NUTRIARA :: First Aid


	first aid

Like an infant, a cat - especially when young or aging - needs medical attention in order to be checked and vaccinated. Have in hand the addresses for emergency service, as well as the Vet’s phone number. Keep an eye on your

	cat and be alert to any strange or abnormal behavior. Sick cats change their attitude. Many times they hide themselves, they refuse to eat and even stop worrying about their hygiene.
	See some symptoms that deserve attention:

• Diarrhea or persistent constipation;
• Cat shedding and/or itchy skin;
• Loss of appetite;
• Difficulty to pass or urinary incontinency;
• Blood in the stools or heartworms;
• Repeated vomits;
• Faints;
• Paralysis;
• Nose, eyes or ears secretions;
• Reddish or swollen Eyelids;
• Repeated sneezes ;

• Cough;
• Fever (the normal temperature is between 38/39C degrees);
• Irregular or difficult breathing;
• Edema;
• Swelling;
• Bleeding of any sort;
• Parasites;
• Purplish or pale Gums and/or mouth;
• Broken teeth;
• Bad breathe.

	HEAT CYCLE
	EAR INFECTIONS
	HEART PROBLEMS
	FELINE UROLOGICAL SYNDROME

	HEAT CYCLE
	Females enter their first heat cycle between five and 10 months of age or sometimes at one year. The heat lasts around 4 to 7 days, and comes with abrupt changes in behavior. The cat starts to meow it and rub her body on the ground, furniture and persons. There is no bleeding during the heat. Cats are the only females among the species which ovulation is prompted by mating. If the females do not have contact with a male, the intervals between the heats will be around 16 days. In cases non-pregnant females that will have sexual contact with cats but won’t be fecunded the interval between the heats is 42 days the most. If you don’t want your cat to procreate, the ideal is to send her for spaying when reaches four months. The contraceptive pill injected every 3 months is not recommended, because in the long term run it can cause breast tumor and uterus infection. Neutering males is simpler. The most recommendable is to be neutered around 6 months of age, when the penis grows in diameter, avoiding urinary problems. Neutering is the removal of the testicles and it causes no pain. After neutering they normally become calmer animals and do not mark their territory as before.
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	EAR INFECTIONS
	Unlike dogs, cats aren’t so much affected by the otitis. Persian breed are more prone to having those infections. When a cat presents ear infection, he feels very uncomfortable, since his of the ears canals are very sensible. The ear becomes reddish, a dark or yellowish discharge and an offensive smell occurs. This infection generally appears in younger cats. Older animals may acquire it when in contact with other cats that present the illness. To otitis causes obstruction in the ear, which causes great discomfort for the feline. Bacteria or fungi cause it, and it is necessary to identify the agent causing the problem. A foreign object stuck in the canal of the ear may also cause it. It is necessary to visit a veterinarian to spot the cause of the infection and start a proper treatment.
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	HEART PROBLEMS
	Like humans, dogs and cats can have heart diseases mainly when they age. The statistics show that 1 in every 10 cats have a heart condition. Young cats can also have this kind of illnesses, specially the hereditary ones, that lead many kittens to death before being diagnosed by a vet. The cardiac parasites can and should be prevented. Before any trip to the coast, it would be a good idea to take him to the veterinarian who should prescribe preventive medicines. On the other hand, animals that live in the coast must get systematic preventive treatment against it Cardiac treatments should always be in agreement to the affection presented by each animal. There must have a specific therapeutic conduct according to the heart disease and the stage of it.
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	FELINE UROLOGICAL SYNDROME
	It is the formation of crystals in the urine that sometimes causes obstruction in the lower urinary tract - bladder and urethra. Observe the cat when he is passing to see if he is trying hard or showing that he’s feeling pain. In extreme cases, he simply will not get it. He may pass blood in the urine. The bladder can be relaxed making their abdomen sensitive and sore to the touch. If your cat presents these symptoms, find a veterinarian as soon as possible. Urinary problems can be life threatening. There isn’t a thorough way of preventing the appearance of the illness, but some cares may lessen the risk of it happen: • Maintain the litter box always clean and with free access. • Make sure your cat is drinking plenty of water. Change the water from the bowl several times a day. Offer him water the way he prefers it: some cats like to drink from the running tap. • Changing the kind of food can be stressful for some cats, increasing the risk of urinary problems development. To diminish that stress, introduce the new diet mixed to the old one during a period of one to two weeks. • Try to avoid any change in the cat’s routine. • At the first symptoms, get him to the veterinarian immediately.
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