Vaccination

Kitten gets vaccinations on a regular basis. Basic immunization should start from week 6 or 8 after birth, going on every two to four weeks until they are at least 14 weeks of age.

Basic immunization should include:
Rabies
FVRCP (Panleukopenia, Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Chlamydia)
FeLV (Feline leukemia)
FIP (Feline infectious peritonitis)

Asthma

Asthma

One in a hundred cats suffer from asthma and many dogs from chronic bronchitis, and respiratory disease in equines negatively affects the ability of the horse to be a good recreational animal, racehorse or workhorse.
Some feline asthmatics may be given oral medication. This may be necessary if the patient does not respond well to inhaler therapy alone, but the amount of oral medication given is usually less than if the cat was not on inhaler therapy at all. Many patients that started asthma therapy a few years or more ago will be only on oral therapy, usually a corticosteroid such as prednisone. While oral therapy may be less expensive than inhaler therapy, it is suspected that inhaler therapy can do a better job and is associated with fewer long-term side effects. Regardless of the type of medication used, it is important to notify your veterinarian if there is any change in your cat's condition while on asthma medication.

Feline asthma has been called by many other names, including chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, and allergic bronchitis. Regardless of the name, it is a common feline ailment. Inhaled allergens cause sudden contraction of the smooth muscles around airways, leading to typical clinical symptoms. It is usually impossible to determine which allergens cause asthma in individual cats, but common ones include grass and tree pollens, cigarette or fireplace smoke, various sprays (hair sprays, deodorants, flea sprays, deodorizersdust from cat litter.

The AeroKat*

feline aerosol chamber (FAC) was developed by Trudell Medical International (TMI) to aid cats with feline asthma while significantly reducing the risk of side effects caused by traditional treatment.

HOW IT WORKS

If the AeroKat* FAC has been recommended by your veterinarian, attach the pMDI metered dose inhaler to the back of the AeroKat* FAC following the instructions for use.
Cover the nose of the cat with the mask of the aerosol chamber. Most cats are willing to undergo the treatment. Caregivers: If your cat has anxiety, ask your veterinarian for help.
An aerosol cloud is formed which helps to remove the large particles from the small (breathable) particles in the metered dose.
As the cat breathes normally, for at least five breaths (approximately five to ten seconds) the cat will inhale the respirable medication, delivering it to the lungs.

Eyes

Eye Anatomy

Learn more about normal eye anatomy and common disorders of the eye and surrounding areas in the cat.

Accessory structures

The eye has many accessory structures present to ensure that it is protected and clean. These structures include the eyelids, eyelashes, lacrimal (tear) glands, and nictitating membrane. Most animals have three eyelids: the upper lid, lower lid, and nictitating membrane (third eyelid). The three eyelids and the surrounding conjunctiva lubricate, nourish, and protect the eyeball. The conjunctiva is the delicate membrane that lines the inside of the upper and lower lids and some outer portions of the eyeball. The nictitating membrane is clear and affords the eye extra protection, still allowing the animal to see through it. Large eyelashes are attached to the upper eyelids in most animals and help to keep dust particles from getting in the eye.

The eyelids serve much the same purpose, but they also have a blinking reflex to help spread tears and other lubricating oils over the cornea, plus cleanse it of dust and microscopic debris. Tears are produced by the lacrimal glands, and also contain lysozyme, an antibacterial enzyme. Tears exit the eye and its related structures through a small duct or opening at the inside corner of the eye, called the lacrimal or tear duct.

