Medical Articles

Our articles discuss common health concerns and unusual medical problems
unique to the breeding cat, written in a way that is easy to understand

Titles marked with a red asterisk * are for ShowCatsOnline.com members only.

• * Allergic To Cats
  If you have allergies, it may be better for you to keep your cat!
  
  September 2004


• * Allergies In Cats
  Spring is typically the time of year when cats with allergies begin to itch and scratch. Learn how to make your allergic cat more comfortable.
  
  June 2006


• * Anal Sac Problems
  Learning how to express your cat`s anal sacs is easy and may help avoid a future medical problem.
  
  April 2003


• * Anaphylaxis In Cats
  Epinephrine can save your cats life in the case of an allergic reaction.
  
  October 2005


• * Arthritis and Your Cat
  Although cats do not develop many orthopedic problems, they can suffer from arthritis. Learn the suble symptoms to watch for that will alert you that your cat may have a problem and learn the best treatmentoptions that are available.
  
  January 2001


• Baytril Warning
  High dosages of Baytril can cause eyesight problems in your cat.
  
  January 2003


• * Bladder Stones, Struvite & Calcium Oxalate Crystals
  Bladder stones can be formed from either Struvite or Calcium Oxalate crystals... and knowing which type of crystal your cat has is critical to determining the best treatment.
  
  April 2007


• * Blocked Bladder - An Overview
  A blocked bladder can be a life threatening condition. Learn what to look for and what to do...
  
  May 2006


• * Blood Type Incompatibility In Cats
  If you breed a blood type B queen to a blood type A stud, you risk losing the entire litter shortly after birth. Learn why this happens and what you can do to avoid the problem.
  
  June 2002


• * Blood Type Testing Your Cat
  An easy, quick, inexpensive test can be used to determine your cat`s blood type.
  
  June 2002


• * Bordetella
  Feline Bordetella is a highly contagious bacteria that causes upper respiratory infection.
  
  September 2007


• * Building A Nebulizer
  One of the most important pieces of equipment that any cat breeder can have in the fight against respiratory problems is a nebulizer. Relatively inexpensive, with a few modifications, a nebulizer can be used to deliver lifesaving medications, especially t
  
  May 2001


• * Cancer Warning Signs
  Recognizing the warning signs of cancer early can aid in early treatment and a more favorable diagnosis
  
  March 2007


• * Cat Bite
  A cat bite should never be taken lightly.
  
  October 2003


• Cat Dies of Bird Flu In Germany
  A cat has been found dead of bird flu in Germany and several cats have tested positive for bird flu in Austria
  
  March 2006


• Cat Toy Warning
  Your cat may love his favorite mouse toy... but his favorite toy can also be lethal.
  
  June 2002


• * Cats Are Not Dogs
  Although they have many things in common, there are some very specific instances when what is true for dogs is decidedly not true for cats.
  
  April 2003


• Checking for HCM
  The best way to check your cat for the heart problem called Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (or HCM) is by having an Ultrasound performed. This painless test is performed by a specially trained vet - an ultrasonagrapher.
  
  October 2002


• * Chronic Diarrhea
  Feline chronic diarrhea can be one of the most frustrating problems faced by a cat owner.
  
  March 2006


• * Corneal Sequestrum
  A Corneal Sequestrum is a condition of the cornea that only occurs in cats.
  
  June 2003


• * Coronavirus
  The feline coronavirus and its connection to feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) may be one of the most misunderstood relationships in the cat fancy....
  
  March 2009


• * Culture & Sensitivity Test
  If an infection is not responding to the usual antibiotics it may be necessary to perform a culture and sensitivity test to determine the exact strain of bacteria that is causing the problem and the best choice of antibiotic to treat it.
  
  February 2009


• * Dewclaws on the Hind Legs
  Occasionally a kitten will be born with dewclaws on its hind legs.
  
  January 2003


• * Diaphragmatic Hernia
  A diaphragmatic hernia is a hole in the diaphragm that allows the abdominal contents to move into the chest cavity. It is the second most common type of hernia in cats....
  
