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[BJ_BOBBI_JO]

Does anyone know anything about cat sicknesses?

or anything about a cat disease called FIP?

Here are some of the symptoms of the cats that are always on my property. They are mine I claim then now since I feed and water them and they stay in our sheds.

-diarrhea
-eye boogers
-deep coughing
-sneezing
-skinny ( even tho they eat a lot at 1st)
-don't always keep themselves clean
-don't play around much and later on not at all.
-drink and eat all the time. Always hungry and thirsty. Then as the sickness goes on they wont do either.
-their breath stinks like infection.
-stunted growth


It seems to take months and sometimes a year or 2 for it to kill them but it kills them.

Since we live out in the country back a long drive way and have sheds we get stray cats staying on the property a lot. I don't know where they come from.

1 female cat keeps having babies. Her last few litters of babies are sick and dying.

I dont think it is feline distemper because from the way I understand the duration of distemper don't last long and they die off soon after getting it. I am thinking they might have something called FIP. Does anyone know anything about that or have experience with FIP?


All I know about it is what the internet says. I have given the cats with the symptoms antibiotics which would normally help them in other cases as I said in another thread. But whatever this sickness is nothing helps it.

I have wormed them.

Im rather certain it has something to do with them not being vaccinated because the 4 cats someone gave me were vaccinated and they don't get this sickness. They are healthy. Only the non vaccinated cats get it.

I don't think  me or the kids can bare to take them in and get them all put to sleep. Our vet would do it for free. But I don't think I can emotionally do it but on the other hand I cant emotionally see them suffer either. The kittens that have it sometimes make it into adult hood and might live 1 or 2 years but not a good life.

Pray we can find the right answer for these cats. They are God's creations. Pray if I have to have them put to sleep that I can endure it.

[doggymom22]

I'm very sorry that this is happening to you, and I will be praying.


I looked up FIP in my pet healthcare book, and the symptoms you describe don't sound like FIP. Have you considered taking just one of the cats into the vet and getting it tested to see what's wrong? That way, you could at least know, and you might be able to treat them.

I have a couple questions for you:
~What are the other symptoms ? You mentioned that you only listed some.
~What are you feeding them? It could be that they are just extremly malnourished from being strays; malnourishment can look like a major illness.

Sorry I don't have more solid info. I personally would take one cat in to the vet to check things out. Just my opinion, though!

~Edith

[kilikina]

The other day my outdoor cat started walking funny.  She walks fine for a few steps, then her legs wobble like they are going to give out.  I thought maybe she had broken her leg, but both seem fine.  I think it is in her hips.  It almost looks like her hips aren't connected when she walks.  She sits fine, but is beginning to lay around a lot.  She is also getting thin.... but she has kittens that are 4 mos. old, and they still nurse sometimes. 
One friend suggested feline leukemia.... does anyone know the symptoms of it?

[rainydayz]

Oh yuck.  
This MIGHT be FIP, it may also be an immuno deficiency virus like FIV or FELV.  And they could also have a combination of the above viruses.  Commonly we have seen FIP and FeLV infected cats (cats with FeLV alone can live pretty normal lives for a long time).  Most often those are transmitted to kittens, then if they are exposed to other simple illnesses like upper respiratory infections they just can't handle them and they die (like aids in people).  You could take one or two of the kittens in to be tested for FIV/FeLV, and that would rule that in or out.  All three of these diseases are incurable as far as we know right now.  FIP also gives you sickly kittens, but they usually die within several weeks of getting sick, and they have a very distinct bloated abdomen look that would feel fluid filled.  FIP can also start around 18mo, to 3 years too, but if they are sickly as kittens they wouldn't last until 18mo.  FIP is caused by a muted corona virus.  We really have no acurate test for this one, it is diagnosed by high titers to corona virus (which well cats can also have) in combination with clinical signs of effusion in the abdomen and or thorax which is high in protein (this is the more common form or wet form).  Also these kittens usually have icterus- a yellowish cast to there mucous membranes (easiest to see inside the ears, and on mucosa in mouth-gums/ palate).

