One minute, your cat is cuddling with you as happy as a clam, and the next minute, they are climbing up the curtains, yowling, and acting like a banshee. What could be going on? With such fluctuation in behaviors, one may wonder if their cat could have bipolar syndrome. While this is a reasonable suspicion, it’s important to note that at this time, cats are not recognized as being able to be diagnosed with bipolar syndrome.

In this article, we’ll explore what this condition is, specifics of why it’s not recognized or diagnosed in cats, and tips and techniques for ensuring good mental health for cats in general.

About Bipolar Syndrome

What exactly is bipolar syndrome? The word bipolar can be broken down into the root “bi” which means two and “polar” which can be akin to having extreme opposites on two points or ends of an axis. In people, this mental illness is characterized by two very different moods: that of a very high or elevated mood (termed mania) and that of a very low or hopeless (termed depressive) mood.

These intense and extreme emotional states swing dramatically from one to another over time, with each mood often lasting from days to weeks or months. In between, there is also the potential for a normal mood, called euthymia.

While bipolar syndrome was also previously referred to as manic depression or manic-depressive disorder, there are different types, such as bipolar syndrome type 1 or type 2. What all bipolar diagnoses have in common is that they are characterized by recurring, dramatic shifts or swings in mood. These intense moods can affect the individual’s energy levels, thinking patterns, overall behavior, sleep schedule, etc. In people, a diagnosis is obtained by ruling out other causes followed by a thorough psychological evaluation.

If diagnosed, treatment often includes various medications and psychotherapy (talk therapy).

Cats and Bipolar Syndrome

As mentioned, cats are not recognized to have bipolar syndrome. In fact, it’s a bit tricky to actually assess depression and mania in our feline friends.

When a pet cat is acting subdued or potentially displaying some of the signs below, one may inadvertently think depression could be a potential cause:

If these types of changes in the behavior of a cat are seen, they are most often explained in veterinary medicine by an underlying medical or physical health condition.

While the list of potential reasons for illness is long, some may include:

Regardless of the cause, once a health condition is properly treated, it can make a world of difference in a feline’s demeanor and subdued overall behaviors will typically improve.

Cats will display varying levels of activity throughout the day, which is normal.  While they may sleep much of the time, they can also have their little windows or bursts of activity and energy (hello, zoomies!) since they are predators with natural hunting instincts. These “highs” may be misunderstood by the cat’s owner to be a display of mania.

Some cat owners may also mistake many of the following for mania:

Some underlying health conditions that may be actually causing these behaviors might include:

Again, if one of these (or another) health conditions is the cause of what appear to be “manic” behaviors, proper medical treatment can help bring a cat back to baseline. Furthermore, while cats do exhibit signs of stress and can have mental health conditions diagnosed such as compulsive disorders or cognitive dysfunction, these would be diagnosed after other medical causes are ruled out.

Diagnosis of Bipolar Syndrome in Cats

As the above discussion illustrates, signs in a cat that would normally be considered to be “depressive” or “manic” in humans are most often explained in veterinary medicine by some other underlying medical condition. In addition, a cat’s more extreme moods do not stay and last for long periods of time and then cycle to the opposite end of the spectrum like bipolar syndrome in people.

Furthermore, because bipolar syndrome requires consistently alternating manic and depressive states to be diagnosed, it is easy to see how bipolar syndrome diagnosis is not recognized as an option for a cat.

In addition, in the medical testing world, it has been difficult to use animal subjects for modeling medical treatment for bipolar syndrome in people. Some of the reasons for this, as set out below, help explain even more why cats have been unable to be diagnosed with this disease.

Many of the qualifying characteristics of bipolar syndrome in people are not able to be evaluated in animals. Because veterinarians can’t talk to their patients and their patients do not have the same awareness and cognitive abilities as people, evaluating feelings of worthlessness or guilt, for example, is just not possible.

In the human world, testing using animal models for bipolar syndrome has had to be separated into two categories: one group with animals that are modeling mania, and one group that is modeling depression. There has not been a successful group that has exhibited both depression and mania. Even further, there has not been shown a way to replicate the characteristic cycle between the two in animals.

While cat behavior can be complex and can fluctuate widely, there could be additional reasons for this behavior besides the aforementioned health causes. Not only do a cat’s genetics play a role, but aspects such as what occurred during their socialization period as kittens, life experiences, individual personality, etc., all can come into play. Many times, their mood or variations are triggered or activated because of an external factor in their surroundings, rather than a biochemical abnormality going on in their brain.

How to Help Your Cat

If your cat is suffering from what appear to be signs of hyperactivity/mania and depression, what can you do?

Some components for encouraging overall good mental health for a cat that you can implement at home may include:

Conclusion

While cats are not currently able to be diagnosed with bipolar syndrome, they may have other mental and/or physical health conditions that could be influencing how they conduct themselves.

If your cat is displaying concerning behaviors towards themselves or others, promptly starting a conversation with their veterinarian will help ensure the best outcome.

Featured Image Credit: Zhuravlev Andrey, Shutterstock

The post Can Cats Have Bipolar Syndrome? Our Vet Explains by Dr. Rachel Ellison DVM (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

If you have a sick cat, you may wonder if they may be able to spread the same sickness to your unsuspecting dog. The short answer is that it will depend on the illness, but yes, some medical maladies can be passed from a cat to a dog. But, while this can occur, it may be comforting to know that the majority of sicknesses are species-specific and don’t spread from one species to the other.

Below, we’ll explore in more detail some of the medical problems that can spread from a cat to a dog to help empower pet owners with more knowledge on the subject.

The 5 Potential Illnesses That Can Spread From Cats to Dogs

While this is not an exhaustive list, it will include some medical afflictions that can spread from an affected cat to a dog. Some of these illnesses can even spread to people, termed zoonotic diseases, so understanding your cat’s illness to keep other cats, your dog, or even humans safe is imperative!

1. Fleas

Fleas are small insects that live by consuming animal blood. Even though there are more than a couple thousand different flea species, the most common one that affects both cats and dogs is the cat flea, called Ctenocephalides felis felis. These parasites are external ones, which means they live outside their host but still feed off them. While they do not have wings, they are great jumpers for their small size!

Most commonly these insects cause itchiness, discomfort, and irritation to their hosts and can cause flea allergy dermatitis, secondary skin infections, or even anemia in severe circumstances. In addition, fleas are vectors, which means they can transmit a pathogen from themselves to a capable host; some examples for fleas include the bubonic plague, cat scratch disease, or tapeworms.

Signs of fleas may include excess scratching, licking, itching, or hair loss. While inspecting an affected host, you may actually see a fast-moving flea, but this is not always the case. Sometimes, evidence of a flea’s presence is non-existent, or one may find their fecal material, which appears as black specks, in a pet’s fur.

Treatment is two-fold. First, the affected animal must be treated, as well as any other animals that may come into contact with the affected pet. This will work to eliminate the current fleas and to prevent their continued spread. Because species type (cat vs. dog), age, size, weight, etc. are all important components for treatment, veterinary products are recommended. The second part of treatment is environmental cleaning treatment such as vacuuming, laundering, or potential pest control measures to prevent cross-infections or reinfection.

2. Bartonellosis

Bartonellosis, commonly known as cat scratch disease or cat scratch fever, is a bacterial infection due to the bacteria Bartonella henselae. This infectious disease is originally primarily transmitted by infected fleas or ticks to an animal via the bloodstream, but it can also become present if an infected animal scratches or bites an unsuspecting subject. While the disease is fairly common in cats, it can also present in other animals including dogs, humans, and various domestic and wildlife species.

