by Nomi Berger
 
If both prebiotics and probiotics are beneficial for people, are they equally beneficial for cats? Do you use one or the other or both, and if not, do you know the difference between the two of them?
 
According to the experts, prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrates that stimulate and promote the growth and activity of normal healthy bacteria in our gastrointestinal systems. While fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are the most common type of prebiotic, arabinogalactans, lactulose and oligosaccharides are considered prebiotics as well. A few of the main food sources of prebiotics include chicory, fruits, legumes, vegetables and whole grains.
 
Probiotics are living microorganisms very similar to the friendly bacteria and yeasts living in our digestive tracts. They not only help digest food, they fight off potential pathogens, make nutrients and vitamins and bolster our immune system. When prescribed as supplements for cats, they come in the form of capsules, chews, liquids, powders and/or sprays.
 
Prebiotics nourish and support the health of the good bacteria (probiotics) in a cat’s gastrointestinal system by helping to improve digestion and nutrient absorption, enhance their immune system and prevent disease. Studies show that cats given prebiotics have less diarrhea caused by the overgrowth of bad bacteria since its soluble fiber helps prevent and/or treat diarrhea by absorbing moisture and slowing intestinal movement.
 
Whenever there’s more bad bacteria than good bacteria, the results can include abdominal pain, an upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting and a suppressed immune system. By supplementing your cat’s diet with probiotics, you’re boosting the amount of good bacteria competing with the bad bacteria for nutrients and helping their immune system ward off illness. As soon as their gastrointestinal bacteria balance has been restored, their clinical signs resolve and they feel ever so much better.
 
Vets report that the most common digestive problems they treat are upset stomachs caused by sensitive GI tracts and much of the time, by stress. This includes such stressful situations as being boarded temporarily, traveling in a car, on a boat or on a plane, an abrupt rather than a gradual change in their diet, food “indiscretions,” being placed on antibiotics or suffering from parasites.
 
Whatever the cause, however, the result is the same: the bad bacteria overpower the good bacteria, which leads to illness and an obvious decline in the cat’s health. As a preemptive measure, vets will often prescribe both prebiotics and probiotics to help correct that microbial imbalance, improve the cat’s gastrointestinal upset and, with it, their overall wellbeing.
 
When it comes to chronic illnesses such as food allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome and neoplasia, vets consider these cats excellent candidates for the everyday use of probiotics.
 
In conclusion, just as people want the best nutrition, health and care for ourselves, we want the same for our cherished cat companions. If we routinely supplement our own diets with prebiotics or probiotics or both in order to help boost our immune systems, it’s only natural to consider supplementing our cats’ diets with them as well. But, as always, discuss the matter with your veterinarian before attempting to make any changes on your own.

by Nomi Berger
 
Just like people, cats can suffer from food allergies.
 
A food allergy occurs when a cat’s immune system mistakenly identifies a specific ingredient (typically, a harmless protein) in their diet as a threat and launches an inflammatory response.  For cats to develop an allergy to that ingredient, they must have eaten it before because it won’t happen the first time. In fact, allergies can occur at any point in their lives, even if they’ve been fed the same food for years. 
 
According to veterinary experts, the cause of this immune system dysfunction isn’t fully understood, and yet, food allergies are estimated to affect up to 15% of cats. Although any ingredient can potentially trigger an allergy, the most common food allergies include beef, chicken and fish. Less common are barley, corn, dairy, egg, lamb, rabbit and wheat.
 
Most commonly, food allergies will appear as skin issues, but they can also affect the digestive system. Consider these signs: persistent scratching, chewing or biting at the skin, over-grooming or obsessively licking certain areas, hair loss or bald patches (due to scratching, biting and licking), red, inflamed or scabbed skin, vomiting, diarrhea or soft stools and gas.  If you notice any of these symptoms, especially if they’re ongoing or getting worse, bring your cat to the vet for a complete checkup.  
 
Since food allergies can mimic various other conditions, a diagnosis is basically a process of elimination. Your vet will typically begin by asking about your cat’s symptoms, diet and past reactions – if any -- to food. Next, your vet will look closely for other potential causes of your cat’s symptoms such as fleas, skin infections or some underlying digestive disorder and then run some specific tests to rule out other health conditions.
 
