By: Paulina Jenkins..
Burmese cat has its origin in Thailand, Malaya and Burma. It is generally believed to be descended from a breed of cats called Thong Daeng that lived in the Thai temples. In the cat poems of Thailand they were portrayed as heroic protectors of their homes. They first arrived in the West in the 1930s in the form of a Burmese called Wong Mau. A sailor from the East gave the cat to Dr. Joseph Thompson of San Francisco. From this cat came the modern Burmese breed today.
The Burmese cat is muscular, heavy boned and medium in size. It has a round head, a long neck and a short muzzle. The eyes of this cat are large and are set widely apart. The color of the eyes is usually golden yellow. Burmese cats have legs that are long and slender and paws that are oval shaped. The Burmese cat is a cat breed with short hairs. The coat is short and glossy and comes in many colors. Some of the colors are brown, sable, chocolate, red, lilac, cream, blue, silver, platinum and tortie. The Burmese cat has a lighter colored under parts than the rest of the body. They have a long lifespan usually between 18 and 20 years. The litter size of a Burmese cat is around 1 to 8.
Burmese is so much like a dog in many ways. They enjoy playing fletch like the dogs. They are outgoing, social, acrobatic and quite talkative. Burmese cats are intelligent and love to be with humans. They enjoy sleeping on your lap and in your bed at night. Burmese does not like to be left alone on its own without company.
Burmese cats are suitable for either a single owner, or for a family. They love water, and will play with a dripping faucet for hours. Since they can get bored and lonely, you should provide your cat with a companion to play with, as well as toys to keep him or her occupied. Burmese cats are great talkers, and will communicate in their own way for long periods of time.
It is very easy to care for Burmese cats as they do not require any special attention. Give your cat a regular bath and brush to keep its coat clean and shiny. If your cat is allowed to go outdoors be sure to check for fleas and other parasites on a regular basis. The Burmese cat is generally a healthy breed but ensure veterinary checkups are regular just in case of any health problems. They do sometimes suffer from a condition called Corneal Dermoid. This condition can be rectified by surgery to remove the skin or hair that has attached to the cornea of their eyes
Since Burmese cats shed little, they require minimal maintenance. Be sure that you feed your cat high quality cat food, with little filler and lots of good proteins, to maintain optimal health and a shiny, attractive coat. Remember that while Burmese cats can be great companions, they are not for everyone. They can be noisy and demanding if they do not receive enough attention, especially if you have a female Burmese. Be prepared to pay a lot of attention to your Burmese cat, and he or she will make a great companion.
Article Source: http://www.articleselections.com
About the Author: Paulina Jenkins has a website dedicated to variuos breed of cats. Burmese Cat is a social and talkative breed. Burmese Cat is a cat that needs minimal maintenance.
Should You Own A Persian Cat?
By: Paulina Jenkins..
Very often the Persian cat is considered to be the best looking, friendly and docile cat breed. It is also believed to be one of the world's oldest cat breeds. Generally it is accepted that the Persian cat has its origin in Persia. This region is the Iranian plateau between the Hindukush Mountains and Mesopotamia. Hence the Persian cat was named. Owning a Persian cat is equivalent to possessing a great work of art.
The Persian cat is known for its long, flowing coat of fur. These cats are available in nearly every color. This includes solid color, tortoiseshell, tabby, and even blue. Physical indicators for Persian cats include their round heads and massively built bodies with a short neck. Their eyes are large, round, and wide set, and they have small, rounded ears and short, wide noses.
The body of the Persian is short and wide with a short bushy tail. They have thick short legs and firm round feet. Persians are medium in built weighing between 8 to 15 lbs. With proper care Persians can live up to 15 years and above. The Persian cat has a sweet, melodious voice.
The Persian is very adaptable and can be a single owner pet or a family pet. Persians are not good jumpers because they only have short legs. They are good at interacting with their humans and very responsive to the owners' emotions. Some of them can be aloof and quiet households are more preferable. Persians are people orientated and love any kind of attention from their humans.
To keep a Persian cat in good health you have to take preventive and consistent care. Persians have certain common health weaknesses. Some of these are cherry eye, tear duct overflow, seborrhea oleosa, polycystic kidney disease, entropion, dental malocclusions and nostril constriction.
