An Ezine for cat owners that changes each time you visit

Tell your friends about CatNews.org

New Article - Photographing Your Elusive Feline

Free Cat and Kitten Content For Your Site

Important

Upper Respiratory Infections in Cats

Your cat has just been diagnosed with an upper respiratory infection. This is an extremely common condition, especially in cats just acquired from any multi-cat situation (i.e. humane shelter, rescue facility, breeders' cattery, a multi-cat household). It may be that you have an indoor/outdoor cat and a brief encounter with another cat allowed contact with the virus. Or it may be that your cat never leaves the home but you made contact with a cat with a cold and managed to transmit the virus on your hands and clothing.

Signs

Cat colds will cause sneezing, coughing, nasal and eye discharge. If only affected by the virus, the quality of the discharge is usually clear and watery. However, secondary bacterial infections will cause the discharge to become thick with mucous and green or yellow colored in appearance.

Treatment

Like human colds, unfortunately, it is a virus, and there is no specific treatment for this condition. Nothing can be done to eliminate the virus from the body. The cat will usually do this on its own in a 1-3 week period. If it doesn't, there are concerns about the cat's immune system and/or re-infection. Suppression from the feline leukemia virus (Felv) or feline AIDS virus (FIV) can cause a protracted bout with upper respiratory infections. Or it may be that re-infections may be occurring from other cats in the household. Sometimes, it simply takes longer for an individual to clear up from cold symptoms.

Antibiotics

When there are secondary bacterial infections, antibiotics can be helpful. These may be given systemically as pills or liquids, or topically as ointment or drops applied to the eyes, or topically as drops applied to the nose. Supportive care is important.

Medications

Decongestants are sometimes useful and for this reason, an over-the-counter anti-histamine chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton) may be recommended. Another over-the-counter item that can be helpful for congested cats is "Little Noses", a pediatric formulation containing phenylephrine (Neo-synephrine) 1% nasal solution. These drops applied to cat's nostrils can help clear nasal passages and make the cat more comfortable.

Hydration

Maintaining hydration by ensuring sufficient fluids are taken in by the cat is critical. This can be done either by giving fluids by mouth with a syringe or by mixing extra water in with canned food. Occasionally, it may be necessary to give fluids subcutaneously with a sterile solution (usually lactated Ringers) given under the skin. Your veterinarian can do this or if it will be needed for an extended period of time, you can be shown how to do this so it can be done at home.

Nutrition

Ensuring adequate nutrition is important. Canned food, especially warmed up, can increase palpability and smelly fish based foods are helpful to cats with a decreased sense of smell from the cold. Baby food (any of the meat based) is sometimes easier to swallow for some cats with colds. Note that baby food is not meant to be given exclusively nor long term since nutritional deficiencies will arise by doing so. However, it can be helpful short term to get a cat to eat something. Sometimes, forced feedings are necessary. Hill's A/D (available from your veterinarian) is a balanced, nutritious food that can be easily drawn up via a syringe and given by mouth. It also has a soft consistency and is easy to swallow. Appetite stimulants such as low doses of valium or an anti-histamine, cryptoheptadine (Periactin) can be used to encourage food consumption.

Maintenance

Keeping the nasal passage and eyes clean and free of build-up of secretions is important. This may necessitate cleaning several times a day with a soft cloth or cotton swabs, moistened with warm water. A form of nebulization, the "steam effect" can be helpful, and this is achieved by placing the cat in a steamed bathroom (easily done when taking a shower).

Prevention

There are some simple precautions that can help minimize the course of disease for the affected cat and decrease the exposure to other cats in the household. Note there is no indication that colds can spread between humans and cats. Nonetheless, especially after handling the cat's nasal or eye secretions, thorough hand washing is indicated.

Cat colds are very contagious between cats, both aerosolized and on items. For this reason, it is important, if possible, to isolate the affected cat away from the others. Sometimes, by the time a cat shows signs, it may be too late for the other cats who may have already been exposed. All other cats in the household should be monitored for sneezing and eye and nasal discharge. To minimize the spread of the virus, it is important, too, to wash all items such as bedding and food and water bowls that the affected cat has frequented. Even washing your hands is important to limit the spread of the virus when touching different cats in the household.

If you have any questions about this disease and its treatment, don't hesitate to contact your veterinarian.

The above is general veterinary information. Do not begin any course of treatment without consulting your regular veterinarian. All animals should be examined at least once every 12 months.

