Taking care of Cats

Cat lovers do not need to really feel down within the mouth about protecting their pets from severe illness. Actually, their cat's mouth is a great starting point. Research conducted recently implies that cats with typical types of oral illness possess a greater rate of testing positive for additional severe diseases.

The good thing is by using early detection and correct veterinary care, cats with severe diseases for example feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), the feline version of HIV, and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) can live lengthy and healthy lives. Having cats tested is really a main factor in slowing multiplication of those diseases.

Approximately 31 million cats within the U. S. are in risk for FIV and FeLV. These diseases are dispersed from cat to cat (they can't be spread to individuals) and therefore are extremely contagious. Since cats with FIV and FeLV usually have no visible symptoms and several cat owners aren't conscious their cat continues to be exposed, it is very important to possess cats tested. Treatment generally includes a nutritional diet plan, closer monitoring and much more frequent visits towards the vet.

The research, conducted by veterinary clinics round the country, discovered one out of each and every eight cats which had some form of oral illness also tested positive for FIV, FeLV or both. Cats with oral diseases are 4 times more prone to have those conditions than cats with out.

"This study encourages testing cats which have gingivitis along with other oral diseases for FIV and FeLV infection. This provides veterinarians useful new info within their efforts to address these contagious viruses, " said Dr. Jan Bellows, a diplomate from the American Veterinary Dental College and also the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners.

Cat owners ought to use their veterinarian to determine a normal schedule of comprehensive wellness exams, such as dental screenings and FIV/FeLV testing.

The American Association of Feline Practitioners says the cat also needs to be tested for FIV/FeLV:

• When sick, no matter previous negative results. Signs and symptoms of illness can include alterations in behavior, grooming and diet plan.

• When cats and kittens, no matter age, are newly adopted.

• When cats reside in households with unknown infection status. Infected cats who don't put on symptoms can continue to transmit the viruses to uninfected cats.

• When cats have experienced potential exposure, whether or not they snuck outdoors or got inside a fight having a cat of unknown infection status.

• Annually, specifically for cats that fight or accept infected cats.

The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends cat owners visit their veterinarians for any wellness exam twice yearly.