FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis)
FIP is a disease that kills 1 in 100 to 1 in 300 of all cats under ages 3-5. The incidence can be five to 10 times greater among young cats coming from catteries and shelters. FIP is virtually 100% fatal, and there is no treatment or cure. FIP can manifest suddenly -- weeks, months or even years after initial infection. Therefore, cat lovers usually experience the heartbreak of this disease long after they have developed strong emotional bonds with their pets."
FIP is a mutation of the corona virus that is dormant in about 85% of all cats. Perhaps less than 5% of felines with dormant, benign corona virus will mutate to the deadly FIP form, and there doesn't seem to be any way to determine which cats will and which won't. Some cats are born with it and other acquire it by inhaling or ingesting the virus - so it IS contagious. The test for FIP is pretty useless as it will identify the benign corona virus as potential FIP, which would rarely be the case given the statistics. This can alarm a cat owner needlessly. There is a vaccine for FIP, BUT it is a very controversial issue because it is a live virus that can actually give the cat FIP rather than protect it against it. Most cat associations and vets, as well as breeders, will advise against the vaccine for this reason. There is no cure for FIP and most cats with FIP ultimately die from it. Here are some of the symptoms: weakness, depression, decreased appetite, fever, yellow skin, labored breathing, a pot-bellied appearance, drinking and urinating excessively, neurological problems, stumbling, behavior changes, convulsions, unhealthy coat, and bad breath. The non-effusive (dry) form of FIP affects many organs, including kidneys, liver, lungs, and eyes. It can also cause central nervous system disease. The effusive (wet) form causes fluid accumulation in the chest and abdomen and breathing difficulties.
For more info on FIP please click HERE.
Is Your Cat Suffering From Allergies??
You have the sniffles, watery, itchy eyes, and/or rash. You are suffering from allergies.
Did you know your cat can also suffer from allergies? The main allergy symptom in cats is itchiness. It is important as pet owners to learn how to recognize feline allergies so that you can help your veterinarian diagnose and treat your cat for the condition.
Allergies develop due to the immune system's overreaction to allergens or foreign objects, such as flea saliva, pollen, and food proteins. Cats typically develop allergies when they are young or middle-aged.
There are four basic types of feline allergies: contact, food, inhaled, and flea. Each of these allergies will be discussed as well as how allergies are diagnosed and treated below.
Flea allergies: Flea allergies are the most common type of feline allergy. While a cat who does not have flea allergies might experience minor irritation and itching from fleas or fleabites, a feline with flea allergies experiences extreme itchiness from one flea or fleabite. A cat who possesses flea allergies will scratch and bite at his or her fur excessively, even to the point of hair loss. Additionally, a cat with flea allergies might cause scabs and sores on his or her skin, which could lead to a skin infection. A cat with flea allergies will scratch around his or her tail.
Inhaled allergies: Inhaled allergies, also known as atopy, are common among cats. Inhaled allergies occur when a cat's immune system overreacts to some substance in its environment. Inhaled allergies include pollen, mold, pet dander, mildew, and dust mites. Cats suffering from inhaled allergies tend to scratch their face, feet, stomach, "arm pits," and chest. Sometimes felines with inhaled allergies also exhibit sneezing, wheezing, and other respiratory problems.
Food allergies: Food allergies do not typically appear immediately in felines; rather, they appear after a cat has been eating the same food for a long time. Symptoms of this type of feline allergy are excessive itching around the neck and head. Sometimes cats scratch and bite their neck and head so much it leads to hair loss. Other symptoms of food allergies may include ear infections and digestive problems, especially gas and diarrhea. Food allergies are non-seasonal, unlike inhaled allergies.
Contact allergies: When a cat possesses a contact allergy, he or she will scratch the spot in which he or she came in contact with the irritating material. Contact allergies can include a flea collar, a blanket, or a rug. Contact allergies are the least common kind of allergy among felines.