10 signs of illness in cats
Inappropriate elimination
A cat that urinates inappropriately
could have any number of
conditions associated with the
behavior, including lower urinary
tract disease, kidney disease, urinary
tract infection, and diabetes
mellitus. It can also be a sign of
arthritis, which makes it difficult
for cats to get into the litter box.
Changes in interaction
Cats are social animals, so
changes in interactions with humans or pets can
signal disease, fear, anxiety, or pain.
Changes in activity
A decrease in activity is often a sign of arthritis
or systemic illness, while an increase in activity can be
caused by hyperthyroidism.
Changes in sleeping habits
If your cat is sleeping more than normal (keep
in mind that average adult cats may sleep 16 to 18
hours a day—though much of that is “catnapping”),
it could be a sign of an underlying disease.
Changes in food and water consumption
Most cats are not finicky eaters. Decreased food
intake can be a sign of several disorders, ranging
from poor dental health to cancer. Increased food
consumption can be caused by diabetes mellitus,
hyperthyroidism, or other health problems.
Unexplained Weight loss or gain
Sudden weight loss can be a
sign of hyperthyroidism, diabetes
mellitus, or a host of other
diseases. Obesity, on the other
hand, can cause an increased
risk of diabetes mellitus, joint
disease, and other problems.
Changes in grooming
Patches of hair loss or a greasy
or matted appearance can signal
an underlying disease. Cats who
have difficulty grooming often suffer from fear, anxiety,
obesity, or other illnesses. An increase in grooming
may signal a skin problem.
Signs of stress
Stressed cats may exhibit signs of depression,
hide more, or spend more time awake and scanning
their environment. These signs may indicate a medical
condition, so it’s important to rule out physical
ailments before addressing the stress behaviorally.
Changes in vocalization
An increase in vocalization or howling is often
seen with an underlying condition like hyperthyroidism
or high blood pressure. Many cats also vocalize
more if they’re in pain or anxious.
Bad breath
Bad breath is an early indicator of an oral
problem—studies have shown that 70 percent of cats
have gum disease as early as age 3.
Adapted from healthycatsforlife.com and Dr. Susan Little, DABVP (feline), Bytown Cat Hospital in Ottawa, OntarioType your paragraph here.Type your paragraph here.
Cats, litter boxes, and pee
All too often we have owners come into our clinic at their wits end because their family member is elimination outside the box. It is a common problem that must be addressed early. The causes are many ranging from behavior to medical.
First, a medical issue must be ruled out. An examination, analysis of the urine including urine culture, blood work, and x-rays are all considered. If the cat has an issue that can be easily corrected then treatment is begun. Treatments that are common are changing the diet, increasing the water intake, increasing the canned percent of the diet, and controlling infection. Correcting things like various kidney, bladder, or endocrine problems can often correct the issue.
If this is not the case, then behavior has to be discussed. Things as simple as a change of litter substrate, location of the box, recent change of the litter pan, new people, and new environment can promote inappropriate urination.
Cats need a stable and enriched environment. They need to know that they have toys, and someone who will play with them at a certain time. They need mental stimulation to keep them happy.
Cats favor certain substrates to eliminate on. Just like we may prefer a certain type of toilet they also have a preference. A change from clumping to non clumping or non scented to scented maybe enough. Some cats need the feel of a rug or dirt. If it is associated with a medical condition they may feel the litter has caused the problem and will avoid it.
Cats like to eliminate in private or in a quiet place. Some like covers some do not. If the area becomes busy this may repel the cat and the cat goes somewhere else. Going to the restroom in a middle of a raceway is never a safe or comfortable elimination.
Cats may prefer to have a pristine litter box. Because of territorial issues, cats may not want other cats in their litter box. They find it unacceptable and will eliminate in other places. This is similar to humans who will not occupy a stall that has been used. Adding extra litter boxes aids in this issue. There should be one more litter box than number of cats.
