Weight Loss in Young Cats
Weight loss in young cats may be nothing, or it could be the result of a bacterial or viral infection, or something as serious as cancer. "If an animal is losing weight, you need a trip to the vet," says Kathryn Michel, DVM at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. Cats who do not eat enough may develop hepatic lipidosis. A variety of fatal diseases produce weight loss in young cats.
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Picky Eaters
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Young kittens receive antibodies through their mother's milk. Perhaps another mother can better nurse the kitten.
Some young kittens do not digest food well, or would rather play than eat. They do not have well developed digestion. Like a human baby, the kitten can be taught not to try to swallow his bubbles. Eating is really not desirable to the kitten who has spit it up. He has to be coaxed to eat and later, be reminded by the words "eat" and "food" to eat and enjoy the food. Do not make the assumption that the kitten will eat if she gets hungry enough.
Sensitive or broken teeth deter a cat from eating. Visible gingivitis develops from a broken tooth. You may notice that the cat eats food directly from the can, but not food that has been refrigerated. Heating the food for ten sections in the microwave takes the chill off the food and the same cat will eat it. You may want to try a pet food for cats with sensitive stomachs.
Enterobacter Sakazakii
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In 2004, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Codex Committee on Food Hygiene reported that Enterobacter Sakazakii causes "severe and life-threatening conditions including meningitis, bacteremia, and necrotizing enterocolitis in human neonates and infants." E. Sakazakii is a household bacteria. If sufficient concentration of E. Sakazakii is ingested by a young kitten, it grows in the kitten's intestine. E. Sakazakii in the intestine causes prolonged diarrhea, but the prognosis is good if diagnosed when the bacteria is in low to medium concentration. The veterinarian can cure E. Sakazakii with Bacitracin.
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Feline Leukemia
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Kittens are susceptible to Feline Leukemia (FeLV). Most sick kittens diagnosed with Feline Leukemia die within days, but some kittens carry their mother's antibodies and can combat the virus. They will return to good health. The best treatment for FeLV is mother's milk from a bottle.
Titer testing for FeLV determines infection or if the kitten has been exposed to the virus. The FeLV virus is present in the saliva, urine, and milk of infected cats. Most adult cats die of FeLV in a few years, although medication helps to prolong their life. Remember to keep other pets away from cats suffering from feline leukemia, as it can be transmitted to them.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
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Feline Immunodeficiency Virus causes the cat's immune system to be weak. The young cat with the weak immune system succumbs to secondary infection. A blood titer test will detect the infection. Cats can be vaccinated for FIV. If a positive antibody test determines that the cat is infected, keep the effected cat away from other cats because the virus can be transmitted by a cat bite.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis
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Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a viral disease caused by the feline coronavirus. Cats infected with the coronavirus show no symptoms or develop an upper respiratory infection or cold. The coronavirus progresses and is fatal. FIP vaccines are not effective or recommended. FIP is best prevented through good nutrition and keeping the cat in a clean environment. The coronavirus may be present at a cat show where 450 cats compete for best of show, best of breed, best of color, and best of class, but it is unusual.
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