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Article: About government programs to exterminate cats
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A Llittle About The Australian Program to Kill Cats
In Europe, in the Middle Ages, laws were passed which lead to the killing of millions of CATS. It was part of an effort by the Church to wipe out paganism.
Very soon rats started plaguing.
When the bubonic plague was brought back from Asia, the rats spread the Black Death. MILLIONS SUFFERED FOOD POISONING FROM RAT DROPPINGS and 25 million died of the plague. It was the greatest disaster in human history.
CATS were reintroduced and bubonic plague was brought under control.
The Egyptians used CATS to prevent rats and mice from poisoning the grain with their droppings. CATS ensured economic wealth for the Egyptians by allowing them to store vast amounts of grain safely.
In Australia vermin control by CATS has prevented a major outbreak of bubonic plague and during the 60's, 70's and 80's Australian homes were virtually vermin free.
Now you would think that anyone who would suggest we start killing our cats, in the light of the lessons of years of history, would be quite foolish.
But...
In 1989 a quite solid anti-cat campaign started. Cats were accused of everything they could think of.
The "pet cats kill endangered animals" slogan became the most popular accusation. Environmentalists then jumped on the bandwagon. Then governments started introducing anti-cat laws just like in Europe, in the Middle Ages.
The Federal Government says "Rare or threatened species do not occur in or near cities and are not at risk from domestic cats."
Cat numbers have been dropping at up to 10% per year. Over half a million cats have been killed. The rest are being kept indoors.
Australia, now, is killing cats at a faster rate than has ever occurred in history.
By 1995 rats and mice started invading Australian homes, restaurants and food factories.
There has been an eight-fold increase in the incidence of mouse plague in the grain fields costing hundreds of millions of dollars.
OVER 4,000,000 AUSTRALIANS PER YEAR SUFFER FOOD POISONING.
Rat baits being used to try to control vermin are poisoning fifty toddlers a week.
Councils are giving out vast amounts of rat baits for free but the vermin numbers are increasing.
Urban Native Animals are not in decline as some claim. In fact Ibis, Possums, Bats, Feral Pigeons, Magpies, Butcherbirds, poisonous Snakes and also Rats & Mice are all in dangerous over population around our homes having lost their primary predator.
People have been killed by bats with lyssa virus or are being attacked by snakes in their own backyards now.
Some said that if we killed enough cats we would have more of the animals that cats prey on. This is exactly what has happened !
Another outcome of the anti-cat campaign is that, as cat ownership has declined, dog ownership has dramatically risen.
Now over 13,000 people per year (mainly toddlers and the elderly) go to hospital now due to dog attack.
No research was ever done into what would happen if cats were removed or prevented from hunting.
Reference:WorldBookEncyclopedia Cat/History
Research report TheMetropolitanDomesticCat
CATS-Myths,Facts
Contact us felinepredation@hotmail.com
Feline Asthma: Bronchitis Syndrome in Cats
Asthma is a condition caused by constriction of the air passages in the lungs. (Bronchial Constriction or Irritation) The exact cause is not known, but asthma is a result of allergies and perhaps some other factors. Some cats get asthma from inhaling dust from their litter box, for example.
Affected cats suffer episodes of difficult breathing, and many have periods of severe coughing. Asthma attacks usually recur and are difficult to predict. Many months may pass between attacks or they may occur several times per day.
When you bring your cat to a vet for wheezing, coughing, or difficult breathing, the first thing we're likely to do is try to rule out other causes of respiratory disease. Other causes of mid and upper airway disease include:
Heartworms (yes, cats get heartworms; go to heart page for info)
Heart Disease, especially cardiomyopathy
Lymphoma and other lung cancers
Cold Complex/kennel cough and other viral resp diseases
Bacterial or Fungal Respiratory Infections
Food Allergies (Maybe)
FIP, Aids, and Leukemia
Draining gum abscesses, oral herpes ulcers, and other oral ulcers
Second Hand Smoke (Maybe)
Parasites (many intestinal parasites spend part of their life cycle in the lungs)
Stress (Maybe)
Diaphramatic Hernia (Not likely but possible)
Hairballs etc ( the gassy bowel compresses the diaphram into the lungs)
Your experienced vet will be able to narrow the possiblities down with a good history and exam. We have blood tests that are able to quickly rule out heartworms, Aids, and Leukemia. Your vet may want to culture your cat's airways.