The Persian is an intelligent, friendly and interactive cat. However, there is a lot of work involved to maintain your pet properly. As Persians can suffer from tear staining you need to wash their faces everyday. Their teeth need brushing, and their coats need to be brushed daily. Persians have such long hair and become tangled easily; therefore, daily brushing is important. When the cat sheds more hair during shedding months you have to give your pet more brushing.
Persian cats should have regular vaccinations. This means keeping their rabies and other shots up to date. Make sure to take your feline in for regular check ups to keep your pet happy and healthy. Remember that some plants are toxic to cats, including many house plants. Consult your vet for plants you should keep your Persian away from. Look for commercial cat foods that contain a high quantity of protein, and avoid those that contain a large number of grains or fillers.
Some owners choose to have their cats groomed regularly by a professional. If you do not do this and choose to groom your Persian cat yourself, make sure you have the right supplies. Appropriate grooming supplies for Persians include towels, mild shampoo, a good pet brush, and ointment for their eyes.
Before you decide to owing a Persian cat you must be aware it is a lot of work involved. If you are unable to give your Persian cat the daily required grooming then the Persian is not for you. The veterinary costs for a Persian are expensive and necessary. Do not get a Persian if you cannot afford the expenses. For people who can give the attention and love the Persian cat will become your best friend and loyal companion for life.
Article Source: http://www.articleselections.com
About the Author: Paulina Jenkins has a website where she shares information on all breeds of cats. The Persian Cat is one of the most ancient cat breeds.The Persian Cat is also considered to be one of the most beautiful longhaired cat breeds.
Very often the Persian cat is considered to be the best looking, friendly and docile cat breed. It is also believed to be one of the world's oldest cat breeds. Generally it is accepted that the Persian cat has its origin in Persia. This region is the Iranian plateau between the Hindukush Mountains and Mesopotamia. Hence the Persian cat was named. Owning a Persian cat is equivalent to possessing a great work of art.
The Persian cat is known for its long, flowing coat of fur. These cats are available in nearly every color. This includes solid color, tortoiseshell, tabby, and even blue. Physical indicators for Persian cats include their round heads and massively built bodies with a short neck. Their eyes are large, round, and wide set, and they have small, rounded ears and short, wide noses.
The body of the Persian is short and wide with a short bushy tail. They have thick short legs and firm round feet. Persians are medium in built weighing between 8 to 15 lbs. With proper care Persians can live up to 15 years and above. The Persian cat has a sweet, melodious voice.
The Persian is very adaptable and can be a single owner pet or a family pet. Persians are not good jumpers because they only have short legs. They are good at interacting with their humans and very responsive to the owners' emotions. Some of them can be aloof and quiet households are more preferable. Persians are people orientated and love any kind of attention from their humans.
To keep a Persian cat in good health you have to take preventive and consistent care. Persians have certain common health weaknesses. Some of these are cherry eye, tear duct overflow, seborrhea oleosa, polycystic kidney disease, entropion, dental malocclusions and nostril constriction.
The Persian is an intelligent, friendly and interactive cat. However, there is a lot of work involved to maintain your pet properly. As Persians can suffer from tear staining you need to wash their faces everyday. Their teeth need brushing, and their coats need to be brushed daily. Persians have such long hair and become tangled easily; therefore, daily brushing is important. When the cat sheds more hair during shedding months you have to give your pet more brushing.
Persian cats should have regular vaccinations. This means keeping their rabies and other shots up to date. Make sure to take your feline in for regular check ups to keep your pet happy and healthy. Remember that some plants are toxic to cats, including many house plants. Consult your vet for plants you should keep your Persian away from. Look for commercial cat foods that contain a high quantity of protein, and avoid those that contain a large number of grains or fillers.
Some owners choose to have their cats groomed regularly by a professional. If you do not do this and choose to groom your Persian cat yourself, make sure you have the right supplies. Appropriate grooming supplies for Persians include towels, mild shampoo, a good pet brush, and ointment for their eyes.
Before you decide to owing a Persian cat you must be aware it is a lot of work involved. If you are unable to give your Persian cat the daily required grooming then the Persian is not for you. The veterinary costs for a Persian are expensive and necessary. Do not get a Persian if you cannot afford the expenses. For people who can give the attention and love the Persian cat will become your best friend and loyal companion for life.
