Infections resulting from feline calicivirus usually develop suddenly.  When a cat becomes infected with calicivirus, the outcome is revealed in flu-like symptoms.  Clinical signs commonly associated with feline calicivirus include sneezing, mouth ulcers, fever, and lack of appetite.  Ulcers can also appear between the toes and on the bottom of the feet.  Some cats are afflicted with limping, known as limping syndrome.  Although, in most cases the complications are not severe each cat has a different immune system and should be treated differently.

Even though symptoms are generally not life-threatening, cats have different immune systems and the virus will develop in different ways.  If calicivirus is left untreated, it can lead to the death of the cat.  Symptoms normally develop gradually beginning with a loss of appetite.  Fever and weakness follow.

As the virus progresses, ulcers may appear on the tongue or nose and a watery discharge from the eyes and nose can be seen.  If the virus progresses to this point, the pet should be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.  Depending upon the severity of the virus, medications and therapy are available to provide relief for the patient.

Feline calicivirus is a highly contagious viral disease that is universally widespread among the world’s cat population.  Calicivirus is a common cause of upper respiratory infections and is characterized by symptoms of pneumonia, and sores in the mouth, along with occasional arthritis.  It is a mild flu-like condition and seldom causes serious complications.  In severe cases, calicivirus can lead to the development of pneumonia.  Feline calicivirus is a common cause of upper respiratory infections in multi-cat households, animal shelters, and among the feral cat population.

Direct contact with an infected cat seems to be the primary means of transmission.  The virus is spread through discharge from the eyes, nose, or saliva of an infected cat.  Cats suffering from calicivirus will exhibit symptoms of appetite loss, lethargy, and difficulty breathing.  They may also have chronic symptoms such as pus filled sores on the lips, nose, and tongue.

Clinical signs are discharge from the eyes and nose, sneezing, fever, ulceration of the tongue, and the roof of the mouth.  A rare strain of the virus has been reported to lead to the failure of multiple organs and causes death in 60% of the patients.  Vaccination against calicivirus is the only means of preventing this disease.

Feline panleukopenia (Feline Parvovirus or FPV) is an infectious disease, caused by feline parvovirus.  A parvo SNAP test can be used to diagnose feline panleukopenia.  The SNAP test is a measure designed for the detection of parvovirus in dogs, but can also detect the panleukopenia virus.  The test will show positive results, when the infection is present.  It is also possible to get a false negative reading.

Diagnosis can also be made through the symptoms.  Dehydration, depression, lethargy, and vomiting will be present when a cat develops feline panleukopenia.  Laboratory testing for white blood cell counts show almost no white blood cells.

If a vaccination is administered five to twelve days prior to the day of the test, it can cause the test to show a positive result.  The presence of the virus in the vaccine will be detected in the test.

Other test kits are available for use in confirming feline panleukopenia such as a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test, by rising antibody titer.   Prevention of this virus is possible through vaccinations that can be given to kittens twelve weeks and older.  When the kitten series is completed, a booster will be given a year later and continue from there on, every one to three years.

Feline panleukopenia is a highly contagious viral disease caused by feline parvovirus.  It occurs as a result of contact with an infected cat’s bodily fluids, i.e. blood, feces, or urine.  It can also be carried by fleas. Cats can become infected through bedding, food dishes, and the hands or clothing of someone who has handled an infected cat.  The primary victims of panleukopenia are young kittens and sick cats or cats that have not been vaccinated; although it can be found in a cat of any age.   The mortality rate in kittens is very high.  Pregnant cats with panleukopenia can give birth to severely brain damaged kittens.

The lymph nodes in the throat are the first to be affected, after which the virus spreads to the bone marrow and the intestines.  Panleukopenia virus suppresses the production of white blood cells, compromising its immune system.  White blood cells are needed to fight the infection; without them the victim is left completely vulnerable, allowing the virus to progress. When the virus reaches the intestines, it causes ulceration that leads to a bacterial infection, dehydration, and diarrhea.

The first clinical signs that may be noticed by the owner include fever, vomiting, lethargy, dehydration, and loss of appetite.  Infected cats develop anemia due to the loss of red blood cells.

Liver cancer occurs when an abnormal growth of malignant cells forms into a tumor.  Cats that have been diagnosed with liver cancer experience different tumor symptoms.  Symptoms will vary in presence and degree from cat to cat.  Some cats may lose interest in food.  This loss of appetite can lead to a drastic weight loss and as a result, lethargy.  Cats can also experience the inability to control bowel movements.

A symptom most commonly associated with feline liver cancer manifests itself in the form of jaundice.  It can be seen in the yellowing of the eyes and skin of the infected cat.  Jaundice occurs when the liver becomes incapable of processing waste.  The waste then leaks into other essential organs.

Bad breath is another symptom indicative of liver cancer.  Vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures are also identifying signs of liver cancer.

Cats suffering form liver cancer may also have feline leukemia or tumors in other parts of their body.  Tumors with origins in the abdomen often apply pressure on internal organs resulting in pain and in some cases low blood sugar.

Recommended treatment may involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgical removal, anti-cancer medications, immunotherapy, or a combination of these methods.

Tumors are exceedingly common in cats, with most being found in cats that are four years of age or older.  Feline tumors are found to be malignant more often than benign.  Although, great strides have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of feline tumors, little is known about their cause.

