Health Problems In Cats

It may come as a surprise, if you're a new cat owner, that many health problems may befall your feline friend. Some problems are easily preventable, while others are hereditary.

Hairballs

Hairballs are among the most common of cat health problems. cats groom themselves almost constantly, and swallow the loose hair that comes off their tongues. Occasionally, the hair gathers into a ball and lodges in the cat's digestive tract instead of passing on through the body. If your cat starts coughing and hacking, he probably has a hairball. While the end product is unpleasant for the owner, most cats don't have a problem dislodging hairballs.

However, hairballs can occasionally pass into a cat's intestines and cause a blockage. This can be a life-threatening problem. There are a few signs to look for to see if your cat's hairball is dangerous. If your cat is constipated, off his feed, or is lethargic with a dull coat, then he could have a serious blockage. A vet exam is definitely in order.

To prevent hairballs, groom your cat frequently to remove loose hair. In addition, feed your cat food that helps control hairballs.

Worms

For many cats, worms are a recurring problem. Roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms most commonly infect cats. cats can occasionally develop heartworms, as well. If your cat seems unable to gain weight, is infested with fleas, or has white specks that look like grains of rice in his stools, take him to the veterinarian for worm testing.

Worms are easily cured with a few doses of medication, but if left untreated, they can be fatal.

Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections are another common health problem in cats. This infection is particularly common in unneutered male cats, although female cats can also develop this problem. If your cat suddenly stops using the litter box, a urinary tract infection is suspect. If your cat's urine smells strong, again a urinary tract infection may be the cause. These infections need to be treated by a veterinarian. Ask about cat foods that reduce the likelihood of another infection.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

FIP is caused by a mutation of the corona virus. According to some experts, cats living in multi-cat environments tend to test positive for enteric corona virus. cats can live with that virus remaining quietly in the intestines with no sign of disease for their entire lifetime. In other cases, probably a genetic pre-disposition, the virus mutates into FIP.

Once a cat has contracted FIP, it will display symptoms of a mild upper respiratory infection: sneezing, watery eyes, and nasal discharge. It may also have diarrhea, weight loss and lethargy. Most cats fully recover from this primary infection, although some may become virus carriers. A small percentage of exposed cats develop lethal FIP weeks or even years after the primary infection.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

FIV, or cat aids, is not always fatal. FIV decreases the ability of the cat's immune system to fight infections. cats with FIV may remain free of symptoms for years. It is when the cat contracts other illnesses in the chronic stage of FIV infection that FIV is first suspected. This long list of illnesses includes oral-cavity infections, upper-respiratory infections, weight loss, ear infections, kidney disease, and many others. Although there is, as yet, no vaccine, all cats should be tested for the virus. The virus is transmitted through saliva, usually when a cat is bitten in a cat fight.

Feline Leukemia Virus

FLV was, until recently, the most common fatal disease of cats. But with a vaccine now available, the number of cases is dwindling. Although the name leukemia means cancer of the white blood cells, this is only 1 of the many diseases associated with this virus, such as other types of cancer, anemia, arthritis and respiratory infections. FLV is preventable if the cat is immunized before being exposed to the virus. Although the disease is not always immediately fatal, cats with FLV rarely have a long life expectancy. NEVER bring other cats into your household when you have a cat with FLV.

Lyme disease

If your cat spends time outdoors, you should check him regularly for ticks. If you find a tick on your cat's body and he has been lethargic and acts as if he is in pain, ask your vet to test for Lyme disease. This disease is transmitted to people and animals by deer ticks.

Some cats may show subtle symptoms while others may show none -- symptoms are hard to recognize and often may be confused with other illnesses or old age. Be observant of your pet's behavior. It is the only way to know if your pet has contracted Lyme disease if no tick was found. Some symptoms of Feline Lyme disease include:

(a) lethargy,
(b) reluctance to jump or climb stairs,
(c) limping, or reluctance to put weight on a paw,
(d) loss of appetite.

The key to dealing with Feline Lyme disease is prevention and early diagnosis and treatment. You should reduce the tick population around your home with simple landscape changes and spraying.

Good health Care

Taking your cat for a regular check-up with the vet, and keeping all vaccinations on schedule will help assure your cat a long and healthy life. Prevention is the first line of defense for most feline illnesses.

Many owners keep their cats indoors to protect them from cars, from cat fights which may expose them to deadly viruses, from ticks, and other hazards.

Outdoor cats will enjoy greater freedom, but require a watchful eye, loving attention to their health status, and regular visits to the veterinarian.

Visit New Cat to learn more. Copyright 2005 Ron King. Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact.

3 Yoga Blocks

Enjoying Exercise for Stress Relief

stress is an everyday challenge faced by millions of people all around the globe. There are just so many causes of stress today, aren't there? We worry about our work; about our finances; about our family and partners; often our friends cause us grief. Yes, so many of us suffer from stress, but how many think of using exercise for stress relief?

Certainly, medication and a visit to your doctor can help - in fact if stress is overwhelming this should be a priority! - but before things get that bad, consider the stress relief that comes from exercise. It's well known in the medical profession that exercise for stress relief calms both body and mind, and can help bring all kind of daily worries into perspective.

Examples of exercise for stress Relief

Probably the most effective exercise for stress relief is Yoga. This is because it calms the mind and body by centering all energy on relaxation, which in turn helps us be at peace or 'in tune with' our surroundings. This is good in itself, but this sensation of peace and tranquility can pervade our lives for hours after the stress relief exercise session.

However, some people find the 'slowing down' aspect of Yoga difficult, so for them a more suitable stress relief exercise may be Aerobics. This is a more up-beat exercise that stimulates the flow of endorphins, i.e. chemicals which bring about feelings of happiness and security - and they are 100% good for us! Ridding ourselves of stored-up energy by performing aerobic exercise is something that will bring stress relief very quickly.

More Tips for stress Relief exercise

If you choose Yoga as a stress relief exercise but you feel daunted by the time and endurance required, why not try a few easier moves that anyone can do everyday? These will keep your stress in check!

The first involves breathing. Ideally it should be done lying flat on your back, but it can be done seated or standing:

* Ensure that your arms are straight against your sides and you're facing straight ahead.

* Close your eyes and breathe in slowly and deeply through the nose for five seconds.

* Now breath out through the mouth for five seconds.

* Do this twenty times, resisting any urge to speed up.

* Concentrate on clearing everything from your mind by focusing on your breath.

Another Yoga exercise for stress relief can be performed before or after the breathing exercise, and this one is a little more energetic. Lower yourself on your hands and knees, head facing down. Now lift your right leg and bring your knee in toward your face.

As the knee comes forward, exhale slowly. Next, push your right leg back until it is behind your body, and breath in slowly while doing this. When your leg is suspended in mid-air behind your trunk, hold it for three seconds along with your breath. Do this ten times with each leg.

There are, of course, many forms of exercise for stress relief and this article has only given you a tiny sample. If the thought of exercise puts you off, why not try it anyway - just to see if it works? When you begin to reap the benefits and feel more calm, centered and relaxed, and when you become aware of your increased energy and enthusiasm, you'll be more than happy to make exercise for stress relief a part of your daily life.

Frank McGinty is a teacher, counselor, and internationally published author, with lots of experience in helping people improve their lives. Would you too like to overcome stress and anxiety - and be happy, optimistic and prosperous? Discover some outstanding resources here: http://www.stressreliefgold.com

And read Frank's review of the best-selling package, The PowerPause, at http://powerpause.fssgold.com

Cl Nyc Yoga