What is the Corona virus for cats?

What is the Corona virus for cats

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) in cats

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a viral disease in cats that leads to high mortality due to its characteristic aggressiveness and lack of response to fever, along with other complications. This disease is comparatively high in the homes of multiple cats compared to those with only one cat. It is difficult to diagnose, control and prevent, and in cases of outbreaks within hatcheries and kennels, it can result in a high number of deaths. In most cases it is transmitted through the inhalation of pollutants in the air and infected feces, but the virus can also be transmitted by humans who have come into contact with the virus or can remain active on surfaces that have been contaminated.

This disease exploits weakened and immature immune systems, which spread through white blood cells as they move throughout the body. The highest incidence is found in kittens from three months to three years of age, with an incidence that decreases drastically after cats reach three years of age, when the immune system is stronger. Similarly, older cats with weakened immune systems are also more likely to acquire this disease.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

The symptoms of FIP vary according to the strain of virus involved, the state of the immune system of the cat and the affected organs. Two forms are reported, including the wet form (effusive form), which is directed to the body cavities, and the dry form (non-effusive), which is directed to the various organs. The wet form tends to progress more quickly than the dry form. In any case, the body condition suffers, with the hair layer becoming increasingly harsh and boring, and the cat increasingly lethargic and depressed.

Wet / effusive

Persistent and insensitive fever

Lack of appetite

Weight loss (gradual)

Little appetite

Diarrhea

Gradual swelling of the abdomen (belly appearance)

Accumulation of fluid in the thoracic cavity

Difficult breathing

Sneezing, runny nose

Lethargy

Dry / Non-effusive

Poor growth in kittens

Anemia

Jaundice

Diarrhea

Fever

Depression

Inflammation of various parts of the eye

Neurological symptoms (eg, loss of ability to coordinate movements, loss of vision)

CAUSES

FIP usually follows the infection of a feline coronavirus, which typically does not cause any external symptoms. It is assumed that there are some types of coronaviruses that are transformed into feline infectious peritonitis, either by themselves or as a result of a defect in the cat's immune response. Also complicating the matter is that a coronavirus can remain inactive in a cat's body for months before mutating to FIP. The FIP virus then infects white blood cells and uses them as a means of transport to invade the entire body.

DIAGNOSIS

This disease is historically difficult to diagnose because FIP can simulate other diseases. This is especially true in the dry form. There is not a single laboratory test available that can point decisively to FIP, but your veterinarian can make a presumptive diagnosis based on laboratory findings. A complete blood count can show changes in the number of white blood cells (white blood cells), and this will indicate that an infection is present, but it may not be clear what infection is present. While an ELISA or IFA test will show the presence of coronavirus antibodies, it can not distinguish the type of coronavirus, even if it is the cause of the condition of the cats, only that your cat has been in contact with the virus and has developed antibodies the. The level of antibodies is not a predictor of your cat's susceptibility to developing the disease.

There are also few changes in the biochemical profile tests. Your cat's veterinarian can use more specific tests, including a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, which can differentiate single DNA from FIP, but again, this only shows that the virus is a coronavirus, not what kind is it?

Your pet's veterinarian can take a sample of fluid from the abdominal or thoracic cavity for further evaluation. In some difficult cases to diagnose, abdominal surgery may be necessary for diagnosis. For the most part, veterinarians base their conclusions on a differential diagnostic process, whereby the veterinarian is guided by a deeper inspection of external symptoms, discarding all other diseases since the conditions are not met, and all the symptoms They point to a specific disease more than others.

New Drug May Mean That FIP is No Longer a Death Sentence for Cats

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a terrible diagnosis. Veterinarians don’t have much to offer cats with FIP other than symptomatic treatment that, at best, only keeps them comfortable for a relatively short period of time before death inevitably follows.

We may be on the verge of a big breakthrough in FIP treatment, however.

First a bit of background. FIP is caused by a coronavirus. This particular virus infects many kittens, usually only causing mild diarrhea from which the kitten recovers with little or no treatment. For most individuals, that’s the end, and the virus is never heard from again. But for other cats, the virus remains dormant in their bodies for a period of time before mutating and causing the disease we call FIP.

If cats can’t fight off the FIP virus, they develop a range of nonspecific symptoms like fever, lethargy, depression, poor appetite, and weight loss. In the “wet” form of FIP, fluid accumulates in the abdomen or chest. If no such fluid accumulations are found, a cat is said to have “dry” FIP. Neurologic abnormalities, difficulty breathing, and eye problems are all also possible with FIP.

