The major signs of shock are:

1. Pale or muddy gums.

2. A weak and rapid pulse.

3. Capillary refilling takes longer than two seconds.

4. Rapid breathing (over forty breaths per minute).

5. A low rectal temperature (below 100°F), with skin and legs cool to the touch.

Shock requires prompt veterinary attention. For immediate aid you should be sure the cat’s airway is clear so it can breathe. If not, administer artificial respiration, check the heartbeat and pulse, and control any bleeding. If necessary, apply CPR.

Maintain body heat (with a blanket or coat) and very gently transport the cat to the veterinary hospital. If your pet is unconscious. keep its head lower than the rest of the body. If possible, phone the hospital so that the staff can prepare for your animal.

Large quantities of intravenous fluids, critic aster and oxygen given in can save your pet’s life. In shock, the capillaries are like a dry riverbed. The intravenous fluids flood the capillaries and renew the vigorous blood flow that nourishes the dried-out cells.

Do not change the injured pet’s position rapidly. A fast lift or rotation can cause shock to move into the irreversible stage.

If the cat is in electrical shock from chewing on wires, there is an added precaution: do not touch the cat if it is still in contact with the current! Unplug the electrical cord from the outlet and then check the cat’s pulse and heartbeat and continue treating as for shock. You may also need to treat for burns in the mouth.

If you find your cat to be in shock, try out the following remedial steps to recover your pet from the shock.

• At first gently lift up the upper lip of the cat so that the gums and upper lip gets visible. If the color of the gums is white then the pet certainly is in shock and is not if the color is pink.
• Place the cat sideways on a blanket or a towel with its head extended.
• Then gradually try to clear the airways of the cat.
• Lift up the head and rest in your hand while put the other hand over its head so that the thumb and the index finger is just behind the fang teeth or the canine teeth.
• The slowly move the head towards the back so the nose points upwards. Then push your thumb towards the index finger so that the mouth gets wide.
• Pull the cat’s tongue out to clear the air passage.
• Elevate the hind parts of the cat by placing it on a raised pillow or folded towels.
• Try to stop the bleeding as early as possible.
• The wrap the body of the pet with blanket or towel in order to preserve the body heat of the animal.

You are recommended to take your pet to a veterinary clinic for proper treatment.

source from: petcaregt

Veterinarians are occasionally confronted with an injury or minor illness thathas healed itself even when the owner did not use the medication or follow theinstructions. The owner calls a week later to say that the ear infection is completelyhealed or the diarrhea has disappeared. This does not mean that you should notfollow your doctor’s instructions!

The following is a list of medications that are good to have on hand, as well as the ailments they treat. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Constipation

Laxatives should not be used on a regular basis unless recommended by yourveterinarian. Safe laxatives are made from psyllium (see below). Alternative laxa-tives are milk of magnesia or mineral oil. If an enema is needed. use warm water(best) or a Fleet enema.

1. Bulk Laxatives

Products such as Metamucil and Mucilose are refined from the psyllium seed.The substance from this seed is not absorbed by the digestive tract; it only passesthrough. Thus, it is a natural product and one with essentially no contraindicationsand no side effects. It provides bulk by drawing water into the stool. If youthink your cat has an intestinal obstruction or impacted feces, do not use a laxative.

Dosage:

1 teaspoon mixed in the food once or twice daily. Be sure to mix water82into the food and supply drinking water at all times.

2. Milk of Magnesia

The active ingredient, magnesium, causes fluid to be retained within thebowel and in the feces. It is also helpful in speeding passage of any poisons throughthe digestive tract.

Dosage:

1 teaspoon per five pounds of body weight. (One dose should do the job.)

Be sure to mix water

Side Effects:

Milk of magnesia is nonabsorbable, but it does contain magnesium and somesalt and should not be used if your pet has kidney or heart disease.

3. Mineral Oil

This is the cheapest and most effective laxative, but it can be dangerous ifadministered improperly or given for a long period of time. Mineral oil should neverbe given directly in the mouth because it is bland and may enter the breathingtubes and lungs before your pet can cough. Mineral oil in the lungs will cause asevere pneumonia. Instead, mix it in the food. If mineral oil is given for a longperiod of time, it can cause deficiencies of the fat soluble vitamins, A, D, E, and K.

Dosage:

1 teaspoon per ten pounds of body weight, mixed in the food once daily, fortwo days at the maximum.

Side Effects:

Pneumonia or vitamin deficiency if administered improperly.