  March 2009


• DNA Blood Type Test
  UC Davis has developed a diagnostic DNA test to determine the blood types of cats.
  
  January 2007


• DNA Test For PKD Approved For British Shorthairs
  The DNA test for PKD developed for Persians and related breeds is now being offered to British Shorthair breeders.
  
  July 2005


• Do Cats Cause Schizophrenia?
  This article takes a statistical look at why a controversial article published in National Geographic suggesting a link between cats and schizophrenia may just be mass of misinformation .
  
  December 2005


• Dragonfly
  A breeder and a kitten buyer wait for the diagnosis on a Bengal cat with wheezing problems
  
  December 2005


• * Drooling
  There are a variety of reasons why your cat might begin to drool excessively - and some are very serious if left untreated. Learn how to tell if your cat`s drooling is serious or not.
  
  April 2004


• * E. Coli `Blooms`
  Acute or chronic diarrhea that fails to respond to normal medications may be the result of an overgrowth of E. coli bacteria in your cat`s digestive tract.
  
  July 2002


• * Ear Polyps
  Feline inflammatory polyps can be a serious problem. This article discusses symptoms, diagnosis and treatments.
  
  November 2005


• * Early Neuter Spay
  Neutering or Spaying Kittens before the age of 4 months is safe and comes with great advantages for the responsible cat breeder.
  
  July 2004


• 8 Sure-fire Ways To Treat Your Pet`s Allergies While Reducing Your Veterina
  Veterinarian, Dr. Andrew Jones, shares home remedies for common pet allergies.
  
  August 2004


• * Elizabethan Collar
  An Elizabethan collar is a simple, but often essential addition to every cat breeder's medical kit. Learn about its uses, proper fit and different styles...
  
  November 2008


• * FCK: Part One - An Overview
  This is part one in an article about Flat Chested Kitten Syndrome
  
  April 2006


• * FCK: Part Two - Treatment Options
  Part Two about Flat Chested Kitten Syndrome discusses treatment options in detail.
  
  April 2006


• * Feline Calici Virus - FCV
  Calici is also called the `Limping Kitten` virus since this is the most dramatic symptom of this common upper respiratory virus. Our article discusses the disease, its symptoms, prevention, treatment and choice of vaccines against it.
  
  March 2002


• * Feline Cardiomyopathy
  When diagnosed and treated early, there are many successful options for cats with heart disease. Learn the symptoms and treatments available.
  
  January 2002


• Feline Herpesvirus-1 New Treatment
  A new medicine, oral famciclovir was used to treat signs of FHV-1 in 10 cats: The results are encouraging that this treatment may be better than current protocols...
  
  July 2009


• * Feline Panleukopenia
  Panleukopenia is a highly contagious disease, caused by a parvovirus (FPV) that is closely related to canine parvovirus in dogs.
  
  January 2003


• * Feline Rebound
  This product is specially formulated for the cat who is not eating or drinking properly.
  
  April 2004


• * Fibrosarcomas
  A Fibrosarcoma is a relatively rare but aggressive type of cancerous tumor. Learn what to look for and what to do about it.
  
  October 2002


• * FIP: Fact and Fiction
  If there is a single health issue that most frightens the cat breeder, it is a diagnosis of FIP, Feline Infectious Peritonitis. While we don`t know as much about this fatal disease as we would like to know, there are also several myths about the disease t
  
  December 2001


• * FIP: Feline Infectious Peritonitis
  Feline Infectious Peritonitis or FIP is one of the least understood and most frustrating diseases to diagnose in feline medicine. This article will help dispel some of the confusion that surrounds this fatal disease....
  
  August 2009


• Free DNA Blood Type Testing for Ragdolls
  Ragdoll owners are invited to submit blood samples to UC Davis and will receive free blood typing of their cats.
  
  August 2007


• Free FIV Test at UC Davis
  UC Davis offers free FIV DNA testing..
  