If no clear cause of your cat’s symptoms is found, your vet will likely recommend an elimination diet trial, considered the “gold standard” for diagnosing food allergies. This involves feeding your cat a special diet made with a novel protein (one never eaten before) for eight to 12 weeks. During the trial, your cat CANNOT consume any other food, including treats, flavored medications or table scraps. Veterinary diets (also called prescription diets or therapeutic diets) are made with stricter quality control and are less likely to contain trace proteins from cross-contamination. The specific food your vet recommends for your cat will depend on the suspected allergen. 
 
On the other hand, your vet might prescribe a hydrolyzed diet for the elimination trial. This diet contains proteins that are broken down into very small fragments, making them less likely to trigger an immune response. If your cat’s symptoms improve during the trial, it’s a strong indicator that a food allergy is indeed the culprit. While optional, reintroducing your cat’s former food containing the suspected allergen can also help confirm the presence of a food allergy, especially if the symptoms return.
 
Although food allergies typically don’t go away, they can be well managed by scrupulously avoiding the “trigger.” Example: if your cat is allergic to chicken, make certain to keep chicken out of all food, treats, medications and supplements, and continue feeding your cat the therapeutic or hydrolyzed diet as prescribed by your vet for the rest of your cat’s life. 
 
It’s also essential to thoroughly wash all food and water bowls, measuring cups, and preparation surfaces (from counters to tables) daily to avoid any accidental exposure to your cat’s “trigger” allergens. Make note of any symptoms and/or flare-ups and what your cat ate in a diary. This can help your vet fine-tune your cat’s treatment plan if needed.

by Nomi Berger
 
Are your favorite felines fascinated by the wide world outside your windows? Have you ever wondered why they seem to LOVE windows, delightfully dubbed “Cat TV,” that much? If so, consider the following reasons:
 
Mental stimulation and continuous entertainment: Watching the outside world -- leaves blowing on nearby trees, people walking along the sidewalk, cars driving down the street, children on bikes riding past or playing on the street -- keeps indoor cats from getting bored. Since different windows afford different views, if possible, provide your cats with several viewing options.

Excellent staring opportunities: Cats are crazy about staring ... and staring … and staring. Much of the time, cats can be found staring blankly through the window at nothing in particular. Can we chock up our felines’ fancy to our human version of daydreaming?

Bird watching: Because cats are natural-born predators, watching birds through the window satisfies their hunting instincts and typically causes them to “chatter” at them. To enhance this experience, place a bird feeder outside and allow your feline friends to carry on this satisfying, if one-sided, conversation with their feathered friends.

Rodent observing: Being prey-driven, cats are always fascinated with and intrigued by the scurrying and scampering of such assorted rodents as squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits and mice. Once again, for your kitties’ comfort and safety, place a cat tree near the window, install a window perch or set up a soft window hammock for them.

Fly swatting: Excelling at eye-paw coordination, cats especially excel in the fine art of fly swatting. If a fly happens to land on a window and buzz around for a bit, cats can instantly put their enviable dexterity to use by swatting away at it for their momentary amusement. Imagine then, how much more fun your felines will have with an exposed screen. And if there should be a small hole in that screen … the game may suddenly expand, escalating from the nimble act of fly swatting to the deft achievement of fly catching.

Sensory Input: An open window provides fresh air, new smells and sounds that are stimulating to our feline friends’ strong senses.

Territorial monitoring: As territorial creatures, cats consider your home and the area around it to be their personal kingdom. A window provides them a safe, elevated vantage point from which to watch over “their” territory. This way they can keep an eye on neighboring cats, passing dogs and every delivery person possible, helping them feel secure and in control.

Sunbathing and Warmth: Cats are true experts in comfort, and sunny windowsills serve as the ideal, cozy spots for long naps in soothing sunbeams. Besides simply feeling good, this warmth helps them regulate their body temperature and contributes to their overall health.

Condensation to lick: Conversely, when the temperature drops and the weather’s cold outside, condensation forms on the insides of most windows, allowing cats to savor these droplets with every lap, lap, lap of their sensitive tongues.

Waiting for you: Cats can often be found looking out the window for their owners to return home -- associating this welcome arrival with companionship and/or food.
 
*On a cautionary note: For your cats’ maximum comfort – and safety – always place a cat tree near the window, install a window perch or set up a soft window hammock for them.

by Nomi Berger
 
Whether it’s a slight twitch, a pronounced quiver or a sharp swish, your favorite feline’s tail movements reveal a great deal about her state of mind and even her health.  
 
According to vets and certified cat behaviorists, these are paws-ible meanings behind your cat’s twitching tail.  
 
