Q. I’m worried my cat might have fleas so I’m going to treat our house. My cat doesn’t go upstairs, should I still treat upstairs and how long should the house be empty after treating?

Rebecca says: Fleas can easily be carried by clothing or household items (including your vacuum cleaner!) to areas your pet has never ventured. It is therefore important when treating the house, to treat the WHOLE house.

Top tips for household treatment are:

1. Treat all of your pets with a topical flea treatment
2. Wash all of your pets bedding
3. Vacuum thoroughly, including in all cracks, crevices and along skirting board edges
4. Remove animals, children and cover or remove fish from the house until treated areas are dry.
5. Close all windows and doors. Using a reputable household treatment, spray lightly over all areas of the house, including in cracks and crevices, along skirting board edges, sofa’s, mattresses, curtains etc. It is also a great idea to spray the inside of your vacuum and don’t forget the family car!
6. Leave the room for 30 minutes with the windows and doors closed
7. Open windows and doors after 30 minutes to allow treated areas to dry.
8. Once dry, vacuum again

Q. Can cats catch colds?

Rebecca says:  Cats can certainly suffer from colds, but the type of viruses that causes the common colds cats suffer from are different to those which affect humans. The illness is not communicable between species – or, at least, a cold virus that can has not yet been discovered.

Our pets may suffer the same symptoms as us if infected with a cold virus – sneezing, coughing, runny or stuffy nose, watery eyes. It is worth mentioning however, that other conditions can cause similar signs. So if concerned, it is always worth taking your pet to the vet for a check-up.

Q. Is there a best time/age to get a cat spayed? I live in an area with lots of other roaming cats and I’m concerned about letting her out.

Rebecca says: Most vets suggest not letting a cat out unsupervised until they are speyed. Not only will this prevent unwanted pregnancies, it will also act to attach the cat more to your house, making them less likely to stray.

It is great you are thinking about neutering as it is good for many reasons over and above unwanted pregnancies, including helping to reduce or eliminate the risk of many forms of serious, often fatal diseases, for example testicular or breast cancers and pyometras. It also reduces the will to defend territories leading to less fight injuries.

The typical recommended age for neutering is 6 months. Some practices in areas that are heavily populated will neuter even earlier than this to prevent early pregnancies which can sometimes occur.

It is worth noting that a common misconception is an animal should have a litter before being neutered. There is absolutely no benefit to this and actually, a lot of risk involved. It is therefore always better to neuter before pregnancy occurs.

Q. My cat seems to eat grass to help her be sick every day. Could this be furball related and if so how should I best treat her?

Rebecca says: Fur balls are very common in cats, especially if they are long haired or pay particular attention to their grooming regime. Classical signs are a cat being frequently sick, not necessary containing fur every time.

If this is what is affecting your cat, firstly you can help out by brushing her daily yourself. This should help to remove excess loose hair so that less is swallowed when she performs her own grooming rituals.

Secondly, there are products available which contain very mild laxatives, softening and coating agents to help prevent fur balls sticking in the throat and stomach, enabling them to be passed out naturally through the faeces. These tend to be in the form of pastes or gels. The best way to administer this to a cat is to squirt the desired dose onto the top of their paw – they will then groom it straight off. Dose done!

Q. Are there any clear symptoms cats will exhibit if they are allergic to fleas?

Rebecca says: Yes! Often before you even notice a flea problem you will start to feel small scabs on your cats skin, especially around their rump area. You may or may not notice an attempt to over groom, or itching in this area as well. Eventually the scabs and over grooming progress to a loss of the undercoat, leaving a balding rump area with only main guard hairs left, if anything at all. Even at this stage fleas may still not be obvious!

However, a cat balding over the rump with small scabs and/ or over grooming and itching will be a tell tale sign to any vet that your cat is suffering from flea allergic dermatitis.

Q. You hear so many different things about how often you should treat cats for fleas and ticks. What’s the truth and what’s the best course of action?

Rebecca says: The best way to treat for fleas and ticks is to ask advice on the most suitable product from your veterinarian. Often they will have a selection of prescription only products available which will provide fast, effective, reliable and most importantly safe treatments for your pet.

Q. Where is the best place to go to buy veterinary treatments such as flea and tick treatments? And is there a shelf-life on treatments?

