July 24th, 2008 at 01:06pm
Under Cat Care+ Cat Owner
By Sven Ullmann
Cat allergy symptoms afflict many people. Sufferers are in real
trouble if they happen to own a cat. This might not make sense
to the ordinary person but to a cat lover it does. The symptoms
may developed long after they have acquired their furry
companion so getting rid of the rascal my simply not be an
option. So for many cat lovers and owners living with cat
allergies is a real problem that they have to live with.
Allergies in general are still not completely understood by the
medical community. Inroads have been made but the fact remains
that not enough knowledge has been gained on allergies to
completely eliminate them. Some of the best experts on allergies
in the medical community are themselves allergy sufferers. This
in itself has allowed them to make the observations necessary to
gain a better understanding of allergy symptoms.
Cat allergy symptoms can manifest themselves in many forms.
They can appear singularly or in combination. They can come and
go for no apparent reason. So you may have been mistaking your
symptoms for a lingering cold and or a sore throat that comes
and goes. A rash that sometimes responds to topical treatment
and sometimes doesn’t. Sneezing fits that you blame on dust or
pollen allergies.
Some of the symptoms are clogged and ringing ears. Sneezing
fits. Red and watering eyes. Burning eyes. Skin rashes.
Cold-like symptoms. Sore throat. Sound familiar? If you are a
cat owner and you have these symptoms on a regular basis that
you may be suffering from cat allergies. You can however take
steps to reduce your suffering and still keep your beloved
friend.
Until recently the actual cause of the allergy symptoms was a
mystery. People thought they knew but in the end no one really
knew for sure what in fact was on the cat that was causing the
suffering. Hair?small skin flakes? The cat box? It turns out it
is the cats saliva that is the culprit. By licking its hair,
which is a cats favorite past time, your cat is spreading the
stuff that is the root of your suffering.
The best method of determining if you are suffering from cat
allergies is to remove your cat from the house for about two
weeks and vacuum and clean anything your cat is in contact with
and see if the symptoms disappear or are lessened. Not doing a
thorough cleaning defeats the purpose of this test. This is a
common test for most allergy sufferers. Remove the suspect
material and see if it goes away.
Assuming that you have made a determination that you are in
fact suffering from cat allergies then the next question is what
to do about it. The easiest and most complete solution short of
finding your cat a new home is to make it an outside cat. This
might seem like a great sacrifice to yourself but your cat may
love it once it has adjusted. A cat door can be installed on a
side room or garage so it can still come in from the weather.
Other solutions can be had but they are not as completely as
effective as putting your cat outside. Vacuuming and cleaning
your house more often helps. It’s a lot more work for yourself
but the allergen can be removed. Receiving medical treatment for
your allergies can be effective if you respond positively to the
treatment. Limiting your cats access to your whole house
particularly your bedroom is a must.
About the Author: Article by Sven Ullmann, who runs
www.deservedhealth.com - information on health for you
and your family. Read more about
www.deservedhealth.com/symptoms-of-cat-allergy/
Source: www.isnare.com
By Fred
June 30th, 2006 at 03:20pm
Under Diseases
by: Marc Deschamps
Watch your cat and disease signs that may indicate a variety of health problems. Being alert to these indicators can help treat your cat quickly and efficiently.
Bad breath
Don’t panic if your cat has a bad breath. Check first if he had fish or other food with strong odours. If not, consult your veterinary as bad breath may the the sign of a tooth decay, urinary problems or the presence of round worms.
Abundant saliva
This sign of cat disease may be the cause of poisoning or viral infection such as pneumonia. However it may simply be due to a foreign object lodged in the cat’s mouth. In that case take the object out before the cat swallows it.
Decolorated gums
This might indicate aneamia, the presence of parisites or other affection. If this symptom follows an accident it may be due to internal bleeding.
Running nose
This sign of cat disease is, most of the time, caused by pneumonia.
Sneezing
Your cat caught a cold or something is stuck in his nose !!
Red and burning eyes
Sometimes, this sign of cat disease indicates respiratory problems. It can also be caused by dust.
Running eyes
This is always due to a cold.
Eyes turning opaque
This sign of cat disease indicates a major ocular problem. Consult your veterinary immediately .
Your cat is constantly scratching his ears
Parasites may be present. If the ear contains brownish and smelling crusts there might be an ulceration. If the ear is warm and aching this is probably due to an hematom that will require minor surgery.
Frequent coughing
This sign of cat disease is the result of a pneumonia.
Quick and heavy respiration
This is the symptom of pneumonia or heart problems.
Your cat does not eat anymore
This is a classic cat disease symptom resulting from a variety of health problems. However, bear in mind that a cat in healthy condition can skip 2 to 3 meals. Be concerned only if he skips more.
Your cat is losing weight quickly
This is a sign of probable aneamia or viral infection.
Your cat is weak and apathetic
Again this may be due to aneamia or the presence of parasites. This sign of cat disease may also result from heart problems.
Your cat does not drink water anymore
If your cat peaks over the water bowl but does’nt drink anything he may have typhus or a kidney infection.
He drinks too much !
You would not suspect this is a sign of cat disease. Unfortunately, this may the symptom of a variety of sicknesses : diabetes, liver problem, or uterus infection.
Vomitting
If your cat vomits frequently it may not mean he is sick. But if he vomits a yellow liquid, often times the typhus is the culprit. You also have to watch intoxications and kidney or liver infections. In any event, consult your veterinary immediately.
Urinary difficulties
This may be a serious cat disease symptom. The presence of blood in the urine, particularly with the male cat, requires a quick action you should rush to the veterinary.
Constipation
Here we have several possibilities but it is likely that your cat is not physically active and that his nutrition is not well balanced. Cut on the dehydrated food for a while. You may also use a light laxative. If this is not working, constipation may be caused by tiny hair balls …. or a tumour.
Diarrhea
A real diarrhoea is totally liquid. Your cat may have been excited or his nutrition is unbalanced. Add rice or pasta to his meals for a day or two. If you find traces of blood in the diarrhoea, this sign of cat disease may result from a tumour or it may indicate the presence of parasites.
High fever
A body temperature exceeding 38.8 celsius is a sign that something is working wrong. Don’t guess, check with your veterinary.
Drastic change in behavior
This is a sign of cat disease that is difficult to gauge. If your animal becomes aggressive he may have contracted the rage. You may also detect this problem if his mewing is low and rough.
Copyright 2006 Marc Deschamps
About The Author
Marc Deschamps is the editor of Kitten Cat Magazine, a free online publication, where people can share their passion for cats and learn more about this extraordinary animal. Other articles on cat diseases can be found at http://www.kitten-cat-magazine.com/cat-and-disease.html
By Fred
