enzyme required to detoxify acetaminophen. As a result, there are many dangerous metabolites, or break-down products of this medicine that bind to red blood cells and other tissue cells, resulting in the destruction of these cells. There may also be direct damage to cells. As little as one regular strength tablet (325 mg) can poison a cat to the degree that it can develop noticeable clinical signs of illness. Two extra-strength tablets are likely to kill a cat.
Clients who think cats trigger asthma in children might be mistaken
I thought this was interesting:
A study funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences found that high levels of cat allergen decrease the risk of asthma
by altering the body's immune response to cats.
Researchers measured the levels of antibodies in children and found that although low-to-medium amounts of cat allergen trigger allergies, high amounts reduce immunoglobulin antibodies and the likelihood of asthma.
Cat History...
Cats first came to Europe and the Middle East about 1000 B.C., most likely from Greek and Phoenician traders. The ancient Greeks and Romans also highly valued cats for their ability to control undesirable rodents. The cat was considered the guardian spirit of a household, and the symbol of liberty in Rome.
Domestic cats then spread throughout Asia, where they were used to protect the silkworm cocoons from rodents, which was vital to the silk industry. The people of the Orient greatly admired the mystery and beauty of the cat, and many writers and artists in Japan and China celebrated these animals in their art.
Heartworm Disease in Cats
Cases of heartworm disease in cats have been reported across the United States and many other countries. Heartworm disease is most common in areas where dogs are also at risk.
What are the signs?
The most common signs of heartworm disease in cats - coughing , vomiting, breathing difficulties, weight loss, and lethargy - are often mistaken for other conditions such as asthma, pneumonia and digestive problems.
In fact, most common clinical signs of heartworm disease in cats resembles bronchial asthma.
Antifreeze Poisoning
Signs of antifreeze poisoning depend upon the time after ingestion. In the first few hours after ingestion the pet may be depressed and staggering and may have seizures. They may drink lots of water, urinate large amounts and vomit. The pet may appear to feel better but in a day or two get much worse as the kidneys fail. Signs of kidney failure include depression and vomiting. The amount of urine they pass will often decrease to a very small amount.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
The cause of HCM is unknown, although certain breeds of cats appear to be predisposed. Middle-aged male cats may be more commonly affected. Sometimes heart muscle thickening similar to HCM can develop secondary to other disorders such as hyperthyroidism (elevated thyroid hormone) and systemic hypertension (elevated blood pressure).
Hyperthyroidism in the Cat
Hyperthyroidism is the overproduction of thyroid hormone by the thyroid glands. Hyperthyroidism occurs most commonly in older cats. There are 2 thyroid glands located in the neck. One or both of the glands can enlarge and overproduce thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone affects the function of most organs in the body, so the signs of hyperthyroidism are quite variable.
Signs of hyperthyroidism can include:
·
weight loss
·increased appetite
·increased activity and restlessness
·aggressive or "cranky" behavior
·a poor hair coat
·a fast heart rate
·increased water drinking
·increased urination
·periodic vomiting
·increased amount of stool or diarrhea
More information soon