Many cats that are infected are asymptomatic (do not show signs of infection), but this is not always the case in other species, such as dogs. Signs of infection may include fever, vomiting, nose discharge, swollen lymph nodes, sore muscles, lack of appetite, and inflammation of many internal organs including the heart and eyes. Diagnosis is reliant on laboratory testing that can determine if the bacteria is present in blood and treatment of antibiotics is recommended for those who have clinical signs.

Supportive care such as fluids or pain medication may be needed in some cases. Strict flea and tick control is essential in limiting the likelihood of the spread of this disease, and additional considerations include not allowing rough play behaviors such as biting or scratching, trimming a pet’s nails, having energy outlets for enrichment, and having a cat be indoor only.

3. Gastrointestinal (GI) Parasites

There are several internal gastrointestinal (GI) parasites that can originally infect a cat but then be spread to a dog. Roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms are common culprits that are commonly referred to as “worms” but there are other parasite types such as the protozoan parasite, Giardia.

Testing in some cases may be done with direct examination of the parasite. In other cases, a sample may be subject to various tests, such as examination of an affected fecal sample that is examined under the microscope for eggs, snap tests, etc. Sometimes, no signs in affected pets are noted, while other times there may be diarrhea, weight loss, or a protruding round belly.

Treatment consists of the proper identification of the GI parasite and their subsequent specific treatment. Regular, daily cleanup of the fecal material, using a disinfectant to clean the litterbox on a routine basis, not feeding raw meat diets, and ensuring control of other intermediate hosts, so as to have good control of parasites are all important components for prevention once treated.

4. Mite Infestation

While many different types of mites are species-specific, some kinds can be contagious between species. Ear mites (Otodectic mange) could spread from a cat to a dog and sarcoptic mange (also called Scabies) are a type of mite that is normally more commonly seen in dogs, but can also occur in cats. Both of these mites can spread from one infected animal to an uninfected one most commonly via direct contact.

Common signs include intense itching, hair loss, crusting, and secondary infections. Diagnosis is most often done via sampling areas to examine the mite under the microscope. Treatment via prescription medication to kill the specific type of mite is available. If there is a secondary infection, antibiotics may be needed, and medicated baths or ear cleaners may also be indicated.

5. Ringworm

Did you know that this is not actually a worm, but rather, a fungus? This skin condition is also called dermatophytosis, for the fungi (dermatophytes) that cause the condition. Their fungal spores, originally found in the outdoor environment, can also spread via direct contact with an infected animal such as another cat, as well as from contaminated objects such as bedding.

Signs of an infection include an area of hair loss with redness, scaling, or crusting. The affected animal may also exhibit excess grooming or scratching. In addition, brittle or broken nails with infected nail beds can occur. In people, a characteristic round, raised red lesion is often seen, but this is not the typical presentation found in cats. Testing to confirm ringworm may include the following: a Wood lamp that can fluoresce with light in some infections, a microscopic examination to look for fungal spores, a fungal culture, PCR testing of hair for dermatophyte DNA, or a biopsy sample to be evaluated.

Treatment often consists of a combination of oral antifungals and topical therapy, as well as environmental decontamination and cleaning to prevent reinfection via the fungal spores. If possible, until the cat is cured, isolation of the infected feline from any non-infected animals is ideal. In addition, it is important for any human petting or dealing with the affected animal to wash their hands after contact.

6. Rabies

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system of any potential mammalian species. Transmission is via an infected animal’s saliva and most commonly occurs via a bite but could also occur if an affected animal’s saliva is transmitted to another via an open wound or through the eyes, nose, or mouth of another. Often wild animals such as raccoons, bats, coyotes, etc. are most likely the species for rabies to originally occur in.

In many parts of the world, a rabid dog can be a common source to infect others but, more recently in America, cats are the most prevalent domestic species infected. This is because some owners may not vaccinate them for rabies as frequently as they do dogs, and the cats can be exposed to rabid wildlife. For an affected animal, the virus travels via the nerves to the brain, and signs of infection may include excess drooling, trouble swallowing, seizures, staggering, paralysis, fearfulness, or aggression.

Once signs are present for rabies, there is no treatment available, but the good news is rabies is entirely preventable through proper vaccination.

7. Kennel Cough

Bordetella bronchiseptica, also commonly referred to as “kennel cough”, is a very contagious bacteria that causes respiratory disease with inflammation in the windpipe (trachea) and bronchi. While often more recognized with dogs, this bacteria can affect both cats and dogs, and even more interesting is that it can spread from one affected species to the other. It can be spread directly, such as with grooming each other, but also in the air with coughing or sneezing.

Furthermore, a contaminated environment (surroundings, bedding, food bowls, etc.) may also allow for the spread. If seen, signs may include coughing, sneezing, eye and nose discharge as well as fever, inappetence, and lethargy. In more severe forms of illness, trouble breathing may also be present. When indicated, treatment consists of specific antibiotics, and pet-safe cough medicine, and in rarer yet harsh illnesses, hospitalization may be needed for further care.

While a vaccine is not entirely foolproof, it can help limit the severity of the illness if contracted; in addition, many boarding and grooming facilities require it.

Prevention Tips

Conclusion

While most pet diseases are species-specific, there are some that can be passed from a cat to a dog. Because of this, for that subset of specific health conditions, it’s important to have awareness, good preventative care, and prompt medical attention as integral components in your toolkit to ensure the best health for your pet.

Featured Image Credit: Reshetnikov_art, Shutterstock

The post Can Cats Get Dogs Sick? Our Vet Explains Illnesses & Prevention Tips by Dr. Rachel Ellison DVM (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Were you aware that in 2022, a whopping 61% of cats were overweight or obese¹? While this means that almost two out of every three cats are affected, fortunately, there are many ways for cat owners to combat this extra body fat. Overall, it is known that weight loss can be brought about with the proper diet, the correct restriction of calories, and physical exercise.

In this article, we’ll discuss information about weight, how an appropriate food/diet plan can be put in place, and numerous overall strategies on how to get your cat to lose (or prevent gaining) excess weight.

Why Is Their Weight Important?

For context, a cat is considered to be overweight if they are 10–20% above their ideal body weight, while a cat is considered to be obese if they are greater than 20% above their ideal weight. Even if your cat is not overweight currently, it is easier to prevent than to treat obesity. Therefore, the tips in this article are really for any cat owner, whether they have an overweight cat or not!

Just as with humans, weight is an important part of the puzzle in a cat’s overall health. In fact, it has been shown that overweight pets have a higher risk of various disease associations. This excess weight can cause, or if already present, exacerbate medical health issues such as diabetes, osteoarthritis, renal disease, some types of cancer, etc. Furthermore, the hormones that are given off by extra fat tissue have been found to keep the body in a long-term state of inflammation². In addition, extra weight can simultaneously shorten a cat’s life span and cause them to have a decreased quality of life.

The Veterinarian’s Role

A weight-reduction plan should be evaluated and carried out under the direction of a veterinarian. In addition to obtaining an accurate body weight and a thorough history coupled with a physical exam, they may utilize lab work to rule out the occasional medical cause of weight gain. Furthermore, they can counsel you on your individual cat’s ideal body weight and how to determine your cat’s body condition score (BCS) and muscle condition scoring (MCS).