Article Source: http://www.articleselections.com
About the Author: Paulina Jenkins has a website where she shares information on all breeds of cats. The Persian Cat is one of the most ancient cat breeds.The Persian Cat is also considered to be one of the most beautiful longhaired cat breeds.
Cat Cancer-A Brief Explanation
By: Catharine Wells
For cat owners, there's nothing more terrifying and distressing than to find out that your beloved feline companion has developed a malignant tumor or tumors. In order to give your cat the best chance to survive a case of feline cancer, it's important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Also, having a basic understanding of cat cancer and the steps involved in fighting the disease can help make the process of diagnosis and treatment less confusing and overwhelming.
What is Cancer?
Cancer involves the unregulated proliferation of cells resulting in the formation malignant tumors. This type of uncontrolled growth occurs when gene mutations are caused by damaged DNA. Typically, any damaged cells would be destroyed by the animal's immune system; however, cancerous cells are able to avoid destruction by the immune system and, therefore, continue to grow in their unregulated manner. These cells then form a mass known as a tumor, which can either be benign or malignant. Malignant tumors are the cancerous ones, and they can be very aggressive and dangerous.
Types of Cat Cancer
There are so many different types of cat cancer that it's not possible to discuss all of them here. Cancer can originate in and affect almost all parts of the feline body; however, there are certain types of cat cancer that are more common than others. These include bladder cancer as well as various abdominal cancers which can affect the kidneys, intestines, spleen, and liver. Feline leukemia and malignant skin tumors also affect cats quite frequently.
Causes
In most cases, it's impossible to identify one or more particular causes of cancer in a feline patient. The potential causes and triggers of this disease are numerous and encompass both genetic and environmental factors. For example, hereditary defects and toxic chemicals can both play a role in the development of cat cancer. Radiation and viruses such as the Feline Leukemia Virus are also known to increase a cat's risk of developing cancer. With so many potential triggers and contributing factors, the cause of feline cancer in a particular cat will often remain unknown.
Common Symptoms
Since there are so many different forms of cat cancer, the type of the disease that is affecting a particular cat will determine the type of symptoms and warning signs exhibited. For example, excessive drooling and trouble with eating could be signs of mouth cancer while stiffness and difficulty with movement could be symptoms of bone cancer. However, even though the warning signs of cancer will differ with each type of the disease, there are certain symptoms that are common to various forms of cancer. These warning signs include weight loss and loss of appetite, abnormal and firm swelling, a lack of interest in daily activities, trouble with eating, an offensive odor, and unusual stiffness or lameness.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of cat cancer will be reached through an evaluation of symptoms and clinical signs as well as the results of various diagnostic procedures. Since there are so many different types of feline cancer, there are a number of diagnostic tools and tests that may be necessary to confirm and identify a particular case of this disease. Certain tools and tests that may be employed include blood tests, biopsies, x-rays, and CT scans. Once the presence of a particular form of cat cancer has been confirmed, the veterinarian will also need to evaluate the stage of the disease in order to implement an appropriate treatment plan.
Treatment
When a cat has been diagnosed as having cancer, the necessary treatment plan will depend on a number of different factors, including the type of cancer present and the stage of the disease. Examples of treatment methods frequently used for various forms of cat cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is part of a holistic health approach to treatment and is often used in conjunction with other treatments. This particular form of therapy involves using a variety of natural supplements to boost the cat's immune system in order to provide the animal with a greater ability to fight the cancer as well as to withstand other forms of treatment such as chemotherapy. In some cases, treatment for cat cancer will successfully eradicate the disease but, unfortunately, in other cases treatment will only serve to slow the progress of the cancer.
Prevention
Since the potential contributing factors with respect to the development of cat cancer are so numerous, it can be difficult and even impossible to predict and prevent cancer in many cases. Yet, there are certain steps that pet owners can take to help lower the chances of their feline friends developing this terrible disease. Often, a holistic health care approach is very beneficial in this regard. By promoting and protecting your cat's overall health with a good diet, a healthy living environment, and natural supplements, you will be boosting the strength and function of your pet's immune system. As a result, your feline companion will have a stronger defense against cancer and all other feline medical problems and will be more likely to live a long and healthy life.