Vaccines for FIP are very ineffective.  Vaccines for FeLV are very effective, so this maybe what the older/ other cats were vacinated for.  Also the incidence of FIP is almost nothing after a cat is 3 years old, so it may just be that your older cats are not sick because of this....  hope this gives you a little help.  It really does sound like one or a combination of those three viruses. =(

[barngirl]

We noticed today that one of our barn cats eyes look funny. It appears to be almost like fascia that's coming about 2/5 across both eye balls.
Does anyone know what this is and what we can do to fix it...preferably without taking it to the vet?
We can't spend much on a barn cat, even though we like her

barngirl

[aTurtleDove]

  I know exactly how to cure it...........that is if you have Eyebright tea! Eyebright is an herbal tea, just boil water, and add the Eyebright! Then, take the tea (maybe in an eye dropper) and put in her eyes, at least 3-4 times daily! After awhile, it should go away! This tea has helped many people and animals, including a kitten with cataracts, the owner just put eyebright tea in her eyes every day and eventually, the cataracts just fell off! So you should give it a go.

[barngirl]

aTurtleDove,
Thank you so much! Where do you get eye bright tea? How many drops do you suggest putting into her eye each time?

barngirl

[herbalmom]

You should be able to get eyebright at a HFS. In the meantime chamomile or  calendula (marigold) would probably help as well if you have either. The easiest way to do it is to just make a tea, soak a cotton ball or the corner of a wash cloth in it & while holding the eye open, hold the cotton or washcloth above the eye (don't touch the eye) & squeeze the liquid into the eye, flooding it. You can also pour it in or use a baby's medicine syringe to squirt some into the eye. The idea is to flood the eye with enough tea so it touches every part of the eye. Do it 4-6 times a day. Better to treat both eyes just in case it's something contagious. (& that's why you don't want to tough the eye with whatever you use to get the tea info the eye- in case it's contagious so you don't spread it. HTH Blessings ~herbalmom

[spencer]

By the description, and the fact that the cats with the vaccinations didn't get it... it must be a virus like you and others have eluded to.

So the antibiotics would do no good at all.

Viruses are a real challenge due to the way that they can lay dormant and hidden in the CNS system or cells, and how they replicate in the cells. A really strong immune system is one of your best ways to go.

There are a lot of ways to boost your cats immune system, but be careful with different herbal tinctures. One of the classes that I took in college was "Poisonous Plants and Toxicities".

If the cats are not having a quality of life and are in misery, then I say this with care and love... but it may be time to take them to your veterinarian like you said, and have them put to sleep. This is a way that we have to be able to remove their pain. It is hard for us as owners and animal lovers, but sometimes we have to do it for the benefit of the animals.

[mdessy]

Does anyone know anything about cat sicknesses?
1 female cat keeps having babies. Her last few litters of babies are sick and dying.

The mother's health may not be good and that may be part of the reason that her litters are so sick.  Many community have free spay/neuter services for feral animals and perhaps you could consider getting her fixed.  This would be better for her health and would help prevent so many sick kittens.

I am sorry for the emotional distress this must cause you to have them so sick and dying all the time.

[barngirl]

About the Eyebright tea, I found a place that I can get it. How strong does it need to be, and does it matter if it is bagged or loose??? We are going to the store soon, so I need to know quick~ Thank you!

barngirl

[herbalmom]

Bagged or loose- it doesn't matter. If it's tea bags, use 2-3 to make a STRONG cup of tea. If it's loose a heaping tablespoon per cup to make a STRONG cup of tea. HTH Blessings ~herbalmom

[aTurtleDove]

 Okay, about the eye bright tea.  Just make it as strong as possible!
 I would probably put in 4-5 drops each time. I have to go though!
                                          I HTH!