One of the most helpful diagnoistic tools, though, is a set of chest x-rays. X-rays help us rule out heart disease, lung masses, hernias, foreign bodies, and collasped lungs.
The above 2 x-rays are of a normal cat on the left and a cat with bronchial disease on the right. Your vet is trained to see the thickening of the bronchi and airways. Pretty cool, ey?
Treatment
In cats with very mild asthma or bronchitis and infrequent attacks of coughing, treatment may not be necessary at all. Mild to moderate conditions are treated medically at home by administration of medications designed to open up the bronchial tubes, and might include antibiotics, anti-oxidants, omega 3 fatty acids, bronchodilators, diet changes, or steroids. Steroids tend to be the most effective treatment, but are also the most likely to cause potentially serious side effects.
This is definitely the type of disease that will require a few rechecks and some trial and error adjustments of the treatment in hopes of making your cat comfortable and long lived.
Coronavirus Infection in Cats
(Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) and Coronavirus Enteritis)
Coronavirus infections in cats include those that cause feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) and those that cause coronavirus enteritis. The viruses are not the same, but they cannot be differentiated by the blood test that is currently available.
Interpretation of blood tests for diagnosis of FIP is difficult and may not be helpful to your veterinarian.
Feline infectious peritonitis is relatively uncommon and generally fatal. It primarily affects cats between 6 months and 5 years old. The disease occurs in two forms. The "wet" form of FIP is a disease of the lining of the abdominal or chest cavities in which large amounts of fluid accumulate. The "dry" form of FIP affects various organs, such as the lymph nodes, kidneys, eyes, and brain.
Coronavirus enteritis causes diarrhea. Kittens are the most likely to be affected, but the disease may recur throughout the cat's life. The infection is common especially in multi-cat households.
Prevention:
There is a nasal vaccine available to protect your cat from getting FIP. There is some controversy on how important and how effective this vaccine is, so you'll find differing opinions and recommendations among different vets. At our clinic, we recommend it for young, outdoor cats.
Treatment
Although FIP is considered incurable, we can often make your cat comfortable for a while.
As for Corona Viral Enteritis and diarrhea, this is usually a mild disease and treated symptomatically to reduce the diarrhea and soothe the GI tract until the disease runs it's course.
Sinusitis, Colds, and Upper Respiratory Problems in Cats
Sinuses are bony cavities in the skull that communicate with the nasal passages. Sinus infections are caused by invasion by bacteria, fungi, or viruses; in cats, several viruses working together (respiratory complex) are thought to be the most common cause. Sometimes the problem is from underlying dental problems. And sometimes the problem is really related to hair or grasses that migrate up the back of the throat into the nasal passages. Other foreign bodies such as plant awns sometimes get up the nasal passages. Reflux from hairballs and other causes of indigestion or upchucking sometimes cause upper respiratory symptoms. All these possiblities underscore why it's best to go to the vet, even if you think "it's just a cold".
Clinical signs of sinus infection include discharge from the nose or eyes, coughing, gagging, and postnasal drip. In cats, one of the most common symptoms is sneezing.
Most cases aren't very serious and most of us vets simply shrug the problem off as a "cold" and each of us have various favorite remedies to help reduce the symptoms. But some cases are more serious, so it's possible that your vet will recommend or offer x-rays or even a CT-scan. Other tests that may be appropriate might include:
A white blood cell count
A culture and sensitivity
Blood work to rule out underlying diseases like leukemia or Aids
A Heartworm test
Treatment
Treatment will range from minimal to extensive depending on the severity and nature of the problem. Duh
The important take home message for you is to be observant for changes for the worse. You need to tell you vet if your cat stops eating, if the nasal discharge becomes thick and yellow, or the chest becomes obviously congested. Most upper respiratory problems in cats are successfully treated conservatively, but you have to watch for the exceptions.