Article Source: http://www.articleselections.com
About Author:
Catharine Wells is a freelance writer who writes about topics concerning pet care such as Cat Cancer | Cat Hyperthyroidism | Cat Kidney Disease
For cat owners, there's nothing more terrifying and distressing than to find out that your beloved feline companion has developed a malignant tumor or tumors. In order to give your cat the best chance to survive a case of feline cancer, it's important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Also, having a basic understanding of cat cancer and the steps involved in fighting the disease can help make the process of diagnosis and treatment less confusing and overwhelming.
What is Cancer?
Cancer involves the unregulated proliferation of cells resulting in the formation malignant tumors. This type of uncontrolled growth occurs when gene mutations are caused by damaged DNA. Typically, any damaged cells would be destroyed by the animal's immune system; however, cancerous cells are able to avoid destruction by the immune system and, therefore, continue to grow in their unregulated manner. These cells then form a mass known as a tumor, which can either be benign or malignant. Malignant tumors are the cancerous ones, and they can be very aggressive and dangerous.
Types of Cat Cancer
There are so many different types of cat cancer that it's not possible to discuss all of them here. Cancer can originate in and affect almost all parts of the feline body; however, there are certain types of cat cancer that are more common than others. These include bladder cancer as well as various abdominal cancers which can affect the kidneys, intestines, spleen, and liver. Feline leukemia and malignant skin tumors also affect cats quite frequently.
Causes
In most cases, it's impossible to identify one or more particular causes of cancer in a feline patient. The potential causes and triggers of this disease are numerous and encompass both genetic and environmental factors. For example, hereditary defects and toxic chemicals can both play a role in the development of cat cancer. Radiation and viruses such as the Feline Leukemia Virus are also known to increase a cat's risk of developing cancer. With so many potential triggers and contributing factors, the cause of feline cancer in a particular cat will often remain unknown.
Common Symptoms
Since there are so many different forms of cat cancer, the type of the disease that is affecting a particular cat will determine the type of symptoms and warning signs exhibited. For example, excessive drooling and trouble with eating could be signs of mouth cancer while stiffness and difficulty with movement could be symptoms of bone cancer. However, even though the warning signs of cancer will differ with each type of the disease, there are certain symptoms that are common to various forms of cancer. These warning signs include weight loss and loss of appetite, abnormal and firm swelling, a lack of interest in daily activities, trouble with eating, an offensive odor, and unusual stiffness or lameness.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of cat cancer will be reached through an evaluation of symptoms and clinical signs as well as the results of various diagnostic procedures. Since there are so many different types of feline cancer, there are a number of diagnostic tools and tests that may be necessary to confirm and identify a particular case of this disease. Certain tools and tests that may be employed include blood tests, biopsies, x-rays, and CT scans. Once the presence of a particular form of cat cancer has been confirmed, the veterinarian will also need to evaluate the stage of the disease in order to implement an appropriate treatment plan.
Treatment
When a cat has been diagnosed as having cancer, the necessary treatment plan will depend on a number of different factors, including the type of cancer present and the stage of the disease. Examples of treatment methods frequently used for various forms of cat cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is part of a holistic health approach to treatment and is often used in conjunction with other treatments. This particular form of therapy involves using a variety of natural supplements to boost the cat's immune system in order to provide the animal with a greater ability to fight the cancer as well as to withstand other forms of treatment such as chemotherapy. In some cases, treatment for cat cancer will successfully eradicate the disease but, unfortunately, in other cases treatment will only serve to slow the progress of the cancer.
Prevention
Since the potential contributing factors with respect to the development of cat cancer are so numerous, it can be difficult and even impossible to predict and prevent cancer in many cases. Yet, there are certain steps that pet owners can take to help lower the chances of their feline friends developing this terrible disease. Often, a holistic health care approach is very beneficial in this regard. By promoting and protecting your cat's overall health with a good diet, a healthy living environment, and natural supplements, you will be boosting the strength and function of your pet's immune system. As a result, your feline companion will have a stronger defense against cancer and all other feline medical problems and will be more likely to live a long and healthy life.
