CLIENT INFORMATION ON CATS
CLIENT INFORMATION ON CATS
Cats are seasonal in that their reproductive cycle turns off as daylight decreases (early Oct. through Dec.). Cats are sexually mature at six or seven months of age. Because of the "turned off" season cats first come into heat (and become pregnant) between six and ten months. A female cat in heat (in estrus) shows behaviors like rolling, howling, rubbing, affection and trying to get outside to breed. They may assume a position with their front crouched down and rear end raised. Average length of heat is 5 to 8 days but may be up to 3 weeks. Cats ovulate only when bred. The estrus cycles repeats (polyestrus) constantly until they are bred. If breeding does not occur, the cat goes out of heat for an average of 8 to 9 days and then the heat period will begin again. The cat will continue to cycle in this way, if she is not bred, until the end of the season (August to October). Pregnant cats begin cycling 2 to 8 weeks after the kittens are born. Average pregnancy length is 65 days. Cats may go into heat while still nursing a litter.
FIP FELINE INFECTIOUS PERITONITS
FIP, is a corona virus that causes a fatal infection in cats. Infection with the FIP virus can result in two different disease types. One form is called "wet" because fluid fills up the abdomen and/or chest cavities, while the other "dry" form causes vague signs including fever and weight loss and/or inflammation of the intestines, eyes or nervous system. The virus is transmitted by ingestion of stool or saliva from an infected cat. Incubation period varies, with some cats becoming ill 3 to 4 weeks after exposure while others have the virus but not develop illness for months or years.
Diagnosis
FIP is difficult to diagnose. Currently, there is no specific blood test for FIP . Diagnosis is made by correlating the cat's history, physical examination and laboratory findings. In the "wet" form of the disease, analysis of the fluid from the abdomen or chest is often helpful in supporting the diagnosis. Sometimes an antibody titer is run on the cat's blood. The titer measures antibodies against all corona viruses, including FIP. Results are often confusing as there are many corona viruses other than the one which causes FIP. A cat may have a high titer if it has been exposed to a corona virus, but not have FIP disease. Some cats that have FIP disease have a low antibody titer because their immune system is responding poorly to the viral attack. A marked increase in a cat's corona virus titer between two blood samples taken a couple of weeks apart suggests active FIP infection. Tissue biopsies of affected organs are currently the only definitive test for FIP disease.
Treatment
There is no cure for the FIP virus once a cat is infected. Cortisone can be prescribed to suppress the inflammation caused by the virus and to improve the cat's appetite and general attitude. Antibiotics maybe needed to fight secondary bacterial infections, but will not kill the virus. The disease progresses in severity until the affected cats either die or are euthanized due to their poor condition.
Vaccination
A vaccine for FIP is available. Healthy cats older than 16 weeks are given a nasal vaccine with a booster vaccine 3 weeks later. One yearly vaccine is needed thereafter. Although some veterinarians are recommending vaccination for FIP for all cats, most experts advise vaccinating only in high risk circumstances like breeding facilities, multi-cat households (³ 3 cats), or if another cat in the household has been diagnosed with FIP.
PREVENTING LITTERBOX PROBLEMS IN CATS
MAKE THE LITTERBOX THE MOST DESIRABLE PLACE FOR THE CAT TO GO
1. Litterbox cleanliness: Clean the box daily of feces (and urine clumps if scoopable litter is used). Empty the box completely and clean with soap and water once a week.
2. The number of litterboxes in the house should equal the number of cats plus one. This may be impractical for households with 2 or more cats, but use as many boxes as you can.
3. Box type: The size of the litterbox should be appropriate for the size of the cat, i.e. bigger cats need bigger boxes. Most cats do not like hoods on the box. They trap the odor making the box unpleasant for the cat.
4. Litter type: Avoid scented litter. Some cats have a preference for the way a certain litter feels. Try putting several different types of litter in separate shallow cardboard boxes. Try one box of clay litter, one or two different "scoopable" litters, and one of sand or dirt. Line up the boxes and see which one the cat chooses to use. Many cats prefer EverClean scoopable litter (available at pet stores).
5. Location: Do not put food and water bowls next to the litterbox (cats don't like to eat in their bathrooms). The litterbox should be in quiet, easily accessible, low-traffic areas. Make sure the sides of the box are not too high for old or weak cats to climb over.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CAT IS STILL NOT USING THE BOX
1. Make sure you have followed all the advice in steps #1-5 above to make the box as desirable as possible for the cat to use.
2. If the cat is straining to urinate or defecate, any blood or discoloration is noted in the urine or stool, or if the cat seems unwell in any other way, a medical problem may exist. An exam with a veterinarian may help determine if a physical problem may be causing the cat to eliminate outside the box.
3. If the cat is urinating outside the box but defecates in the box, chooses spots near windows, doors or on vertical surfaces, or backs up and sprays urine then this may be territorial marking behavior. Consultation with a veterinarian may help to determine if this is the problem. Behavioral modification or anti-anxiety drugs may be prescribed.
4. Make any areas where the cat has urinated or defecated as unattractive as possible to the cat to discourage repeated use. Get Nature's Miracle cleaner. Clean the areas as directed. DO NOT USE AMMONIA TO CLEAN SOILED AREAS. Make the area inaccessible to the cat. Close off the room or cover the area with plastic or tin foil. Keep the cat off the area for 1 to 2 MONTHS. Most cats never have a problem with their bathroom habits. Elimination problems are most common, in households with multiple cats.
5. Ask us about using cat phermones (Feliway®) to help with the problem.
Please call us if you have any further questions or if you need to set up a behavioral consultation 683-7788.
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