Cat Health and Diseases

whats feline leukemia virus?

Its common in feral cats its an issue because it impaires immune system (they will die of other diseases) Chronic infection (cats have it but it dosen't kill them, but it does impair their immune system where they die from something else) Your cat can catch this from outside cats You can vaccinate against this No treatment other than controlling secondary issues

whats toxoplasmosis in cats?

Lives in intestine of the cat and produces oocytes (fertilized eggs). They pass those eggs through their feces and disease can spread to other people or animals (humans can get it through cleaning a litter box)Toxoplasmosis can change the physical aspects of people infected (lowered BMI)

what are signs of a chronic illness?

Might see dull coat,excessive shedding, listless behavior, refusal of food, dull eyes

whats acute illness?

Often more severe End results are in few days (usually)

whats sanitation in terms of biosecurity?

Part of biosecurity Cleaning compounds (you can use household cleaners) Choice of litters (easy to clean up) Litter box (one you can clean effectively) Plastic or metal you can clean and disinfect easily

what are the methods of disease spread?

People Fomites Vectors Other cats (feral, etc)

whos really at risk of toxoplasmosis?

Pregnant women are really at risk of this (it can kill the baby or cause severe birth defects) Pregant women shouldnt be cleaning litter boxes

what will sick cats try to do?

hide their illness

what are vectors?

Vectors are animals that will transmit disease (you want to keep your cat away so they dont eat or get disease)

whats a chronic illness?

a long term illness

whats an example of a viral cat disease?

feline leukemia virus FeLV and herpes

What helpd for dental hygine for cats?

Dry food (helps clean teeth a little (knocks stuff off teeth)) Flossing toys Other dental treats Train to accept toothpaste and brush Easiest to start with kittens Vet teeth cleaning (expensive)

whats feline urinary syndrom (FUS)

Also called urolithiasis, FLUTD (feline lower urinary tract disease) Minerals crystallizing in the urinary tract

what are symptoms cats will show when they are sick?

Coughing Sneezing Nictitating membrane exposed

what happens when cats get old?

Cats often neglect cleaning themselves when very sick or very old

whats Feline pneumonitis?

Causes respiratory issues Humans can be infected (know) They have sneezing and nasal discharge This one is treatable

whats ringworm in cats?

Common issue in cats Its fluorescent under black light (how you can test if it's ringworm) You can get ringworm from your cat

what are preventative measures to protect cats from parasites?

Feed your cat cooked food Avoid allowing consumption of birds, rabbits, and rodents treatments/ preventatives to control external parasites (shampoo, pills, sprays)

what are some examples of bacterial cat diseases?

Feline pneumonitis and cat scratch fever

what are fomites?

Inanimate thing that can spread disease (your clothing, your shoes, ect)

what are the risks of being outdoors for cats?

Infectious diseases and parasites Predators Poisionous substances Cars. etc Legal issues Damage from cats- bird predation

whats passive immunity?

Short term protection (usually from colostrum) Passive transport 24 hours Lasts 1-2 months

whats the nictating membrane?

The nictitating membrane is on the eyes (its a "third eye lid" a translucent eyelid on the cat (you shouldn't be able to see it))

whats herpes in cats?

Thought of as upper respitory infection or rhinotracheitis Cause coughing and sneezing We can vaccinate for this

whats a fungal disease in cats?

ringworm

whats an example of protozoal diseases in cats?

toxoplasmosis