Hunting or playing: Since cats are born predators, tail twitching is often a normal part of their hunting behavior. Look for tail flicks and quivers. These twitches are an involuntary response to the rush of adrenaline and mental focus that occurs when they’re focused on a specific target. Known as “prey mode,” whether their “prey” is a feather wand, a catnip toy or a bird outside the window, directly before pouncing, cats will typically crouch down low, and the tip of their tail may quiver rapidly, similar to a rattlesnake’s rattle.
 
Excitement or happiness: Some cats express their excitement or happiness by twitching their tails. Look for an upright tail and a quickly vibrating shake that’s usually paired with rubbing against your legs. You might be privileged enough to experience this whenever you return home, enter a room or prepare their dinner. Think of it as the feline version of performing a “happy dance.”
 
Annoyance or overstimulation: Annoyed or overstimulated cats will have tails that move a great deal. Look for thrashing motions and tip twitching. You might see either of these signs when your cat’s been petted more than enough or if she’s annoyed by the presence of another animal nearby. This is her way of signalling both her discomfort and asking for space. Should you ignore that message, it could quickly escalate into a hiss or worse, a swat.
 
Spraying: When spraying, cats’ tails stand tall and quiver swiftly as they release a small amount of urine onto a vertical surface such as a wall or a piece of furniture. Look for an upright tail, quivers and a vibrating motion. The vibrating motion helps disperse the urine and its pheromones that serve as scent markers to establish their “territory.” Most often triggered by stress in the presence of other cats, spraying indoors is an issue best discussed with your vet to rule out any underlying health issues.
 
Cat confrontation: Whether adjusting to a new addition to your feline family or meeting someone else’s cat, your cat might react to this “intruder” with a tail that’s thumping. Look for tail thumping as being large, irregular movements (not quick twitches) while she’s looking at this other cat. It’s kittyspeak for “back off” before it escalates into actual physical conflict.
 
Health issues: Tail twitching may signal an underlying medical condition. Consider the following:
- Skin issues: flea allergy dermatitis or food allergies can cause itchiness and irritation along the back or tail, leading to twitching or twitch-like movements.
- Infections: some fungal, parasitic or viral infections can affect the nervous system or create an inflammation that may cause tail twitching.
- Injuries to the spine, pelvis or tail can damage nerves and lead to twitching, pain or reduced tail control.
- Spinal cord impingement: pressure on the spinal cord caused by an infection, inflammation or a mass can lead to abnormal nerve signals, resulting in involuntary tail twitching or sensitivity.
- Feline hyperesthesia syndrome (FHS): a rare neurological condition that causes sudden bursts of twitching, skin rippling and extreme sensitivity along the spine or tail, often resulting in excessive self-grooming or tail-chasing.
 
If your cat exhibits any of these symptoms, please make an appointment with your vet for a thorough assessment. 

by Nomi Berger
 
Have you ever noticed your cat’s ears rotate backward, flatten out and point straight to the sides, forming the letter T?” If so, that’s known as “airplane ears.” It’s also her subtle way of expressing discomfort.
 
One of many ear positions cats use to communicate, this astonishing control over the position of their ears is due to their unique ear anatomy. Whereas humans have only six muscles that move our outer ear (the pinna), cats have 32 muscles, giving them the ability to swivel, rotate and move each ear independently of the other!
 
According to cat behaviorists, if your own feline friend’s ears are forming that notorious “T,” she may be trying to tell you one or more of the following:
 
She’s overstimulated: A content and happily engaged cat is one in a “neutral” pose: ears perked, eyes soft, body relaxed and tail upright. On the other hand, when a cat is overstimulated or feels overwhelmed by anything from excessive petting to intrusive music, it means “pause,” paw-lease. Should you miss or ignore her signals, your usually friendly feline may resort to scratching or biting you.
 
She’s frightened: A frightened cat is one who often attempts to make herself appear smaller. Flattening her ears into “airplane ears” helps her accomplish this, together with crouching, tucking in her tail and moving away from whatever she perceives as a threat.
 
She’s in pain: Although it isn’t always easy to tell when cats are in pain, subtle changes in their head or ear position can be both early indicators of it. Acute pain may cause swift albeit subtle ear changes, while cats experiencing significant or prolonged discomfort are more likely to display consistent “airplane ears.” Since overstimulation, fear and pain can look the same, however, it’s essential to look at your cat’s entire face. Cats in pain often have tight, squinting eyes, tense facial muscles and a tucked or lowered head.
 