Article Source: http://www.articleselections.com
About Author:
Catharine Wells is a freelance writer who writes about topics concerning pet care such as Cat Cancer | Cat Hyperthyroidism | Cat Kidney Disease
Cat Hyperthyroidism-A Brief Introduction
By: Catharine Wells
As cat owners, there's nothing more distressing than finding out that your feline friend is sick. In the case of a disorder such as feline hyperthyroidism, the consequences can be severe and have the potential to rob your pet of its health, comfort, and even its life. However, when armed with some basic knowledge, you'll be better able to help your cat through its illness and to hopefully catch the problem early on so you can ease your pet's suffering and improve its health with early treatment and intervention.
The Feline Thyroid Gland
The thyroid is a double-lobed gland located in the cat's neck, wrapped around its trachea. Consisting of spherical follicles, this gland is responsible for secreting the two thyroid hormones -- thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These two iodine-containing hormones play a significant role in a number of physiological functions and have an effect on every cell in the feline body. In particular, T4 helps to regulate the cat's metabolic rate, or the rate at which the cat's cells burn energy.
Feline Hyperthyroidism
When a cat's thyroid does not function properly and produces too much of the T4 hormone, the cat develops the endocrine disorder known as hyperthyroidism. This disorder is most common in middle-aged and elderly cats and affects male and female cats equally. Since thyroid hormones have an effect on every part of the feline physiological system, hyperthyroidism can also affect every organ. As a result, this endocrine disorder can have numerous negative effects on a feline patient and can quickly become extremely dangerous if left untreated.
Consequences of Hyperthyroidism
Since the thyroxine hormone controls the metabolic rate of a cat's body, elevated levels of this hormone result in a higher rate of metabolic function. This causes an increase in blood pressure as well as an increased heart rate. This excessive stress upon the feline heart can eventually cause it to expand in size. Known as myocardial hypertrophy, this heart condition causes the organ to wear out more quickly than a normal heart and will eventually lead to heart failure if the myocardial hypertrophy and hyperthyroidism continue to go untreated.
Symptoms and Warning Signs
The fact that cat hyperthyroidism affects every cell in a feline's body and increases the animal's metabolic rate explains the nature and high number of different symptoms that this disorder can give rise to. While not all feline patients will experience the exact same set of symptoms, some of the most common warning signs of hyperthyroidism include a significantly increased appetite accompanied by weight loss, both of which directly result from the elevated metabolic rate. Hyperactivity, irritability, rapid breathing, and a rapid heart rate are also frequently displayed by cats suffering from this thyroid condition.
Causes
While there are likely many different factors that can contribute to the development of hyperthyroidism in a particular cat, this thyroid condition is caused by the presence of a tumour on the thyroid gland. Even though these tumours are often benign, they still trigger the overproduction of thyroid hormones. When it comes to possible contributing factors for cat hyperthyroidism, there is still much that is not understood. However, it's believed that factors such as age, environment, and diet could be related to the development of thyroid tumours which lead to feline hyperthyroidism.
Diagnosis
When hyperthyroidism is suspected in a feline patient, a thorough physical examination will be conducted so that the veterinarian can check for clinical signs such as enlarged glands, high blood pressure, and an elevated heart rate. Numerous blood tests can also provide important information on the condition of different organs and physiological systems. Thyroid tests will also likely be conducted in order to measure the levels of thyroid hormones in the cat's body. In certain cases, imaging tools such as ultrasound will also be used to examine the physical structure of the thyroid gland and to check for any physical abnormalities such as tumours.
Treatment
Once a diagnosis of cat hyperthyroidism has been made, there are a variety of different treatment methods available. Traditional forms of treatment include surgery, radiation, and medication. A holistic health care approach will also be beneficial in some cases, involving the use of natural supplements and homoeopathic remedies to balance hormones and to regulate thyroid activity. Natural supplements are also beneficial in the sense that they can reduce uncomfortable symptoms and boost a cat's overall health. Whether your particular cat will benefit the most from a holistic health care approach or traditional treatment methods is something that will depend upon your individual pet's circumstances and will need to be determined by a veterinarian. For some feline patients, the best approach will involve a combination of both traditional and holistic treatments. In any event, it's always important to ensure that your feline friend receives treatment as soon as possible so that severe and potentially fatal consequences of this endocrine disorder can be avoided.