A BCS determines a pet’s body fat; this is done by feeling for fat across the ribs, looking at fat distribution from above, and looking at fat distribution from the sides to determine an overall score. The score can be based on either a 5-point or 9-point scale. For the 1–5 point scale, a 1 is an emaciated cat and a 5 is an obese cat, with a 3 being an ideal body weight. On the 1–9 point scale, a 1 is also emaciated, a 9 signifies obesity, and for cats, a 5 is ideal. An MCS determines muscle mass and includes visual examination and palpation along the body at specific points to determine if muscle wasting is present in mild, moderate, or marked amounts.

Furthermore, your cat’s vet can teach you how to read pet food/treat nutrition labels and calculate nutrition requirements correctly. This information can be used to calculate how many calories your cat is actually eating. Other nutritional calculations such as resting energy requirements (RER) and maintenance energy requirements (MER) are used by veterinarians to help determine how many calories your cat should be eating to lose weight safely over time. If a cat loses too much weight too quickly or stops eating suddenly, there can be medical problems, such as hepatic lipidosis (also known as fatty liver syndrome) which can be life-threatening.

As a reference, a cat should have 24–35 calories per pound per day; but your veterinarian can help calculate a good starting point given your cat’s factors³. In addition, a good and safe reference range of a cat’s body weight loss per week is 0.5–2.0%⁴.

Veterinarians can come up with a specific feeding plan that allots out the amount/caloric density of food (and potentially some small allotment for treats) for your cat to lose weight based on several of the above-mentioned factors. This plan will consider your cat’s ideal body weight, their BCS, MCS, total calories being consumed currently, RER and MER calculations as well as your cat’s stage of life, any concurrent diseases, their lifestyle and activity levels, etc.

Speak To a Vet Online From the Comfort of Your Couch!

If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

Click to Speak With a Vet

The 20 Tips to Lose Weight

Food and Calories

1. Measure it Out

Use an actual level measuring cup (or even better and more accurate, a kitchen weight scale!) to find out exactly how much you are feeding your cat. This is the first step to understanding and becoming aware of where you’re starting, and going forward, to accurately control the amount of food (and calories).

2. Label Information

Obtain all the nutrition/label information from your sources of food, treats, food used to give medicine, homemade diets, table scraps, etc. This label information may be on the bag in question, or you may need to research or contact the manufacturer, etc. This step can help you determine where all the calories for your cat are coming from and help your veterinarian in nutritional calculations.

3. Quality Food

Feed a good, quality food. A diet change may or may not be needed. There are even prescription diet cat foods that may be an option for your cat. Discuss with your cat’s veterinarian any specific diet recommendations and diet transition instructions.

4. Overfeeding

Do not allow free feeding (always having food available in the bowl). One of the biggest human-related factors to a cat being overweight is overfeeding⁵. This is very common, and many pet owners do this unknowingly, but our eyes are bigger than their stomachs. Remember, if a cat has free access to food, this is like having a buffet available all the time!

5. Communication

Make sure everyone in the household who could be taking care of the cat is on the same page. Communication is important! Some tips to prevent doubling up food on accident could include a check-off system or to pre-measure out and label bags of food/treats for each day of the week.

6. Reduce Treats

Reduce calories given from treats to less than 10% of a cat’s daily allotted calories (as long as they are being given a full and complete diet)⁶. Alternatively, you could instead give rewards with attention, special or favorite toys, catnip, brushing, etc.

7. Remove Human Food

Remove human food or table scraps from the cat’s diet. This is not only unhealthy for your cat but is easy to overload, giving excess calories even with small amounts of food. If you’re only allotted around 200–300 calories per day, even a small square of cheese can add up!

8. Automated Feeders

Automated, timed feeders that dispense a pre-measured amount may be helpful for some so a cat does not associate their owner with feeding them. In multi-cat households there may need to be some oversight with this so that separation still occurs. Some feeders even utilize a sensor collar that will only open when the cat in question is within range and then close off the food if the cat moves away.

9. Splitting Meals

Try splitting the allotted meals up in differing amounts or at different times. For example, if your cat begs for food overnight, try giving a smaller meal in the morning and a larger meal at night. If you feed your cat once or twice a day and the cat begs for food between meals, try dividing out the specified total calories into 3 or 4 smaller meals.

10. Supervision

In a multi-cat household, it is essential to ensure that each cat is only eating the food allotted to them. With more than one cat, there can also be competition or resource guarding for food. This could be remedied by physically separating them during their mealtimes (such as in a different room behind a closed door, a tall baby gate, etc.) or as mentioned above, a cat feeder with a sensor collar.

Increasing Physical Activity

11. Make Them Work

Make your cat work for their food. Move their meals around regularly to areas that they don’t normally frequent, so they have to go far away from their usual hangouts and ‘hunt’ for their meal.

12. Cat Tree

A cat tree or using vertical space to jump up to get to their meal can also give some additional physical activity.

13. Toys

Because cats have such a predatory instinct, they may find toys such as play mice, feathers, teaser wands, or laser pointers enticing. Provide a variety of toys but rotate them to discourage boredom.

14. Obstacle Course

A homemade obstacle course, especially with catnip or an allotted small treat as encouragement, can incentivize even more movement!

15. Outside Time

Trying a harness and leash walk outside may be a physical activity that some cats enjoy.

16. Exercise Wheel

A cat exercise wheel that allows for walking or running may be worth looking into for some inquisitive cats.

Additional Factors

17. Scatter Their Food

You could try tossing your cat’s food kibbles out and around so they have to chase it and expend some energy to get their meal!

18. Food Dispensing Toys

A food and exercise combination tip is to use food-dispensing balls or toys. These are fabulous in that the cat must use both their mind and body. And, once a cat knows how to reliably use it, you could put a portion (or all of) the cat’s allotted calories to keep them working. It’s a win-win-win.

19. Routine Weigh-ins

How do you know if your cat is making progress? Routine weigh-ins and recheck visits. A baby scale (at home and/or at the veterinary clinic) can be a helpful tool in this regard. Monitoring for progress as well as any needed changes is key.

20. Environmental Enrichment

In one study, overweight cats on a restricted diet with increased environmental enrichment had activity collars and were found to have more activity than overweight cats with the same feeding instructions without the increased enrichment. You may consider this and include window perches, bird feeders outside a window, scratching posts, etc. to help provide overall good mental well-being for your cat.

Conclusion

A cat’s weight loss plan typically needs a multifaceted approach to solve (or prevent) this common problem. As your cat’s vet is your furry family member’s biggest advocate, they will use science and medicine in creating your cat’s best-individualized weight loss (or maintenance) plan. As your cat’s owner, you will be responsible for carrying out the plan daily to ensure the best result for your pet.

It’s helpful to know that both you and your cat’s veterinarian are essential partners in your cat’s weight loss journey and that your cat will be able to live their best life because of your teamwork!

• See also: Can Cats Eat Table Scraps? 6 Things to Consider (Vet-Reviewed)

Featured Image Credit: Daisy Daisy, Shutterstock

The post How to Put Your Cat on a Diet – 20 Tips to Lose Weight (Vet Answer) by Dr. Rachel Ellison DVM (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Miliary dermatitis, also called feline miliary dermatitis, may sound like an unusual name for a medical condition, but it is a common malady that affects our feline friends. Surprisingly, it is not a specific diagnosis or disease but rather a descriptive term used to characterize a distinct skin reaction pattern seen in cats. In this article, we’ll discuss what miliary dermatitis looks like, the various causes that could bring this lesion about, and the respective treatments that could be an option for your cat should they exhibit this condition.

What Is Miliary Dermatitis?