Constipation

1. Fleet Enema

If your pet has obstipation (impacted or hard feces in the lower intestine andrectum), you should see your doctor. If you must give the enema, use the Fleetpediatric enema. This may lubricate and soften the hard feces. Use only the mineral oil enema, not the phosphate type.

Dosage:

The lubricated nozzle is inserted into the rectum, and one ounce of the so-lution is gently administered. Another enema can be given half an hour later, ifnecessary.

Side Effects:

Severe complications can result if used when fever, nausea, vomiting,or abdominal pain is present. Do not use in cats that are dehydrated or have knownkidney disease.

Coughs

The only safe cough medicine I recommend for use without veterinary con-sultation is an expectorant. The expectorant liquefies the secretions and allows thebody’s defenses to get rid of the bad material. Cough suppressants should not be used without your doctor’s advice, because they contain such narcotics as codeineOver-the-counter cough suppressants may contain dextromethorphan. a closechemical relative.

1. Glyceryl Guaiacolate (guaifenesin)

If your cat has a dry, hacking cough, a lubricant soothes the inflamed area. Ifyour pet has a cough with mucus, glyceryl guaiacolate liquefies the mucus secre-tions so that they may be coughed free. It does not suppress the cough reflex, butrather encourages the natural defense mechanisms of the body.

Read the label: Do not use Robitussin or 2-G with the additives PE (for thedecongestant phenylephrine), CF or DM (for the cough suppressant dextromethor-phan), or AC (for codeine). Use Robitussin or 2-G with only glyceryl guaiacolate(guaifenesin) in 3.5 percent alcohol.

Dosage:

I/4 teaspoon every four hours.

Side Effects:

No serious side effects, but check with your doctor if the cough persists.

2. Kaopectate

Kaopectate is a very safe medication for cats. Do not use paregoric – it maybe toxic to your cat. See your veterinarian if diarrhea persists.

Kaopectate contains kaolin and pectin, which coat the intestinal tract andhelp to form a solid stool.

Dosage:

2 teaspoons per ten pounds of body weight every four hours.

Eye Irritations

For short-term use, apply an ophthalmic ointment such as Neosporin or Neo-polycin to your cat’s eye three or four times daily. These ointments contain threeantibiotics: polymyxin, bacitracin, and neomycin.

Fungus

1. Tinactin

If your pet has only one ringworm lesion, you can use this cream. It is avail-able over the counter in drugstores.

Dosage:

Apply the cream to the skin lesion with a Q-tip twice daily. Do not touchthe lesion with your finger.

Side Effects:

If the skin becomes more irritated, stop the medication and see your veteri-narian. Do not get the medication in the eye.

Hair Balls

Brushing and combing your cat frequently will help prevent hair balls (swallowed hair from self-grooming). If your cat still vomits hair balls, a lubricant such as white petroleum jelly may help. A commercial hair-ball medicine (Ka t-a-I.,Lax atone) from your veterinarian or pet store can also be used.

1. White Petroleum Jelly

Dosage:

1/2 teaspoon per ten pounds of body weight. Apply it to the cat’s nose and it will be licked off. This can be given once weekly. The jelly melts in the stomach to an oil that lubricates the hair ball for easier passage in your cat’s bowels.

Side Effects:

Keep in mind that white petroleum jelly has the potential to decrease the absorption of fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E. and K) if given in large doses or for prolonged time.

2. Bo nine

If you are unsuccessful, an antihistamine called Bo nine (medicine hydrochloride) can be used. It is effective against the apprehension, salivation, and vomiting or diarrhea that some pets experience when traveling. If Bo nine is not successful eliminating the motion sickness, your veterinarian can provide you with tranquilizers or antihistamines that are effective.

Dosage:

12.5 milligrams given on an empty stomach one hour before traveling. The dose can be repeated in twenty-four hours.

Side Effects:

Your pet may experience drowsiness. Do not give Bonnie to a pregnant cat – it may cause birth defects.

Pain and Fever

Do not give aspirin or Tylenol to cats without your veterinarian’s recommendation. Cats have problems detoxifying and excreting these substances.

Poisoning

1. To Induce Vomiting: Hydrogen Peroxide

If your cat swallows a poison that can be expelled by vomiting, a 3 percent solution of hydrogen peroxide works very well. Do not induce vomiting if the poi-son swallowed is a petroleum-based compound or a strong acid or strong alkali . Be sure that the hydrogen peroxide purchased is not a higher strength (such as for bleaching hair).

Dosage:

1 teaspoon every ten minutes until your cat vomits. You can repeat this two or three times, if necessary. If this treatment is unsuccessful, 1 or 2 teaspoons of salt or a mustard-and-warm-water solution put on the back of the tongue should induce vomiting.