Eye anatomy

The eye has three main layers: the outer fibrous tunic, middle vascular tunic, and inner nervous tunic. The names are clues as to their basic structures and functions, but a closer look at the components of each layer will make understanding the mechanism of sight much easier.
Fibrous tunic: The fibrous tunic is the outermost layer of the eye. An opaque (not transparent) network of collagen (fibrous protein) and elastic fibers, called the "sclera," covers the posterior (back) three fourths of the eye. The sclera is tough and somewhat stretchy, like a thick balloon filled with the gelatinous contents of the eye. The rest of the fibrous tunic, the anterior (front) quarter of the eye, is a clear structure called the "cornea." It is made up of extremely thin layers of cells arranged in a unique fashion so the cornea is transparent. A normal cornea allows light to enter the eye.
Vascular tunic: The vascular tunic, as the name implies, is a network of blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the tissues of the eye. The actual area where this network is located is beneath the portion covered by the sclera and is called the "choroid." Anterior to the choroid is a circular structure called the "ciliary body." The ciliary body has muscles that act on suspensory ligaments called "zonules," which suspend the lens in the correct position. The ligaments are either taut or relaxed based on the action of the ciliary muscles. The tension on the ligaments changes the shape of the lens, depending on the distance of the object being viewed. This process is called "accommodation" and will be discussed in more detail in the following section. The iris is the colored portion of the eye. At its position in front of the ciliary body, it is the most anterior portion of the vascular tunic, and it divides the front portion of the eye into two chambers – the anterior and posterior chambers. The opening in the middle of the iris is called the "pupil," which appears as the dark center of the eye. The iris either dilates or constricts the pupil to regulate the amount of light entering the eye. In bright light the pupil will be small, but in dim light the pupil will be very large to let in as much light as possible.

Herpesvirus Infection of the Feline Eye
Veterinary & Aquatic Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.

Dr. Keith Collins, a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist, has treated many kittens and cats with eye disease caused by feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) infections. FHV-1 is the virus that causes rhinotracheitis in cats. FHV-1 usually infects young cats, but can remain dormant for years, and reappear if the cat is stressed, is on high doses of corticosteroids, has feline leukemia virus (FeLV) or feline immunodeficiency virus infection (FIV), or there is local irritation or bacterial infection of the eye. The most common eye conditions caused by FHV-1 are conjunctivitis and keratitis (inflammation of the cornea).
FHV-1 is one of the most common causes of conjunctivitis in cats. Young kittens are most commonly affected, with both eyes having considerable clear or cloudy discharge. In almost all cases, the kitten also has signs of a respiratory infection, such as nasal discharge. Oral ulcers are commonly present. In adult cats, often only one eye is affected, and there may be no respiratory signs. For treatment, antibiotic ointments are often used to prevent secondary bacterial infections. If the infection is severe, especially in a kitten, antiviral drugs are used.
FHV-1 is the most common cause of corneal ulcers in cats. Any cat with a corneal ulcer should be considered to have an FHV-1 infection until proven otherwise, and antiviral medication should begin immediately. Ulcers resulting from FHV-1 are generally not deep unless they become secondarily infected with bacteria, so antibiotics are generally included in the treatment. Ulcers of the eye are very painful, so affected cats are often treated with oral or injectable pain relievers, and atropine ointment, which dilates the eye and reduces pain.
Idoxuridine is a common antiviral agent used in cats. L-lysine, which is an amino acid, has been found to interfere with the replication of FHV-1. L-lysine is administered orally and its use in combination with idoxuridine is recommended as the first choice of therapies. If this combination is not effective, other drugs, alone or in combination, may be used. Some of these are very expensive, but may be necessary to save the cat's sight.
References and Further Reading
Collins, BK. Diagnosis and management of feline ocular herpesvirus. Presented at the 2002 Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association Convention, Milwaukee, WI. October 13, 2002.

Microphthalmia (Small Eyes)
Race Foster, DVMMarty Smith, DVMDrs. Foster & Smith, Inc.