About the author:

Linda Mar Veterinary Hospital and its cat-only affiliate, Coastal Cat Clinic, are small animal practices located in Pacifica, California. To find a veterinarian or to learn more about the vet clinic and our staff, visit:[http://lindamarvet.com/]

Buy this Art Print at AllPosters.com

New Article - The Temperament of cats Also see : Animal Communicator or Pet Psychic? When I began my professional Animal Communication practice about 12 years ago, my Guidance clarified my mission: to help others understand that animals are sentient beings, conscious and self aware. This led me to avoid the term psychic because people asked about having a reading. I explain to people that I am not reading their animals, like reading a book or tarot cards or palms. I avoid the term medium because I dont go into trance. I avoid the term pet because it implies that the animals are here in service to us, i.e., to make us happy or serve us in some other way. Fleas and Other Parasites - your Cat Can Get These We all love our cats and we treat them as good as we can. There are still diseases and parasites that your cat can get no matter how good you take car of the cat. Once you know that your cat has a parasite or a disease you need to take it to a vet. Some parasites or diseases remain uncovered but if you control you cat on a regular basis, you discover most parasites and diseases early.

Buy at AllPosters.com

Recently added articles How to Use a Cat to Attract a Woman Attention to all desperate men out there. Are you having trouble attracting women in your sexual life? Then go buy a cat! Cats are known to be extremely smart animals. They are known to drive all the negative energy away, they are very clean, sensitive, independent and of course they can help you impress most women. Tips on Getting Your Cat to Eat Cat owners are very familiar with the "fussy-eater" syndrome that most cats have. Many worry that their cat will become malnourished or just be constantly hungry all the time. There are several reasons why cats will not eat what's put before them. Here are a few tips on how to get your "fussy-eater" to try their food. Cat History And Cat Classification Of Domestic Cats Scientists classify living organisms into different kingdoms, family, and orders to study more about them. Although, most people do not get into such details, but certain individuals who love cats, will definitely want to know the scientific classification of cats. Blindness in Cats - Five Common Causes of Feline Blindness Cats naturally have superior vision. However, there are various conditions that can cause blindness in cats. Some of these conditions include hypertension, glaucoma, and cancer. Let's take a look at some of these causes of feline blindness. The Importance of Potassium With Older Felines As your cat ages, they will encounter numerous changes over time that will eventually lead to a failure of their organs and internal systems – this is a fact of life. However, it is possible to prolong their longevity by paying attention to the special needs that of older felines and by providing your cat with those elements that they will benefit from as they grow older. New Article - Abused Cats New Article - Floppy Cat Also see : Feline Lymphoma Can Go All Over The number one cause of death in companion animals in this country is cancer. In our feline friends a specific type of cancer, lymphoma, is very common. The disease originates in the lymphocytes (white blood cells) of the immune system and frequently invades the lymph nodes causing them to enlarge. How To Handle Cat Allergies When it comes to popular pets that people keep in their house, cats are the winners by a long shot. Over 50% of all families living in the US have either cat or a dog. Even though they are so loved, a lot of people have cat allergies. According to the statistics, there are more than 10 million people suffering from cat allergies in the US.

Buy at AllPosters.com

Also see : Falling in Unrequited Love with a Siamese Mix: Yoda, the Cat! Twelve years ago, after he started living on his own, my son adopted a Siamese mix and called him, "Yoda." How to Train Kittens to Use the Cat Litter Box: There are several things you need to do to help the mama cat train her kitties to develop good cat litter box habits

Buy this Matted Print at AllPosters.com

Is Your Cat A Mac Daddy Cat? Mac Daddy Cat Challenge- Can your cat hack it? Think you have a Mac Daddy Cat? Upload your cats photos and let the world decide.Can your cat hack it? New Article - I'll Take My Cat Do You Have A Blog? Kitten articles for your blog Also see : Why Your Cat Sleeps All the Time and Other Feline Sleep Facts Kitties really have two types of sleep. Both types of sleep are required to have a healthy, happy feline. One is known as the cat nap where the animal can wake easily. This kind of sleep allowed for felines in the wild to arouse quickly whenever a threatening situation arose. Sometimes the cat's eyes may be partially open during their napping. "HOW TO ADOPT A SHELTER CAT: If you are thinking of adding a feline to your family, consider adopting a cat from your local animal shelter or humane society. The animals have been carefully screened for adoptability and have usually been worked with to enhance sociability

Buy this Matted Print at AllPosters.com

Pet Loss: Should You Clone Your Cat? Also see : Ragdoll Cat Breed Origins The Ragdoll cat's origins are filled with wild and bizarre stories. The stories frequently contradict depending on who the storyteller is and much of it borders on the ridiculous Pet Horoscopes - LIBRA (9/22-10/21): Libra cats are easygoing and like lots of attention. Like the scales of justice that represents this sign, these cats divide their attention equally among all members of the family. They make wonderful companions and hate to be left alone. These cats love good food and soft music. Put music on when you leave home and they will remain mild mannered with a gentle disposition. They can be stubborn at times, and may disappear to sulk. Libra's will eat just about anything, combine this with a tendency to be lazy, and they can put on a lot of extra weight. Be sure to give them plenty of exercise

Support Your Local Cat Adoption Programs

New Article - Behavior Training for your stubborn Cat


New Article - Home remedies for cats & other pets: Remedy for broken bones


New Article - How To Keep Your Cat Healthy - Cat Feeding Explained

Cat Watching

Owning a Cat - How it Benefits Your Child

If your child misses a lot of school due to illness, maybe you should get a cat. Research has shown that children who own pets attend school up to 9 more days a year than their non pet-owning counterparts. The immune function of pet owners is more stable, making them better able to fend off illness. Pet owners visit doctors less.