Rebecca says: The best place to buy veterinary treatments is your vet. They will know your pet’s history and so are able to give appropriate advice on tailoring medications specifically to the needs of your pet. The medicines you buy from a vet are also guaranteed to be effective, reliable and safe, containing exactly what it says on the outside packaging.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding medications, your vet should always be able to answer these for you as well. In other words, from your vet you do not receive just a product, but a complete package of help alongside.

All medications, inclusive of flea and worming treatments have a shelf life. This should be stated on the pack in the form of a date. Always stick to this and do not use out of date products. Not only can the safety not be guaranteed, but the effectiveness as well.

For more information and advice on pet health products available, visit Norbrook’s pet health website http://www.norbrook.com/pets-health/

The report in today’s Independent contains some very important messages regarding the need for good personal hygiene and the need for pregnant women and immuno-compromised groups to be aware of the risks. However, the BVA is concerned that the headlines could cause significant alarm to cat owners.

Most people who become infected are asymptomatic but 10-20% can show transient symptoms which are flu-like. There is a more serious risk to pregnant women and those who are immuno-compromised, but as with all infections common sense and good personal hygiene reduces the risk significantly and there is no reason that families with, or those intending to have, children shouldn’t have pet cats.

As outlined in the article sources of infection include eating undercooked meat and vegetables that have not been washed properly and contact with cats. It is not known which the greater source of infection is but anecdotal evidence suggests that meat is likely to be more important than contact with cats. The BVA echoes advice that meat should be prepared and cooked properly.

Good hygiene with cats includes the following:

· Wash hands after handling a cat
· Do not allow children near cat litter trays
· Ensure faeces in cat litter is removed promptly and disposed of where people cannot be contaminated by it
· Pregnant women should avoid cleaning out litter trays and use protective gloves if they cannot avoid it

Commenting, BVA Past President and veterinary surgeon Harvey Locke said:

“While the facts are true, the headlines in this story have been quite alarmist and we are very keen to reassure cat owners that the risks can be managed with good basic hygiene and common sense.

“The biggest threat is to pregnant women and those who are immuno-compromised, which we have known for some time. It is useful to reiterate that they should take extra care but there is no need for people to get rid of their pet cats or choose not to have cats as pets.”

Cats can be allergic to fleas and flea bites, due to a condition called Flea Allergic Dermatitis, and as a result hair loss can be a by-product of an allergic reaction. Fleas will cause itchiness and tenderness and you will notice the cat begins to chew excessively around certain areas, especially down the sides and rump, leading to hair loss. Treating your cat regularly for fleas can help to eradicate this problem, as can treating the home with a household flea spray to break the flea lifecycle.

Other unwanted guests on your cat can also lead to hair loss, such as mites, worms, lice and ringworm.

Food allergies can also have the effect of causing your cat to lose hair. Allergies to food can include symptoms such as inflamed ears, itching, rashes and an upset stomach. The best way to find out if your cat has a food allergy is to speak with your vet and they will be able to perform tests that may lead to you running blood tests or an elimination diet for your cat, identifying which foods may be causing an allergy.

Food is not the only potential source of an allergic reaction. Cats can be allergic to drugs, or even every day substances found in the home or outdoors. Again, a trip to the vet can provide answers.

Believe it or not, cats can also suffer allergic reactions to the weather, particularly heat. Heat can cause some cats to excessively lick and tend to a particular area on their body which in turn can lead to hair loss. If this is the case, keep your cat indoors during periods of hot weather and ensure they have all day access to shaded areas within the home.

Flea Allergic Dermatitis can cause serious irritation to your cat. Treating regularly with a suitable spot-on treatment to eradicate flea problems is an ideal way to reduce this problem.

Feline Alopecia is believed to be an inherited condition. Studies indicate that alopecia is a disease of the autoimmune system of some cats. It’s very rare, but hair loss is a direct by-product of alopecia in cats. The hair loss can be temporary and comes and goes at different times. Your vet will be able to diagnoses if alopecia is the cause of your cat’s loss of hair and in most cases the hair will grow back, but may be subject to various periods in your cat’s life when they have patches of fur missing.

