Pelushka Persians
Bred With Love & Care
Cat Care and Health
Your Persian Kitten will have come with pet insurance and as a responsible cat owner you should ensure that this is continued.
Health Insurance coverage will probably not cover 100% of vet bills, but it will certainly pay enough to make it more than worthwhile. Your cat is part of the family and deserves the best in medical care too.
Please note that the health issues covered are not to replace a veterinarian visit, merely to share personal experiences regarding feline health. You should contact your vet immediately at any sign of odd behaviour or symptoms of illness or injury. For this reason we have kept the Health files very basic.
A
ANAEMIA
A condition in which the number of red blood cells present in the blood is lower than normal.
B
BAD BREATH
Medically termed 'Halitosis'
If your cat has very bad breath, this could be a symptom of some other health problem such as liver or kidney disease, and you need to have him/her checked by your vet to find out what is causing it.
However, like humans, cats can accumulate tartar on their teeth, and bad breath can be a sign of nothing more than very dirty teeth, in which case your cat will need dental treatment (teeth cleaning), followed by home care, such as brushing and feeding an appropriate diet. Additionally, Persians can certainly develop gingivitis. Your vet will be able to show you how to brush your cat's teeth and also provide you with safe toothpaste. NEVER use human toothpaste on your cat, it can make him/her very sick. Proper dental care is a good habit to start when your cat is at a young age.
See Gingivitis
See 'Brushing your cats teeth' under 'T' in the health files.
BLADDER STONES
Cats can develop a stone-like object in the bladder called a 'Urolith'.
They are often associated with blood in the urine, increased frequency urinating and difficulty in passing urine. Uroliths can cause partial or total obstruction of the urethra, which is the tube leading from the bladder to the outside of the body, thus causing little or no urine to pass.
If you see your cat frequently visiting the litter tray and straining to pass urine, contact your vet immediately.
C
CANKER
A commonly used term to describe ear problems in cats (and dogs) in which there is itching, a sticky discharge that may smell and a buildup of wax. In cats it is almost always caused by the presence of ear mites.
CHLAMYDIA
Chlamydia is a type of bacteria that has many variations. Usually, each variant is species specific; feline Chlamydia is not transmitted to humans. In cats, the bacteria usually infects the eye, causing conjunctivitis. Symptoms include watery discharge, usually followed by redness and swelling of the cat's eyelid. Chlamydia can be treated with antibiotics.
D
DIABETES MELLITUS
Diabetes Mellitus is a very complicated and fairly common disease and is sometimes referred to as 'Sugar Diabetes'. It occurs in cats who cannot properly regulate their blood sugar level. It is more common in middle-age cats (often obese), and males are almost twice as likely to develop the disease as females.
Diabetes Mellitus results from either an insufficient amount of insulin being released from the pancreas, or an abnormal release of insulin in conjunction with an inadequate response of the body's cells to the action of insulin. In either case, glucose in the blood is unable to enter the cells of the body. In diabetes, although the glucose level in the blood may be high, the cells of a small area in the brain, known as the hypothalamus and responsible for glucose regulation and appetite, do not receive any glucose. This results in the cat eating more, but because the glucose can't enter the cells, it builds up in the bloodstream, sometimes to a dangerous level.
It is thought that prior disease of the pancreas, hormone imbalances, infections, and some medications may also play a role.
Symptoms may include excessive thirst and urination, loss of weight or obesity.
With minor cases of Diarrhea there may be no other signs of illness apart from loose stools.
Common causes of mild Diarrhea are Stomach Viruses, Intenstinal Parasites, Diet.
Often a change of diet can solve the problem, and your vet may recommend feeding boiled chicken and rice for a few days.
If your cat has Diarrhea for more than two days take her to the vet along with a stool sample.
You should also contact your vet immediately if your cat shows any of the following:
Lethargy or listlessness
Refusal to take fluids
Abdominal Pain
High fever
Blood and/or watery Diarrhea
Some parasitic and bacterial causes of Diarrhea can be infectious to humans. If anyone in your family also has Diarrhea you should let your vet know.
DIZZINESS
The major causes of dizziness are middle and inner ear infections and problems affecting the cerebellum (part of the brain that controls balance and orientation). An ear infection may respond to antibiotics but sometimes surgery is necessary to relieve pressure in the middle or inner ear. Feline leukaemia virus, feline immunodeficiency virus, toxoplasmosis and other infectious diseases can lead to balance problems. Cats do sometimes get infarcts in the brain with similar effects to strokes in humans. Cancer can cause these signs, as well.
