RESPIRATORY SYSTEM FELINE RESPIRATORY DISEASE COMPLEX (FRDC) Respiratory infections of cats are caused by numerous organisms. The most common are several different viruses and a bacteriumlike organism (see chart) that infect the tissues of the nasal cavity, respiratory passages and lungs, eyes, and sometimes the mouth. These respiratory infections can range from mild to very … Read more
The Classic Comprehensive Handbook of Cat Care What to Do When Your Cat Is Sick: dental tartar and gingivitis DENTAL TARTAR Dental tartar is hard, white, yellow, or brown material on your cat’s teeth. GINGIVITIS Red or bleeding gums may be signs of gingivitis. For more information. Gingivitis not responding to home treatment as discussed … Read more
The Classic Comprehensive Handbook of Cat Care What to Do When Your Cat Is Sick: broken tooth A broken tooth can become the cause of serious medical problems in a cat if it is neglected. When the inside chamber of the tooth (pulp cavity, chamber), which contains the blood supply and nerve, is exposed by … Read more
The Classic Comprehensive Handbook of Cat Care What to Do When Your Cat Is Sick: mouth foreign object in mouth Cats who have gotten foreign objects stuck in their mouths usually paw at their mouths and make unusual movements with their lips and tongues. They may make gagging motions and drool, but do not always … Read more
The Classic Comprehensive Handbook of Cat Care What to Do When Your Cat Is Sick: ear swellings Swellings on cats’ ears are usually abscesses. In a few cases they are hematomas (accumulations of blood under the skin) caused by trauma to the ear—such as excessive ear scratching and head shaking accompanying untreated otitis externa, or … Read more
The Classic Comprehensive Handbook of Cat Care What to Do When Your Cat Is Sick: ears external ear inflammation (otitis externa) Otitis externa is a term used to describe an inflammation of the external ear (outside of the eardrum). It has many causes, but the signs are usually the same. Head shaking and scratching at … Read more
The Classic Comprehensive Handbook of Cat Care What to Do When Your Cat Is Sick: PROLAPSED THIRD EYELID The third eyelid (nictitating membrane, haw, see Anatomy) often moves from its normal position near the medial corners of the eyes to partially obscure the eye. When this occurs on one side only and intermittently as if … Read more
The Classic Comprehensive Handbook of Cat Care What to Do When Your Cat Is Sick: TRAUMA TO OR FOREIGN OBJECT IN THE EYE Epiphora and conjunctivitis may be signs of a foreign body in the eye or eye injury due to trauma. So it’s a good idea to examine your cat’s eye thoroughly whenever there … Read more
The Classic Comprehensive Handbook of Cat Care What to Do When Your Cat Is Sick: CONJUNCTIVITIS Conjunctivitis is an inflammation, sometimes caused by or accompanied by infection of the membranes (conjunctiva) that line the lids and cover part of the eye. It is probably the most common eye problem of cats because it occurs in … Read more
The Classic Comprehensive Handbook of Cat Care What to Do When Your Cat Is Sick: HEAD and EPIPHORA (TEARING) HEAD Eyes The eyes are very important and delicate organs. Mild and unobtrusive conditions can rapidly become severe, and many untreated conditions can cause irreversible damage. Don’t ignore even minor evidence of irritation. Unless you are … Read more