Other names for miliary dermatitis could include scabby cat disease, papulo crusting dermatitis, or miliary eczema. To break down the terminology of the full medical term, feline miliary dermatitis means:

Together, these terms describe not a diagnosis, but rather, a secondary skin reaction pattern that can be observed in cats. Feline miliary dermatitis is an inflammatory reaction pattern on the skin that can be present due to many different causes which will be discussed shortly.

The best way to describe it physically would be a pimply rash, often with crusts and variable degrees of redness and hair loss. Depending on the cause, it can occur in specific areas or throughout the body but is most commonly found on the lower back or sides of the abdomen, at the base of the tail, or on the head, neck, or ears.

What Are the Signs of Miliary Dermatitis?

What Are the Causes of Miliary Dermatitis?

Because miliary dermatitis is a secondary skin reaction in response to a primary medical condition, when miliary dermatitis is seen, it is always in response to a primary cause. This reaction pattern most often manifests in the case of a reaction to an allergy, infestation by parasites, or an infection. But with that being said, there is a long laundry list of possible causes for feline miliary dermatitis. Some of these include:

How Do I Care for a Cat With Miliary Dermatitis?

If your cat appears to exhibit miliary dermatitis, it’s a clue that there is an underlying medical condition going on that is affecting your cat. Having them seen by their veterinarian will help get to the primary cause, which will then enable you to treat the problem (which subsequently will resolve the lesions). A veterinary visit will start with a thorough history and a complete physical exam.

Next, some common actions or tests that may be needed to get to the cause of the lesion could include insect control trial, cytology and skin scrapings for analysis under the microscope, fungal culture, a food trial or elimination diet, fecal analysis, bloodwork, as well as a skin biopsy or even allergy testing. Lab work may be implemented in a stepwise fashion, ruling one or two causes out at a time before moving on to the next, if need be. It’s important to know that patience and vigilance will pay off as you seek the needed answers to help your feline friend.

The specific treatment will be tailored to treating the primary cause of the miliary dermatitis. Removing the allergen or problem causing the signs will allow healing of the lesions and eventually cure the miliary dermatitis. Once the cause has been determined, following the recommended long-term treatment protocols your cat’s veterinarian recommends is important to help the recovery process happen as quickly as possible and prevent relapses.

For example, if your cat has or is suspected to have flea allergy dermatitis, comprehensive flea control and preventatives will need to be implemented. This may include topical and/or oral medical control, as well as treating other animal members of the household and the environment at home. Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics while fungal infections are treated with antifungals.

For a cat with a food allergy (or to rule one out), a strict food trial will be discussed in detail by your veterinarian. Corticosteroids or other medications to help reduce severe itching may be needed in some cases to help your cat be more comfortable as they heal with the primary treatment taking effect. Additionally, depending on the specific cause, other medications that may be utilized could include antihistamines, cyclosporine (Atopica), topical sprays, medicated shampoos, and fatty acid supplements, among others.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Miliary Dermatitis Contagious?

Because this is a skin condition that results from a primary cause, the miliary dermatitis itself is not contagious, but the cause for the skin condition in the first place could be. For example, causes like food or environmental allergies are not contagious, but parasites such as a fungal infection could be. Fleas, another common underlying cause of miliary dermatitis, can very easily travel and readily spread from one animal to another.

What Is Flea Allergy Dermatitis and How Is It Related to Miliary Dermatitis?

As mentioned, this is the most common cause of miliary dermatitis in cats. Even if you don’t ever actually see a flea or flea dirt on your cat, this can still be the cause. Our feline friends can be very attentive and meticulous groomers, which can provide the evidence we are looking for. In some cats, all that is needed to cause a flare-up is one flea bite due to the irritating substances in the flea’s saliva. Cats with flea allergy dermatitis are often very itchy and can have lesions, such as military dermatitis, in specific areas, such as the top back region just above their tail.

Even without direct evidence, a trial treatment may be implemented to ensure and rule out that the most common cause for miliary dermatitis is not coming into play. Flea control may also be helpful for other pets in the household, and the environment should be treated to help stop the cycle from propagating. Your veterinarian will be able to discuss their recommendations for this in more detail, as well as the safety precautions that come with ensuring the correct flea treatment is used on the correct size and species type.

What’s My Cat’s Long-Term Prognosis?

Good news: This is a treatable condition and tends to have a great prognosis if the inciting factor is removed! So, if your cat’s cause of the miliary dermatitis is treated/removed, the miliary dermatitis should also resolve.

Conclusion

Feline miliary dermatitis is an inflammatory skin reaction pattern that could be due to many things. When seen, it often signifies an allergy, most commonly due to flea bites, but there are many other possible causes. With proper treatment of the underlying cause, these lesions will resolve and be but a distant memory in your and your cat’s memory!

See also:

• Cat Yeast Infection vs. Ear Mites: Vet Reviewed Differences (With Pictures)
• Osteosarcoma in Cats: Signs, Causes & Treatment (Vet Answer)

Featured Image Credit: MeowDr, Shutterstock

The post Miliary Dermatitis in Cats: Causes, Signs & Treatments (Vet Answer) by Dr. Rachel Ellison DVM (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

It can be quite alarming to suddenly see your beloved cat exhibit a tilted head, eyes darting back and forth wildly (nystagmus), and falling without being able to get back up. If these sudden and severe signs come into play, it’s very likely that the cat’s vestibular system, which helps regulate balance and coordination, is affected.

Read on to find out more about vestibular disease in cats and the causes, signs, and treatments for this medical condition.

What Is Vestibular Disease?

A healthy vestibular system normally allows for coordination of the body’s balance, position, and movement in time and space. The epicenter of the vestibular system is located in the middle and inner ear and sends signals to the 8th cranial nerve (called the vestibulocochlear nerve) that then meet in the medulla, where the brain and spinal cord connect.

When there are problems with the vestibular system, the nervous system is affected, and it typically comes about very suddenly. There are two main types of vestibular disease—central and/or peripheral. It is more common to have peripheral vestibular problems than central. The central vestibular system issues are often associated with lesions that are in the brainstem or cerebellum (area of the brain at the back of the skull) while peripheral vestibular system problems are associated with lesions that are in the inner ear and 8th cranial nerve (vestibulocochlear nerve).

Although vestibular disease in cats is not unheard of, it’s also not extremely common. In cats, a type of peripheral vestibular disease called feline idiopathic vestibular disease is one of the most common vestibular diseases diagnosed in cats. Because it is idiopathic, by definition, it means the cause is unknown at this time.

What Are the Signs of Vestibular Disease?

Signs that can occur in both or either peripheral and central vestibular disease, include:

There are many signs that can occur in just central vestibular disease cases and some that occur just in peripheral vestibular disease cases. For example, for central cases, you may see weakness and depression or changes in posture, while peripheral cases may have facial drooping from Horner’s syndrome or a lack of signs seen with central disease.

What Are the Causes of Vestibular Disease?

Central vestibular disease can be caused by some or any of the following:

Peripheral vestibular disease can be caused by some or any of the following:

How Do I Care for a Cat with Vestibular Disease?

If you are seeing vestibular signs, such as those mentioned above, you’ll likely want to make an appointment with your cat’s veterinarian. At the veterinary hospital, a cat would benefit from receiving a full physical exam as well as detailed neurologic and otoscopic (ear) exams. The information from these things combined often can help veterinarians have a starting place if the vestibular disease is central or peripheral. From there, they will try to pinpoint or rule out the cause and sometimes further testing may be indicated, which can range from bloodwork and ear testing to an MRI or spinal fluid tap analysis for more difficult, severe, or long-term illnesses.