“Airplane ears” require you, as a pet parent, to respond and respond promptly. “How?” you might ask. If you’re actively petting her, stop immediately, give her some space and see if it makes a difference. If music is playing, is it too loud? Turn it down or turn it off completely and see if it makes a difference. Has someone new entered the room? Has another cat come too close? Is her face displaying the telltale signs of pain?
 
Once you’ve identified the trigger – other than pain – allow her to walk away freely, bring her into a quiet room or place her in a covered cat bed to relax and calm down. If, however, your cat is displaying other behavioral changes, such as changes in grooming, lack of appetite, hiding or vocalizing differently, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to rule out any worrisome medical reasons for her “airplane ears.”

by Nomi Berger
 
Cats who appear to eat better in the company of people are commonly referred to as “affection eaters.”
 
Why, you may wonder? If so, paw-lease consider the five reasons below.
Their instinct for safety: Our domesticated cats’ wild ancestors always ate in groups as a way of protecting themselves from predators. Your own cat may feel that same sense of vulnerability when she eats and is seeking out your presence to reassure and protect her, thereby enabling her to feel safer.

Learned behavior: If your cat was either hand-fed or given constant attention as a kitten while eating, she may have understandably grown accustomed to having you nearby at mealtimes.

Social bonding: Your cat may not only enjoy your company, she may see you as her most trusted companion, making mealtime the purr-fect time for you to spend together.

Need for encouragement: Your cat may be one of those who insists on being petted while she eats or needs further encouragement to eat such as hearing her kibble dish rattle, having her food brought to her or even being spoon fed.

Fear: If she’s new to your household, your cat may, reasonably and naturally, be reacting to the loss of her previous home and/or human companions, much the way stressful situations can make people lose their appetite.
 
Help your cat adjust and eat comfortably by following the suggestions below.

If your cat is indeed new to your household, provide her with a room of her own for several days. This “safe” space should have a litter box at one end of the room and food, water, play toys and a cosy bed as far from the litter box as possible. Visit your cat at regular intervals, sit quietly on the floor, and when she feels relaxed enough to come to you, respond by speaking softly to her and gently petting her.

Not only are these regular visits and displays of affection vital for you both to bond, interactive playtime is the next step in ensuring that your cat relaxes even more. Why? Exercise has stress-reducing properties for cats just as it does for people.
Once she’s safely incorporated into your life, carefully monitor her eating. Always feed her a measured amount of food on a schedule, so that you can tell if and how much she’s eating.

Make certain that her food is always fresh and never stale: this can contribute to picky eating. Discard all uneaten food in between meals and thoroughly wash her food bowl every day.

Some cats don’t like deep or narrow bowls because they tend to touch or press against their whiskers. A shallow bowl or plate is best.

Some cats prefer food that is “served” at room temperature or slightly warmed. Yours will let you know soon enough!
If your cat isn’t eating well or isn’t eating at all, please contact your veterinarian immediately.

For the most part, though, your “affection eater” will thrive once she settles into your home -- thanks to your patient understanding, loving attention and a reassuring routine.

by Nomi Berger
 
Although meat-based protein forms the foundation of their diet, superfoods’ many benefits include boosting cats’ energy levels, improving their digestion, strengthening their immune systems, supporting their joints and enhancing their coats.
 
Consider, then, these ten superfoods.
 
1. Salmon: Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, known for their anti-inflammatory properties. They promote skin health, improve the coat’s shine and support heart and joint health, making salmon especially beneficial for older cats or those with arthritis. Serve ONLY cooked boneless salmon to your cat.
 
2. Pumpkin: Pumpkin is rich in dietary fiber, which is excellent for regulating digestion. It also contains vitamin A, which supports healthy vision, and antioxidants that help fight off free radicals. Use only PLAIN cooked pumpkin or canned pumpkin puree and mix it into your cat’s food.
 
3. Blueberries: Blueberries contain the antioxidants, vitamins C and K. They support urinary tract health, boost immune system function and improve cognitive function, particularly in older cats. Use thoroughly washed small, mashed blueberries as a treat or mix them into your cat’s food.
 
4. Eggs: Eggs are rich in protein and essential amino acids that maintain strong muscles and tissues. They also contain essential fatty acids, vitamins B2, B6 and B12, and biotin, which support healthy skin and shiny coats. Serve only COOKED eggs to your cat.
 