Infections may result if your cat is constantly scratching or biting their body. Bacterial infections can result if allergies are present in your cat and your vet will be able to treat most infections with a short course of antibiotics.

Feline Cushing’s Disease is a condition caused by an overload of corticosteroids in the cat’s body. Cushing’s disease in cats is extremely rare but hair loss can be a side effect alongside other symptoms, such as increased thirst and a more frequent need to urinate. Keep your eye out for these symptoms as Cushing’s Disease is something that will require veterinary intervention as soon as possible.

Hyperthyroidism can present similar symptoms to Cushing’s Disease, such as increased thirst and can also produce hair loss as a result. If your cat is diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism your vet will be able to advise on the most suitable management plan.

One fairly rare cause could be mange. More common in dogs than cats, it is not life threatening, but is certainly something that can make your cat very uncomfortable and unhappy. Cat mange is caused by two types of mites – burrowing and non-burrowing. The burrowing mites as the name describes, burrow into your cat’s skin, forming tunnels where they lay their eggs. The eggs develop into larvae, which become nymphs that eventually turn into adults. Burrowing mites live their entire lives inside the tunnels they create in your cat’s skin. Non-burrowing mites feed on your cat’s skin scales. Some types of these mites suck tissue fluid and others suck blood. If you feel your cat could be suffering from mange, seek advise from your veterinarian. They will offer the best diagnosis and treatment plan to relieve your cat’s suffering.

Just like us, cats can also suffer with stress and, again just like us, stress can produce hair loss in your cat. Unusual behaviour, excessive chewing of the skin or self mutilation should be investigated by a vet at the soonest possible opportunity. Stress can be as a result of many different circumstances but is not normally something that stays present for long periods if it is properly treated.

For more information and advice on pet health products available, visit Norbrook’s pet health website http://www.norbrook.com/pets-health/

For this reason, checking your cat for fleas should form a regular part of your feline’s maintenance rituals. As the saying goes – a stitch in time saves 9. Well in the case of fleas, it can save a lot more than 9 bites since a single flea can actually bite up to 400 times per day!

Where Do Cat Fleas Come From?

Flea’s would easily win the gold medal in the long jump stakes. They are able to jump a distance of up to 150 times their own body length, meaning they can simply jump from another cat, or the surrounding environment onto your pet with ease. It is not just unhealthy cats that are at risk – even the most well looked after feline can fall victim to fleas, with even house cats not being completely risk free.

Once a flea has settled into the cosy environment of your pets fur, it starts to bite and suck blood. To nourish her eggs, a female flea requires a high performance diet, drinking up to 15 times her own body weight in blood daily. This means in heavy flea infestations, your pet, especially if young or under the weather, could actually be at risk of developing the serious disease of anemia. This is one of the reasons it is important to keep these blood sucking pests at bay.

Once on a pet, an adult flea prefers to spend all their life there. And who could blame them, a nice warm blanket of hair covering an ever ready food source sounds like flea heaven! A female flea can lay up to 50 eggs per day which can drop off your cat into your home. These hatch to form tiny larvae. Larvae hate light and try to crawl away from it as much as they can, deep into carpet pile, crevices in skirting boards, under sofa’s, in bedding. Once there they spin a protective cocoon and develop into an adult flea. These cocooned fleas are hardy critters and can survive in your home for anything up to a year. Once mature, they wait for heat and vibrations to stimulate them to hatch as this means there is a host around. After emergence as a fully-fledged adult flea they hop onto your pet – or even you! – And the whole cycle starts again.

Adult fleas only make up 5% of the total flea population in an infected household. That means 95% of fleas are around you but you can not see them! Apart from the adult flea, the other stages of the life cycle are very small. The larvae hide so far away from light that it would take a powerful magnifying glass and a lot of effort to be able to spot one hidden away. So if you see a flea on your pet, that may not even be half the story.

As well as causing an itchy bite, some animals can develop terrible allergies to fleas. It is more common that you may think, with flea allergy dermatitis contributing to over 50% of all cases of allergy in cats. A single flea bite can cause an appalling, irritating skin reaction leading to substantial fur loss, redness of the skin and a generally depressed pet. It is all down to being sensitive to flea saliva, which is reported as being the most irritating substance on the planet – quite impressive for an insect only 1mm long! It is vitally important to try and keep these animals flea free.

