Necessary care for your cat

Cat lovers shouldn’t be discouraged about safeguarding their cats from serious illness. In fact, a smart place to begin is in their cat’s mouth. According to a new study, cats with common dental ailments are more likely to test positive for more serious illnesses.

The good news is that cats with serious illnesses including feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and feline HIV can live long and healthy lives with early discovery and appropriate medical care. Testing cats is an important step in limiting the spread of these illnesses.

How should a newbie care for a cat?

Regularly serve suitable meals and keep fresh water on hand. Give someone a nice, cozy bed. Give the cat access to the outside, or be ready to daily empty and clean the litter box. Make sure it has a secure and stimulating environment.

How frequently should you be at home for a cat?

While each cat is different, most healthy adult cats can be left alone for the majority of an eight-hour workday. However, if you frequently leave the house for 10 to 12 hours a day and spend little time with your cat while you are home, your cat may require additional care.

Advice and techniques about cat care

If you’re considering having a cat, keep in mind that they require room to move around and interaction with people and other animals on a frequent basis (cats don’t like to be left alone for extended amounts of time during the day).They will also want private access to a litter pan, which should ideally be changed once per week, as well as clean water, meat-based cat food, regular grooming, and other necessities.

We provide a ton of information for cat owners, such as pointers on comprehending cat behavior, instructions on when and why to neuter, and special guidance on how to care for a kitten in its first few weeks and months. Look around to find out more…

FIV and FeLV risk affects 31 million cats in the United States, according to estimates

These illnesses are extremely contagious and transfer from cat to cat only (they cannot be transmitted to humans). It’s crucial to have cats tested because FIV and FeLV in cats frequently have no obvious symptoms and many cat owners are unaware their animal has been exposed. A balanced diet, more frequent vet visits, and attentive monitoring are typically used as treatments.

One in eight cats with some sort of oral disease also tested positive for FIV, FeLV, or both, according to the study, which was carried out by veterinary clinics across the nation. The likelihood of these disorders in cats with oral diseases is four times higher than in cats without.

“This study advocates testing for FIV and FeLV infection in cats who have gingivitis and other oral disorders. This provides veterinarians with important new information to aid in the fight against these dangerous infections “said Dr. Jan Bellows, a diplomate of both the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners and the American Veterinary Dental College.

What are the FeLV and FIV?

Both the feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) can kill cats who are afflicted with them. Neither humans nor other animals can contract these viruses.

How do felines acquire FIV and FeLV?

The main way that FIV is spread is through cat bites. It is VERY rare that casual contact between cats may result in transmission. Saliva, tears, nasal secretions, urine, and feces are all carriers of FeLV.

FeLV and FIV coexist in cats?

Although there is no cure for FIV, if you see any of these signs in your cat, you should have them tested and diagnosed. If so, the veterinarian can help you provide them with the greatest comfort while they deal with this disease. Cats with FIV and FELV can continue to lead normal lives with a little extra care.

FIV/FeLV testing should be done on cats:

Cat owners should collaborate with their veterinarian to set up a routine for thorough wellness examinations, which should include dental exams and FIV/FeLV testing.

A cat should also get a FIV/FeLV test, according to the American Association of Feline Practitioners:

• When ill, regardless of prior unsuccessful outcomes. A change in behavior, grooming, or dietary habits may be a sign of disease.
• When kittens and cats of any age are first adopted.
• When cats reside in homes where the level of illness is unknown. Even cats with infection that don’t show any signs can spread the viruses to healthy cats.
• When cats may have been exposed, such as when they sneaked outside or got into a fight with another cat whose infection status was unclear.
• Especially for cats who fight or cohabit with diseased cats, once a year.

The American Veterinary Medical Association advises cat owners to schedule wellness exams with their doctors twice a year.