We all love our Cats and want the best for our pets, sometimes even debating over decisions to vaccinate or not. Outdoor cats are most susceptible to a variety of diseases, disorders, and parasites, some of which can even affect humans. If your cat is kept indoors and does not mingle with other cats, than it becomes a personal decision as to vaccinating. If allowed to go outdoors, even occasionally, than it is highly recommended that your cat be vaccinated against some of the most widespread and significant viral disease to which cats are most susceptible to such as: Feline distemper, upper respiratory infections, and rabies.
When vaccinating Kittens, they should be at least 8 to 12 weeks old and free of parasites. It is best to deworm the cat and/or kittens approximately two weeks before immunization. You can have the feces analyzed to be sure that parasites are not present but this can cost in addition to the deworming costs. Or you can assume that worms maybe there and just do prevention. Remember to avoid contact with other pets that may not have been immunized as the vaccination is not effective until about a week later. A second dose maybe required to be effective and provide the protection. Some Vaccinations also require annual boosters or a booster every several years.
Kittens Cats
Examples of some of the Cat parasites that affect humans are fleas, ticks, mites, lice and maggots which are the major external parasites that you want to check for regularly and treat if present. Some of these pests transmit diseases and lay eggs on the animal so repeat treatments are required. Scratching is often a clue. Check ears often for ear mites!
The major concerns to humans and particularly children are Internal parasites which include a variety of worms (round, hook, whip, thread, tape) and single-celled organisms that you can not detect until they have taken their toll on your pet or worse yet have transferred to people such as the dreaded "pin worms". If you have other pets such as dogs, remember that your dog maybe the carrier and pass on "bugs" to your indoor cats.
Most dangerous to pregnant women, is the Protozoa Toxoplasma Gondaii, found in cat feces. This organism can affect the unborn child and may even cause miscarriage. It is best that pregnant women do not clean the cats' litter tray and/or take precautions and ensure that regular deworming is scheduled for their cats. There are many "automated" kitty waste systems which pregnant cat owners should consider investing in if the chores of cleaning the cat litter tray is their sole responsibility.
Like us, every part of the cats' body can be affected by some diseases and health problems, mouth and teeth by stomatitis, respiratory ailments, eye disorders like conjunctivitis, ear disorders, kidney disease, the circulatory system by anemia, heartworm and leukemia.
Pay attention to your pets health and be especially concern if your cat should vomits, collapses, has diarrhea, trouble breathing, bleeding or has dilated pupils. Loss of appetite is usually not serious unless it lasts for more than 24 hours. Watch your Cat for subtle signs of disease, listlessness, sneezing, coughing, closed eyelids, cloudy eyes, mouth odor, limping, pain, constipation, frequent urination or straining to urinate, and discharges from eyes, ears or nose. Also watch for changes in their regular habits such as sleeping more, soreness, irritable etc. Usually, the Cat will tell us something is wrong before the problem becomes critical. A trip to the Vet Clinic maybe required to confirm any issues.
Your Cats will start to show signs of old age around 10 years of age, which translates to about 60 years in a cats' life. The average lifespan for a cat is 15 years. Even if they cannot live nine lives (although some seem to), they can live a long, healthy life when given consistent, responsible care.
Taking care of your Cats' health is much the same as you do for yourself. Pay attention, prevent what you can and if you suspect something, get it check out.
Cats and Kittens and the Bad Bugs That They Can Give You If You Do Not Vaccinate Or Deworm
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