Because there is not a singular cause for vestibular disease, there is not one treatment that fits all. For vestibular disease, either central or peripheral, the treatment will be determined by the specific disease causing the issue. In fact, in idiopathic cases where there is no known cause, the treatment is often patience and time, as these cases may resolve on their own spontaneously. If there is a medication toxicity the medication will need to be stopped. For middle or inner ear infections, there are often antibiotics, steroids, and other treatments to help resolve the issues.

Many times, supportive nursing care will need to be implemented to help these cats who feel topsy-turvy! A cat’s veterinarian may prescribe a specific medication for nausea and vomiting while a cat is healing. Sometimes, more severely ill cats may also need food and/or liquid help which could include subcutaneous or intravenous fluids as well as appetite stimulant medications or even feeding tubes if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the overall prognosis for my cat?

The overall prognosis for an affected cat will depend on the specific cause of the vestibular disease. For example, feline idiopathic vestibular syndrome has a great prognosis and should resolve on its own within a few days to weeks. However vestibular disease due to a tumor may have a more guarded prognosis. Generally speaking, peripheral vestibular diseases tend to have an overall better prognosis than central ones.

What can I do to help my cat feel more comfortable at home until they improve?

At home, having a quiet, calm environment without bright lights may also be beneficial. It may be best to temporarily keep a cat in a room that has all of their needs in a small amount of space so they don’t have to travel far to get to what they need. Keeping them away from stairs or the ability to jump up on high places can also help. In addition, a cat may even need assistance being put into the litter box from time to time or placed by their food and water while they are healing. Because cats naturally love to hide, perhaps a box with thick padding or a cat bed may be comforting to them as they recover.

Conclusion

Vestibular disease in cats can be an alarming thing for both your cat to endure as well as for you to witness. The specific cause of the signs will determine the next step, but with some time and some medical intervention, many of these cases can recover. If you notice any signs of vestibular disease in your feline friend, your cat’s veterinarian is only a phone call away.

Featured Image Credit: David Herraez Calzada, Shutterstock

The post Vestibular Disease in Cats: Causes, Signs, & Treatments (Vet Answer) by Dr. Rachel Ellison DVM (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Crystals, minerals, and precipitates—these things can form and grow within an animal’s urinary tract system to become what is called a stone (also referred to as a urolith or calculi). Stones can vary both in where they are located in the urinary tract system as well as what they are composed of. When they occur in the kidney, they are called nephroliths, which are also commonly called kidney stones.

In this article, we’ll discuss kidney stones in cats and what that may entail for your feline friend!

Brief Overview of a Cat’s Urinary System

A cat’s urinary system has several functions, but the primary purpose is the production and removal of urine so that waste and excess fluid can be expelled from the body. The urinary system itself consists of a continuous system that can be divided into the upper urinary tract (two kidneys and two ureters) and the lower urinary tract (a single bladder and urethra).

If one were to follow the passage of urine, each kidney would form the urine byproduct, which then funnels to its respective ureter. The ureter then acts as a passageway by bringing urine from the kidney to a single holding place: the bladder. From the bladder, the urethra will carry and expel urine outside of the body.

As mentioned, stones can occur at any point in the urinary tract system, and when they form in the kidney, they can either stay in the kidney (nephrolith), may move into the ureter (ureterolith), or sometimes, even continue to move further on down through the urinary tract system.

What Are Kidney Stones?

In general, urinary tract stones themselves can be made up of about 10 various minerals. Each of these has a mineral and chemical name and has various distinct attributes that make it different from the others. Some examples include struvite, calcium oxalate, cystine, or urate stones. Each stone is primarily made up of its mother mineral (in calcium oxalate, this would be calcium), and then the remaining 2%–10% is an organic matrix.

Kidney stones in cats are actually not that common, especially when compared to other types of stones, such as bladder stones. In fact, in one study, only 5%–7% of the total type of urinary tract stones that were sent for analysis to a laboratory were nephroliths¹! With that being said, it is suspected that this disease is underdiagnosed because there are often not any signs displayed by affected individuals, and even if diagnosed, it is not always seen as a medical problem.

It was found in the laboratory analysis that feline kidney stone composition was mostly calcium oxalate (71%) with some struvite (8%). Some of the even lesser common stones included calcium phosphate, purine, cystine, silica, or mixed.

What Are the Signs of Kidney Stones?

Unfortunately, nephroliths often do not show any signs (are asymptomatic) and may only be discovered incidentally while evaluating for other health problems or concerns. If there are any signs, they may include bloody urine or a recurring urinary tract infection (UTI). Rare signs would include vomiting and pain in the abdominal or lumbar (along the back further down where kidneys are located) areas.

A concurrent UTI could have its own signs, which may consist of painful or difficult urination, frequently urinating in small amounts, etc. In addition to or because of kidney stones, a cat could also have renal failure or an obstruction due to the stone, and these would have their own respective signs. Renal failure may present with signs such as not wanting to eat, weakness, vomiting, weight loss, and becoming dehydrated. In the case of a stone causing obstruction, there may be pain, dribbling urine, or inability to urinate at all.

What Are the Causes of Kidney Stones?

While how a stone forms exactly is not entirely understood in cats, some prominent thoughts include high urine retention or the urine being very concentrated, which can predispose a cat to kidney stones. Other risk factors could be having a lower urinary tract infection ascend to the kidneys, having urine pH too high or too low, etc.

The specific cause of a kidney stone can also depend on the distinct urolith type that is present. For example, struvite stones can be present in urinary tract infections with specific bacteria, while calcium phosphate stones could be caused due to a high amount of calcium present, such as from renal bleeding, diet, or other causes.

How Do I Care for a Cat With Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are typically diagnosed via imaging such as with an X-ray (where only certain types of stones are able to be seen) and/or ultrasound. Bloodwork may show some signs if there is a bacterial infection or some changes if renal failure or obstruction is present. High calcium in the blood may also be a clue for stones that contain calcium. A urinalysis (a sample of urine that is evaluated in several ways) may show signs of crystals being present (which may help to signal the mineral composition of a stone), blood, or additional signs of a urinary tract infection.

If your cat does have kidney stones and they are termed inactive (not causing clinical signs as well as not getting much larger, causing a urinary obstruction, or an infection), then monitoring should be regularly implemented with imaging, urinalysis, and urine culture. It is also important to note that an “inactive” nephrolith may not always stay that way, and obstruction can occur at any point, even without any clinical signs exhibited. This scenario could then cause damage to the offending kidney, which may be serious and/or irreversible. The cost-to-benefit analysis of just monitoring or giving conservative treatment must be weighed against that which may occur from surgery.

If it is found that the kidney stones are causing pain or medical problems (such as obstruction, recurring infection, continual nephrolith enlargement, etc.), then treatment may include medical management and/or surgical management. A medicated diet that can potentially dissolve the stone would not be an option for the most common stone type, calcium oxalate, but is an option for struvite stones as long as there is not an obstruction causing an emergent health concern. In certain conditions, aggressive intravenous (IV) fluids may be given in an attempt to push a stone into the bladder if it has gone from the kidney to the ureter and is stuck.

Regarding surgical options, there are the options of a nephrotomy or pyelolithotomy, although these come with their own set of risks. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a noninvasive form of treatment that uses energy to break up a stone (or stones) into pieces.  While it can be a great option for dogs, it may not be as effective for cats.