Article Source: http://www.articleselections.com
About Author:
Catharine Wells is a freelance writer who writes about topics concerning pet care such as Cat Cancer | Cat Hyperthyroidism | Cat Kidney Disease
As cat owners, there's nothing more distressing than finding out that your feline friend is sick. In the case of a disorder such as feline hyperthyroidism, the consequences can be severe and have the potential to rob your pet of its health, comfort, and even its life. However, when armed with some basic knowledge, you'll be better able to help your cat through its illness and to hopefully catch the problem early on so you can ease your pet's suffering and improve its health with early treatment and intervention.
The Feline Thyroid Gland
The thyroid is a double-lobed gland located in the cat's neck, wrapped around its trachea. Consisting of spherical follicles, this gland is responsible for secreting the two thyroid hormones -- thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These two iodine-containing hormones play a significant role in a number of physiological functions and have an effect on every cell in the feline body. In particular, T4 helps to regulate the cat's metabolic rate, or the rate at which the cat's cells burn energy.
Feline Hyperthyroidism
When a cat's thyroid does not function properly and produces too much of the T4 hormone, the cat develops the endocrine disorder known as hyperthyroidism. This disorder is most common in middle-aged and elderly cats and affects male and female cats equally. Since thyroid hormones have an effect on every part of the feline physiological system, hyperthyroidism can also affect every organ. As a result, this endocrine disorder can have numerous negative effects on a feline patient and can quickly become extremely dangerous if left untreated.
Consequences of Hyperthyroidism
Since the thyroxine hormone controls the metabolic rate of a cat's body, elevated levels of this hormone result in a higher rate of metabolic function. This causes an increase in blood pressure as well as an increased heart rate. This excessive stress upon the feline heart can eventually cause it to expand in size. Known as myocardial hypertrophy, this heart condition causes the organ to wear out more quickly than a normal heart and will eventually lead to heart failure if the myocardial hypertrophy and hyperthyroidism continue to go untreated.
Symptoms and Warning Signs
The fact that cat hyperthyroidism affects every cell in a feline's body and increases the animal's metabolic rate explains the nature and high number of different symptoms that this disorder can give rise to. While not all feline patients will experience the exact same set of symptoms, some of the most common warning signs of hyperthyroidism include a significantly increased appetite accompanied by weight loss, both of which directly result from the elevated metabolic rate. Hyperactivity, irritability, rapid breathing, and a rapid heart rate are also frequently displayed by cats suffering from this thyroid condition.
Causes
While there are likely many different factors that can contribute to the development of hyperthyroidism in a particular cat, this thyroid condition is caused by the presence of a tumour on the thyroid gland. Even though these tumours are often benign, they still trigger the overproduction of thyroid hormones. When it comes to possible contributing factors for cat hyperthyroidism, there is still much that is not understood. However, it's believed that factors such as age, environment, and diet could be related to the development of thyroid tumours which lead to feline hyperthyroidism.
Diagnosis
When hyperthyroidism is suspected in a feline patient, a thorough physical examination will be conducted so that the veterinarian can check for clinical signs such as enlarged glands, high blood pressure, and an elevated heart rate. Numerous blood tests can also provide important information on the condition of different organs and physiological systems. Thyroid tests will also likely be conducted in order to measure the levels of thyroid hormones in the cat's body. In certain cases, imaging tools such as ultrasound will also be used to examine the physical structure of the thyroid gland and to check for any physical abnormalities such as tumours.
Treatment
Once a diagnosis of cat hyperthyroidism has been made, there are a variety of different treatment methods available. Traditional forms of treatment include surgery, radiation, and medication. A holistic health care approach will also be beneficial in some cases, involving the use of natural supplements and homoeopathic remedies to balance hormones and to regulate thyroid activity. Natural supplements are also beneficial in the sense that they can reduce uncomfortable symptoms and boost a cat's overall health. Whether your particular cat will benefit the most from a holistic health care approach or traditional treatment methods is something that will depend upon your individual pet's circumstances and will need to be determined by a veterinarian. For some feline patients, the best approach will involve a combination of both traditional and holistic treatments. In any event, it's always important to ensure that your feline friend receives treatment as soon as possible so that severe and potentially fatal consequences of this endocrine disorder can be avoided.
