The child's body is very weak. For a long time, the newborn is protected by passive immunity received from the mother. But this does not prevent the baby from becoming infected from a sick mother cat or becoming a target for a very virulent (poisonous) strain of a microorganism or virus. It takes much less time to save a baby than to treat an adult animal. All owners are advised to find out in advance what illnesses their kittens have, since awareness of the symptoms of the most common diseases will eliminate too late diagnosis.
Signs of illness in a kitten
The severity of symptoms depends not only on the stage of the disease, but also on the characteristics of the animal itself. Small pets are very difficult to tolerate any disease. It is not so difficult to guess about their ailment. It is enough to analyze their behavior and existing physiological disorders.
Behavioral changes
The owner should be alerted by sudden aggression or apathy, which is not characteristic of a good-natured and active pet. Depending on the cause of the illness, he may rush at family members or hide in secluded corners, avoiding sunlight.
Loss of appetite should not be ignored when even the patient’s favorite treats do not attract the attention of the sick person. If such behavior is associated with pain, do not be surprised by the appearance of plaintive meows and groans when trying to move from a warm bed.
External manifestations
Physiological symptoms are more obvious. Responsible owners never leave them unnoticed. External signs of illness include:
- increase or decrease in temperature;
- irregular pulse and difficulty breathing;
- problems with urination and intestinal upset (constipation, diarrhea);
- nausea and vomiting;
- redness, peeling, swelling and ulceration of the skin;
- hair loss and deterioration in its appearance (disheveled, dull, brittle);
- gait disturbance (strange movements, falling on the spot, lameness);
- increased lacrimation and runny nose;
- the appearance of discharge from the ears;
- bloating and loss of abdominal softness.
If at least one of these signs appears, it is recommended to contact a veterinarian as soon as possible. Some pathological conditions can be dangerous and contagious to other pets and even people. The patient should be isolated until diagnosis is made.
First aid for falling from a height
What to do if a cat fell from the 3rd floor? Carefully examine the animal and go to the doctor. In most cases, this height does not pose any particular danger to cats.
If a cat fell from the 6th floor, then you need to immediately take the necessary measures and provide first aid to the injured animal. It includes several actions that should be carried out in the first couple of hours after the fall:
- First of all, you need to find the cat and examine it without touching it.
- If the animal cannot move, then you need to try to put something flat under it - a sheet of thick cardboard, plywood, the bottom of a carrier, the head needs to be fixed.
- The pet is immediately taken to a veterinary clinic or taken home, but they try to ensure peace.
- If the cat is unconscious, resuscitation is carried out - the mouth is opened, the tongue is pulled out, the nose is closed with the fingers. Then artificial respiration must be performed through gauze - air is blown into the animal’s mouth. It is important to monitor the movement of the diaphragm.
- Bandages soaked in solutions of furatsilin or chlorhexidine are applied to areas of open damage. If necessary, replace with fresh ones.
- If internal bleeding is suspected, cold compresses may be applied to the cat's abdomen and head.
Infectious diseases
The main causative agents of infections are bacteria and viruses. The pathologies they cause are highly contagious. In crowded conditions, it is recommended that not only the infected person be tested, but also the others. Most likely, they are already sick, so everyone will have to be treated together.
Panleukopenia (distemper)
Infection with distemper is accompanied by weakness, apathy, trembling of the limbs and matting of the fur. Sick animals do not respond to their mother and refuse not only feeding, but also water.
Over time, the symptoms are complemented by loose, foul-smelling stool streaked with blood and yellowish foamy vomit. Death from dehydration occurs within 3 days, so it is very important to consult a doctor at the first behavioral changes.
Peritonitis
Inflammation of the serous membrane of the abdominal cavity due to infection with feline coronavirus causes fever and loss of activity. Due to poor appetite and fever, the body quickly becomes exhausted. Yellowing of the mucous membranes and skin is observed.
If peritonitis is detected in a pregnant cat, it is necessary to separate her from her kittens at 4-6 weeks of their life. By this time, the antibodies produced in breast milk have broken down and can cause illness in the litter.
Calcivirosis
Like other pathological conditions, calcivirosis in recently born animals occurs in a rapid form. If a secondary infection occurs, the chances of salvation are almost zero.
Transmission of the pathogen occurs through direct contact with a sick person or through contaminated things. Calcivirosis can be recognized by excessive salivation, sneezing, fever, the appearance of serous fluid from the nose and eyes, as well as swelling and ulceration of the skin.
Conjunctivitis
Damage to the mucous membrane of the eye is accompanied by its redness, the formation of a cloudy film on the cornea, profuse tearing and eversion of the eyelids. The course of conjunctivitis is usually severe. Copious mucous discharge quickly becomes cloudy, mixing with pus.
In the purulent form, there is an increase in body temperature, loss of activity and appetite. Because of the pain, the animal practically does not blink, and its eyelids are glued together by the accumulating exudate.
What are the symptoms of serious injury after a fall?
A cat falling from a height of the 6th floor is considered more dangerous than, for example, from the 7th. The animal simply does not have time to group itself in the process and land normally. Falling from the ninth floor and above is dangerous because a fairly high speed develops, and the impact on the ground becomes stronger.