  November 2006


• HCM Gene Identified In Maine Coons!
  The fancy applauds the long anticipated news that researchers have identified a gene which causes HCM in Maine Coons!
  
  June 2005


• HCM Gene In Ragdolls Identified
  With funding from the Winn Feline Foundation, researchers from Washington State University and the University of California, Davis announce they have identified the gene in Ragdolls responsible for HCM
  
  June 2007


• * Heart Murmur In A Kitten
  A heart murmur in a young kitten is not necessarily a serious problem.
  
  September 2006


• * Hemobartonella, or Feline Infectious Anemia
  Hemobartonella is an infectious cat disease which attacks the red blood cells causing your cat to become anemic, hence its other name, Feline Infectious Anemia.
  
  May 2002


• * Herpes and Your Cat`s Eyes
  Eye problems which can cause conjunctivitis, ulceration of the cornea, and potentially blindness are also a common symptom of feline herpes.
  
  September 2004


• * Hip Dysplasia
  At one time, it was thought that cats were not affected by hip dysplasia. We know know better. Learn the symptoms and treatment for this painful condition.
  
  February 2004


• * How To Use A Stethoscope To Listen To Your Cat's Heart
  Knowing how to use a stethoscope is a simple and useful skill every cat breeder can learn.
  
  November 2009


• * Hydrocephalic Kittens
  Hydrocephalus occurrs occasionally in cats. It is not common but neither is it rare.
  
  May 2006


• * Hyperthyroidism
  Hyperthyroidism is one of the most common complaints of cats over 8 years of age.
  
  July 2006


• Hypoallergenic Cat?!
  A California biotechnology company is taking orders for a yet-to-be-produced hypoallergenic cat.
  
  November 2004


• * Kidney Failure In The Cat
  Kidney failure is the #1 cause of death in older cats. Every cat owner should know the signs to look for and the care needed by a cat whose kidneys may be in trouble...
  
  May 2009


• * Liver Disease In Cats
  The liver performs vital functions in the body, and if diseased, can prove fatal
  
  November 2006


• * Luxated Patellas
  A luxated patella is a genetically transmitted condition that causes the knee cap to slip out of position when the joint is moved, usually resulting in lameness.
  
  April 2008


• * Medical Abbreviations
  Reading a veterinarian report on your cat can sometimes be like reading hieroglyphics... Here is a handy dictionary of medical terms just for the cat breeder.
  
  December 2003


• Medical Information Via Microchips
  A new microchip implanted into your cat can actually tell you its temperature!
  
  April 2006


• Microchip Helps Blind Cats See
  A researcher at the University of Missouri has developed a microchip that, when implanted into a blind cat`s eye, allows it to see!
  
  February 2007


• * Microthalmia/Microphthalmia
  If an eye (ophthalmia) does not grow to its full size and is smaller (micro) than it should be, the condition is known as Microthalmia. Learn what causes this condition and what the future may hold for a cat with the problem....
  
  April 2009


• * Nasal Discharge
  A runny nose is a common complaint from cat owners to their veterinarians. It is important to know the different types of nasal discharge and what they may mean about your cat`s health.
  
  March 2005


• * Necropsy
  A necropsy, also called a post mortem, is an essential tool in determining the cause of death of an animal.
  
  August 2004


• New PKD Clinic at UC Davis
  If you have a PKD positive non- Persian or Exotic cat, UC-Davis is offering free genetic testing.
  
  February 2005


• New Research To Study Lymphoma of the Abdominal Cavity In Cats
  The North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Cancer Treatment Program are looking for cats with intra-abdominal lymphoma to participate in a research study.
  
  September 2007


• * Pain
  Recognizing both obvious and subtle symptoms that your cat may be in pain is a useful skill, especially for the multiple-cat owner
  
  July 2006


• * Pancreatitis
  The cause of pancreatitis is not known. However, recognizing the clinical signs is important as early detection is essential.
  
  October 2004


• * Pectus Excavatum
  Often referred to as funnel chest or inverted sternum, Pectus Excavatum is an unusual chest wall deformity sometimes found in kittens.
  