Article Source: http://www.articleselections.com
About Author:
Catharine Wells is a freelance writer who writes about topics concerning pet care such as Cat Cancer | Cat Hyperthyroidism | Cat Kidney Disease
Cat Kidney Disease-A Brief Overview
By : Catharine Wells
If you're a cat owner, you want to ensure that your feline friend enjoys the happiest and healthiest life possible. In order to help make this possible, it's important for you, as the pet owner, to be educated about feline health issues. While cat kidney disease most often affects elderly felines, it has the potential to affect cats at any stage of life. So in order to protect and promote your cat's health, it's a good idea to understand the basics of feline kidney function and cat kidney disease.
The Feline Urinary Tract
Generally, a healthy cat's urinary tract will consist of two kidneys, each of which is each connected to the bladder by a ureter. As a physiological system, the feline urinary tract carries out several different functions, including the regulation of the concentration and acid-based balance of the blood. However, the main function of the kidneys and urinary system is the filtration and removal of waste products.
Feline Kidney Disease
Feline kidney disease occurs when the kidneys are no longer able to function properly. This usually occurs because the kidney cells become damaged or worn out. In most cases, feline kidney disease will develop slowly over time and a cat with this medical problem generally won't display any symptoms of the disease until approximately two thirds of normal kidney function is lost. At this point, the kidneys are no longer able to sufficiently remove waste products from the body and toxins begin to accumulate within the cat's system, causing significant discomfort for the animal as well as dangerous and potentially fatal disruptions with several other physiological pathways.
Symptoms
Once a cat reaches this point, where approximately two thirds of normal kidney function is lost, a variety of signs and symptoms will begin to appear. Two of the most frequently displayed symptoms in cases of feline kidney disease are increased thirst and increased urination. Other common warning signs include bloody urine, loss of appetite, weight loss, lethargy, depression, and poor coat quality. In some cases, feline kidney disease will also cause vomiting and bad breath. Since chronic kidney disease, which develops slowly over time, is more common in cats than acute kidney disease, signs and symptoms will typically occur with a gradual onset and grow increasingly severe with time.
Diagnosis
Generally, a case of cat kidney disease will be diagnosed through blood tests and urinalysis. With respect to blood tests, the concentrations of the substances urea and creatinine can be very helpful with diagnosing feline kidney disease. Both of these substances are typically filtered out of the body by healthy kidneys and, therefore, unusually high concentrations of urea and/or creatinine could suggest a lack of proper function on the part of the cat's kidneys. Also, when a cat is suffering from this disease, the concentration of its urine will often be higher than normal as well. As a result, urinalysis can also be helpful when it comes to diagnosing feline kidney disease.
Causes
As alluded to earlier, there are two types of cat kidney disease -- acute kidney disease, which develops suddenly, and chronic kidney disease, which develops slowly over time. Acute feline kidney disease is often caused by a traumatic event such as being hit by a car or losing a significant amount of blood. Toxins such as antifreeze can also trigger the sudden onset of cat kidney disease. Chronic feline kidney disease, the most common type of this disease, can be caused simply by the natural wear and tear that occurs with age, a genetic defect, or an infection. While there are numerous potential causes of cat kidney disease, in many cases the exact cause will be unknown.
Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no cure for feline kidney disease; however, in many cases this condition is controllable. Two of the most basic and common forms of treatment for cat kidney disease include diet control and prevention of dehydration. In addition to these treatments steps, a holistic approach to dealing with this condition often proves to be very beneficial as well. Natural supplements and remedies can help to increase the feline patient's comfort by reducing symptoms and can also promote the animal's overall health and well-being. However, no matter what treatment methods are used for your particular cat, they should always be carried out under the supervision of a veterinarian.
Prevention
If your cat does not have feline kidney disease and you'd like to ensure that he or she never does develop this condition, there are several steps that you can take to increase the chances of your feline friend living a long and healthy life free of kidney disease. One of the best ways to do this is to deal with your pet's health in a holistic manner, ensuring that he or she is as healthy as possible in every respect. By providing your cat with a healthy diet complemented by natural supplements, you will be increasing the strength of your pet's immune system while improving its overall health and happiness. With a well-rounded health care plan and regular veterinary care, you can decrease your cat's likelihood of developing kidney disease as well as many other feline health problems.
