The common term used for senility or dementia is "cognitive dysfunction". The two most common complaints of owners with senile cats are loss of housetraining and wandering during normal sleep time. But there are several other signs. Go to:http://www.petplace.com/cats/cognitive-dysfunction/page1.aspx.
Feline Immuno-deficiency Virus (FIV)
FIV Information
1.The Feline Immuno-Deficiency Virus (FIV) is a slow virus that affects a cat's immune system over a period of years.
2.FIV cats most often live long, healthy, and relatively normal lives with no symptoms at all.
3.FIV is a cat-only disease and cannot be spread to humans or other non-felines.
4.FIV is not easily passed between cats. It cannot be spread casually, like in litter boxes, water and food bowls or when snuggling and playing.It is rarely spread from a mother to her kittens.
5.The virus can be spread through blood transfusions, badly infected gums, or serious, penetrating bite wounds. (Bite wounds of this kind are extremely rare, except in free-roaming, un-neutered tomcats.)
6.A cat in a home is extremely unlikely to infect other cats, if properly introduced.
7.Many vets are not educated about FIV since the virus was only discovered 15 years ago.
8.FIV-positive cats should be kept as healthy as possible. Keep them indoors and free from stress, feed them a high-quality diet and treat any secondary problems as soon as they arise.
Please give an FIV positive cat a home!If you adopt and FIV positive cat from Kitty Connection, you can bring the cat to our vet at rescue discount prices for the rest of the cat’s life!
For additional information, please read the excellent article, below:
FIV: Catching a Bad Case of Rumors By Kristi Littrell (from Best Friends website)
Despite what many people think, cats with this condition can live perfectly long, happy, healthy lives. I was on my way back to the sanctuary after a family visit in Colorado. Curled up beside me, purring contentedly, was Reggie, the cat nobody dared take in. You'd think he was an unexploded bomb or an X-rated movie. Make that FIV-rated. FIV stands for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. It's a lentivirus, meaning that it progresses very slowly, gradually affecting a cat's immune system. It is passed through blood transfusions and through serious, penetrating bite wounds - mainly by stray, intact tom cats. The most well-known lentivirus in humans is HIV. But the two are not at all the same, and you can't get FIV from a cat. In fact, the only thing about FIV that you can catch is a bad case of the rumors. Deconstructing Reggie Reggie is six years old. "I fell in love with him at the shelter and decided to try to find him a home," said Connie, who had rescued him, but then became infected by the rumors. "When my vet diagnosed him with FIV, nobody wanted him." "How does he get on with other cats?" I asked, innocently. "My cats have NOT been exposed to him," Connie replied. "So I don't know how he reacts to other cats." I started to explain that a friend of mine, Karen Green, has had her FIV cat, Bentley, living with her other cats for five years, but Connie was already glazing over. She didn't even want to listen, even though she wanted the best for Reggie. Reggie stretched and snoozed some more in the car. And I spent the 12-hour drive thinking about finding Reggie - and other cats like him - a good home. When I got back, I went straight to visit Karen. Bentley - like a Rolls "I once got a desperate e-mail from an 80-year-old woman," she told me. "Her only cat had just been diagnosed with FIV. The cat was perfectly normal and healthy, but her veterinarian had suggested euthanizing him. The woman was desolated. She asked if we would take him at Best Friends. I said she should keep him. But it was my word against the vet's." (While Karen is talking, Bentley jumps onto her lap. He's a big cat, with a purr like a Rolls Royce - or maybe a Bentley.) "He was a stray cat who a woman had been putting out food for until she became incapacitated I took him home myself. He has such personality. I wasn't surprised when he tested positive for FIV. He fit the standard high-risk profile - he'd been a large, roaming, unneutered male." Bentley continues to be the most mellow and affectionate cat. Kids love him. So do other cats. Men admire his macho good looks, and with his paternal instincts, he has helped Karen foster 12 kittens in the past five years. All of them tested negative for FIV, of course. "I had a roommate," Karen tells me, "whose vet told her to euthanize her 12-year-old cat when he was diagnosed with FIV! Big John is now 20 years old and completely blind, but otherwise perfectly healthy! People are always surprised to see how healthy Bentley is. But that's the way most of them are!" She has some happy-ending stories, too, like the letter from a woman who wrote: "After reading about FIV, I realized that much of the fear is simply unfounded. So I've decided to keep this cat and raise him with my other cat, Jasmine." As long as cats with FIV are not exposed to diseases that their immune system can't handle, they can live perfectly normal lives. And they can only pass the virus on to other cats through a serious, penetrating bite wound. So unless your cats at home routinely tear each other to pieces, it's not a problem. (And if your cats are tearing each other up, that's probably a bigger problem!) What's in a name? Faith Maloney, our director of animal care, has two FIV kitties. "I'd had Chevalier for four years before I moved house and decided to test all of my other cats for FIV at the same time. Since they don't fight, none of the others was FIV positive. I even took in another FIV kitty last year." Here at Best Friends, we have two rooms exclusively for FIV kitties. "They're some of the most gentle and affectionate cats here at the sanctuary," says Judah Battista, who's in charge of all the cats here. Judah thinks the discovery of FIV, about 15 years ago, was a very mixed blessing. "If you go back 15 years, before anybody tested for FIV, all of these little guys would be in homes living long, normal lives. But we've discovered something we can put a name to - even if the cats never get sick!"