Here's a list of possible treatments, again, depending on the severity of the case:
Nothing: that's right, occassionally nothing is needed except time. Although many cat colds last about a month.
Antibiotics: not a cure, but antibiotics seem to lessen symptoms and prevent the problem from getting worse. This is probably because while most upper respiratory problems are caused by viruses, there is a bacterial component. My theory is simply that bacterial organisms in the mouth, throat, and sinuses thrive when those tissues are red and raw from a viral cold. In addition, this is a time when the cat's immune system will be suppressed.
Afrin Nasal spray, Vapor Rub, Saline Squirts Etc: I'm not a big fan of any of these, although I suspect they help dilate and open up the sinuses ... it's just that I don't think the result is worth the effort. Most cats aren't too fond of such treatments.
Enisyl: This is a new anti-viral flavored paste that seems to help a lot! And it's cheap! This product just became available in early 2005, so we'll see how this product turns out.
Anti-Histamines: Again, I'm not a big fan, but some vets use small doses to help make the cat more comfortable.
Steroids: Some vets are totally opposed to steroid use for colds as steroids cause immune suppression to some degree (and can possibly cause other side effects too). I personally think ...make that know ...that a short acting steroid makes the cat feel better, reduces the nasal irritation, and greatly reduces the symptoms. I think the problem of immune suppression and other side effects is minimal compared to the benefits.
Smelly Diets: This is no big deal, except that cat appetites are very much associated with smell, so it helps to keep them eating if they're all stuffed up by offering canned food or something with lots of aroma such as canned fish, etc. If your cat doesn't like such things, try microwaving it's dry food just a little to bring out the aromas.
Immune Stimulants: Not a likely treatment, but in the experimental stage. Your vet may offer them.
Feline Kennel Cough Vaccine: Considered by some to help stimulate the local immune system within the sinus passages and therefore speed healing. Maybe, but I'm not convinced. No harm in trying though.
Vitamins and other supplements: I'm a believer that anti-oxidants, omega 3 fatty acids, colloidal minerals, and other supplements help speed and aid healing, but whether, how much, which brands, and how important are still in debate.
My Favorite Treatment: For most of my cat patients suffering from sinus symptoms due to an upper respiratory "cold", here's what I do: (your vet may very well do things differently as my treatment is considered controversial or old fashioned)
After making reasonably sure that there aren't other more serious problems going on, I give a combination injection made up of long acting, high dose penicillin, gentocin, dexamethasone, atropine, and B12. I repeat this injection, if needed, every 1-3 days for 1-3 times. Each time the cat comes in for a repeat injection, I recheck the lungs, lymph nodes, eyes, general condition, history, and temperature. At our practice, these rechecks are free, and very quick, but this allows me to keep on top of any case not improving or getting worse. Plus the injections are much more potent than oral meds given at home and a lot more convenient for the client who has trouble medicating cats. Most improve quickly.
Again, whatever your vet prescribes, sinus and upper respiratory conditions occassionally get worse quickly, so be observant.
Some Feline Colds and Sinus Problems are more serious:
Rhinotracheitis is caused by a herpesvirus that attacks the eyes, nasal passages, and trachea (windpipe) of cats. Once infected, cats develop respiratory signs such as sneezing, coughing, and runny eyes and nose within 2 to 5 days; ulcers on the tongue and cornea and high fever may also be present.
Infection spreads rapidly from one cat to another by contact with discharge from the eyes, nose, or mouth directly from an infected cat, or by contact with contaminated clothing, hands, feeding utensils, or other articles. The virus can live for months in the mouth and nose of a cat after signs of infection have resolved, and can be shed by cats showing no clinical signs.
Human beings and dogs are not susceptible. The Herpes virus in not the same strain that causes herpes infection in humans.
Mild infection usually resolves within 1 to 5 weeks. Adult cats usually recover, but the virus can cause severe damage to the nasal cavity. In kittens, this is particularly dangerous, and kittens not treated early enough may die or lose an eye to these infections.