[barngirl]

Thank you all! We got the Eyebright tea from our health food store and at first I made one cup of water to 1t. of the tea. That was before I read HerbalMoms post and so I added some more. I just applied it for the first time a few minutes ago. My aunt is over and she doesn't think it looks like a cateract, but more like "something" over the eye. It looks better than it did yesterday, but I would really like to figure out what exactly is going on. I think I am still going to apply the Eyebright 4-6 times a day...it won't hurt her. In the mean time, any more ideas?

barngirl

[doggymom22]

Could it be her "third eylid"? That's what it sounds like to me. There are many causes for the third eyelid to appear; you might want to do more research on it just to see if that's what it is.

HTH.
~Edith

[Rikki]

I know this is not where I should post this but I wasn't sure where! Any of you cat lovers have that funny email telling the difference between a cat and a dog? It is really funny and the cat is really smart and sneaky and thinks the dog must be dumb for always being happy.... Yeah that is soooo vague but my sister and I have been trying to find that email all night and having no luck! Anyone?

[~CKMom~]

Don't know if this is the one you lost, but this one makes me laugh; it's so true!!!  Although, in their defense, I must say my dogs aren't dumb; they're just happy and easy to please!  Sorry if this is terribly off-topic!

The Dog's Diary

  8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
  9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
  9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
  1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
  3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
  5:00 pm - Dinner! My favorite thing!
  7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
  8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!
 


The Cat's Diary

Day 983 of My Captivity

    My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.  (RunAmok will Amen this one!  )  )

    The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates my capabilities. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Ahhh!


    There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

    Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow, but at the top of the stairs.

    I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released, and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird must be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now ...
 





 

[Rikki]

THANK YOU Ckmom!!! That was it!!!! Yippeee!! I love that email- it is so silly!!

[~CKMom~]

   I love this, too!  And now, back to our regularly scheduled program...More cat diseases, anyone?!

[lovingmomof2]

We started feeding our kittens only meat about a month ago and ever since they have had an ammonia smell to their urine.  The ammonia smell has cotten really strong the couple of days.  The boxes are scooped at least once daily, each.  The ammonia smell was so stron that when I went to scoop the box today it gave me a headache.  Any ideas?  Should I be worried or is this normal for cats that only eat meat/fish?

[RunAmokFarm]

Cat urine stinks, plain and simple... and if one is an "intact" little boy, his urine will get smellier as he matures... then he will begin to SPRAY his lovely odor over everything he thinks is "his", especially the door areas.  

This could be what you are smelling... but on the other hand, without the joy of smelling what you are smelling, a strong smell may also indicate an imbalance or illness...  

Exactly what are the kittens eating?  as in:
*what kinds of meat?
*are they getting an appropriate amount of bone?
*are you feeding organ meats as well?

Have you noticed one going to the litter box excessively? as in:
*could one have an uti?

J

  

[lovingmomof2]

We feed them canned tuna, cooked liver, mackerel or salmon with the bones.  I haven't noticed one of them going more than the other.  I do know that since we started feeding them this way they have peed more and pooped less.

[RunAmokFarm]

Lovingmomof2,

This could be related to diet. 

Canned tuna, not always but often, contains a fairly high salt content; in unusual amounts, this could possibly cause kidney/urinary issues.  Cooked liver is much more difficult to digest than raw.  You are not completely clear: is the mackerel/salmon cooked, or raw?

There was a fascinating study done on feeding cats raw foods versus cooked foods.  It proved, conclusively (in my opinion), that raw foods are much healthier and safer for kittens/cats.  In fact, cats (and their resulting kittens) fed cooked meats even suffered from serious skeletal deformities.  They also have some VERY fascinating correlations between improper diet and human deformities...  http://www.ppnf.org/catalog/ppnf/Articles/PottsCats.htm.
J

[4myhoonie]

ok, gals, i need cat help! my other older cat (8 or 9) started peeing (not spraying--soaking) the carpet in front of a closet door.  uncleanable, i am taking the carpet out today.  i'm sure it's an infection, as he never does this kind of thing.  does anyone know how to treat it naturally?  we believe our other cat went downhill fast after a round of antibiotics.  i have to do something that will work or this cat will be looking for a new home.  we are just sick of our carpet getting ruined.  i thought about feeding him some 12 strain probiotics a couple times a day to help him heal.  would this work instead of antibiotics?  any other suggestions?  any help would be appreciated.  thanks!