5. Spinach: Spinach is high in vitamins A, C and K, minerals, iron and magnesium. It also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, beneficial to cats with kidney disease, while supporting heart and immune health and vision. Lightly steam the spinach and feed it in moderation to your cat.
 
6. Chicken Liver: Chicken liver contains vitamins A and B, iron, and folate, which supports healthy blood cells, vision, immune function and overall vitality. But, due to its high vitamin A content, cooked chicken liver should only be fed occasionally in small portions, either mixed into your cat’s food or as a treat.
 
7. Coconut Oil: Coconut oil excels as a source of healthy fats, especially medium-chain triglycerides, which provide a quick energy boost, improve digestion, promote shiny coats, help with dry or itchy skin and help control hairballs. Begin by mixing a small amount of coconut oil into your cat’s food and monitor her for any digestive issues since some cats don’t tolerate it well.
 
8. Sardines: Sardines, a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids, are also rich in proteins, calcium and vitamins D and B12, which support bone, heart, joint and brain health and help increase energy production. After checking carefully for bones, serve your cat ONLY sardines packed in water (not oil or brine), without any added salt.
 
9. Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are rich in dietary fiber, which helps regulate digestion and in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A to support healthy vision. They also contain vitamins and antioxidants that can help boost the immune system. Cook the sweet potatoes thoroughly and mash them before serving them to your cat.
 
10. Kale: Kale contains vitamins A, C and K, calcium, copper, potassium and iron. It also contains antioxidants that protect against cell damage and maintain healthy bones and muscles, and fiber that helps digestion, while its anti-inflammatory properties can be beneficial for cats with arthritis or other inflammatory conditions. Lightly steam or cook the kale before serving it to your cat.
 
Superfoods, however, should only comprise a small portion of your cat’s diet. And please consult with your vet first to ensure that any new food is both safe and suitable for her specific needs.

by Nomi Berger
 
Felines are famous for being fastidious. They not only groom themselves regularly, they have very specific demands regarding their litter boxes. And yet, some cats develop the perplexing habit of playing with their poop.
 
Why, you wonder? Consider these paws-ible reasons:
 
They’re bored: Some cats will play with their poop as if it’s a toy. Born of sheer boredom, they behave this way either because they don’t have enough toys or because they aren’t interacting satisfyingly with their owners or the other kitty members of their household. Purchase more toys for your cats to play with on their own and keep them actively engaged more often by using interactive toys together. The more play time they get, the less likely they are to be bored.
 
Their litter box is dirty: Scrupulously clean themselves, cats count on their owners to keep their litter box equally clean. Pick up all solids whenever you see them and scoop up all wet, clumped litter every day. Wash the litter box thoroughly each week to rid it of any crusted litter or extraneous litter contents. Not only will this satisfy your cats’ need for cleanliness, it will keep them from using their poop as a plaything.
 
Their litter box (and/or litter) isn’t right: Contented cats are less likely to either make a mess or play with their poop. First, this means ensuring their litter box is large enough: it should be one and a half times the length of the cat. Second, this means choosing a litter that your cats like. With various types of litter available, finding one that wins a paw’s up of approval from them is essential.
 
Their litter box is in the wrong position: In a multi-cat household, you need one litter box per cat, plus one, suitably positioned to ensure that your cats not only use them but use them appropriately. Ideally, they should be placed in quiet areas with at least one side against a wall so that your cats don’t feel “exposed.” Experiment by moving the litter boxes around, making certain to permit your cats easy access to them in order to prevent accidents outside the boxes.
 
They like the smell: Your cats may be playing with their poop because they find the smell quite pleasing. Perhaps it’s some protein or other nutrients they detect, leading them to sniff and investigate the source of that scent. While sniffing their poop may be mildly acceptable, never encourage or allow your cats to actually play with their poop.

by Nomi Berger
 
Are you familiar with the sight of your favorite felines perched near a window and … chirping? Not meowing, but chirping at a bird or birds? Have you ever wondered why they’re chirping? If so, consider these five paws-ible explanations for their behavior.
 
1. They’re mimicking the birds: Being natural-born hunters, it’s plausible that their chirping is a form of imitation or mimicking. This trickery was used both by their ancestors and by large cats in the wild to entice their prey into coming closer. Despite the fact that your kitties can’t capture the birds they see outside, their instincts allow them to feel as if they themselves are indeed “on the hunt.”
 