  April 2006


• Pet Allergies
  Allergies are one of the most common reasons why owners take their cat to see their veterinarian.
  
  June 2005


• PKD Genetic Test Available!
  The eagerly anticipated genetic test for PKD is now available at the University of California, Davis.
  
  January 2005


• * PKD in 2006
  An overview of polycystic kidney disease traces the progress the cat fancy has made dealing with the problem in cats in the last decade.
  
  October 2006


• PKD Progress Report, November 2001
  The battle aginst polycystic kidney disease continues.
  
  November 2001


• PKD Testing
  The Genetic Test for PKD will soon be available to cat breeders.
  
  July 2004


• Rapid Rabies Test
  A new test can detect the presence of rabies in an animal saliva sample within 30 minutes, providing vital information much sooner than traditional testing methods.
  
  February 2009


• * Removing a Retained Baby Tooth
  Occasionally a kitten`s baby tooth may not fall out when the permanent tooth comes in. To avoid ruining your kitten`s bite, you may need practice some feline dentistry.
  
  August 2002


• * Rhinitis & Sinusitis
  Rhinitis and sinusitis, together called rhinosinusitis, are a relatively common condition that most cat breeders will encounter from time to time...
  
  March 2008


• Scoliosis and Vertebral Fusion In A Cat
  A twisting and fusing of the spine of a cat leaves her leaning to the right.
  
  February 2003


• * Scoop on Poop
  Your cat`s bowel movements can tell you a lot about how he is feeling. Enjoy a handy chart that helps you get the scoop on what the poop is telling you.
  
  July 2003


• Siamese/Oriental Lymphoma Information Requested
  Dr. Leslie Lyons of UC Davis requests your help in the genetic study of Siamese and Oriental related lymphomas.
  
  February 2006


• Smoking And Your Cat
  If you smoke, you may be endangering the health of your cat.
  
  October 2002


• Sound of Healing
  A cat's purr may be able to heal bone fractures, increase bone density and control pain
  
  October 2005


• Sphynx Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Study
  Researchers at Western State University Veterinary Cardiac Genetics Laboratory are requesting blood samples from Sphynx diagnosed with HCM
  
  May 2007


• Stress & Your Cat`s Health
  Like with people, stress can adversely affect your cat`s health
  
  February 2006


• * Tail Kink X-Rays
  Have you ever seen x-rays of cat tails that are kinked?
  
  October 2005


• * Taking Your Cat`s Temperature
  This photo essay shows you exactly how to take your cat`s temperature with a rectal digital thermometer.
  
  January 2008


• * Toxoplasmosis
  While few cats ever develop the disease, Toxoplasmosis, being infected with the paratic Toxoplasma gondii is more common
  
  June 2007


• * Two Minute Check-Up
  It only takes a few minutes to give your cat a medical check-up at home.
  
  December 2004


• * Umbilical Hernia
  The most commom type of hernia in kittens is a congenital umbilical hernia - a hernia at the site of the belly button. This article discusses causes, symptoms, treatment and includes photos of an umbilical hernia and a surgical repair.
  
  December 2008


• * Understanding Bloodwork
  Bloodwork is the often the first step in patient evaluation after a physical exam of you cat. It is very helpful if you understand what your cat`s bloodwork may reveal.
  
  April 2004


• * Upper Respiratory Infections in Cats
  80% of upper respiratory infections in cats are the result of either feline rhino virus or calici virus. This article is an overview of URIs and discusses the best approach for cattery owners to treat and reduce this common cattery problem.
  
  March 2002


• Warning: Viral Swab Testing
  If your cat needs to have a culture done of its throat, some precautions are necessary.
  
  February 2002


• * Zithromax Dosages
  Zithromax is an excellent antibiotic choice for a variety of medical problems including URIs, Chlamydia and Bordetella.
  
  May 2002


• * Zithromax Dosing Schedules
  Zithromax remains at effective levels in the cat for 3-5 days, so `Zith` can be given less often than is usual for an antibiotic and still be effective.
  
  May 2002