E
EAR DISEASE
If your cat is showing any of the following signs, you must contact your vet for diagnosis and treatment:
- Discharge in the ears
- The ears have a bad smell
- Scratching or rubbing the ears
- Shaking or tilting of the head
- Abnormal looking ear canals (i.e. swelling or redness)
- Discomfort/pain around the ears
There are many causes of ear disease, the more common amongst them being as follows:
- Allergies – Cats with allergies, whether to food or something they inhale, may have ear problems. Ironically, ear problems are often the first sign of an allergy.
- Parasites (ear mites) – Some cats are hypersensitive to mites and the itching can be intense, causing the cat to scratch so much that they severely traumatize the ear.
- Bacteria/Yeast – There are numerous types of bacteria that cause ear infections although a normal healthy ear has a good defence system. However, if the ear environment changes due to moisture, allergies etc., the bacteria can multiply and break down the defence system.
- Trauma – Self inflicted due to severe scratching.
- Hormone Abnormalities – Excess or deficiency of various hormones can cause ear problems.
- Foreign Bodies – Cats that go outside can sometimes get grass awns in their ears, causing severe irritation and the cat to scratch.
The answer to healthy ears is to keep them clean and you should check your cat’s ears weekly. A small amount of waxy build up may be present in normal ears.
A cat’s ear canal is L shaped and debris loves to collect at the corner of the L. To remove this debris, fill the cat’s ear canal with a good ear cleaner, and massage the base of the ear for approximately 20 to 30 seconds in order to soften and release any debris. Wipe out the excess fluid and debris released with a cotton wool ball. Cotton buds can be used to clean just the inside of the ear flap. They should never be used further down in the ear canal as this could cause damage and also pack any debris further into the ear canal rather than removing it.
If your vet has prescribed any ear medication, allow some time for your cat’s ears to dry before applying the medication.
EAR MITES
Almost all cats will have ear mites at some stage in their life. However, they are more common in kittens and younger cats beacaue they have less immunity. Young cats are also likely to pick up mites from their mother.
Severe infestation causes intense irritation and excessive production of brown wax which forms a concrete like encrustation in the ear. This will make the cat scratch and shake her ears causing inflammation.
In order to make an accurate diagnosis, your vet will carry out an examinatuin using an Otoscope. The warmth from the light of the Otoscope encourages the mites to come out from the ear wax and move around.
To treat the ear mites the vet will clean the ears and prescribe medication, usually eardrops, which will kill the adult mites but not their eggs. Therefore it will be necessary to continue the treatment for at least a month in order to cover the full 21 day cycle of the mite. As earmites are very contagious, your vet may advise you to treat all the animals in your home, whether they show signs of earmites or not.
Please Note: If left untreated, ear mites can lead to secondary infections or deafness. ENTERITIS
An inflammation of the intestines
ENTROPION
An eye condition, seen particularly in some breeds such as Persians, in which one or both eyelids curl inwards and cause inflammation and irritation by rubbing on the eyeball. Eye surgery is required to correct this condition.
EYES - WATERY
Watery Eyes (‘eye gunk’), is a problem that Persians typically encounter. This is due to the shape of the face and head, causing the tear ducts to be narrow or even blocked. Sometimes however, the drainage may be caused by an allergy or dust, or even be a sign that an infection is starting. If your cats eyes are draining badly and staining his fur, check with your vet first for any underlying cause before embarking on a ‘stain removing’ campaign.
A solution recommended by many breeders that can be mixed up at home is 1 tablespoon of boric acid powder (available at most large chemists), and 12 ounces of boiling water. Mix together and allow to cool, then pour into a suitable container and store in the fridge. Always shake it up prior to using. Do not mix this solution any stronger or this will create crystals in the liquid, which can scratch the lids of the eyes.
This is for use only on the fur, not in the eyes. However, if you do accidentally get some in the eye, do not panic as most eye solutions contain boric acid. Use the wash daily as each application cleans the eye stain more.
F
FELINE ACNE
Feline Acne is a localized infection and most often affects the chin area. It is caused by infected or plugged hair follicles. It usually starts as little black plugs in the chin, rather like blackheads. These can progress into pimples or inflamed pustules.