2. They’re extremely excited: What’s more exhilarating than chasing after a toy bird dangling at the end of a wand toy? Seeing a real bird with real feathers! It’s tantalizing enough to figuratively make their mouth water! Spotting a bird – what they consider prey -- outside could be garnering an involuntary reaction that, without the prey in their mouth, results in that, chirp, chirp, chirping sound.
 
3. They’re frustrated: The fact that they’re indoors and the birds are outdoors may cause the thwarted hunter in your cats to chirp out of frustration. It’s the equivalent of humans “letting off steam” and is no cause for concern or alarm. Exasperated at being unable to leap from the window and chase after the tempting prey they’ve spotted, the most they can do to mollify themselves is chirp.
 
4. They’ve activated the prey sequence: Common in domesticated and wild cats, the initial step is watching their prey with anticipation, during which chirping occurs. The next steps include stalking or chasing, pouncing and then, finally, delivering the killer bite. Although indoor cats can’t complete the entire sequence, the fact that they’ve spotted a bird outside has at least satisfied part of their primal instincts.
 
5. They’re mimicking the killer bite: Some experts believe that the chirping of indoor cats doesn’t mimic the birds but rather the killer bite they use when successfully capturing their prey. While repugnant to some pet parents, it’s normal for them, and discouraging this behavior can leave them feeling frustrated or anxious with no outlet for their pent-up kitty energy. They may even act aggressively towards you, your family and/or other pets in your household. In short, for truly happy indoor cats, chirping at birds should be encouraged.
 
To encourage your own kitty’s innate prey drive, provide her with a safe place to view the outdoors, play with her several times a day, particularly before meals, use chaser and wand toys to promote her hunting skills and use stimulating food puzzles to engage her mind at feeding times.

by Nomi Berger
 
The feline parvovirus or feline panleukopenia is a disease that’s most common and most severe in kittens and can, all too often, be fatal.
 
At birth, kittens typically receive antibodies from their mother, which protect them for the first few weeks. By the age of 4 to 12 weeks, however, this protection wanes, and the kittens become vulnerable to the virus. Because the virus is widespread throughout the environment and can survive in it for months, nearly all cats are exposed to it. Not surprisingly then, both sick cats and unvaccinated cats are the ones most likely to contract this disease.
 
The feline parvovirus attacks the cells in a cat’s intestines, causing diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty eating and difficulty drinking. It also attacks the bone marrow, resulting in shortages of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. This potentially deadly virus is found in the nasal secretions, stool and urine of cats with the disease, called carrier cats, anywhere from two days to six weeks, contaminating everything from their cages and bedding, to dishes and the hands and clothes of their “people.” Even fleas from infected cats can infect otherwise healthy cats. Common, as well, is cat-to-cat passage of the feline parvovirus, which is more likely to occur in multi-cat households, animal shelters, pet shops and any other places where several cats live together.
 
Ironically, the feline parvovirus doesn’t always cause symptoms. Some cats can have the infection, exhibit no visible signs of it whatsoever and then die suddenly because the disease progressed so severely and so rapidly. But, for all concerned kitty owners, the usual symptoms of infected cats are: decreased appetite, depression and lethargy, diarrhea, which may be watery or bloody, fever in the early stages, followed by a low body temperature, frothing at the mouth or vomiting and watery discharge from the nose.
 
Some or all of these symptoms in your kitten or cat, coupled with a history of exposure and not having been vaccinated make this disease frighteningly likely, and merits an immediate visit to the vet. Stool samples and blood tests will promptly be taken and sent to a lab. The lab may identify the virus in your kitten or cat’s stool while the blood tests would show a reduced number of all cell types (pancytopenia), a characteristic of the disease.
 
Sadly, no medications, at this time, are capable of killing the virus. Good supportive care with intravenous fluids, nutrients, and antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infection may help your kitten or cat survive. While kittens have high mortality rates, older cats have a better chance of surviving this insidious disease.
 
Given that the most effective way of protecting your kitten is by vaccination, your vet will usually advise you to begin at 8 or 9 weeks of age, with two or three doses administered three to four weeks apart. The last of these should not be before the age of 16 weeks, while a follow-up dose is now being recommended at 26 to 52 weeks. As for adult cats, they must receive regular booster doses of the vaccine (both live and “killed” vaccines are available and are very effective).
 
Should any of your cats be infected with the virus, they must be isolated from any other cats in a multi-cat home. Their litter boxes must be cleaned and disinfected regularly and you must disinfect your entire home to keep your other pets safe. If your other cats aren’t vaccinated, they, too, are at a high risk of infection.
 
As the old adage advises: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.