But what about allergies? Isn't cat hair is a common source of irritation to immune systems? A leading theory under investigation by asthma researchers suggests that the presence of pets in the home from an early age may adapt the immune system so it is less sensitive to allergens later in life. So it may in fact be the lack of pets in a child's life that contributes to asthma sensitivities.

Studies have also connected pet ownership with lower blood pressure and reduced anxiety levels. In fact, a recent long-term study has shown that people who have never owned a cat, face a 40% greater risk of death due to heart attack than current and even previous cat owners. Dog owners did not have the same level of protection against heart disease as cat owners.

State University of New York researchers found that the cat doesn't even have to be present to achieve this. A group of stockbrokers with hypertension who owned pets showed lower blood pressure even when not with their cats.

It is well known that cat owners have lower stress levels overall, so perhaps the health advantages are a result of being more relaxed.

Cat ownership may be a surprising remedy for absenteeism, however, good health and more days at school are just two of the many benefits to children of having a cat in their lives. Studies have associated numerous psychological benefits with pet ownership.

Children who live with cats show more empathy for others and help others more. This translates to being able to understand others and get along better. Children who live with animals develop a better understanding of body language and other non-verbal cues. A study of 455 school children between the ages of 11 and 16 revealed that children with pets had a better ability to understand non-verbal communications. As a result, these children are more popular with classmates than those who don't have pets at home.

Additionally, children who own pets are more likely to be involved in sports, hobbies, clubs and other social activities. Some studies even show that children who own cats have a higher IQ.

Children with pets learn develop an early sense of responsibility. The responsibility of owning a pet can give children the experience of being needed and this may translate into other areas of life. Cats are relatively easy to care for, as they clean themselves and don't need to be walked.

Social skills and responsibility make a great foundation for life. A US study of 394 university students revealed that those who had owned dogs or cats as childhood pets were more self-confident than those who did not. This may be related to other findings that children raised with pets have higher self-esteem, thought to result from the unconditional love a pet provides. No matter what's going on at school, or with friends, pets treat children the same way.

It seems obvious to say then, that pets hold an important place in many children's lives, often on a par with parents, grandparents and siblings. Children often talk to their pets and regard them as an important friends and confidantes. A five-year study of 600 children aged 3-18 years showed that pet-owning children who have challenges such as being slow learners or having divorced parents cope better with life than those who don't have a pet. Again, having a pet that shows unconditional love regardless of what is happening, can cushion other difficulties in life.

It's not surprising that pets have been used successfully in therapy for some time now. They help sick kids relax and take their minds off their illnesses. Some doctors, recognizing the importance of pets in children's lives ensure that pet names are included in their patients' medical records along with other family members. Even in the most depressing clinical environment, talking about a pet can lighten a situation.

If you already have cat members of your family, know that they are doing your children the world of good. If you don't, it's worth serious consideration.

About the Author
Jenny
Jenny is a cat lover and webmaster of Pictures of Cats You are welcome to reproduce this article on your pet or family related web site, as long as you reproduce the article in full, including this resource box and link to her website featuring photo and video galleries of beautiful cats.




New Article - Cat Litter Box Health Concerns You Need To Know:

---

Can Cat Lovers Ever Love Dogs?

Cat Health Articles

Is your cat sick? Find out why.

More Cat, kitten, cat litter, free content, Articles

Training a Cat to a New Environment
When bringing home a new cat or kitten to a different environment with other pets and additional family members this does not have to be an overwhelming experience for the new cat or kitten and family.

Your Cat or Kitten Will Love You More, When You Follow this Guide to Feline Feeding
You can take the easy option and throw some discount cat feed into a bowl for your feline friend, but will she remain your friend for long if you don't give a bit more thought into what you feed her? Here is some advice

Tell a friend:

Buy this Art Print at AllPosters.com




New Article - About Your Cats Tongue

---

New Article - Cat Chat: How Cats Communicate


New Article - How to Make your Cat Urinate in the Litter Box




New Article - Feral Cats Can Make Good Pets


New Article - All About Traveling With Cats


New Article - How to Solve Litter box Problems in Multi-cat Homes


New Article - New Recipes Transform Canned Cat Food


New Article - How to Control the Smell From the Litter Box


New Article - Cat Bathing Tips and Tricks

San Antonio Texas Pet Scene

Add a Shelter Cat to Your Family Today

Stray Cat Adoptions of Texas (SCAT)

P.O. Box 700571
San Antonio, Texas 78270
Attn: Denise Duchaine
SCAT runs weekend cat adoption centers at several PetSmart locations in San Antonio.