Cats love to sit on the windowsill and watch the world around them.
Pathologies during pregnancy of a mother cat and during lactation
Some diseases of newborn kittens are associated with improper intrauterine development and flaws in feeding. To prevent them, it is necessary to strictly monitor the condition of the pregnant pet, preventing her from deteriorating.
Fading kitten syndrome
Pathology develops due to placental abruption. A kitten formed in such an afterbirth weighs 25% less than its brothers and sisters. He barely moves and drinks little. In especially severe cases, complete paralysis of the limbs is noted.
Due to dehydration and hypothermia, gradual decline and death are observed. There is no cure for this disease, so do not neglect to review your cat's diet during pregnancy.
Hypogalactia
Occurs when there is a deficiency of milk caused by poor feeding, too large an offspring or the first birth. Newborns are malnourished, so their body is quickly depleted.
To solve the problem, it is necessary to abandon breastfeeding in favor of artificial. Ready-made milk formulas sold in pet stores have similar nutritional value. After reaching 1 month, they can be replaced with complementary foods.
Toxic milk syndrome
Occurs during acute intoxication caused by damage to the mammary glands or uterus. Poisoning of newborns is accompanied by:
- bloating;
- dehydration;
- diarrhea;
- refusal to feed;
- plaintive meow;
- increased temperature (observed during blood poisoning).
With these symptoms, as with hypogalactia, you should switch to artificial nutrition and consult a veterinarian. He will select medications for symptomatic therapy, and in especially severe cases, prescribe antibiotics.
Why are cats born blind?
Many purring owners are interested in two questions: after how many days do kittens open their eyes, and why fluffies are born blind. In fact, kittens are not blind at all - they just have their eyelids closed too tightly.
Why is this planned? Even if you see a cute purring animal in front of you, remember that cats are predators. Nature came up with everything as accurately as possible. The fact is that a cat's pregnancy proceeds too quickly. This is intended so that the animal can hunt normally, chasing prey and running away from ill-wishers. If pregnancy in cats lasted longer, it is unlikely that they would be able to search for food normally.
Since kittens are born at a short period of time, they are not yet fully developed organisms. Vision continues to develop after the furballs are born.
Blood disorders
A low level of hemoglobin, a small number of red blood cells or their rapid destruction are very dangerous. These disorders are fraught with retarded growth and development, decreased immunity and hypoxic coma caused by lack of oxygen.
Anemia
Anemia is accompanied by pallor of the mucous membranes and delayed physical development. This pathology is often inherited or occurs as a complication of helminthiasis.
The condition of sick babies can be normalized with the help of iron. To do this, you need to select a special medicinal food or add iron-containing supplements to the diet.
Hemolysis
Occurs when the blood type of a mother cat and her cubs do not match. Antibodies that enter the body along with colostrum attack and destroy the red blood cells of newborns.
The destruction of red blood cells is accompanied by:
- yellowing of mucous membranes;
- darkening of urine to a brown tint;
- lethargy and refusal to feed;
- necrosis of tissue at the tip of the tail.
The cubs should be transferred to artificial feeding. It is also recommended to take blood tests for the entire family in advance to rule out breastfeeding without waiting for complications.
Pathologies caused by external factors
Many pathological disorders are caused by external factors. Their appearance is associated with improper care, neglect of asepsis rules and allergens - substances that cause acute intolerance in the body.
Inflammation of the navel
The reasons for the appearance of an inflammatory process in the navel include dental diseases of the mother, unsanitary conditions in the place where her babies are kept, or a violation of the length of the umbilical cord, when it is more or less than the required norm. The inflamed navel turns red, swells and oozes pus.
In the treatment of this pathology, anti-inflammatory drugs and antiseptic ointments are used. They help relieve inflammation and prevent blood poisoning.
Hypothermia and its consequences
Often occurs in the absence of a mother cat who warms the cubs with her body heat. Another possible cause of hypothermia is unfavorable living conditions, when animals have to sleep on a cold floor or in a draft.
The body temperature of a frozen animal drops to 35.6°C, but does not affect mobility. It is preserved so as not to lose any remaining heat.
A “nest” with small pets should be equipped with a heating pad. To restore strength, use a glucose solution, pouring it into the mouths of all victims. Without timely help, mustachioed pets die due to disturbances in the functioning of the heart and brain.
Dehydration
Dehydration is not an independent disease, but is a symptom of other pathologies. With insufficient physical development, it is due to the fact that the animal is simply not able to independently reach the mother’s nipples.
Lack of moisture in the body is accompanied by a bright red coloration of the tongue and mouth, dry mucous membranes, weak muscle tone, low physical activity and loss of skin elasticity. A dehydrated baby should be constantly latched to the breast or bottle-fed. Additionally, rehydration medications may be required.
Allergy
Allergic reactions are provoked by flea bites, certain foods, pollen and other allergens. The little allergy sufferer constantly itches, sneezes, breaks out in small rashes, or suffers from hair loss. For recovery, it is necessary to eliminate all provoking factors and use antihistamines.