Adopting an FIV cat Dennis Cook and Anne Tatom live near Seattle, Washington with 17 kitties, seven of whom are FIV positive. Four of those seven came from Best Friends, and all of them live happily together. Anne enjoys e-mailing people who are interested in learning more about living with FIV kitties. "I have been a Best Friends member for years, and I understand that FIV kitties need a home, too. Sure, you have to be careful and introduce the new cat properly to the others. But the cats we adopted from Best Friends - Simon, Malcolm, Sir Lancelot, and Wink - have blended into my home just fine." For Anne, it began when she took in a stray kitty she had been feeding and the vet told her he had FIV. Anne did some research and chose a veterinarian who was up to date on FIV. Surprisingly, many are not. When FIV was first discovered, the HIV scare was in high gear. A lot of vets didn't want to take any chances, so the rule of thumb was: "FIV cats should immediately be separated from non-infected cats. If you can't do this in your home, then find a place that will take them or have them euthanized." No wonder so many wonderful kitties were coming to Best Friends! Dissolving old fears Dr. Susan Cotter, professor of hematology and oncology at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, is one of those who have helped dissolve these old fears. "I wouldn't advise getting rid of a cat that tests positive for FIV," she says. "If the cat is young and healthy, it could be years before anything changes." Best Friends veterinarian Dr. Virginia Clemans says the one important thing is to keep your FIV cat healthy. (That, of course, is good advice for all your cats!) The virus affects the immune system," she explains. "So keep FIV cats indoors. Make sure they get regular vaccinations. And give them a high-quality diet. Keep an eye on them, and take them to the veterinarian at the first sign of illness." Am I in the wrong room? A couple of weeks after I had brought Reggie to the sanctuary, I went to visit him at the TLC Cat Club. Lezlie Sage, our cat adoption person, was there, too, trying to decide whom to take on a weekend mobile adoption trip. "When I first came to work at Best Friends, I walked into one of our FIV rooms, and I thought I must be in the wrong room. I didn't know very much back then, and I expected to see sick cats. But all I saw were healthy ones. Now I know about FIV, and I know there's absolutely no reason for these wonderful kitties not to be in good homes." As Lezlie was talking, sweet Reggie had curled up in my lap and gone to sleep. I looked around and saw some of the most handsome, healthy cats you could imagine. A bunch of them were all curled up in a basket together, grooming each other and purring. The most comfortable kitties in the world, I thought.
Cancer in Cats - Fourteen Signs to Look for
1.Lump or growth that grows quickly
2.A mass that seems to be attached to the underlying tissue
3.A mass that changes its character
4.Weight loss or loss of appetite
5.Coughing or difficult/labored breathing
6.Bloody urine
or difficulty urinating
7.Lethargy or a decreased energy level
Here are 7 more important signs to look for:
1.Straining or difficulty defecating
2.A firm mass
3.A pigmented mass
4.A sore or wound that does not heal
5.Difficulty eating or swallowing
6.Persistent lameness
7.Repeated vomiting - especially in older pets
So as you can see, cancer can take many forms. Depending on the type of cancer and its location, the symptoms vary.
If you have ever had a pet with cancer - you know that cancer treatments can be expensive. Depending on the location of the cancer - treatment can include chemotherapy, surgery to remove the mass and/or radiation. The cost can vary from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Some pet insurance companies such as VPI would cover this treatment under their pet insurance plans. So if you have considered pet insurance, take the next step. Get a free quote at petinsurance.com . Their coverage is easy to understand and it can really help you provide the medical care your cat needs in the case of an emergency or illness.
Remember the 14 warning signs of cancer and check your cat often for any signs of problem.
Cat Cancer – Do You Know the Warning Signs?
Cats get cancer. Actually - it is very common, just as it is for humans.If we live long enough, it is likely that we will develop heart disease, cancer or some other disease. We may not want to think about it (I don't) but it is true, eventually we all die of something. The same is true for our pets.
So, what exactly IS cancer, and what are the warning signs?
Cancer (also called neoplasia) is a transformation of normal cells into abnormal malignant cells, and it can take many forms.
Cancer can develop in virtually any organ or body system. Some forms of cancer involve the development of tumors, while other forms (like leukemia) involve changes in the blood or bone marrow.
Cancer can further be characterized by a group of cells that grows to invade and destroy adjacent tissues. It may also spread to distant areas through a process called metastasis, which is generally a "bad" omen - it means the cancer has "spread".