[doggymom22]

I looked this up in my natural health care book and found I need a little more info from you to be able to tell you what my book says.

1) Is there a lot of urine, more than normal? Is it pale in color? (If you can even tell. ) Is there gritty stuff in it?
2) Does he urinate and drink more often?
3) Does he strain when urinating?
4) What is he eating? Commercial or other?
5) Has he had any unusual stress lately? Furniture moved around, litter box moved, etc. Anything out of the ordinary.

Do you have a small tiled/other "uncarpeted" area that you could confine him to with a litter box? That would save your carpets until you can figure out what's wrong with him...also, it would help him "make it" to his box.

~Edith

[4myhoonie]

ok, i will answer them separate. 

1. it seems like a lot. it's dark yellow in color.  the carpet felt like someone poured glue into it.  it was really gross.
2. he eats and drinks a lot.
3. i can't ever catch him in the act.
4. commercial food.
5. we had to move the litter up off the floor, but left it in the same room, cuz the dog wouldn't stay out of it.

yeah, i have a place to keep him at night, or maybe all the time.  he seems to make it to this one place on the carpet just fine.     i also put an extra litter box in the basement to give him more options.  he hasn't used it and i put it there yesterday.

[doggymom22]

Thanks for answering those questions. I think I found a site that sounds exactly like what your kitty has: click here That article said it's a UTI. So, here's what my book says about treating those naturally: (this is a summary. )

1) Change the pet's diet to a homemade one. (I realize this may not be possible for you, but it will help keep this from recurring.)
2) Do a liquid fast on him; you can use a broth made with meat or fish. Eating can aggravate his problem. After he improves or is healed you can resume feeding.
3) Feed him only twice a day; frequent feeding alkalizes the urine, causing the formation of the grit.
4) For one month, give: Vitamin C, 250 milligrams 2x daily; Vitamin E, 25-50 IU daily; Vitamin A. 4 drops of cod liver oil to food or 10,000 IU weekly.

My book gives some herb stuff you could use, but I doubt you'd have the ones it recommends. They're kinda exotic...so here're some things I found in a search on the 'net: bearberry, barberry, or cranberry.

You might really consider confining your cat. That way, you could put the litter box on the floor w/o the dog getting into it. The fact that the box is higher up may make him reluctant to use it.

HTH!!
~Edith

[4myhoonie]

thank you soooo much!!!!  we confined him yesterday, to keep him from making worse messes.  i can do a homemade diet, need to figure out what exactly is best to feed.  leftovers?  meat and veggies?  i have been giving him salmon at night before bed with primal defense mixed in.  i kinda suspected a UTI.  i will attempt to give him some broth, and the vitamin c and CLO would be easy.  not sure about vit. E but i'll work on it.  if it goes well, we can continue the diet indefinitely.  he needs to eat less anyway!  i will at least do it for now.  thanks so much! 

[doggymom22]

No problem; very glad I could find something to help you.

As for the food:
VERY thirsty kitty
Healthy/Natural Kitten Food
Cat Food - Raw Diet ?'s

These links take you to threads that have recipes and other info about cat food. If you don't have the time to take a look at them, let me know and I'll give you here the recipe that I use.

BTW, the salmon sounds great!! Fish contains some nutrients that are vital to cats' health.

~Edith

[4myhoonie]

thanks for the reminder, i did read/do that when our old cat was dying.  i may even be i there somewhere.  are you thinking of the one with 1 T grain, 1 T. 6 T meat?  i will try to save bits of our meat scraps, etc.  and feed them twice a day instead of the all the time dry food.  i've learned a lot here.  thanks!

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