Stool disorder
This is another symptom that is not an independent pathology. Constipation and diarrhea occur with problems with the gastrointestinal tract. In babies, they are usually associated with overeating, familiarization of the body with new foods and stress when separated from the mother.
If, after reviewing the portions, returning to the regular menu and getting used to the new owner, the situation does not stabilize, you should be tested for infections and intestinal parasites.
Prevention: what to do?
Valeria Oleinik, a veterinarian at the 911 clinic, advises closely monitoring the safety of cats, which often like to climb to heights and jump from there. Therefore, before leaving for work, do not forget to check all windows and balcony doors; for greater safety, it is recommended to install window protective nets. If a cat dies after falling from a great height, the owner does not need to blame himself, although it is not easy to survive such a loss. It is important to draw the right conclusions from the current situation and try to eliminate the factors that caused the tragedy.
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Parasitosis and skin diseases
The main cause of dermatitis in a newborn is infection by parasites or fungi. In both cases, unbearable itching appears, and secondary infections quickly penetrate the scratches.
Helminthiasis
Helminths enter the body in utero, through mother's milk, from other animals or from the owner's street shoes. In addition to scabies near the anus, infected people experience vomiting, diarrhea, conjunctival lesions and bloating.
Some worms are dangerous to humans, so do not delay treatment. Anthelmintic drugs are used to kill parasites, but due to their toxicity, the dosage and method of use should be checked with a veterinarian.
Flea infestation
Flea infestation is very difficult for newborns. Due to blood loss, they become anemic. There is also a possibility of infection by tapeworm larvae and mycoplasmas carried by fleas.
If your baby is constantly itching, covered in ulcers and becomes irritable, book him in for an examination at the veterinary clinic. Anti-flea drugs are no less toxic than anthelmintic drugs, so you will need to consult a specialist.
Ringworm
Infection with fungi is accompanied by severe itching, hair loss, discoloration, peeling and inflammation of the skin. Ringworm is difficult to treat. Recovery takes at least 1 month.
The sick person is placed in strict quarantine, isolated from other family members. Fungal spores are very tenacious. To destroy them, it is necessary to disinfect the entire room and get rid of the infected person’s personal belongings, replacing them with new ones.
Ear mite
The presence of otodectosis can be easily determined by brownish-black discharge from the ears, periodic shaking of the head and redness of the affected skin. In severe cases of the disease, the animal may lose hearing, so do not delay treatment. All four-legged family members will have to be treated for scabies parasites, since the disease is quickly transmitted when keeping several pets at the same time.
How to protect your kitten from diseases
To protect your little pet, you need to take care of its health even before birth. This will be helped by competent care of the mother, who protects her offspring from infections until vaccinations are given.
Ensuring the normal course of pregnancy of the mother cat
Before mating, it is necessary to undergo all mandatory vaccinations in order to build immunity against the most dangerous viruses, and deworming. During pregnancy, a lot of attention will have to be paid to feeding and living conditions:
- Increase your daily food intake by 10%. In this case, there will be enough nutrients not only for the cat, but also for her offspring.
- Increase the frequency of feedings. Despite the increase in the norm, you cannot feed the daily portion in just 2 meals. Do not overload the stomach and feed your pet 5-6 times a day in small portions.
- Enrich your diet with vitamins and minerals. If your pet eats dry food, then choose a new product designed specifically for pregnant and lactating animals. When feeding natural food, it is better to discuss this issue with your veterinarian. Without preliminary testing, there is a risk of overdoing it or, conversely, not getting enough elements necessary during this period. Such a mistake is fraught with hypo- or vitamin deficiency.
- Create a safe and cozy "nest" to prevent childbirth under the sofa.
- Swap a large play set for a horizontal scratching post. An unsuccessful landing from a high surface can cause miscarriages.
By following these recommendations, your mustachioed pet's pregnancy will be easy and unnoticed. During childbirth, it is better to invite a veterinarian, since in an emergency he will be able to provide first aid.
Pre-vaccination period
This period is one of the most dangerous, but if the mother cat is vaccinated in a timely manner, there is no need to worry about the health of her offspring. For additional prevention, it is recommended to avoid walking outside, not to let small pets out into the hallway, and to put all outdoor shoes along with clothes in a tightly closed closet.
How to prevent a cat from falling out of a window
Cats love heights, so they don't feel much fear. The result is often falls and serious injuries. It is possible to protect an animal from such a situation by following safety rules:
The safety of the animal depends on the owner
- If the animal likes to sit on the windowsill, then it is recommended to take care of durable mosquito nets that can withstand serious pressure.
- Nets should also be placed on the balcony to prevent the possibility of falling from it.
- When leaving the apartment, be sure to check all the windows; in the absence of the owner, cats become even more curious.
- If your pet experiences falls from the bed, cabinets, or other places while sleeping, you should contact your veterinarian for an examination. Perhaps this is a sign of some disease.
If a cat falls from a height, then in most cases the fault lies with the owner. Inattention and absent-mindedness lead to similar consequences. The injured animal is carefully and quickly taken to the hospital for diagnosis and selection of the most appropriate treatment. Following preventive measures will help avoid accidents.
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