While, tumors can be found in many areas of a cat’s body, the skin is a very common site for tumors.  They also appear in the bones, central nervous system, liver, mouth, muscles, pancreas, reproductive system, respiratory system, and urinary tract.

As the tumor develops, a cat may show clinical signs of:

• Bad Breath
• Chronic Cough
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty Breathing
• Lethargy
• Trouble Swallowing
• Weight loss
• Vomiting

Diagnosis begins with a thorough physical examination.  Blood work, radiographs, and ultrasounds are also used in the diagnostic process.  A biopsy or the removal and testing of a small piece of the tumor can be performed to make a determination of whether the tumor is cancerous or non-cancerous.

Various methods are practiced in relation to treating feline tumors.  Some of the more universal include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgical removal, immunotherapy, or a combination of treatments.  Anti-cancer medications are often considered as a method of treatment.

Since there is such an immense variance in tumors, upon diagnosis, each one is assessed on an individual basis.  Depending upon the severity of the tumor and the age and condition of the cat’s health, an appropriate treatment plan can be carried out.

Cases of feline acne can range from mild to moderate and although it cannot be cured, it can be brought under control with medication.  Various products are available for the treatment of feline acne, including special gels, oils, shampoos, and sprays.

Products marketed for use in controlling feline acne are antiseborrheic agents that contain rich quantities of benzyl peroxide.  When correctly applied, benzyl peroxide works toward the breakdown of the excessive accumulation of oil that causes the formation of acne.  Other medications rich in fatty acids can also play a beneficial role in controlling the progression of acne.  Topical forms of antibiotics such as mupirocin should only be given as a secondary measure in case there is an outbreak of a bacterial infection.  Cats that are suffering from high levels of inflammation due to rashes, redness, or scratches should be treated with a short course of corticosteroids.

Prednisolone is one of the most popular corticosteroids used in the treatment of acne.  It is also advisable to switch food and water dishes to stainless steel, to avoid a recurrence of feline acne in the future.

Like people cats can also experience bouts of acne.  Follicles become blocked with a black sebaceous material.  This action causes blackheads to appear around a cat’s chin and lips.  Cases of feline acne can range from mild to severe.  Lesions will appear on the lower lip and chin.  Swelling around the chin and lips will also be apparent.

Mild cases can usually be treated topically with antiseborrheic shampoos.  These shampoos contain ingredients used to break down excess oils in the skin.  Severe cases may require shaving the hair on the chin in order to clean and treat the area more thoroughly.  In addition to the use of topical medications it may be necessary to employ the use of oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications can be used to eliminate the infection.

Although there is no known cause for feline acne, a variety of possibilities may contribute to this condition.  Several possibilities play a part in the development of feline acne, with the inclusion of:

• Plastic Food Bowls
• Poor Hygiene
• Stress
• Poor Grooming
• Suppressed Immune System
• Other Conditions or Diseases
• Presence of Hair or Skin Conditions
• Viruses

If you notice signs of feline acne, seek the advice of your cat’s veterinary care provider for an accurate diagnosis, as there are other conditions that have symptoms similar to those of feline acne.

A variety of home remedies can be used to give a cat relief from the distress of ear mites.

A variety of items including corn oil, mineral oil, or olive oil can be used to clean the infected ears.  Green tea and white vinegar are also excellent choices in the treatment of ear mites.  Tea tree oil is dangerous to use on cats and should never be used.

Begin the treatment by carefully cleansing the ears.  Use green tea, proven to have natural antiseptic properties that will help kill germs, remove excess wax, and eliminate droppings left by the mites.  Wax removal will remove the ear mite’s food source.  After applying the tea treatment, follow with olive or mineral oil to suffocate the mites.  The oil should be gently warmed before putting it in the cat’s ears.  Gently massage the ear after applying the oil.

A few drops of corn oil or mineral oil can be put on a cotton ball and massaged in the ears to clean the infected area.  This will help smother the ear mites, thus speeding up the healing process.

White vinegar can also be used in the treatment of ear mites.  The acidity of vinegar helps to remove the dirt and debris found in the ears.  A solution of one part vinegar and two parts water should be put in the ears and gently massaged.  Follow the vinegar treatment by gently wiping the inside of the ears.

A variety of medications is available on today’s market for curing the discomfort of ear mites.  Although, ear mite medications can be purchased over-the-counter, prescription medications are stronger, thus much more effective in ridding a cat of an ear mite infestation.

The most effective medication will contain an insecticide that contains pyrethrins.  Begin the treatment by cleansing the cat’s ears and then applying the prescribed medication.  Ear mite medication will generally be in the form of drops, which can be put in the ears.  After applying drops, you can then massage the ears to get complete coverage.  The ears will usually need to be medicated once a week, after which you will need to repeat the process.  The process may need to be done for three or four cycles before completely ridding the cat of an ear mite infestation.

Medications shown to have exceedingly good results in treating ear mites include Acarexx, Fipronil, Milbemycin, and Selamectin.  Although, ear mites are usually found in the ears, they can live all over the body, especially in the back, neck, feet, and tail area.  In order to completely rid a cat of the infestation, these areas should also be treated.  Dips, shampoos, and sprays are available for this purpose.  Be sure to use products that are labeled for use on cats.