The eyeball is comprised of several structures including the cornea, iris, lens, chambers, and the retina. The eyeball is located within the bony socket of the head and is partially protected by the three eyelids.
Microphthalmia is a condition in which the eyeball is smaller than normal. Usually, the internal structures of the eyeball are abnormal as well. Microphthalmia can occur in newborns whose mothers received certain medications during pregnancy. This is seen, for instance, in pregnant queens who were treated for ringworm with griseofulvin.
What are the symptoms?
The eyeball will appear smaller than normal for the breed. Signs of visual impairment will also be noticed.
What are the risks?
Many cats become visually impaired or completely blind.
What is the management?
There is no treatment, and affected individuals should not be bred.

www.peteducation.com

Ears

Thirty-two individual muscles in each ear allow for a manner of directional hearing: the cat can move each ear independently of the other. Because of this mobility, a cat can move its body in one direction and point its ears in another direction. Most cats have straight ears pointing upward. Unlike dogs, flap-eared breeds are extremely rare. (Scottish Folds are one such exceptional genetic mutation.) When angry or frightened, a cat will lay back its ears, to accompany the growling or hissing sounds it makes. Cats also turn their ears back when they are playing, or to listen to a sound coming from behind them. The angle of a cat's ears is an important clue to their mood.www.wikipedia.org

Ear Cleaning
Ear cleaning routine is necessary for your cat,this a few tips for ear cleaning:

• Have all of the materials close at hand before you begin so that the session is short, and you do not give her an opportunity to go off and hide under the bed while you fumble for things!

• If she is the type to bring the front claws up or is ready to run off before you start, consider having a family member or friend help to steady her. As well, a soft bath towel wrapped firmly but not tightly around her body, with the head exposed can protect you, make the cat feel more secure, and keep her from skittering away! As a bonus, it will absorb any dribbled cleaning liquid!


• Do not proceed if you think she might bite . Contact your veterinarian for advice in this instance.
  
• Be gentle! Cats have very sensitive ears. Avoid pulling hard on the pinna (the ear flap that sticks out from the head).
  
• Avoid pushing fingers or cotton down too deep into the ear canal as the delicate lining can become irritated or damaged, or the pressure may lead to pain.
  
• Do not pull out and up on the ear as this straightens the ear canal and makes it easier to go too deep—position the ear flap on top of the head to maintain an angle in the ear canal.
  
• As you steady the ear, take a little loose skin in your grasp between your fingers of the same hand you are holding the ear with. This allows you to stay with the cat if she moves away suddenly. If you hold the ear flap only, you can end up pulling the ear as she moves away, which causes pain and may make her shy about having her ear handled in future.
  
• If kitty seems to be particularly sore when you clean the ears or instill cleaning solution, contact your veterinarian promptly as a broken ear drum can occur. In this case, the medication can enter the middle ear, causing extreme discomfort. As well, some cats have hypersensitivity, or even an allergy to some medicinal components, so the medication might need to be switched. Some cats may have deep ulcers of the lining of the ear canal, and the liquid may sting as it contacts that exposed surface.
  
• Praise her when she sits quietly for the procedure.

Medicating Ears
Before medicating ears, one cleans them out. This is so that debris is removed and the medication can then contact the ear canal properly. Your veterinarian may prescribe medication for ear infections or other ear conditions. As long as Kitty is not too painful, she should tolerate ear treatments quite well.
Ask your veterinarian to demonstrate ear cleaning while you and the cat are still at the veterinary facility, and try ear cleaning yourself while there too! That way, any awkward aspects of the procedure can be worked out, and your questions can get answered.

A few tips for ear medicating:

• Have the medication within easy reach.
  
• Warm it up to room temperature (or even body temperature) before instilling it to help reduce the “cold shock” reaction .

• It is ideal to have a family member or friend help by holding Kitty. A soft bath towel wrapped snugly around, with only the head out can help too. Steadying the cat will make her feel more secure, and keep her from skittering away! A towel (or your capable assistant) can also help keep those claws out of commission!
  
• Be gentle when handling the ears as they are delicate and highly sensitive!
  
• If you are going to be handling her for medicating ears regularly and she is the scratching type, keep her claws trimmed short or covered with Soft Paws ® so the likelihood of a scratch to you or your assistant is reduced.
  
• Do not proceed if you think she might bite you or your assistant. Contact your veterinarian for help.
  
• Do not shove the medication nozzle tip down deep into the canal as it may go too far and damage or tear the ear canal lining if she moves quickly and vigorously.
  
• Avoid hitting the small ear hairs with the nozzle tip as this tends to make her shake her head-- it tickles!
  