Follow-up care post-surgery will include monitoring with imaging (such as X-rays and/or ultrasound), urinalysis, and urine culture every 3–6 months to determine if there is a recurrence, as this can be common.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What Can I Do to Prevent Kidney Stones?

Each specific stone type can require its own specific set of preventative measures. For example, some stones are more likely to form in more acidic urine, so proper diet and maintaining urinary health are paramount. In addition, if it is a type of stone that can be dissolved/prevented with medicated food, that may be an option to continue for prevention as well.

Two general mainstays to help prevent urinary tract stones, including kidney stones, are to increase urine volume and prevent urine retention.

To increase urine volume some ideas are to encourage cats to drink (more) water. Cats like having fresh water, so it should be changed frequently, daily if possible. Having multiple options is also ideal, especially if more than one cat is present. A water fountain has even been thought to elicit more interest from a cat.

Try to increase the moisture content of their food. This could be achieved by adding water to dry food or including or feeding wet food as part or all of their diet.

To prevent urine retention, ensure the litter box is as much of a safe haven as possible. This means giving the appropriate number of litter boxes (one more litterbox than cats present) in different locations. Keeping the boxes cleaned and scooped very regularly while free from odor may prove to be helpful. Some cats may also have preferences regarding the type of litter or litter box (covered, large, easily accessible, etc).

What Is My Cat’s Prognosis?

This will depend on various factors such as the type or composition of the nephrolith, where it is located, how big it is, and if it is continuing to grow. The good news is that inactive nephroliths may be inactive for many years, which would prove to be the best prognosis!  If there are secondary complications such as obstruction, a recurring infection, or renal failure, the prognosis would depend on medical intervention and how well that takes effect.

Even with medical intervention, there are potential risks associated, but the prognosis would be more favorable than if no intervention is elected as a sick, untreated cat has a poor prognosis.

Conclusion

Kidney stones in cats, while not very common, can and do occur. These stones are often rather elusive and may not show any obvious signs. If they are not causing any medical problems in your cat, they may be able to be simply monitored over time. If and when any negative health issues occur, your cat’s veterinarian will help be your guide for the best treatment option for your cat and their situation.

• See also: What Are Struvite Crystals In Cats? Causes & Treatments (Vet Answer)

Featured Image Credit: Pee Paew, Shutterstock

The post Kidney Stones in Cats (Vet Answer): Causes, Signs & Care by Dr. Rachel Ellison DVM (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Fleas are annoying, problematic little parasites that can cause itchiness, discomfort, and even the spread of diseases in their hosts. In today’s day and age, there are numerous ways to prevent or treat our pets afflicted by these pests, such as topical spot-ons, sprays, dips, and even oral medications. One common option is the ever-popular flea collar which can be used safely for dogs with a flea problem.

However, for those cat owners out there, it’s important to note that a dog flea collar should never be used on a cat! Using or exposing a dog flea collar and other flea products made for a dog on a cat, can make cats very sick and could even be deadly.

Numerous different types of active ingredients can be used for various types of flea control. In this article, we’ll mostly discuss a commonly used active ingredient called pyrethroid, which can be used in various flea products, including flea collars.  Surprisingly, pyrethroid products are the oldest used flea control ingredient that is still relevant today. You’ll learn why using a dog pyrethroid product on a cat is so problematic, what to look for in cases of toxicity, and how to keep your cat safe.

How and Why Are These Dangerous for Cats?

The reason dog flea collars (or other related flea-fighting products) can be so problematic in cats is multifaceted.

First, pyrethroids can be an issue due to the compounds they are made up of. Pyrethroids are a synthetic version of pyrethrin, which is a naturally obtained product from the Chrysanthemum plant. While both pyrethrins and pyrethroids are insecticides that cause problems with nerve cells and the nervous system, pyrethroids are of higher potency and more difficult to break down in the environment than their pyrethrin counterparts. Today, pyrethroids are often a key ingredient in flea collars and some other flea-related products. There are various types of pyrethroids and one commonly well-known used one in flea prevention is permethrin—it and other pyrethroids are highly toxic to cats¹.

As an aside, while pyrethroids can be a common ingredient in topical flea collars and some other forms of flea control, it is important to note that there are other options as well. Other classes of insecticides used in combination with pyrethroids or on their own could include organophosphates, and/or carbamates, among others. Regardless of the type of insecticide, if there is a high amount of these types of chemicals in flea collars and other related products, they should not be used on cats, or illness can result.

Secondly, cats are not just small dogs! Not only are our feline friends often physically smaller and lighter than many dogs, but they also are a totally different species. Cats can be more sensitive to the amount of chemicals used in dog flea-controlling products compared to those that are marketed for dogs. It has also been found that pyrethroid levels that are safe for dogs are often considered unsafe for cats as they are unable to metabolize the drug as efficiently.²  Because cats are not the same as dogs, they respond to certain drugs or compounds differently, often in part due to differences in liver metabolism. Cats lack certain liver enzymes needed to allow them to clear certain compounds safely, including pyrethroids.

While putting a dog flea collar on a cat is problematic, there are also other ways a cat can be exposed to pyrethroids. There are many options for flea treatments and preventions aside from just collars; any of these products can contain pyrethroids which, when at certain concentrations, can also be harmful to cats. In addition, reports have noted that while not as common, there are secondary causes of exposure. These could include situations such as grooming (a cat licking a dog that has been treated with dog flea products) or sleeping/laying in an area where an animal with dog flea products has been present.

Signs of Pyrethroid Toxicity

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center cites the number one cause of cat seizures due to poisonings to be permethrin, a specific type of pyrethroid³. Seizures aren’t the only consequence seen in cats, but the signs manifested will depend on numerous factors including the size/age of the cat, the amount and type of product they were exposed to, as well as for long. Due to this being dose-dependent, a small exposure may elicit minimal signs. Some more mild signs include excess salivation, flicking of the paw, twitching of the ear, mild lethargy, or vomiting, and diarrhea.

More severe contamination could result in muscle tremors, seizures, incoordination, extreme lethargy, pupil dilation, high body temperature, difficulty breathing, continued vomiting and diarrhea, shock, and even death. These signs will often show up within a few hours after being exposed but could manifest up to 72 hours later.

How Are Cats Diagnosed and Treated

Cats are typically diagnosed after displaying classical clinical signs coupled with a history of exposure. Because there is no antidote, the treatment for cats will depend on their symptoms. For those that have relatively mild symptoms, a bath with mild dish soap (such as Dawn dish detergent) and not too hot or too cold water to remove the product on the skin and hair would be warranted. In the event of more severe or progressing signs, a bath (or baths) would be better once the tremors or seizures are controlled under veterinary care.

For a hospitalized cat, those with twitching or muscle tremors are often given methocarbamol (a muscle relaxant). Sometimes, anticonvulsants (seizure medication) may also be warranted, and some cases may also require the use of propofol or even gas anesthesia. Often, IV fluids with electrolytes may be needed. Additionally, if available as an option, a newer treatment called intravenous lipid (giving lipids IV to help rid the tissues of pyrethroid) emulsion may be helpful. Throughout recovery, a cat’s temperature will need to be monitored and controlled. For example, if the water used in bathing is too hot or too cold, this can exacerbate signs.

Prognosis

The prognosis for a cat will depend on each situation, but for those who are caught early and given prompt treatment, the prognosis can be good. Typically, signs will resolve with treatment within 1–3 days after exposure. Severely ill cats, or those that require care but don’t receive it within a certain window of time, would have a poorer prognosis and it can even be fatal.