Cancer can occur in the skin or under the skin, and it can affect just about any location or organ in the body. There are also several types of cancer that can develop in different locations throughout the body.
So as you can see, cancer can take many forms. Depending on the type of cancer and its location, the symptoms will vary.
Here are some signs to watch for:
1.A lump or growth that grows quickly
2.A mass that seems to be attached to the underlying tissue
3.A mass that changes its character
4.Weight loss or loss of appetite
5.Coughing or difficult, labored breathing
6.Bloody urine
 or difficulty urinating
7. Lethargy or a decreased energy level
Cancer treatments can be expensive. Treatment often involves surgery but it can also involve radiation and chemotherapy. The cost can vary from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Here is an example actually a relatively common one. Cats can get a cancer called lymphosarcoma (lymphoma). It is a malignant cancer that involves the lymphoid system. In a healthy animal, the lymphoid system is an important part of the body's immune system defense against infectious agents such as viruses and bacteria. Lymphoid tissue normally is found in many different parts of the body including the lymph nodes, liver, spleen, gastrointestinal tract and skin. Lymphosarcoma is classified according to the location in the body in which the cancer begins.
Depending on the location of the cancer, treatment can include chemotherapy, surgery to remove the mass and/or radiation. Average treatment costs are hard to determine as they vary based on the particular hospital and the average cost in your part of the country. I can tell you that one practice in Columbus, Ohio estimates the average cost for 6 months of treatment at about $5,000. This includes emergency stabilization, surgery, hospitalization and chemotherapy.
Some pet insurance companies such as VPI would cover this treatment under their pet insurance plans.
Pet insurance can really help when your pet develops a medical problem or has an emergency situation. I've seen emergency treatment for many cats result in veterinary bills much higher than $5,000.
So if you have considered pet insurance, take the next step. Get a free quote at petinsurance.com. Their coverage is easy to understand and it can really help you provide the medical care your cat needs in the case of an emergency or illness.
Remember the warning signs of cancer and check your cat often for any signs of problem.
Feline Vaccination Series
This vaccination series is designed to help protect your pet from several diseases. Booster shots should be given every 3 to 4 weeks until kittens are 3 months old. Adult cats should be vaccinated every 3 years but should have annual physical examination to screen for other illnesses. Vaccinations should be given to all cats even if they are strictly indoors. Recently adopted cats with unknown health histories should also be vaccinated, since it is safer to give an extra vaccine than none at all.
What are Vaccines Designed to prevent?
UPPER RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS (URI) -includes rhinotracheitis and calicivirus. These highly infectious diseases cause cold-like symptoms and can lead to severe debilitation or even death in young kittens.
PANLEUKOPENIA (Feline Distemper)-a dangerous viral disease that causes severe vomiting, diarrhea, and may suppress the immune system. The disease is often fatal, even with treatment.
RABIES-a serious public health concern because the virus is carried by mammals including raccoons, skunks, foxes, bats, dogs, and cats and can be transmitted to humans. A raccoon-rabies outbreak currently exists in the Northeast. The virus is spread through wounds, via the saliva of a rabid animal, and causes neurologic symptoms such as overly vicious or timid behavior, lack of coordination, and difficulty swallowing. Once these symptoms appear, the disease is fatal. While there is an effective post-exposure treatment for humans, none exists for animals. An unvaccinated cat that is exposed to rabies must be destroyed or quarantined for 6 months under strict guidelines. A vaccinated cat is well protected from contracting rabies.
Rabies immunization in dogs and cats is required by law in Massachusetts. Even cats that stay indoors must be vaccinated, since they can get out, or a rabid animal can get in. Kittens should have their first rabies vaccine at 3 months, with
boosters given one year later and then every 3 years.
FELINE LEUKEMIA (FelV)-A viral disease that suppresses the immune system and may result in cancer or other serious diseases. Although the vaccine is not 100 percent effective, it should be strongly considered for all outdoor cats, cats in multiple-cat households, and cats that have frequent contact with other cats (e.g., show cats, cat-teries). All new kittens and cats should be tested for this virus.
What about Other Preventative Measures? FELINE IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (FIV)-FIV, first identified in 1986, can cause chronic illness by interfering with the immune system. Cats may carry the virus for years before showing any signs. Presently there is no vaccine available for the virus. We recommend that all new kittens and cats be tested for this virus.
NEUTERING-due to the serious pet-overpopulation problem in the United States, neutering of males and females is strongly recommended. Sterilized animals are less prone to many medical problems commonly affecting older animals, and neutering may prevent undesirable behavioral traits such as spraying and fighting. We recommend neutering 4 and 6 months of age, but it can be performed as early as 8 weeks.
INTERNAL PARASITES- most cats will suffer from intestinal worms at one time in their lives. Kittens are especially at risk. Remember to bring a stool sample with you each time you bring your pet to the veterinarian.