Cats that are aggressive can rule over others that are more submissive. This goes for litter box availability. If the dominant cat prevents the lesser cat from access to the box then the cat has no choice but to eliminate where there is a space that is comfortable. Bullying can cause a litter box issue. Having a private litter box for the shy cat may help
As cats age they get osteoarthritis which involves the spine, hips, and joints. If the litter box is located on a different floor, the effort to get to the box maybe uncomfortable or impossible. The size of the box can be a problem for a cat like this. A larger box is helpful so the cat may stretch out more. It is never easy to urinate in a cup as we all know from our experience in the doctor’s office.
These are just some of the causes of litter pan problems.
Fortunately there are many natural aids available.
Cosequin and dasuquin are both glucosamine/chondroitin supplements. They have extra fish oil, vitamins as well to help the joints function. There is some indication it helps the bladder wall as well. Cystitis is reduced due to the binding to the surface of the glucosamine.
Bladder strength is an herbal mixture combining the herbs of to improve the health of the bladder wall. It reduces inflammation and spastic contractions of the bladder when the bladder is small.
Standard process renal support is an herbal supplement that strengthens not only the bladder but the kidney as well. By improving the kidney function the urinary system is in optimal health.
Composure is an oral chew which has l-theonine and melatonin both useful in modifying behavior. The supplement calms the cat and balances the neurotransmitters so the cat is calm and can refocus on using the litter pan.
Feliway is a pheromone that can be diffused into the environment. It is an odor given off by female cats who are nursing. By diffusing in a bully situation the cats are able to sort differences, the cat get along more easily, behavior change techniques work better. It also calms the single cat who is dealing with the change brought on by a new person, baby, pet or a change in the environment such as a change in schedule or home.
Along with this the essential oils such as Peace&Calming, Trauma Life, and Gentle baby are used. They can be diffused as well or placed on areas such as chairs, rugs or blankets. It is safe to use with feliway. The combination works well together.
Pan away, relieve it, and mountain savory combined in mixture then diluted allows relaxation of a spastic bladder and relieves pain. Application of this mixture to the abdomen, by massaging them gently on the area then applying a warm moist cloth for 5-10 minutes. This can be done several times per day or as needed.
Behavior changes are also addressed with behavior modification as well. There are many methods for this and include enrichment and litter box retraining. Changing the litter, location of the box, adding boxes, places them on multiple floors are all options.
The vast majority of litter box problems can be corrected and are treatable. It does take time and sometimes repeats but all and all it is worth the effort. In the end you have a happy family
Essential Oil Use in Felines - Interview questions
Do you use aromatherapy on cats?
Yes
How are the oils usually diffused for the greatest effect and are these diluted first?The oils are diffused using a device that has oils placed in the bottom and in which air is forced thru it causing the oils to be propelled into the air in a droplet form. Another way to diffuse is by placing the oils on cotton balls and placing them near a register with forced air heat. Another device has water in it and the oils are placed in the water, mixed and the mist is then spread into the air. The oils do not have to be diluted if they are a thin oil such as lemon, orange, lavender and the like. If they are such things as Myrrh or Vetiver which are very thick then they are diluted using a thinner oil. The oils placed in the device are not diluted with pure carrier oil since this would ruin the diffuser. These devices come in many shapes and sizes. They can be expensive or very inexpensive. They are available in many stores that sell oils or are available on line. The oils are diffused in a small area or small room. Different diffusers have different effective ranges. Using one or two oils works best.
Is aromatherapy used to treat behaviorial issues, like anxiety or fear? Yes they are commonly used for this purpose especially. They are often used with the feline pheromone FELIWAY.
Can you use a hydrosol spray as aromatherapy too by spraying it on or near a cat?Yes if this is the first time using essential oils and the owner is not familiar with them then Hydrosols would be a safe way to go as well. The hydrosols are actually the by products of the essential oil distillation process and contain very dilute parts of the oils.
Are there any essential oils a cat owner shouldn't use on their cats?Some of the citrus oils have been found to be more irritating to the feline. I have not found this to be true. The stronger oils such as oregano, thyme, clove, and cinnamon bark are diluted much more than the milder oils such as lavender, roman chamomile, geranium, and jasmine. If the essential oils that are used are pure then all oils if properly diluted can be used. Some of oils are used only by diffusion, others are used topically, and the safest ones can be ingested.