The major cause of Feline Acne is plastic food and water dishes which harbour bacteria and dirt. This can irritate the cats skin and also work its way into any scratches the cat may have. Changing to glass, china or stainless steel dishes is the best solution, plus making sure they are thoroughly washed every day.
Other causes of Feline acne include food allergies, contact allergies, lack of cleanliness and also stress. Cleanliness also includes your Cat, so it is always a good idea to clean her chin after meals.
If you suspect your cat has Feline Acne, you must consult your veterinarian, as left untreated it can turn into a serious infection. Also there are other conditions which can imitate Feline Acne; these include ringworm, food allergies/yeast infections, and also a form of mange. FIV Although FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) is similar to HIV, it is not possible to contract Aids from a cat with FIV. FIV is primarily transmitted through open bite wounds. A mother cat can also transmit the virus to her newborn kittens during gestation, passage through the birth canal, or nursing. It can also be transmitted through the transfusion of contaminated blood.
FIV attacks and weakens the cat's immune system, making it susceptible to infections and diseases that do not affect healthy cats.
As there is currently no vaccine or cure for this disease, FIV Positive cats should be kept indoors and away from other cats. Though eventually fatal, and FIV positive cat can live for many years without showing any signs of illness.
G
GINGIVITIS
Gingivitis is a general term for inflammation of the gums (gingiva). It may be localised to one tooth, or may be widespread affecting numerous teeth.
Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. Infection and inflammation spreads from the gums to the ligaments and bone that support the teeth. Left untreated, loss of support causes the teeth to become loose and eventually fall out.
What causes gingivitis?
Gingivitis is caused by a build up of plaque (bacteria & food debris). In the early stages plaque forms on the teeth. Plaque which isn't removed from the teeth hardens & becomes tarter (also known as calculus). Tartar is yellow in colour & is seen along the gum, where it meets the teeth.
H
HAIRBALLS
Hairballs, also know as trichobezoars, are a common occurrence in all cats. It is a myth that only longhaired cats get hairballs.
They are a mass of mucous and hair that can eventually form into a ball in the cats stomach or intestine. Normally, most of the hair that is swallowed is passed through the cat’s digestive system in the stool. Frequently, the hair that does not get excreted through the faeces, gathers in the cat’s stomach or intestine forming a thick ball that cannot be passed. The ball is then generally vomited by the cat.
The signs of hairballs include, vomiting, coughing, loss of appetite, lethargy, or constipation.
Hairballs are actually one of the most common reasons why cats vomit. The ‘hacking’ that you may notice when your cat is bringing up a hairball may be gagging or retching, as he tries to vomit the hairball.
It is a good idea to feed your cat oily fish, i.e. mackerel in sunflower oil, once a week, to help in the transition of fur through the digestive system. HEPATIC LIPIDOSIS This condition can result in the accumulation of fats in the liver, causing weakness, jaundice and progression to liver failure. Restricting food too strictly can also induce hepatic lipidosis. A very common condition of older cats. Characterised by weight loss, an insatiable appetite, rough unkempt coat and in some cases behavioural changes (such as aggression or hyperactivity). Can be treated by surgical removal of the thyroid gland, with radiation therapy or with medication. A form of heart disease that mainly affects middle-aged cats. Respiratory distress can appear quite suddenly or cats may seem lethargic or start fainting. Sudden collapse is a possibility.
L
FELINE LEUKAEMIA VIRUS
Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) is a virus which gradually affects the cat's immune system so that they become more vulnerable to common ailments. It can also cause leukaemia and cancers in any of the main organs in the body. There is no cure and infected cats will die early.
FeLV only affects cats and so poses no risk to humans and other pets.
Cats can harbour the infection for months or even years before showing signs but most will show signs within 3 years. The virus is widespread in the cat population and is the main cause of premature death in cats.
The virus is mainly spread by direct contact with an infected cat or through the saliva if they groom each other. The virus does not survive for long outside the animal and once an infected cat has been removed from the home, there should be little risk for new cats coming into the household. Nevertheless, bleach all feeding bowls and litter trays etc before introducing a new cat.
Kittens can be infected by their mother. Kittens less than 4 months old are particularly at risk. Infected cats can harbour and shed the virus for long periods before becoming ill and are a major source of infection for others.