Conclusion

So how can you keep your cat safe? Well, prevention really is the best medicine! It’s important to read product labels and use them only how they were intended for the species they were made for. That includes no dog flea collars (or other dog flea products) on cats—only use cat flea products on cats! It’s also important to note secondary causes of exposure as discussed and find ways to circumvent those from becoming possibilities in your home.

Involving your veterinarian in a conversation about your pet’s fleas and their prevention and treatment would be prudent; veterinarians are there to help guide you in keeping your cat as healthy as possible!

See also: 

• Can You Put a Flea Collar on a Pregnant Cat?

Featured Image Credit: Gagarin Iurii, Shutterstock

The post Can You Use Dog Flea Collars on Cats? (Vet Answer) by Dr. Rachel Ellison DVM (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Cerebellar hypoplasia is a neurologic disease that occurs when a cat’s cerebellum is underdeveloped. This happens in utero and permanently affects a cat’s movements and coordination. Because of this, the disease can also be referred to as “wobbly cat syndrome” or “spastic cat syndrome” based on their uncoordinated movements.

So as a curious friend to felines everywhere, what are some things you should know? Keep on reading below to discover more about this fascinating, yet often preventable disease.

What is Cerebellar Hypoplasia?

So, what exactly is the cerebellum and where is it located? The cerebellum is the part of your cat’s brain that is, among other things, responsible for posture, movement coordination, and balance. It is located at the bottom back of the brain, at the base of the skull, just below the cerebrum, and just above where the spinal cord connects to the skull.

The cerebellum, which is Latin for “little brain” can also be referred to as the hindbrain.

Signs of Cerebellar Hypoplasia in Cats

Causes of Cerebellar Hypoplasia

Cerebellar hypoplasia is most commonly caused by the feline panleukopenia virus (feline distemper virus). When a pregnant cat is exposed to or infected with the virus, her kittens in utero also have the potential to become infected as the virus attacks rapidly dividing cells, which includes the cerebellum.

In a litter of kittens where this occurs, some in the litter may be affected at varying degrees, while others may not be at all. Other less common conditions that could cause this disease in kittens include severe malnourishment during pregnancy, trauma while the cerebellum is forming, or other diseases that may cause inflammation in the brain.

For those who have an underdeveloped cerebellum, they will be born with this disease but may not show apparent signs until they start to stand or walk, usually around 2–3 weeks of age. Affected kittens will be affected throughout the remainder of their lives.

Diagnosis of Cerebellar Hypoplasia

A veterinarian will typically tentatively and presumptively diagnose cerebellar hypoplasia based on history and observation of the clinical signs. Lab work to rule out other diseases may also be recommended.

In some cases, advanced imaging such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) will show a smaller than normal cerebellum which also provides evidence for the disease. The diagnosis is confirmed after death via necropsy (a veterinary autopsy).

Treatment

Unfortunately for cats that have this disease, there is no cure. But the good news is with a little help from their loved ones, these affected cats often live happy healthy lives despite their diagnosis! Some lifestyle modifications that may be needed include a lower litterbox, partitioning off stairs, wide-based ramps to help them reach a higher elevation such as to a couch, traction on hard or slippery floors, stable and wide-based food and water bowl, etc.

Additionally, unless on a supervised leash, affected cats should be indoor-only cats as the dangers of outside (other animals, cars, etc.) can be too much for their uncoordinated selves to handle.

Prognosis

Overall, the life expectancy for mild to moderately affected cats can be the same as a non-affected one. These incredibly cute and cuddly kittens grow into cats that make fabulous pets, which makes the prognosis for most cases with this disease a good one! However, if a kitten is severely affected, so much so that they cannot eat or be house-trained even with some help, euthanasia may be the most humane and realistic option.

Misconceptions & Prevention Tips:

To help prevent the disease from occurring, routine vaccination of a female cat prior to pregnancy with a distemper vaccine can prevent kittens from developing cerebellar hypoplasia. If an unvaccinated cat becomes pregnant, consulting with your veterinarian on the pros vs cons and timing of the vaccine is key, because if a pregnant cat is either exposed to the virus or is vaccinated with a modified-live distemper vaccine during or shortly after pregnancy, it can also potentially cause the kitten(s) to become affected.

Additionally, if kittens become infected with the virus within a couple of weeks after birth, they may also be at risk as the cerebellum still has rapidly dividing cells 2 weeks after birth. As you can see, having a cat vaccinated at the correct time has many benefits.

Conclusion

Cerebellar hypoplasia is a neurological disease that affects a cat’s movements and coordination due to having an underdeveloped cerebellum. But, with a little help modifying their environment, most mild to moderately affected cats can have a normal lifespan and can make great companions, in spite of their diagnosis.

Featured Image Credit: Casey Elise Christopher, Shutterstock

The post Cerebellar Hypoplasia in Cats: Our Vet Explains the Causes, Signs & Treatments by Dr. Rachel Ellison DVM (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

If your cat has a fever, you may be wondering if there is a remedy you can use to help treat it at home. However, treating a cat with a fever on your own or with over-the-counter human medications can actually cause more harm and even death in our feline friends.

If there are unsafe home remedies for your cat’s fever, what steps should you take? Read on to find out how to identify when your cat has a fever, understand what may be causing it, and how it can be treated appropriately!

What Is a Fever?

Pyrexia and febrile are medical terms for fever, which signify that the body temperature is higher than normal. A normal temperature for a cat is typically 100 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit (38.1–39.2 degrees Celsius). A fever that is up to 103 degrees Fahrenheit (F) can be due to stress or a low-grade fever, but when a temperature is at 104 degrees F or above, this is significant and important to pay attention to. The term, fever of unknown origin (FUO), is used to describe a high fever that lasts over a longer period of time with an unknown cause.

In the body, temperature is controlled and regulated by a portion of the brain called the hypothalamus, which acts like a home’s thermostat. When a fever is seen, it is expected to be a protective response by the body due to either an infectious or non-infectious cause. At higher temperatures, bacteria cannot divide as quickly, and the immune system can be more successful.

While some fevers may be mild and go away on their own, other times, a fever may indicate a very ill cat that needs medical intervention. If a fever is present at all, contact your veterinarian for advice. Alternatively, if at any point the fever is at 104 degrees F or above and/or the cat in question is showing other signs of serious illness (such as difficulty breathing, continual vomiting, extreme lethargy), the cat should be examined by a veterinarian right away.

Signs of a Fever

Cats can be elusive creatures that often hide their symptoms (as well as themselves) more than normal when they are not feeling well. Some commonly seen secondary signs of a fever might be:

If your cat is showing any of these signs and you are seeking the best possible treatment for your pup, we recommend speaking with a vet.

Speak To a Vet Online From the Comfort of Your Couch!

If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

Click to Speak With a Vet

Obtaining a Cat’s Temperature

At home, obtaining an accurate temperature on a cat is best done with a rectal digital thermometer. Be sure your cat will allow you to safely obtain their temperature without them or you getting hurt; if not, it’s probably best to leave it to the veterinary clinic. The probe or tip of the thermometer should be lubricated (such as with a lubricant gel or petroleum jelly) and can then be placed into the rectum about an inch.

If a cat is fighting or the thermometer will not go in easily, then it’s time to stop trying. When the thermometer is finished reading, read the temperature and record. Be sure to clean the thermometer well and label it “cat-use-only” for the future!

Causes of Fever in a Cat

The causes of a fever can be extremely varied, and there is a laundry list of potential reasons. With that being said, an infectious cause is usually the most common reason, and in cats specifically, a viral infectious cause is the most common culprit. Some of the more broad categories with some individualized examples are listed below.