Diagnosing cats with FIP is not easy. Immunological testing is available but is not good at differentiating between individuals who have been exposed to the “diarrhea-causing” form of the virus versus those who have current FIP infections.

In cats with wet FIP, the fluid is often fairly characteristic—you can stretch long strings of it out between your fingers because of its high protein content. This may be enough to lead to an FIP diagnosis when a cat’s symptoms also all point in that direction.

The dry form of FIP is usually a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning that a veterinarian has to rule out other potential causes of a cat’s symptoms and then is left saying “there’s not much else left to explain what’s going on; it’s probably FIP.” Tissue biopsies are an option when a definitive diagnosis is desired.

Once a cat has been diagnosed with FIP, owners have to choose between palliative care and euthanasia if a cat’s poor quality of life warrants it, but that might be changing if the results of a recently published paper hold.

Scientists gave FIP virus to eight cats. Once those cats reached a stage where their symptoms were bad enough that under normal circumstances they would inevitably die (some did receive medication and fluid therapy to keep them comfortable), treatment with an experimental, antiviral protease inhibitor called GC376 began. The cats received subcutaneous injections twice a day. Unfortunately, two cats were euthanized because their condition deteriorated to an unacceptable level, but the other six cats made near miraculous recoveries. According to the authors of the paper:

All six remaining cats showed rapid improvement in attitude and resolution of fever (Fig 3B). The profound absolute lymphopenia [low counts of a certain type of blood cell that fights infection] observed in all cats prior to antiviral treatment also returned to normal before the next blood testing one week later (Fig 3D) and weight losses were reversed and normal growth resumed (Fig 3C). Ascites [fluid buildup in the abdomen] and scrotal swelling indicative of peritonitis also gradually resolved after a week of antiviral treatment. All cats that received antiviral treatment for 14–20 days appeared normal by clinical observation and laboratory testing. The six recovered cats… have remained healthy showing no signs of relapse during an observation period up to 8 months. These experiments demonstrate that the protease inhibitor was able to reverse disease progression when treatment was initiated at advanced clinical stages of FIP.

If future studies go on to confirm that this potential drug is effective against naturally-occurring FIP, the disease may no longer be a death sentence for infected cats.

Learn a lot of tips for taking care of cats

Learn a lot of tips for taking care of cats

It probably does not surprise anyone that an older cat has different needs than a young cat. But how do you know when your cat is older?

In general, cats older than 7-10 years old should be considered elderly. With the increase in age, changes in the body also occur. For example, in one study, it was observed that approximately 90% of cats over 12 years old had radiographic evidence of arthritis. It goes without saying that pain and mobility arise with arthritis. If your older cat has become less active and is now reluctant to jump over counters and other areas that you used to frequent, it may be because your cat has developed arthritis.

Similarly, without proper care, dental disease can be a problem, especially for older pets. You may be surprised to learn that veterinarians find evidence of dental disease in many pets at 2-3 years of age. If nothing is done to take care of your cat's mouth, when your cat is in his / her third age, he may have lost some teeth. Dental disease can be painful, making it difficult for your cat to eat or even avoid eating. This can result in weight loss and sloppy fur.

Dental disease is certainly not the only disease that can lead to weight loss. Older cats often suffer from kidney, thyroid, liver, heart disease and other conditions that can cause weight loss.

On the other hand, some older cats may have the opposite problem. Some cats will become less active with age, they will basically become addicted to television and gain weight as a result. Obesity is a major health problem in cats of all ages, and older cats are no different.

What can you do to help your older cat? Here are some tips:

Schedule regular visits with your veterinarian. Your cat should be examined at least once a year if it looks healthy, since many diseases are hidden and not obvious. Remember that it is much cheaper to prevent disease than to treat it!

Ask for an assessment of body condition during each veterinary visit. Body condition is crucial in determining if your senior cat is overweight, underweight or an ideal body weight. In fact, you should also ask your veterinarian to show you how to assess your cat's body condition at home.

Feed your older cat with a diet with adequate levels of protein. Avoid vegan or vegetarian diets. Cats are obligate carnivores. They require nutrients such as taurine and arachidonic acid that are only found in animal sources. They also require a higher level of protein than dogs, comparatively. Learn to read a pet food label and feed a diet that is appropriate for your cat's age and lifestyle.

Feed your cat so that it stays at its ideal body weight. Overweight cats have a higher incidence of diseases such as diabetes, liver disease, skin disease and even cancer. Your veterinarian can help you choose an appropriate diet for your cat. Your cat must be fed carefully to ensure that all your nutrient needs are met. Some obese cats may require a specialized diet that is lower in calories but rich in nutrients. Diets rich in L-carnitine may be useful for weight loss. The level of carbohydrates in cat food is controversial, but an adequate combination of carbohydrates can help your cat feel satiated.