A small fact with an important consequence, fleas can also transmit tape worms. If your cat accidentally swallows an infected flea, say through grooming, it could lead to tape worms developing inside your pets intestines. Therefore if you have found a flea infection, it is important to consider worming your pet too.

Checking A Cat For Fleas

This should be quite easy. Adult fleas are about 1mm long, dark brown – black critters. They are very fast moving so you are unlikely to be able to pluck one from your pets coat. There may only be a few adults present at any time, so even if you don’t see any scurrying around, it does not mean your pet can’t have fleas.

The best thing to look out for is the tell-tale sign of flea dirt. This is effectively flea faeces and is made up of dried, ingested blood. It looks like tiny black, shiny flecks of pepper in amongst your pets fur. The best place to spot this is around your pets rump – just behind the base of the tail above the hips. Here fur is at its thickest making it the prime spot for fleas to hang out. To check the black spots are flea dirt and not just a bit of mud, try and dab some flecks off onto a piece of damp cotton wool. Leave the cotton wool for a few minutes. If a reddish tinge develops around the flecks, this is blood and proves you have a flea problem.

How to Treat Fleas

There are many products available to protect your pet from fleas. It is worth remembering however, that only 5% of fleas are actually on your pet itself. Therefore, to provide full flea protection it is important to treat your home as well.

PermaGuard is an environmental flea spray designed to kill fleas and protect your house. PermaGuard is fast acting and long lasting, killing both adult fleas and their larvae. Spray on carpets, animal bedding and soft upholstered furniture to eradicate fleas and prevent reinfestation. PermaGuard gives long lasting protection and will prevent the development of fleas for approximately 12 months. It is advised that a regular treatment, such as a spot-on, is used as well to ensure your pet remains flea free, especially if your cat spends time outside of the home.

For more information and advice on pet health products available, visit Norbrook’s pet health website http://www.norbrook.com/pets-health/

Types of cat worms:

* Tapeworms: Dipylidium Caninum is a common type of tapeworms in cats. Cats infested with fleas are very likely to get tapeworms. Also cats hunting wildlife infested with tapeworm can be infested. Once the eggs are inside the cat’s intestine, they break down and mature into adult tapeworms. Then it attaches itself to the wall of the intestine and starts feeding on its nutrients. The tail segment drops off and passes through the cat stool. These segments contain the eggs and looks like rice grains when dried.

Tapeworms cannot be treated with over-the-counter dewormers. A veterinarian visit is a must.

* Hookworms: these are very thin and small worms which attach themselves to the wall of the cat’s intestine and suck blood. Cats infest hookworms by ingesting soil contaminated with hookworm eggs. Symptoms are bloody diarrhea, anemia, weakness and loss of stamina. Hookworms can be fatal, even cause death if not timely treated.

It’s diagnosed by examining stool sample of the cat.

* Roundworms: Most kittens are born with roundworm larvae in their tissues. They are migrated from the mother’s tissues right from the time the kitten was in the mother’s uterus. Cats can infest roundworms by eating infected lizards, birds and bugs or also by ingesting contaminated soil. The larvae migrates o the intestinal tracts and stay in the small intestine and grow into adult roundworms. The eggs are passed in the cat stool and they are capable of re-infecting the kitten, other dogs or cats, if the contaminated feces are eaten.

Roundworms can be fatal. If you see symptoms like pot belly and poor growth in your kitten, then visit the veterinarian immediately.

Precautions:

* Regularly remove feces from the backyard.
* De-worm you cat under veterinarian supervision.
* Get the cat stool examined regularly in persistent cases.
* Do not mix as they are poisonous and can be fatal and do not give any other wormer if your cat is currently under medication.
* Always visit a veterinarian if you see any symptoms of cat worms.

All cat worms can affect humans as well. And they also have high chances of re-infecting your pet. It is wise to get your cat treated by a veterinarian if you see or even suspect any kind of cat worms.

Signs of Hyperthyroidism in Cats

When too much hormone is produced, the result is an accelerated metabolism. You’ll notice that your cat is always harassing you for food, and is eating much more than usual. However, he is still losing weight. He may show behavioral changes such as meowing all the time, and passing feces in strange places. Some cat owners have no idea that their old friend has a problem until he starts defecating in the pot plants!