• Avoid pulling out and up on the ear. This straightens the ear canal out. That can lead to the nozzle going too far in —take the ear up and over the head instead.
  As you instill the medication, take a little bit of the loose skin located in the area between the ears and steady it between your fingers of the hand you are holding the ear with. This helps you move along with the cat if she suddenly moves. Otherwise, you might find yourself pulling the ear as she moves away, hurting her!
  
• Count the number of drops prescribed to avoid under-medicating or overdosing.
  
• Give all doses prescribed.
  
• Massage the base of the ear gently after the medication is instilled. This will help distribute the drops of medicine evenly over the tissues.
  
• Choose a location for the ear treatment that has a surface that can be easily cleaned. Cats will commonly shake their head vigorously after the medicine has been instilled. This can lead to droplets spraying around the area—your clothes, your fine rugs, furniture or drapes are all easy targets! Some medicines stain so it is essential to watch out for valuables or delicate fabrics.
  
• If Kitty seems to be particularly sore when the drops go in or right after treating, contact your veterinarian promptly as this might indicate a broken ear drum or ear canal ulcers. If the medication goes too deep, it can lead to serious pain. As well, some cats have sensitivity, or even an allergy to some ear preparations. In that case, your veterinarian will try another brand or type of therapy.
  
• Praise her when she sits quietly for the procedure.

www.cathealth.co

Basic Cat Health

Vaccinations
Vaccinations have done an outstanding job at decreasing the incidence of some very serious diseases. Years of vaccination have almost eliminated certain diseases. Recently we have begun to recognize the possible risks associated with vaccination and to question the need for annual boosters. Much data has been gathered that indicates that protection obtained from vaccination in many cases is adequate for more than one year. In extremely rare situations (2 in 10,000) a tumor can occur in the spot where a vaccine is given to a cat. This has been associated with the leukemia and rabies vaccines. In other cases, animals may have a sudden reaction where they vomit or their face swells. They can even die immediately or have an immune-mediated disease a few weeks after vaccination. These reactions are rare but can occur.

We would like your pet's vaccinations to be tailor-made for his/her lifestyle. We do not want them unprotected if exposed to certain diseases nor over vaccinated and incurring unnecessary risk of reactions. To better do this, please help your veterinarian to tailor your pet's vaccination protocol to suit his or her individual needs.

www.animalclinics.com

Mouth

Cats have highly specialized teeth and a digestive tract suitable for the digestion of meat. The premolar and first molar together compose the carnassial pair on each side of the mouth, which efficiently functions to shear meat like a pair of scissors. While this is present in canids, it is highly developed in felines. The cat's tongue has sharp spines, or papillae, useful for retaining and ripping flesh from a carcass. These papillae are small backward-facing hooks that contain keratin which also assist in their grooming.
en.wikipedia.org

Dental Problems

Dental problems may also result from injury, foreign bodies such as porcupine quills or foxtail, malnutrition or systemic health conditions that infect the mouth as well as other parts of the body.
Lesions on your cat's gums or foul-smelling breath can be early warning signs of a potential problem. The most common dental problems cats experience result from plaque and calculus buildup. If left unchecked, plaque and calculus buildup can eventually cause inflammation of both the gums (gingivitis) and the membrane lining of the tooth socket (periodontitis).
The infection resulting from these conditions may spread to other parts of the body such as the kidneys or valves of the heart.
· Raised sores in mouth
· Drooling
· Bad breath
· Dark spots on molars
· Red, swollen or bleeding gums
· Loss of appetite
www.purina.com

Tooth Disease

A thorough cleaning of your cat's teeth may be needed yearly to every few years. cleaning of your cat's teeth can prevent tooth loss and preserve the teeth into old age.

Cat Health

Keeping your cat healthy and safe, The earlier any warning signs are detected and brought to your vet's attention, the sooner treatment. Your vet will certainly look for any physical signs of problems and ask you about behavioral indicators during your cat's annual checkup, but keeping an eye out for changes. Please attention to your cat's health.