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 WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR CAT IS SICK
Taking care of a sick pet like cats is very similar to taking care of a sick child. It is important that owners should have enough knowledge to treat the cats' illnesses and monitor their pets' activities so they can report it completely to the veterinarian once they bring them to pet clinics. Remember, in your decision to adopt a pet comes along your responsibility to educate yourself regarding every single detail of their nature and their well-being.
For the mean time, while you observe your sick pet, try to follow the simple guidelines of how to care for it at home.
* General Nursing
The most basic approach to treat a sick cat is to give it the comfort and warmth it needs. Be ready with an extra warm bed; always supply your cat with fresh water; and do not try to give medicines which are not prescribed by a licensed veterinarian because many medicines can be poisonous to cats. General nursing also makes real of your affection and patience towards your commitment - the pet which you adopted.
* Monitor the temperature, heart beat and pulse beat
It is important to record your sick cat's temperature, heart and pulse beat so
you will be aware of the progress of your cat's condition.
Temperature. In getting the temperature, a renal thermometer lubricated with mineral water or a mild lotion can do the measuring job (in the absence of a renal thermometer, you may use a regular thermometer). The normal temperature of a cat is 100 to 101.5 degrees, therefore, if your cat reaches 102 degrees above, it is best to immediately consult a veterinarian or apply the necessary first-aid treatment.
Heart beat. The normal heart beat of a healthy cat will take 90 to 100 beats in a minute. Heart beats higher or lower than the said number may signify illness.
Pulse beat. Place your index finger inside the cat's thigh - that is where your cat's pulse is located. Normal cat's pulse beats 110 to 130 per minute, so if you resulted to unusual counts, then you cat may be sick.
* Induce proper treatment
Temporary but proper treatments can be helpful in resolving illnesses. In this sense, knowledge in animal first-aid is your primary key.
Vomiting. Wait for your cat's last vomit to happen and vigilantly observe reoccurrence for 12 hours. While waiting, it is important not to give any food to it. If vomiting stops, feed your sick cat with a teaspoonful of boiled skinned chicken, but, if this persists for another 24 hours, you have to consult your veterinarian.
Diarrhea. Treatment for diarrhea is just the same as how it should be done during vomiting. However, the observation period takes 2 to 3 days before going to the nearest pet clinic.
Flu. Cat flu is a viral infection which is quite similar to colds. This illness is normal for adult cats but can be risky and dangerous for kittens due to weaker bodies and immune system.
For temporary treatment, fresh and clean water must always be available in the food bowl. Just like humans, cats have a very good response to water therapy. In addition to this, wipe discharges and moist in your cat's nose habitually. Observe for 2 to 3 days and report unusual activities to the veterinarian.
Skin Problems. Yes, fungi are not a man's problem alone. Some cats, specifically those who at sometime mingled with street cats, may collect skin problems like itching and flaking.
You can treat the problem by temporarily applying an ice pack to the infected area to soothe the itch. Also, try to place two fitted socks in your cat's hind legs to prevent the possible wounds that would result to scratching. Consult your veterinarian for proper medication afterwards.
Bite wounds. Bite wound results from bullying or fighting with neighboring cats. You can disinfect the wound with antiseptic but you must never forget that veterinarian can give you the prescribed antibiotics for your suffering cat.
HOUSE TRAINING YOUR CAT
CHOOSING A CAT
BASICS OF CAT CARE
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