Eye discharge (Watery to thick consistency, Yellow to green in color or even clear)
Sneezing
3rd eyelid inflamed (sometimes even raised)
How do they get it?
Direct contact (when cats make contact with infected saliva, eye, or nasal discharge)
Breathing in sneeze droplets from an infected cat
Sharing food bowls or litter boxes
Living in an environment that has been contaminated (grooming tools, bedding, etc.)
Transmission from mother to kittens during their first few weeks of life
How to help my infected cat feel better?
Ensure your cat can access fresh water and a clean bowl every day
Follow directions from your veterinarian and administer medications or eye drops as prescribed.
Clean discharge daily, make sure to wash your hands if you have any other cats in the household
How to prevent Feline Herpes Virus
Vaccinate (will not completely prevent an infection if your cat is exposed to the virus)
Information on declawing
Definition:
Surgical amputation of part of a cat's toe bones, including the nail bed and claw
It's like removing their first "knuckle"
Risks:
Possible complications include infections, chronic pain, behavioral changes, and nerve damage.
Lameness
Paw tenderness
Alternatives:
Nail trimming
Scratching posts
Soft nail caps
Feliway Spray and diffusers
Positive reinforcement training
Instead of yelling at your cat for scratching the sofa or curtains, reward them with a treat or catnip toy when they dig their claws into their scratching post.
Urinary issues
Helpful information/tips
Peeing everywhere?
Stress or various environmental can be factors
Urinary issues
Accidents in the house
Could be a sign of several common urinary conditions that often are manageable with the hip of your vet
Yowling when urinating
Straining to urinate or is making pain, uncomfortable noises in their litter box, check with your vet immediately
Bladder stones
Urethral plugs (Neutered male cats)
Blood in urine
Could be related to bladder stones, a urethral plug or a variety of other causes and should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
Frequent urination
More time in the litterbox than usual with the absence of urine or only small drops of urine should be assessed by your veterinarian immediately
Could be a sign of urethral obstruction (which is a medical emergency) Happens in neutered males
Fun fact about cats
Primordial Pouch
Loose flap of skin that runs along the length of the cat's belly (more pronounced towards the rear)
Function of the pouch
Acts as protection to the internal organs during a fight or attack
May allow cats to stretch out when running at high speed or jumping
Difference between obese cats and primordial pouch
Obese cat's belly has an overall rounded shape, that will not jiggle from side to side the way the skin of the primordial pouch does
You should be able to feel the ribs when you run your hands along the cat's sides
Large cats
Yes, lions, cougars, leopards, and tigers all have a primordial pouch
