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cat illnesses

Cat illnesses

F is for...

Fussy feeders

Cats can sometimes be fussy feeders. They are prone to changing their minds about what sort of food they enjoy and will sometimes stop eating a brand altogether. If your cat goes off it's food and is not drinking then you should immediately book a visit to the Vets. A cat will often not eat when it is sick or unwell.

Many cats enjoy a mix of foods and will be happy to have wet food from a can or sachet as well as dry food.
The advantage of dry foods are that they do not go off anywhere near as quickly as wet food does. You can fill a dish with dry biscuits and they will still be good to eat in a couple of days - assuming your cats don't eat them all! Wet food will go off quickly - within a few hours in a warm house. Throw away old food that's not been eaten. You can put it on the bird table as the birds will enjoy eating it. Avoiding putting it out on the ground for birds though as it will encourage foxes into your garden and these can sometimes fight or attack domestic cats.

Use a mat underneath the dishes so you do not get food on the carpet. This also enables you to wash the mat or tray regularly ensuring your cats feeding area never gets chance to smell.

Cats should always have access to clean water and it's vital you check the level a couple of times a day. Cats that are fed only dry food must always have a bowl of water out. Check this regularly. Cats that are fed wet food will still drink water so you should also keep the bowl clean and full.

Do not feed your cats milk. It can upset their stomach and make them ill. If you want them to have a treat then buy some special cat milk for them.

Fussy eaters should be fed little and often. Try a mix of cat foods and rotate them much more than with less fussy cats. Sometimes having a different brand of cat food can inspire a cat to eat. Some people try the sachets of food and find their cats like these much better. It's maybe because they're small portions and so the next meal can be a different flavour. Small pots of cat food and premium brand tins are very expensive so try to avoid these if you're on a budget. If your cat won't eat anything then take them to the vets for a checkup.

Sometimes a cat will appear to be fussy if it has gum problems. If in any doubt about your cat's diet or health always consult the vet. Your vet will suggest certain types of food if you cat has a medical condition. These are sometimes prescription only foods and they can be quiet expensive.

FELINE IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (FIV)

FIV - From VetInfo - FIV cat in France

New FIV page we've not seen before.

FIV - Feline Advisory Bureau of the United Kingdom
FIV FAQs - Feline Advisory Bureau of the United Kingdom

FELINE INFECTIOUS PERITONITIS (FIP):
FIP - VetInfo

FELINE LEUKEMIA:
FeLV - VetInfo

FELINE PANLEUKOPENIA (DISTEMPER):
Feline Panleukopenia - The Merck Veterinary Manual

Fleas - horrid things and most people start itching the minute you ealk about them. Fleas need dealing with as they will bite humans as well as cats. It makes the cat's life very uncomfortable and allergies can develope causing the cat health issues.

Flea Life Cycle With Diagrams. From Hill's. This life of a flea duagram will show you the life cycle.

See your vet for proper flea treatment.

Fleas and Your Pet

FLATULENCE (GAS)
Controlling Intestinal Gas - Drs. Foster & Smith
Flatulence - VetMedCenter
Gas & Smelly Stools - Dr. Mike Richards
A Mighty Wind - Phew! Advice from the SPCA

FOOD
Most cats don't need a special diet. Always have fresh drinking water available for them. Avoid giivng them milk as cats are lactose intolerant. Always read the instructions on food packaging for quantities. Seek vetinary advice if your cat isn't eating as normal.

Don't give your cat human food. Its too salty or full of fat! Don't give excessive treats as your cat will get fat!