Diseases and Parasites- Cats

External Parasites External cat parasites are most generally found in kittens, although they can occur in adults. The most frequent cat parasites are: fleas lice ticks ear mites

Internal Parasites Roundworms Tapeworms Protozoan coccidia Treatment: buy at pet store or at vet Symptoms: lack of appetite and weight loss Occurs frequently in cats since they are outside a lot.

Feline Distemper Viral disease of cats, kittens two to six months old being most susceptible. About 3 to 10 days after exposure to the disease, infected kittens cough and sneeze, have running eyes and nose, are feverish, lose their appetites, vomit, and have diarrhea. The number of white cells in the blood drops severely. The disease rarely lasts more than a week and is the best-known viral disease in cats. Highly contagious, with a high mortality rate, it is seen most often in young cats. Vaccines are effective protective measures

Rabies Less of a problem with cats than with dogs All free-roaming cats should be vaccinated yearly Same 3 stages as dogs Is deathly if they get it

Upper Respiratory Infections Common feline illness and can sometimes be fatal, especially in young kittens. Humans also get upper respiratory infections Treatment: some antibiotics Symptoms: Coughing, fever, wheezing

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) Is a fatal, contagious disease that is spread by direct contact. A cat with feline leukemia may have a variety of symptoms, including general malaise, weight loss, anemia, and fever. An infected cat may transmit the disease to other cats before it develops clinical symptoms itself. A blood test can detect whether a cat has been infected. Although a vaccine is available, the most reliable way to prevent a cat from contracting feline leukemia is to keep it from coming into contact with positive cats.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) Is an inflammation of the peritoneum (lining of the abdomen). Although FIP is contagious, some cats appear to develop a natural immunity to it. An infected cat may be a symptomless carrier. Once a cat develops symptoms, the disease is invariably fatal. There is no reliable blood test for FIP, but a vaccine is now available.

Parasitic Protozoan Toxoplasma Gondii Cats permitted to wander outdoors are exposed to a variety of hazards, including accidents, attacks from other animals, poisoning. Cats that kill and eat rodents and other small animals can become infected with the, which can be transmitted to humans and causes the disease toxoplasmosis.

Cheyletiella- Mites Mites that live on the skin, causing irritation, dandruff, and itchiness. A distinguishing feature of this mite species are the large, claw-like mouth parts. These mites can be found quite commonly on cats, dogs and rabbits, and other species. Though humans are not a natural host for this parasite, Cheyletiella mites can happily live on humans for a while, causing an itchy rash.

Cuterebra- Parasite A parasite is an opportunistic parasite found under the skin of small mammals. This parasite is the larval stage of the Cuterebra fly, who uses animal hosts to complete its life cycle. Most commonly seen in summer and fall

Kitten Care Kittens should be inoculated against rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia, and, optionally, chlamydia. Most veterinarians recommend a series of two or three inoculations, given every 3 weeks starting at 6 weeks of age. After 12 weeks of age, a kitten may also be inoculated against rabies, feline leukemia, and feline infectious peritonitis. Inoculations should be repeated annually to maintain immunity.