The signs of FeLV are fever, lethargy, weight loss, breathing problems, anaemia, neurological signs, firm swellings of the lymph nodes (felt under the chin, behind the knees and in front of the shoulder), sore mouth and gums.
If your cat tests positive through a simple blood test performed at the veterinary surgery, it is advised that you:
· Keep your cat indoors to minimise exposure to other diseases and to prevent your cat from affecting other cats.
· Keep your cat in a quiet, stress-free, comfortable environment and provide a healthy good-quality diet.
· Isolate infected cats from other cats in your home even if they have been vaccinated.
· All other cats which have been in contact with a FeLV positive cat should be tested immediately and then 12 weeks later to assess their status.
Vaccination of FeLV positive cats is of no benefit. It is therefore recommended that cats with a significant risk of having been exposed to FeLV be tested for FeLV antigen before they are vaccinated. If they test negative, they can be vaccinated, while test positive cats should be isolated and retested after 1-2 months. Cats positive at the second testing are given a poor prognosis while those negative at the second testing should be revaccinated since, in all likelihood, they have overcome the infection.
LITTER BOX PROBLEM
If your cat develops a litter box problem take her to the vet, as this may be an indication that she has a urinary tract infection and is avoiding the litter box because she associates it with pain.
If your vet gives her a clean bill of health, you will need to play detective! Please refer to 'Cat Behavior' in the Information Library for further advice.
M
MALNUTRITION
Ill health due to dietary deficiency or imbalance.
MASTITIS
Acute inflammation of the nipples in a nursing queen. It is caused by a trauma, infection, or blocked passage of the milk through the mammary glands. Symptoms are swelling or hardening of the nipples, which may also become purplish, possibly with the emission of discoloured milk that could also be tinged with blood. Mastitis may only affect one nipple. Hot compresses applied to the area will give relief until your cat can be seen by your vet.
MRSA
MRSA stands for Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. It can occur in your pet or your pet could be a carrier. Staphylococcus aureus occurs normally on the skin of your pet. The MRSA version of this bacteria are resistant to several antibiotics and were initially found in the 1960s.
Pets, like humans can be an asymptomatic carrier which means that they suffer no ill effects but can affect people or animals with a low immune system. Examples of these include:
· Elderly
· Very ill people
· People or children suffering from Cystic Fibrosis
· Cats or people with AIDS
· Diabetic patients
Immune mediated diseases such as Myasthenia Gravis where the person or animal is having long term cortisone treatment.
It can be transmitted by droplets and by contact so hygiene is vital if dealing with any of the above people or pets. Cleaning your hands with a good antibacterial wash is the best measure of all.
The main sign of MRSA that vets see in pets is wound breakdown due to the infection. Septic wounds can lead to the bacteria entering the bloodstream and this can be fatal as it poisons the blood.
Once an operation is performed on your pet, the wound will not be completely 'sealed' until 24 hours later. Ensure that the wound is not touched at this time just in case you are a carrier.
Your pets are as much at risk of getting MRSA from us as we are from them, so remember good hygiene around any vulnerable or immune compromised humans or animals.
P
PERIODONTAL DISEASE Periodontal disease is a series of changes that are associated with the inflammation and loss of the deep supporting structures of teeth. How does Periodontal disease develope? Food particles and bacteria collect along the gum line forming plaque. If plaque is not removed, minerals in the saliva combine with the plaque and form tartar (or calculus) which adheres strongly to the teeth. Plaque starts to mineralize 3-5 days after it forms. The tartar is irritating to the gums and causes an inflammation called gingivitis. This can be seen as reddening of the gums adjacent to the teeth. It also causes bad breath. If the calculus is not removed, it builds up under the gums, separating the gums from the teeth to form "pockets" encouraging even more bacterial growth. At this point the damage is irreversible, and called "periodontal" disease. It can be very painful and can lead to loose teeth, abscesses, and bone loss or infection.
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is an inherited condition that causes multiple cysts (pockets of fluid) to form in the kidneys.
There is an article on PKD in the 'Information Library'.
R
RINGWORM
Ringworm is a skin disease caused by a fungus and has absolutely nothing to do with worms! It is also know as Dermatophytosis and is actually an infection in the dead layer of the skin, hair, and nails. It is extremely contagious and some cats can have ringworm and not show any signs of it. So if you have more than one cat in the household, it won’t matter which one has it, you will need to treat all of them.
