Ring Worm

Ringworm is a very common form of skin disease that is found in both dogs and cats. Although its name makes you think otherwise, this skin disease isn’t caused by any type of worm. It’s actually caused by fungi known as Dermatophytes that feed on dead tissues found on the surface of the skin, spreading them around the skin of the animal.

With cats, there is a certain type of fungi known as M Canis that is found with nearly 95% of all ringworm cases. Normally, cats will get the ringworm disease from contaminated objects like bedding, clippers, or another animal that already has the disease. If there are animals in or around your house that have the ringworm disease, your cat could very easily contract.

Kittens or cats that are under a year old are more susceptible to ringworm, especially if you allow them to go outside.  Both kittens and adolescent cats can easily contract the disease, because it can take a long time to build up their immune systems.  

The most common symptoms of ringworm in cats are rough or broken hairs, or hair loss around the head or the paws. Ringworm can easily be identified by a round, oval or blotcy patch of scaly or inflamed skin on the body.  There will also be broken hairs around the patch of scaly skin, generally caused by your pet scratching or chewing.

If you notice any of the above symptoms with your pet, you should immediately schedule an appointment with your vet.  If the vet diagnoses your cat with ringworm, he may prescribe ointment or tablets. Tablets should be given with meals, and oiontment is spread topically and rubbed gently into the coat. The healing process will take time, normally around six weeks or more.

Cats that have ringworm should be labeled as infectious. If you have children in the house, keep them away from your pet. Whenever you handle your cat, you should always use gloves as ringworms are contagious. Even though it’s a mild disease, ringworm can result in serious problems if not treated right away.

Feline Diabetes

Cats are one of the most popular pets in North America, capable of providing years of companionship. Like other pets, cats can sometimes get sick. There are several different types of ailments that cats can get, one of which is feline diabetes.

Diabetes is more common with humans than with cats or other animals. The cause of diabetes is actually quite simple.  Sugar, or glucose, is found in the blood, and the level of blood sugar in the body or the animal is kept under control by the hormone, insulin, which the pancreas produces.  When the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, diabetes can be the result.

The symptoms of feline diabetes can vary, with the most common symptoms being an increase in urine and a marked increased in drinking. Other symptoms of feline diabetes include a loss of appetite, weight loss, and a poor coat.

If you don’t get your cat treated for feline diabetes immediately, the cat will eventually become inactive, vomit on a regular basis, and eventually fall into a coma. If you get the diabetes treated in time, your cat will more than likely lead a normal and healthy life. Just keep in mind that treatment doesn’t happen overnight – it takes time and dedication.

Cats that have feline diabetes will need to be fed at the same time every day, and will most likely become strictly indoor pets.  Once your veterinarian cexamines your pet, he/she will be able to tell you the dosage and how often you will need to give the shots.

Make sure to feed your cat before giving insulin shots as he could go into a hypoglycemic shock. (This can also occur from too much insulin.) Hypoglycemic shock is very dangerous and if not caught and treated right away, can result in the loss of your pet. Always keep a watchful eye on your pet after administering the insulin.

After your cat has been on insulin for a period of time (generally outlined by the vet,) your cat may be reassessed to see if the dosage can be reduced. Even if your feline friend has to remain on insulin for the rest of his life, he can still lead an otherwise normal, healthy, long life.

Cat Clothing

Not all cats are fond of wearing extra clothing, collars or harnesses. Some downright refuse to move if you put a leash on them, and do all types of acrobatic tricks to remove the offending article! However, there are some felines who seem to enjoy being dressed up and shown off. (I can't personally attest to that as all of our cats were of the opinion that extra accessories were unnecessary!)

I have seen many pictures of cats with Halloween costumes, but there are a ton of other, more practical outfits that are worn by cats all over the country. Some owners like to give their pets some "bling" by buying them fancy, sequined or be-jeweled collars, while others prefer to give their kitties warm, stylish outerwear to keep them warm and dry.

My personal experience, when it came to dressing up cats, was less than satisfactory. The cat was definitely not impressed, and I ended up with a few more scratches than I was expecting! Suffice it to say, that was the last time I ever played 'dress up' with my cat!

If you are one of the lucky cat owners whose furry charge is inclined to sporting the latest fashions, I welcome your pictures and stories for other readers to enjoy! So if you have some pictures of your cat dressed for an occasion, please feel free to contact me.