Article Source: http://www.articleselections.com
About Author:
Catharine Wells is a freelance writer who writes about topics concerning pet care such as Cat Cancer | Cat Hyperthyroidism | Cat Kidney Disease
If you're a cat owner, you want to ensure that your feline friend enjoys the happiest and healthiest life possible. In order to help make this possible, it's important for you, as the pet owner, to be educated about feline health issues. While cat kidney disease most often affects elderly felines, it has the potential to affect cats at any stage of life. So in order to protect and promote your cat's health, it's a good idea to understand the basics of feline kidney function and cat kidney disease.
The Feline Urinary Tract
Generally, a healthy cat's urinary tract will consist of two kidneys, each of which is each connected to the bladder by a ureter. As a physiological system, the feline urinary tract carries out several different functions, including the regulation of the concentration and acid-based balance of the blood. However, the main function of the kidneys and urinary system is the filtration and removal of waste products.
Feline Kidney Disease
Feline kidney disease occurs when the kidneys are no longer able to function properly. This usually occurs because the kidney cells become damaged or worn out. In most cases, feline kidney disease will develop slowly over time and a cat with this medical problem generally won't display any symptoms of the disease until approximately two thirds of normal kidney function is lost. At this point, the kidneys are no longer able to sufficiently remove waste products from the body and toxins begin to accumulate within the cat's system, causing significant discomfort for the animal as well as dangerous and potentially fatal disruptions with several other physiological pathways.
Symptoms
Once a cat reaches this point, where approximately two thirds of normal kidney function is lost, a variety of signs and symptoms will begin to appear. Two of the most frequently displayed symptoms in cases of feline kidney disease are increased thirst and increased urination. Other common warning signs include bloody urine, loss of appetite, weight loss, lethargy, depression, and poor coat quality. In some cases, feline kidney disease will also cause vomiting and bad breath. Since chronic kidney disease, which develops slowly over time, is more common in cats than acute kidney disease, signs and symptoms will typically occur with a gradual onset and grow increasingly severe with time.
Diagnosis
Generally, a case of cat kidney disease will be diagnosed through blood tests and urinalysis. With respect to blood tests, the concentrations of the substances urea and creatinine can be very helpful with diagnosing feline kidney disease. Both of these substances are typically filtered out of the body by healthy kidneys and, therefore, unusually high concentrations of urea and/or creatinine could suggest a lack of proper function on the part of the cat's kidneys. Also, when a cat is suffering from this disease, the concentration of its urine will often be higher than normal as well. As a result, urinalysis can also be helpful when it comes to diagnosing feline kidney disease.
Causes
As alluded to earlier, there are two types of cat kidney disease -- acute kidney disease, which develops suddenly, and chronic kidney disease, which develops slowly over time. Acute feline kidney disease is often caused by a traumatic event such as being hit by a car or losing a significant amount of blood. Toxins such as antifreeze can also trigger the sudden onset of cat kidney disease. Chronic feline kidney disease, the most common type of this disease, can be caused simply by the natural wear and tear that occurs with age, a genetic defect, or an infection. While there are numerous potential causes of cat kidney disease, in many cases the exact cause will be unknown.
Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no cure for feline kidney disease; however, in many cases this condition is controllable. Two of the most basic and common forms of treatment for cat kidney disease include diet control and prevention of dehydration. In addition to these treatments steps, a holistic approach to dealing with this condition often proves to be very beneficial as well. Natural supplements and remedies can help to increase the feline patient's comfort by reducing symptoms and can also promote the animal's overall health and well-being. However, no matter what treatment methods are used for your particular cat, they should always be carried out under the supervision of a veterinarian.
Prevention
If your cat does not have feline kidney disease and you'd like to ensure that he or she never does develop this condition, there are several steps that you can take to increase the chances of your feline friend living a long and healthy life free of kidney disease. One of the best ways to do this is to deal with your pet's health in a holistic manner, ensuring that he or she is as healthy as possible in every respect. By providing your cat with a healthy diet complemented by natural supplements, you will be increasing the strength of your pet's immune system while improving its overall health and happiness. With a well-rounded health care plan and regular veterinary care, you can decrease your cat's likelihood of developing kidney disease as well as many other feline health problems.
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About Author:
Catharine Wells is a freelance writer who writes about topics concerning pet care such as Cat Cancer | Cat Hyperthyroidism | Cat Kidney Disease