These symptoms are eventually enough of a problem that a visit to the veterinarian is in order. Your cat will then be found to have an extremely high heart rate and high blood pressure, which is also a characteristic of this disease. At this point, your vet will have a good idea of what is going on, and will recommend blood tests to confirm the diagnosis. The blood test will show an increased amount of thyroid hormone in your cat’s blood.

Treating an Overactive Thyroid Gland

The cause of this condition in your older cat is usually a benign tumor of the thyroid gland. If it isn’t treated, it can result in heart disease, kidney failure, blindness and death.

There are several ways this disease can be managed. Your vet will help you choose the best treatment for your cat based on his health and your family budget.

1. The thyroid gland tumor can be removed. This can result in a permanent cure but it can lead to its own set of problems. If it is necessary to remove the whole gland, then you’ll need to give your cat a thyroid hormone supplement for the rest of his life. There can also be problems with calcium metabolism after the surgery and of course, a general anesthetic in an elderly cat carries its own risks.

2. Your cat can be given medication to control the disease. He will need to take these tablets daily for the rest of his life. If he doesn’t like taking pills, then the medication is available as a gel that is applied to the skin inside his ear.

3. Treatment with radioactive iodine will destroy the abnormal thyroid gland and leave the remainder of the gland untouched. This usually results in a cure, but in some cases, another treatment is needed.

There’s no need for your cat to suffer the effects of hyperthyroidism. Treatment is available that will allow him to lead a normal life, without any symptoms of his disease.

If your cat is getting older, there are things you can do to make his life more enjoyable for him.

Grooming. Your older cat is susceptible to arthritis, just like dogs and people. A sore spine will make it difficult to for him to turn around and groom the fur on his back and sides. The hair can then become matted and uncomfortable. You will need to groom him more frequently, to break down the mats and tangles. Another part of grooming him is checking his claws. As he gets older, he is less likely to scratch at trees or scratching poles to keep his nails in trim. If you notice his claws getting a bit long, give him a manicure to stop him getting caught in the carpet or, even worse, the claw growing round and penetrating his footpad.

Sleeping. You can expect your cat to doze more as he ages. Give him a soft, comfortable and warm place to sleep. He shouldn’t need to climb or jump to get there, but it should still be well out of the way of your household traffic. He may enjoy a heating pad in the colder months but make sure it only heats up half of his bed. That way he can move away if he gets too warm.

Toileting. If your cat uses a cat flap, he may find it more difficult to open as he becomes more frail. Perhaps you could tie it open for him so he can get out easier. He will also appreciate a litter tray insdoors as well, because he may not have full control of his bladder and bowel and may not be able to hold on until he gets outside. Litter trays for your older cat should have shallow sides so he can step in and out easily.

Feeding. With age comes a reduction in the senses. Your older cat may not be able to smell or taste as well, so he can lose interest in his food. To counteract this, feed a strong smelling food, and warm it up a little in the microwave. Keep an eye out for dental disease that can make eating painful. Canned food is usually tastier than dry kibble, and easier to eat, so it’s the best choice for your feline senior citizen.

None of these take much time, effort or money, but they can make a significant difference to your elderly cat’s well being.

Causes of Hypertension

The most likely causes of high blood pressure, or hypertension, in cats are kidney disease and an overactive thyroid gland. There are no specific indicators that your cat has a problem with his blood pressure, but you may notice some signs of disease such as increased thirst, vomiting or weight loss.

Blood pressure in cats is measured with a cuff around his leg. Your vet will also recommend blood and urine tests to identify what is causing his hypertension.

Untreated, hypertension in your cat can cause serious secondary conditions.

Blindness occurs as blood vessels in the back of the eye rupture. Your cat may also have a stroke because of increased pressure in the blood vessels in his brain.

If his kidneys aren’t already diseased, then hypertension can cause problems with these organs.

Because his heart is working harder than usual, he may also develop congestive heart failure. The heart muscle thickens and it isn’t able to pump as effectively.

Treating Hypertension in Cats

This condition can be managed by giving your cat medication that reduces blood pressure. However, at the same time you need to properly diagnose and treat whatever is causing the hypertension. Otherwise his hypertension may persist and continue to cause problems.

