In my opinion cats make the best pets. I know that most people think that dogs are better - but if you really think about it cats are much easier to take care of. Cats don’t over eat most of the time, you don’t have to take them out in the middle of the night, they don’t jump all over you when you are tired, and yet they always know when to give you comfort.

They are some of the most independent creatures that you will ever run across and you will love them if you chose them as a pet. In order to take better care of them you need to be aware of the different Cat Illnesses that could hurt them at any time. I want to make people aware of just how many different diseases there are and how you can take care of them.

Kittens are adorable and there is something about them that makes them irresistible. It could be the fact that they are so tiny and fragile or maybe because they have what it takes to put a smile on our face. That is why it makes us sad if something were to happen to them.

Unfortunately there is always a possibility that a kitten will become sick. The best thing you can do for a sick kitten is to take them to your local veterinarian. Only they will have what it takes to diagnose them and treat them properly.

It is a good thing to know how to spot whether or not your kitten is sick. One of the most common cat disease that can affect your kitten is upper respiratory infection or URI. This is a secondary bacterial infection that can hurt young kittens because their immune system is not yet fully developed.

Symptoms Of URI

• Sneezing
• Fever
• Red and watery eyes
• Loss of appetite
• Runny nose
• Dehydration
• Increased drooling

The great thing about cats is that 50% of them will live indoors and be content. Then there are the other half that will do everything they can to get outside. I had a cat that try as we might did not want to live indoors. We had to make sure that every time we entered or left the home she didn’t escape.  

 But there were times when she managed to and we would have to wait for her to come back. One time she came back with a little gift - fleas! Anyone who has dealt with fleas knows just how frustrating and difficult it can be to get rid of them. They multiply quickly and they will attach themselves to anything that your cat is near. This includes; clothes, furniture, and even you! 

 In order to get rid of fleas of you first need to treat your cat. It doesn’t do any good to treat your home if your cat is still carrying them. There are many different flea treatments that you can purchase. Find one that is safe for both you and your cat and that works fast. Whatever one you choose make sure that you follow the instructions carefully. 

 After you have treated your cat it is time to take care of your home. You will need to vacuum every room and everything in your home everyday. Once you have finished vacuuming you will need to throw out the vacuum bags. If your bedding has been exposed heavily to fleas then it is time to toss them out and find some new ones to use.

You can also purchase flea treatments for your home. You will need to find something that is strong enough to kill the cocoons and is safe to use around pets and children. Again you will need to make sure that you follow the directions carefully.  

Feline cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle. During this disease the heart walls will thicken to an extent or they will stretch. No matter which one happens that heart itself will not be able to function properly and could cause heart failure. 

 Research has shown that a deficiency of taurine - which is an essential amino acid in a cat’s diet - could be the cause of CM. For the longest time many commercial cat foods did not supply enough taurine. That was until they discovered the problems it was causing and gave it the proper amount.  

 Hyperthyroidism - a non cancerous growth of the thyroid gland - can create a variation of the hypertrophy form of cardiomyopathy. This is considered to be a restrictive form and can be associated with an inflammatory process in the heart muscle that cannot be identified. 

 Yet, it seems that most cases of feline cardiomyopathy is not caused by either of these. Research has not yet been unable to unearth the true reason for this disease.  

 CM can cause fluid to fill in the lungs - which can lead to congestive heart failure. The good thing is this can be treated. The vet will be able to treat this by physically removing the fluid. If your cat is experiencing an increased rate of perspiration than they may have already experienced at least one episode of heart failure.  

 Vets will usually prescribe medication to help improve their condition and to maintain a normal lifestyle and appetite for the cat. If you have noticed that your cat has not eaten for several days than your vet might recommend that they use a feeding tube to give them the nutrients and calories that they need.