The health of domestic cats is a well studied area in veterinary medicine. Topics include infection and genetic diseases, diet, nutrition and non-therapeutic surgical procedures such as neutering and declawing.

An infectious disease is caused by the presence of organisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites either animalian or protozoan. Most of these diseases can spread from cat to cat via airborne pathogens or through direct or indirect contact, while others require a vector such as a tick or mosquito. Certain infectious diseases are a concern from a public health standpoint because they are zoonoses (transmittable to humans). Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a genetic relative of HIV.

Viral diseases in cats can be serious, especially in catteries and kennels. Timely vaccination can reduce the risk and severity of an infection. The most commonly recommended viruses to vaccinate cats against are: Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR) is an upper respiratory infection of cats caused by feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1). Feline calicivirus (FCV), the other common viral cause of respiratory infection in cats. Feline panleukopenia (FPV) more commonly known as feline distemper. Rabies, a fatal disease transmitted by the bite of an infected mammal. In the United States, cats make up 4.6% of reported cases of rabies infected animals. Other viruses cats may be exposed to include: Chlamydophila felis, Feline leukemia virus (FeLV), a retrovirus not a cancer. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), a lentivirus, and also not a cancer. Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a fatal, incurable disease caused by Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus (FIPV), which is a mutation of Feline Enteric Coronavirus (FECV/FeCoV) and (H5N1).

Genetic diseases: Domestic cats are affected by over 250 naturally occurring hereditary disorders, many of which are similar to those in humans, such as diabetes, hemophilia and Tay–Sachs disease. For example, Abyssinian cat’s pedigree contains a genetic mutation that causes retinitis pigmentosa, which also affects humans. Cat skin disorders are among the most common health problems in cats. Skin disorders in cats have many causes, and many of the common skin disorders that afflict people have a counterpart in cats. The condition of a cat’s skin and coat can also be an important indicator of its general health. Skin disorders of cats vary from acute, self-limiting problems to chronic or long-lasting problems requiring life-time treatment.

However, don’t let your pet go another day without getting the essential vitamins and nutrients they need to maintain their health and well-being. When you add Pet Bounce Multivitamin to their diet right now, you’ll be adding a supplement fortified with the ingredients they need plus Resveratrol for that added boost. Pet Bounce is a complete multivitamin formulated especially for your cat and dog. Whether they’re big or small, canine or feline, they will benefit from this advanced formula created specifically to support their health and well-being. In addition to its substantial amount of nutrients, Pet Bounce is also fortified with Resveratrol, a powerful anti-oxidant chosen for its ability to improve the health of your pet and increase their vitality. All this is contained in a chewable wafer in a flavor your pet will love.

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Cats can live longer than many people think… 18 to 20 years is common.

Here’s how to keep your cat purring into advanced old age.

Steps:
1. Take your cat to the veterinarian at least once a year for a complete physical exam, and follow your veterinarian’s advice regarding preventive health-care measures. Preventing disease and maintaining optimum health are the first steps toward a long, healthy life.

2. Spay or neuter your cat as soon as possible. Having kittens, especially repeated litters, is stressful and will contribute to premature aging.

3. Keep your cat inside at all times to reduce the risk of accidents, injuries from fights or disease. (Some research suggests inside cats live twice as long as outdoor cats!)

4. Feed your cat high-quality food designed to meet the specific nutritional requirements during all stages of his life.

5. Prevent obesity at all costs by controlling your cat’s diet and engaging him in play activities.

6. Talk to your veterinarian about adding vitamin and mineral supplements, antioxidants and extra fiber to your cat’s diet.

7. Have your cat’s teeth cleaned professionally. Good dental health will add years to his life.

8. Groom your cat daily, checking for abnormalities, and seek medical help promptly when you discover anything suspicious

9. Make sure no harmful chemicals such as pesticides or household cleaners find their way onto your cat’s fur, since cats groom themselves with their tongues constantly. Even small amounts of harmful chemicals on their bodies can have adverse effects if consumed over many years.

10. Protect your cat from environmental dangers such as household cleaners and secondhand smoke.

11. Help your cat avoid the stress of harassment from other animals by providing a quiet place for undisturbed catnaps.

12. Provide your older cat with a heat source such as a heating pad set on low, since cats more than 12 years old require extra heat. You’ll notice a difference in his attitude and activity level.

13. Give your cat daily full-body massages and lots of love. Despite their aloof demeanor, cats thrive on affection.

14. Protect your cat from dangerous plants such as cactus and poinsettia.

Find a veterinarian with a special interest in aging who keeps abreast of advancements in this rapidly developing area of pet care. Be sure to call your veterinarian before giving your cat any product not specifically approved for cats. Some products, such as acetaminophen, commonly consumed safely by people or dogs, are poisonous to cats.
Here’s a quick way to treat your cat…Instead of a heating pad, fold up your down comforter on the end of the bed. Your aging cat will sink into its own warm cocoon for all its naps. Remeber cats are like people… when they feel loved and happy their health is affected. So be sure to give your cat as much attention as you can.

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