Some cats become chronically infected and suffer with persistent sneezing, nasal discharge, and periodic relapse. Chronically infected cats may or may not be a source of infection to other cats.
Sometimes this is because they have underlying immune system problems or diseases.
Calici virus infection has many similarities to rhinotracheitis. Cats become infected by inhaling or swallowing the virus, and signs of illness develop within 2 to 10 days of exposure. Early signs include runny eyes and nose, sneezing, depression, and poor appetite.
Ulcers may develop on the tongue and hard palate, and most infected cats drool heavily. Illness lasts from 1 to 4 weeks. Most cats recover, but fatalities do occur. Young kittens are most likely to be severely affected. Some cats that recover from the disease may continue to shed the virus for weeks or even years. The virus is hardy and can survive outside the cat on dishes and pans for 8 to 10 days.
As I mentioned before, these viruses are often present together along with bacteria.
These virus' is not transmissible to humans or dogs.
Treatment for such cases will be similar to that discussed above but may also include:
Hospitalization, oxygen therapy, vaporizers, injectable antibiotics etc, tube or forced feeding, nutrional support, and IV fluids.
If you have such a patient at home that you're treating, contact your vet if:
Your cat has trouble breathing or refuses to eat or drink
Your cat shows excessive inactivity, vomiting, or diarrhea
Your cat relapses after apparent recovery or develops new signs
Your cat's fever is higher than 104 F
Your cat's eyes are red, partially closed, or have a discharge
Time for some humor:
RULES FOR CATS TO LIVE BY
BATHROOMS:
Always accompany guests to the bathroom. It is not necessary to do anything. Just sit and stare.
DOORS:
Do not allow any closed doors in any room. To get door open, stand on hind legs and hammer with forepaws. Once door is opened, it is not necessary to use it. After you have ordered an "outside" door opened, stand halfway in and out and think about several things. This is particularly important during very cold weather, rain, snow, or mosquito season.
CHAIRS AND RUGS:
If you have to throw up, get to a chair quickly. If you cannot manage in time, get to an Oriental rug. If there is no Oriental rug, shag is good. When throwing up on the carpet, make sure you back up so it is as long as a humans bare foot.
HAMPERING:
If one of your humans is engaged in some activity and the other is idle, stay with the busy one. This is called "helping," otherwise known as "hampering." Following are the rules for "hampering:"
1) When supervising cooking, sit just behind the left heel of the cook. You cannot be seen and thereby stand a better chance of being stepped on and then picked up and comforted.
2) For book readers, get in close under the chin, between eyes and book, unless you can lie across the book itself.
3) For paperwork, lie on the work in the most appropriate manner so as to obscure as much of the work as possible or pretend to doze, but every so often reach out and slap the pencil or pen.
4) For people paying bills or working on income taxes or Christmas cards, keep in mind the aim: to hamper! First, sit on the paper being worked on. When dislodged, watch sadly from the side of the table. When activity proceeds nicely, roll around on the papers, scattering them to the best of your ability. After being removed for the second time, push pens, pencils, and erasers off the table, one at a time.
5) When a human is holding the newspaper in front of him/her, be sure to jump on the back of the paper. Humans love to jump.
6) When human is working at computer, jump up on desk, walk across keyboard, bat at mouse pointer on screen and then lay in human's lap across arms, hampering typing in progress.
WALKING:
As often as possible, dart quickly and as close as possible in front of the human, especially: on stairs, when they have something in their arms, in the dark, and when they first get up in the morning.
This will help their coordination skills.
BEDTIME:
Always sleep on the human at night so he/she cannot move around.
LITTER BOX:
When using the litter box, be sure to kick as much litter out of the box as possible. Humans love the feel of kitty litter between their toes.
HIDING:
Every now and then, hide in a place where the humans cannot find you. Do not come out for three to four hours under any circumstances. This will cause the humans to panic (which they love)
thinking that you have run away or are lost. Once you do come out, the humans will cover you with love and kisses and you will probably get a treat.
ONE LAST THOUGHT:
Whenever possible, get close to a human, especially their face, turn around and present your butt to them. Humans love this, so do it often. And don't forget guests.