Is it safe for a cat to lick the diluted, pure essential oils off its fur?Yes it is safe because usually the fact that pets lick is taken into consideration so a proper dilution is used. The essential oils are often times not that palatable just from a taste stand point so the cat will avoid a lot of them for that reason. If a cat licks them a lot of times it causes hypersalivation. This is not from toxcicity but from the strange taste. You mention using the diluted essential oils by diffusion, topical application and vitaflex points.
What are vitaflex points and do they have an effect similar to acupuncture points?They are similar to acupressure/acupuncture points. They are located on the feet and ears. They have been mapped out for the human and are used a lot. I have mapped out the areas for the dog and cat using the human model of the foot and ear. The animal ear pinna is so much longer so the points are elongated. The foot is also elongated such as the heel and the hock are the same structure so the points are spread out more.
When applying diluted essential oils to the cat's body, do you typically use a warm, moist cloth? Yes. The cloth is used at the end point after all the oils are applied. It is used to help the oils penetrate the area of concern.
Does this need to sit for a while or do you dab it on?The warm moist cloth is applied on the area and is covered with a dry towel or cloth. The cat is held for 5-10 minutes and then the session is done. The cat on the other hand may have a different idea so the owner goes with the cats opinion.
I'm assuming application directly to the body is used to treat something on the body, like inflammation or ear infections?It is used to treat – joint/muscle pain, urinary tract infection/inflammation, spinal/disc pain, sinus/mouth pain, bites/abcesses, and stomach/intestinal issues to name a few. You mentioned that pure essential oils aren't harmful to cats as long as they're diluted.
What type of substances should someone look out for in an essential oil that might make it less than pure?The addition of alcohol, plain vegetable oil, propylene glycol, synthetic linalyl acetate, gum resins are a few. Cheap price for a high volume should tip someone off. A company that is has oils that vary widely in price or are out of oils at various times of the year according with harvest should be looked at as potentially a good company to look into. Usually the expensive oils like rose, helichrysum, jasmine, and Melissa will cost a lot and the volume is small. They are hard to produce and so the yield is small. Make sure the oil you acquire is true oil. Hybrids can have different chemical makeups and could have the opposite effect. Ie. Lavender vs Lavandin.You mention that a cat might have an adverse reaction to an essential oil.
What are the signs in a cat of a poor reaction to the essential oil?The cat may hypersalivate if they taste the oil. More due to the taste. The ability to smell is more developed than ours so sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes. The cat may make a hastey retreat from the oils. The skin may show redness or itching from topical application. I have never had a cat get sick from the oils, more irritation. Usually by using a different oil, diluting them by an additional 50%, or taking a break from use, the problem resolves. It is best to remember they are small, so the amount of oils used should reflect their size. Dilute is better than too concentrated. After the cat gets used to them then the concentration can be increased if needed.One example you gave was of a pet with double pseudomonas infections that weren't responding to the typically used antibiotics.
What was the name of this animal and was it a cat?Oats and it was a lab.
Where was it suffering from this bacterial infection?Otitis media – middle ear infection.Where would you typically apply flower essences to a cat?I would use them on the areas the cat sleeps and eats. I would apply them to many of the same areas as the oils.
Are these safe for a cat and what types of issues are best addressed by flower essences?Behavioral issues are common for flower essences. Many of the flowers are used in oils and so the essences will give you many of the same results. I use many of them with behavior but have been trying to expand the use.
How to identify inappropriate elimination in cats
The first step in helping to solve litter box problems in cats is to carefully observe your cat’s behaviors—
take short videos of your cat’s basic behaviors, so when something changes, you can show your veterinarian what happened before and after the change.
Here are some questions to think about and discuss with your veterinarian:
Q: Does the cat leave urine or feces outside the litter box? where?
Q: Does the cat spray? If yes, where?
Q: Do you have concerns, complaints or problems with urination or defecation in the house? location?
How frequent is the inappropriate urination or defecation?
What is the approximate time of day the event(s) occur (i.e., are you at home or away)?
Q: Does the cat exhibit vocalization about which you’re concerned? what types of vocalization (e.g., yowling, growling, meowing, hissing), and when does the vocalization typically occur?