Consider strengthening your senior cat's diet with fatty acids such as DHA and EPA. It has been shown to be useful for cats with mobility problems due to arthritis or other joint diseases. Supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin are also beneficial for older cats.

Consider a special diet if your older cat has heart or kidney disease. For example, low sodium diets are sometimes recommended for cats with heart disease, while diets that help control phosphorus, calcium, and other electrolyte levels are given to cats with kidney disease. Your veterinarian can help you choose the best food for your cat based on your cat's individual situation.

Ask about special diets for cats with hyperthyroidism. Diets with restricted levels of iodine are now available as a possible management method for cats with hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland). However, it is important that cats with normal thyroid function do not consume these diets. If you have questions, ask your veterinarian.

Take care of your cat's mouth Brushing your cat's teeth may seem like a silly idea

Your veterinarian wants to know 6 things about cat feeding

Your veterinarian wants to know 6 things about cat feeding

Your cat is like any other member of your family. You want to make sure you are making the best decisions for your health, including the food you buy. But with so many pet food brands and ingredients on store shelves, pet parents can easily get confused.

A nutritious diet for your cat is not as difficult to serve as it seems. Some advice from professionals can help you avoid some common mistakes.

1. There is no better type of protein.

Cats need animal protein, fat and other vitamins and minerals, and can get these nutrients from many different sources. The protein in commercial cat food can come from "byproducts" of chicken, poultry, veal, lamb, fish, liver or meat or chicken, also called "food".

For a healthy cat without food allergies, any of these ingredients (either wet or dry) are good choices, says Joseph Wakshlag, DVM, associate professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University.

Instead of worrying about specific ingredients, look for the nutritional guarantee of a food. Your label should say that tests by the Association of Food Control Officers of the United States (AAFCO) have shown that the product "provides a complete and balanced nutrition" or that it is "formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the Profiles. of Food Nutrients for AAFCO Cats ". "Foods (or treats) that do not have one of these statements should not be your cat's main meal.

2. The byproducts are not bad.

Some brands claim that their food is better because it has no animal by-products or by-product foods. These ingredients are crushed parts of animal carcasses, and may include necks, feet, intestines and bones.

"But I'm actually a big fan of using byproducts," says Wakshlag. "They have a lot more nutrients than beef, and in the chicken by-product, for example, you'll get things like vitamin A, vitamin D, zinc, and copper, instead of just the protein in a chicken breast."

3. Even carnivores need carbohydrates.

Grains and other carbohydrates in cat food have a bad reputation.

"But the fact that cats are true carnivores does not mean that carbohydrates are bad for them," says Sherry Sanderson, DVM, veterinary nutritionist at the University of Georgia. She has seen a trend towards low carb diets for felines in the last 10 years, but cautions against them. Low carb usually means high fat content, he says, which can increase the odds that pets will be obese and have diabetes.

Another popular myth of pet food: grains are just "stuffed" ingredients without real nutrients. "Cereals provide many essential nutrients that both dogs and cats (and people) require," says Sanderson.

And if you're worried that your kitten is allergic to grains, you're not totally out of the base, some cats are, but most do not. In fact, it is more common for them to be allergic to animal proteins.

4. Different ages have different needs.

Kittens need docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a type of healthy fat that is important for the growth of the brain and eyes. "If a product says it contains omega-3 fatty acids, look more closely to find out what type it contains," says Sanderson. Plant-based omega-3s, such as those from flaxseed, are not good sources of DHA.

For adult cats, Sanderson recommends foods that have fish oil, which gives them DHA and also reduces inflammation, and probiotics, which feed healthy bacteria from the intestine. Cats also need different nutrients, like more fat, as they get older. When your cat turns 7, ask your veterinarian if you should change to a formula for seniors.

5. A higher price does not always mean better quality.

Instead of buying food based on the price, Sanderson likes to investigate the ethical and manufacturing practices of pet food companies. She likes brands that have their own production plants and that research their diets to support the claims they make.

"If a company is making a lot of money but puts everything in advertising and nothing in research, or they tell consumers things like it's bad to feed by-products or grains, in general, I do not recommend those diets." she says.