If your cat has kidney disease, he will benefit from a prescription diet and possibly intravenous fluids, multivitamin injections and anabolic steroids. Treatment usually results in a significant improvement in his condition, and his blood pressure will return to normal.

Thyroid disease is treated with surgical removal of the affected part of the thyroid gland, or with medication.

Prognosis

Whether or not your cat’s hypertension can be effectively managed depends on the underlying cause.

Hyperthyroidism responds well to treatment, and your can can live a relatively normal life after his diagnosis. On the other hand, kidney disease in old cats is irreversible and progressive. He will initially improve and feel better after treatment, but ultimately he won’t respond very well.

Hypertension is known as the silent killer in cats, because they can have this disease with no specific symptoms. If you have any concerns about even subtle changes in your elderly cat’s health, have him examined straight away. The earlier these conditions are treated, the better his prognosis.

Firstly, his senses are blunted with age, so he can’t smell or taste his food as well as he used to. He may not be too interested in what you dish up to him.

Secondly, he may have some dental disease that is making it uncomfortable for him to eat his dry kibble.

Lastly, he may just not need as much food, because he is spending more time lying on the couch and less time running around your home and yard.

To make sure your feline senior citizen gets the best nutrition possible, here are some guidelines for feeding him as he advances in years.

1. Feed him small amounts frequently. He may enjoy grazing on his food over the course of a day. Be careful though; because he isn’t as active, he is more likely to gain weight which can lead to diabetes and other health conditions. Also, if you are feeding a canned food, this shouldn’t be left out for long because it can spoil.

2. Choose a well balanced diet that is designed for senior cats. These foods often have extra fiber to prevent constipation and quality protein to ease the load on his elderly kidneys.

3. If he is having trouble eating, have his teeth checked by your veterinarian. Most senior cats are likely to have some dental disease that is affecting their health. You may find that after his teeth are cleaned, he is much more interested in his dinner bowl. He may also prefer a soft food instead of hard kibble.

4. Make sure you serve his food at room temperature. If he is eating canned food, you can even warm it up slightly in the microwave, as this can make it smell better to them. Be careful to make sure it isn’t overheated, as if his mouth is burned, he is even less likely to want to eat.

If your overweight senior cat suddenly stops eating, it is vital that you take him to your vet. A lack of food intake can lead to some very serious health concerns in cats, and he may become very ill.

Good nutrition is important to cats of any age, but even more so as your cat gets older. The right diet will support his immune system and keep him in the best of health.

All cats are very good at hiding their illnesses which means they can be quite sick by the time they are treated. Here are some of the common conditions that affect a senior cat.

* Kidney disease in cats. Age related changes to the kidneys can make them work less effectively. One of the first signs of kidney disease in your older cat is that he will start drinking excessive amounts of water. This has to come out the other end, so he will spend more time visiting his litter tray. As the disease progresses, he is likely to lose weight and start vomiting.

* Degenerative joint disease. This is another name for arthritis, and it isn’t easy to diagnose in cats. They tend not to show an obvious limp, but instead are less likely to jump up onto the couch for a cuddle or step over the wall of their litter box. They may also have matted fur because they can’t bend over to groom themselves properly.

* Feline dental disease. This is the most common cause of your elderly cat losing his appetite. You may not notice anything obvious because some of the most painful tooth problems occur just at or below the gum line. Watch for any sign that your cat is dropping food out of his mouth or chewing on one side.

* Hyperthyroidism in cats. This results from an overproduction of thyroid hormones and basically turns up your cat’s metabolism. You’ll notice your cat will be constantly asking for food (and eating it) yet will still lose weight. He will often show behavioral changes such as meowing a lot and toileting in strange places.

* Feline anxiety. Your older cat may start to lose his sight and hearing, and this can be stressful. He may take a while to adjust to changes around your home, and he may become anxious about the things he can’t see or hear. Another cause of anxiety and behavior changes in your older cat is dementia. Watch for excessive yowling, pacing or disorientation.

Studies suggest that three quarters of behavioral changes in older cats are due to an undiagnosed medical condition. If you notice any changes in your cat’s behavior, have him checked by your vet straight away. These conditions can all be better managed when they are diagnosed early, leading to a happier and healthier life for your cat.