San Antonio Feral Cat Coalition

San Antonio Feral Cat Coalition
San Antonio Feral Cat Coalition is organized to promote Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and public education of feral cat issues in the San Antonio area.

South Texas Persian Rescue

South Texas Persian Rescue
We are a rescue specializing in rescuing persians, himalayans, exotic shorthairs, and ragdolls. Most of our rescued cats are pulled from shelters. Some are given up by their owners due to family situations, financial situations, or a behavioral problem the cat is having. All cats are treated for any existing medical condition(s); they are spayed/neutered, FIV/FELV tested, and given all necessary immunizations before adoption; and any behavioral problem(s) the cat may have is addressed and resolved. All of our foster kitties are housed in actual homes with foster parents - so they get used to being in a home environment.

The Humane Society / SPCA of Bexar County

The Humane Society / SPCA of Bexar County
The Humane Society/SPCA of Bexar County has served Bexar County and its surrounding areas since 1952.

Animal Defense League

Animal Defense League
The ADL has a nice Cat House and always has cats and kittens for adoption

Become part of the San Antonio Pet Scene

Email me your Pet related announcements and I will post them for free. clark2368@aol.com


New Article - Are You Abusing Your Cat?

Newest Cat and Kitten Articles

Two Unusual Rare Cat Breeds
There are many types of cats, you have your exotic cats, you have your domestic tabby cats and then you have your more unusual rare cat breeds. If you are looking for a rare cat breed then you have a few options that your can choose from. Here we will discuss the Sphinx and the British Shorthair, both rare and both very beautiful cats.

Is Your Cat Treading on Her Bedding? Get Ready For Kittens!
So your barrel-shaped cat has been lounging around your home now for the past week or two, eating enough food to fuel an army and generally looking extremely pregnant.

How To Stop Your Cat Scratching - Get Rid Of Those Fleas:
You know how annoying it can be when you have an itch, but you can't reach it to give it a scratch? Well, when your cat has fleas it's like your problem, just multiplied a hundred times.

Is Your Cat Behaving Badly?
If your cat is anything like mine then he or she loves to scratch at all kinds of things, things that you really do not want to see scratched up. Cats are one of the most amazing and wonderful pets to own but they can wreak havoc if you let them.

Training your cat
Training your cat can be fun and a rewarding experience. Patience and time is something that will be necessary with training. You can train your cat do have good behaviors so that when you are gone you will know they are safe.

Which Of These Cat Breeds Is The Right One For You?
There are many cat breeds out there. If you are like most people, you don't know much about them. In order to help you to make a choice about breeds, here is some useful information.




Shelter Cats Make Great Companions

Other Crazy Stuff

Identity Theft a real threat to cats

Identity Theft Is Real


Don't Be Fooled

Catnews.org is currently investigating the real threat of identity theft to your cat or kitten. We have a reporter deep under cover to gather the facts. We will be reporting on this vital issue soon.

Our Reporter On The Inside

An Engineer's Guide to Cats

Worlds First Bio-engineered Pet

See The Gen Pets



Proof That Osama Bin Laden is Dead
Dateline: Jan. 2008

Yemengzhu - The 3 billion dollar rock

Yemengzhu - The 3 Billion Dollar Rock
What weighs 6.2 tons and is worth more then 3.1 billion dollars? Are your guessing a new high tech battleship or maybe a new stealth fighter? Well it's a big ball of glow in the dark fluorite. Thats right a rock!
read more --- Yemengzhus, 亦稱傳奇光亮珍珠在中國, 是罕見的煥發的球在黑暗的熒石。

Red fluorescent cats

Red fluorescent cats: This picture, taken through a special filter in a dark room, shows a cat, left, possessing a red fluorescent protein that makes the animal glow in the dark when exposed to ultraviolet rays, appearing next to a normal cloned cat.

Pet Classifieds Free Pet Classifieds

Our Awards

Meet My Cats

I am a slave to 8 cats

Rare Picture Of All My Cats

Trouble, Patches, and Sweetie Pie enjoying a sunny San Antonio Day. (What a life!)


Cassidy and Snowflake Same mom different litters - Rescued from a feral colony in San Antonio


Cassidy was born with a club foot and two different color eyes


Cassidy runs and plays just like her normal sisters


Sarafena - Queen of the Witches


Cookie Monster came from a local flea market


Trouble (Grand Ma) weighs in at 18+ pounds. At 12 years old she still plays with the young cats.


Starvin Marvin - AKA "Whizzer" - Our only Tom. Marvin Has FHIV but is healthy and living high on the hog.