Factors that contribute to inappropriate elimination preferences and aversions include:
>> Frequently dirty litter or litter boxes
>> Litter boxes that are too small and discourage active digging and exploration
>> Litter boxes that are too high for cats to enter readily
>> Styles (e.g., covered) and placement (e.g., in closets) that allow the cat using the litter box to
be trapped by a child, another cat, a dog, etc.
>> Placement of boxes in locations the cat can’t reach because of pain (e.g., arthritis), access
or social factors (e.g., being chased by a puppy)
>> Odor entrapment by lids of covered boxes placed in areas without adequate ventilation
>> Illness of another cat in the household that causes changes in bladder and bowel function.
Factors that contribute to marking behaviors generally are based on stressors such as:
>> Addition or loss of another pet in the household
>> Change in the composition of the human household
>> Change in the stress level of the household (e.g., illness, job change)
>> Visitation by an outside cat
>> Illness or change of relationships between cats in the household (e.g., concomitant with
social maturity)
>> True intercat aggression
Respiratory Disease
Upper respiratory diseases are very common in both indoor and outdoor felines. Viruses such as Feline Immunodeficiency Disease and Feline Leukemia are contributors and serve to make feline upper respiratory disease a very complex issue. Felines who have tested negative for both Feline Immunodeficiency Disease and Feline Leukemia may have other feline communicable diseases such as Calici and Herpes Virus. Regardless of the cause, the disease is both complex and can be very frustrating at best. An owner with a feline that has chronic upper respiratory infections, whether or not accompanied by the viruses stated above, must understand that caring for this disease takes time and is a process. With proper medications and care, feline upper respiratory viruses are manageable.
While Feline Immunodeficiency Disease and Feline Leukemia cause the immune system to be compromised, Calici and Herpes Virus can cause problems in the oral cavity as well as compromising the immune system. Things such as early onset of gingivitis, gum line cavities or cervical neck lesions, tooth loss and raw/ulcerated and raised red areas involving the gums, lips and the inside of the mouth can all be caused by either Calici or Herpes Virus. The complex of feline upper respiratory disease is based on the cat’s response to plaque, tartar and bacteria associated with buildup, in regards to Calici and Herpes Virus.
This condition is very painful for the feline on a day-to-day basis and can attribute to the cat being short tempered, hiding, excessive sleeping and even weight loss.
Conventional treatment for oral problems caused by Calici and Herpes Virus includes frequent profolactic dental procedures to alleviate the gum line of tartar, plaque and bacteria build up however, this is only a temporary treatment. Eventually, most if not all teeth behind the canines need to be removed. While this procedure seems extreme, it is generally the only thing that seems to eliminate stomatitis, inflammation and cavities.
At MaRiLa Veterinary Clinic we have found that there are a few things that can be done to put off the near complete dental excision process for as long as possible. Along with profalactic dental procedures, a powder called Perio-Support which is added to the food daily can help reestablish healthy oral flora through two probiotics and natural herbal additives such as cranberry, yucca, zinc and taurine.
This product was used on a cat in our clinic with cervical neck lesions and severe stomatitis. Within a matter of 3 months combined with therapeutic laser treatments the mouth was essentially healed.
Other things such as Theives Spray or Theives Oral Mouthwash can be used by diluting 50% with water and swabbed in the mouth along the gums once daily, with a gauze pad or cotton swab.
For cases of upper respiratory disease whether it be Calici/Herpes, FIV or FeLV it is also critically important to support the immune system. Natural supplements that we have found to be very beneficial are Inner Defense, L-lysine, and products from Standard Process such as Feline Whole Body Support and Feline Inner Defense.
Supplements should be added gradually and only as needed to better judge what works best, case by case.
Feline upper respiratory diseases tend to be triggered by stress. Finding ways to prevent or limit the amount of stress in the household is a very good way of trying to prevent a flare up from occurring. At MaRiLa Veterinary Clinic we use essential oil diffusers and diffuse oils that support calmness such as Lavender and other blends specific to calming anxiety. Applying essential oils to common areas where the cat rests in the household may also be beneficial as well as using Feliway Spray or a Feliway Diffuser.
For any further questions, please contact us at MaRiLa Veterinary Clinic
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