Diagnosis

If a cat is feeling ill, a visit with a veterinarian will begin with a thorough history and may include some detailed questions such as your cat’s travel history, vaccination status, current medications, and your cat’s lifestyle such as indoor vs. outdoor cat. Next will be a complete physical exam with the veterinarian looking for clues as to the cause of the fever. The history coupled with the exam findings will likely help dictate the next steps.

Some lab work that may be recommended could include bloodwork to evaluate the information on the cells in the blood, bloodwork to look at internal organ function, an FIV/FeLV test, urinalysis, urine or blood cultures, and imaging such as with X-rays or ultrasound. If the cause is still not identified, further targeted work-up may be needed and can run the gamut; some of these tests might include a fecal exam, serologic testing for infectious diseases, biopsies, more advanced imaging such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) tap, etc.

Treatment

For people, common at-home treatment of a fever often begins with rest, fluids, and medication to help bring down the body’s temperature. Unfortunately for our cats, we can’t force them to drink, and over-the-counter fever-reducing medications that people often use can make cats more ill and sometimes even prove to be fatal. These include medications such as acetaminophen (ex: Tylenol), ibuprofen (ex: Advil, Motrin B), or aspirin. Do NOT give these or any other medication to your cat without the direction of a veterinarian. At home, providing a comfortable, quiet place and strongly encouraging food and water consumption are given, but as discussed, one should not attempt to treat their cat’s fever on their own at home.

If a veterinarian can determine the cause of the cat’s fever, the treatment will be tailored to resolve that specific ailment or disease. For example, if a cat has a bacterial infection, antibiotics would be utilized. If a fungal infection is found, antifungals would be used for treatment. If pyometra (infection of the uterus) is the cause, surgery and antibiotics will be needed.

In many cases, supportive care may also prove to be helpful. Intravenous fluids can many times help bring down body temperature as well as treat dehydration. Nutrition support is key as a febrile individual requires a high number of calories while sick; some cats may even need a feeding tube. If the fever is high enough, topical cooling with monitoring such as with fans or using isopropyl alcohol on specific areas can be helpful. Cat-safe antipyretic (medication to reduce a fever) treatment may or may not be used depending on several factors, including whether certain medical conditions are present or whether the fever is life-threatening and long-lasting.

Conclusion

While it can be stressful to witness your beloved feline ill with a fever, medical testing, care, and treatment are best performed by your cat’s doctor. Home remedies or treatment at home without the direction of your cat’s vet is not recommended, and in many cases, may further harm your cat.

If you have any concerns, contacting your cat’s veterinarian is as easy as making a simple phone call!

Related Reads: 

• Why Does My Cat Have a Fever? 5 Vet-Reviewed Common Causes
• Bobcat Fever: Our Vet Discusses Signs, Causes & Treatment

Featured Image Credit: Pressmaster, Shutterstock

The post Is There a Home Remedy for a Cat with a Fever? Our Vet Explains by Dr. Rachel Ellison DVM (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Imagine going to clean out your cat’s litter box and suddenly witnessing your cat urinating out what appears to be blood! As an owner, it can be shocking and rather alarming to discover your kitty showing blood in their urine. But why is my cat peeing blood? While there could be various causes for this, ranging from mild to serious injury or disease, it is not typically considered normal in a healthy cat. In this article, we’ll discuss some possible reasons for bloody urine and what this may mean for your beloved feline friend.

Normal vs. Abnormal Cat Urine Appearance

Typical cat urine is a yellowish hue that can range from a mild light yellow to a darker yellow color if the urine is more concentrated. Any other hue, such as a pinkish tinge to red to a brownish-red color, would be atypical and should be investigated.

Hematuria is the medical term for blood in the urine. Pinkish or red hues indicate gross hematuria has occurred, which means that there are enough red blood cells present in the sample to be visible to the naked eye.

Why Is My Cat Peeing Blood?

My cat is peeing blood but acting normal. Why is this? Unfortunately, there is not a simple, one-size-fits-all answer here. Because blood in the urine is a non-specific sign, there are many reasons to consider why blood may be present in a cat’s urine. The blood could be coming from the urinary tract itself, including the upper urinary tract (kidneys and ureters) or lower urinary tract (bladder or urethra), or it could even be from non-urinary causes, such as the reproductive system.

While this is a long list, some of the more common causes of blood in cat urine might include stones (calculi) in the urinary tract, feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC), urinary tract infections, urinary blockage, trauma, or cancer.

Signs Seen With Hematuria

Additional abnormal signs in conjunction with hematuria to be on the lookout for could include:

Aside from the hematuria, even if a cat is otherwise acting normal, they should still be seen by a veterinarian. Cats are “the great pretenders” and often can hide illness and disease until, well, it’s much more serious and they are really not doing well.

Speak To a Vet Online From the Comfort of Your Couch!

If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

Click to Speak With a Vet

Treatment of Hematuria

What Will Occur at the Veterinary Office

A complete history and physical exam are expected and will often help determine the next recommended steps. The timing of when the blood is present during the urine stream, coupled with the history and physical exam findings, can also be a clue as to the origin of the blood. This means that localizing the source of the blood to a specific area (such as the bladder, reproductive tract, etc.) may be more likely by seeing blood only at the start of urine voiding versus blood during all of urination versus blood only at the tail end of voiding.

Urine collection samples may be obtained via cystocentesis, catheterization, or free catch (collecting urine in a sterile container while the pet is voiding on their own). A urinalysis which uses urine to conduct several different tests can include the urine appearance, concentration, pH, chemical analysis (which checks for several different properties, such as blood, protein, or glucose), and cells or solid material in the urine itself. Additional common lab work also includes blood work that looks at internal organ function as well as the makeup of cells in the blood. These can give clues at times as to what may be going on internally.

Abdominal radiographs (X-rays) and/or ultrasound can help to see if there are certain types of stones present, determine kidney size and shape, or if there is an abnormal mass present. Further testing may include urine culture and sensitivity testing, blood coagulation profile, endoscopy (small, scoped camera that can travel to see internal anatomy), biopsies, or even abdominal exploratory surgery.

For Resolution of Signs

The treatment prescribed to a cat with hematuria will depend on the exact cause. For example, a cat with a urinary tract infection would require antibiotics, while a cat with bladder stones may get a specific medicated diet and/or require surgery. For cats that have FIC, decreasing stress is a large part of treatment, which can include medication for pain and anxiety as well as litter box maintenance changes and environmental enrichment.

Cats with cancer may need surgery as well as radiation and/or chemotherapy to help give them a chance at remission. Overall, once a reason for your cat’s hematuria has been identified, the treatment will be tailored to that specific cause and your veterinarian will be your partner in this endeavor.

Tips for Care

As discussed, while there can be many causes for hematuria, some tips that may help your cat when they are peeing blood include the following.

Conclusion

If you’re a pet owner, you’re probably wondering why your male or female cat is peeing blood but acting normal. Despite their normal behavior, this is always something that needs to be checked out by a vet. It’s important to observe and take note of our pet’s urination routines and practices, including seeing blood in the urine. When abnormalities are present, such as with hematuria, contacting your veterinarian as the next step is crucial in finding out a cause and solution to help your cat live the healthiest life possible.

Featured Image Credit: Yaya Photos, Shutterstock

The post Why Is My Cat Peeing Blood? Our Vet Explains Causes, Treatments & FAQ by Dr. Rachel Ellison DVM (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.