The FDA regulates all pet foods and requires brands to meet certain standards to be sold in the US. UU However, she says: "I would generally stay away from really cheap foods, because the ingredients p

More 8 Behavioral Problems in Cats

More 8 Behavioral Problems in Cats

Avoiding the Litter Box

Is your cat boycotting the litter box? Often, it’s because she doesn't like the litter or just doesn’t like the box. 

Your best bet? Use unscented litter in an uncovered box, and scoop it at least once a day. Put the box where there’s not a lot of traffic. Try using more than one box and try different litters.

Urine Marking or Spraying

Cats can use their urine to say "back off" to other cats. They tend to do it when they're in conflict with another cat, feeling insecure, 

or looking for a mate. If there’s conflict, many cats in the house, or changes in routine, there’s more chance a cat will mark his territory. To stop the spraying, have your cat neutered or spayed. Use an enzymatic cleaner where he's sprayed. If your cat keeps spraying, ask your vet for advice.

Scratching

Cats like to scratch. They do it to play, stretch, sharpen their claws, and mark their territory. That's bad news for your furniture, carpets,

 and drapes. Put different types of scratching posts all over your house. Make sure they are sturdy so they won’t fall over when your cat starts scratching. Then invite your cat to play by rubbing them with catnip or hanging toys on them.

Playing Rough

When cats play, sometimes it's hard to tell if it's a game or real. They pounce, swat, scratch, and bite. And, play scratches and bites still hurt. To channel your cat’s energy,

 use toys like balls or a fake mouse for batting. A paper bag can give her hours of pouncing fun. And to protect yourself, never encourage a kitten to play with your hands or feet. Nips become bites as a cat grows up.

Compulsive Behavior

Sometimes your cat just can't help himself from doing something over and over again. It could be totally normal. In some cases, 

though, it can be a sign of a problem. If you're concerned, ask your vet. Also, give your cat fun, relaxing diversions, like structures to climb on or a fish tank to watch.

Hyper Nights

Cats like to have fun -- often in the middle of the night. Plan ahead if you know your cat gets revved up or hungry when you'd rather be sleeping. Play with him in the evening until he gets tired. Feed him just before bed. 

Or, try a timed feeder that gives out food later so he doesn’t need to wake you. And, unless you think he’s hurt, don't get up. Otherwise, you'll be teaching your cat to keep doing it.

Lots of Meowing

Grown cats don’t meow at each other. Meowing is mostly for people. Cats meow to say hello, ask for food,

 or get attention. If she meows for food, don’t feed her when she cries. If she meows for attention, give it when she’s quiet. If your cat meows a lot and you can't figure out why, or if she seems distressed, ask your vet.

Separation Anxiety

Cats are very social. They like it when you're around. When left alone, they might get noisy or spray your house.

 Try ignoring your cat 15 minutes before you leave and when you get back. Leave out some of his favorite toys and put them away when you come back. Play with him regularly to burn extra energy so he'll rest when he's alone. If you still need more help, talk to your vet about other tactics or medication.

Cats house semi sandwich burger - cats accessories

The fact that cats like to sneak into tight spaces and has been well documented (here and here, for example), which is the reason why one can say that cats love this hilarious cat bed!

It seems that the hamburger saw its first trail bed in Internet glory after being "examined" by Hana Maru and the famous Japanese cats. "I bought this cat bed for Hana because it is sensitive to cold," said the owner. Despite the fact that Maru generally does not take advantage of hot beds, it took instantly - much to Hana's dismay. Finally, however, it gave rise to Hana and she loved it.

For now it seems that is only available in Japan, so it makes sense - the Japanese tend to love their cats and invent all kinds of toys and comfort for them. Check it out on Amazon Japan

Decorative bedroom for cats

Decorative bedroom for cats , Dekorgerv sleep for cats, Decorative cat, Decorations for cats , Cats bedrooms, Sleeping cats,

There are many breeders for cats, but there are a few breeders of cats who are doing special rooms for cats by all the needs of the mechanism of the cat to play and sleep and develop the skill of cats so we are writing to you today to help you in creating special rooms for cats and how to work special decoration for cats to achieve They have a life without hassles so I wrote this subject to you and even to leave you with your decor for cats (bedrooms for cats)

To see the full picture click on it

We have found the most outrageous cat room ideas for you to drool over! Who can resist these bright and colorful sleeping cubbies made from everything including the kitchen sink? And just take a peek at the rainbow stairs folks have made for their kitties, arching up the wall giving their feline friends access to a veritable playground in the sky.

Let's just say these cat rooms will spark ideas for crazy cat homes of all sizes, be they elegant mansions, small houses or tiny apartments. The diy ideas here can easily enhance the decor of any living spaces we mere humans occupy.

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