One of the clinical signs of ringworm is patches of hair loss which tend to be round, but as the fungus multiplies, the lesions may become irregular in shape and spread over the cat’s body. These patches can also appear scaly and crusty and cause itching, but this is not always the case.
Diagnosis and treatment must be carried out by your veterinarian.
There are several methods for treating ringworm, and the specific method chosen for your cat will ultimately depend on the severity of the infection, how many pets you have, whether there are children in the home, and how difficult it will be to disinfect the cat’s environment.
Griseofulvin/Fulvicin is the drug very broadly used by veterinarians but it is a dangerous drug. It has been known to cause liver damage in some cats and can weaken the immune system, especially in Persians who are prone to it. It should never be used on pregnant or nursing mothers, or elderly cats. There is a human anti-fungal drug which can be used safely on cats. This is called Sporodax. It does not have the same side effects as Griseofulvin/Fulvicin and is known to work much faster. However, it is also much more expensive.
For topical treatment on infected areas, Lamisil and Lotrimin are known to work well.
S
STOMATITIS
Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth. It may be caused by food that was too hot, gingivitis, or infectious disease. The cat tends to stay by itself, exhibits an increase in thirst, salivates excessively and eats unwillingly.
STUD TAIL
Stud tail presents itself as a brown, sappy substance at the base of a cat’s tail. Sometimes it has a foul odour. It occurs in un-neutered males, but occasionally occurs in neutered males and females. The secretion comes from a gland at the base of the cat’s tail, making the tail look greasy and yellowish brown. You can wash the tail using baby shampoo, letting the shampoo soak in well, and then gently rubbing with a soft toothbrush. You may have to do this several times. In severe cases, you can shave the area, as this will allow the skin to breath.
To prevent Stud Tail from developing, you can rub some talcum powder into the hair on the tail once or twice a week. Leave the powder on overnight and brush out the next day.
N.B. Tail hairs that are pulled out take a long time to grow back, so comb or brush this area very gently.
SKIN - DRY/FLAKY
Dry, flaky skin is often caused by a deficiency in the diet. You can give your cat 1 drop of Vitamin E and Cod Liver Oil 3 times a week (store in the fridge). Pinch a little hole in the capsule, and using your finger, rub it on the cat’s tooth. You should see an improvement in the coat in about a month.
T
TEETH Cats have 2 sets of teeth. The first set is called the milk teeth or deciduous teeth and they begin to appear when the kitten is about 4 weeks old. They continue to come in until all 26 milk teeth have appeared, usually by 6 weeks of age. These are not permanent teeth and begin to fall out from about 11 weeks until 30 weeks. This is a similar time to teething in babies and so the kitten may have sore gums during this time and may do a bit of complaining and eat less due to the pain. Whilst the milk teeth are falling out, the new permanent teeth are coming through until all 30 of them have developed, normally by 8-9 months of age. Occasionally 1 or more of the milk teeth do not fall out, or extra teeth can be present. This can cause gum and tissue problems due to crowding in the mouth. Behavioural problems may also be apparent due to the fact that the cat is in pain. Seek veterinary treatment should this occur. BRUSHING YOUR CAT'S TEETH Start with a child’s toothbrush, a finger brush or a pet toothbrush, and use special toothpaste or something tasty like pate that is safe to swallow. On no account use human toothpaste. Start very slowly, gently brushing 1 or 2 teeth at first, and reward your cat afterwards with a special treat. Try again the following day, but brushing for slightly longer, and again reward your cat afterwards. Try to determine your cat’s tolerance level and end the session with a reward before he/she starts to wriggle too much. Gradually increase the time spent brushing until you can brush all the teeth, top and bottom. This should take about two weeks – hopefully!! You are more likely to have success with the brushing if you can find time to brush your cat’s teeth in the morning before his/her food, as he will be eager for his reward. Temperature 100º to 102.5ºF (37.8º to 39.2ºC) Breathing 20 to 40 Breaths per Minute Pulse Rate 100 to 140 Beats per Minute Note: The body temperature for animals is higher than that for humans. The normal rectal temperature of a kitten at birth is 97ºF. The temperature gradually increases as the kitten gets older reaching 100ºF at 4 weeks of age.