2. To Absorb Poison: Activated Charcoal

After vomiting, a few teaspoons of activated charcoal mixed in milk or water can be given to absorb the poison if the specific antidote is not known. Activated charcoal can be purchased in drugstores.

To Speed Passage Through the Digestive Tract: Milk of Magnesia

Dosage:

1 teaspoon per five pounds of body weight once daily.

Skin Irritations

1. Sterilizing Agents and Antiseptics

Soap and water is the best way to clean a wound. Hydrogen peroxide (3 percent strength) foams and cleanses wounds very well, and is inexpensive. Beta dine,a non stinging iodine preparation, kills germs and is a good agent to use on the skin, but it is expensive. To soothe the skin temporarily, calamine lotion can be applied, but it loses its effectiveness when it dries out. It must be washed off and reapplied frequently. Do not get it in the eyes.

Dosage:

Cleanse the wounds three times daily. Trim the hair around the wound, if necessary.

2. Domeboro Solution

This is a soothing wet dressing for relief of skin inflammation. It has antiseptic properties and reduces itching.

Dosage:

Dissolve one teaspoon or tablet in a pint of warm water. Bathe or apply wet dressings of the solution to the affected skin for fifteen minutes. You can repeat this three or four times daily.

Vitamin A & D Ointment soothes irritated skin and can be applied three or four times daily to affected areas. The ointments containing antibiotics (Newsprint,Nonpaying, and Maintain) can be applied to affected skin three times daily.

Urinary Infections

Acidifiers help control bacterial infections of the lower urinary tract and help prevent a recurrence of crystal or stone formation in the tract.

1. Vitamin C and Juices

Tomato juice and cranberry juice are excellent urinary acidifiers – if your pet will drink them. You can measure their effectiveness by testing urine with litmus paper. If blue litmus paper turns red, the urine is acidic.

Dosage:

1/4 to 1 cup of cranberry juice or tomato juice per day should be adequate.100 milligrams of vitamin C three times daily.

Vomiting and Stomach Upsets

Apostate, Maalox, Mylanta, Poeticism

All of these products soothe the stomach lining.

Dosage:

2 teaspoons of Apostate per ten pounds of body weight every four hours. 1 teaspoon of Maalox or Mylanta per ten pounds of body weight very eight hours. 1teaspoon of Poeticism per ten pounds of body weight every four hours.

Side Effects:

Maalox and Mylanta may loosen the stools a little. If your pet has a history of heart or kidney disease, consult your veterinarian before using either of these.

THE FIRST AID KIT

This is a must. Keep the kit in a convenient location but out of the reach of
small children. A fishing-tackle box works very well, by the way.

- Adhesive tape, 1 inch wide
- Gauze bandages, 1-inch rolls Absorbent cotton
- Sterile gauze pads, 3 x 3 inches Cotton-tipped swabs (Q-tips)Rubbing alcohol
- Rectal thermometer
- Teaspoon
- Tweezers
- Sharp scissors with rounded ends
- Medications

source from: petcaregt

Types Of Cat Collars

Buckle Collars
These traditional collars are very easy to wear as they can easily be fastened and unfastened on your cat. They come in materials like nylon and leather and are sometimes studded or adorned with jewels and various embroidery patterns. These collars are suitable for cats that mostly stay indoors.

Break-away Collars
These collars are safer as compared to a buckle collar. Attached with a safety mechanism, these collars don’t click to a ‘locked’ position. If the cat is caught on something, he can easily pull off the collar by exerting some force. This prevents accidental choking. Hence, they are suitable for active and adventurous cats.

Flea Collars
A flea collar generally serves medicinal purposes. It is worn along with a conventional buckle collar. Infused with chemical products like flea-repellants, these collars are used as a type of flea-control. But, be careful while using such a collar in your cat as they might sometimes cause various allergic reactions.

Reflective Collars
These collars are made of reflective materials and come handy for pets during the night. Due to their reflecting ability, these collars prevent accidents and ensure that your pet is safe during the dark. Moreover, they also help you avoid inadvertent stepping on your pet while he is indoors during the night.

Personalized Collars
One of the most important functions of a collar is to display the identification tag of the pet. If your cat doesn’t prefer wearing an id tag in his collar, you can use personalized collars instead. Such collars are imprinted with the name of the cat and the owner’s phone number, and become very helpful, lest your cat gets lost.

A Tip
Decide on the type of collar that is most suitable for your cat. You can also try tying a bell to your cat’s collar to warn garden birds of his approach. Once you provide him with a collar, see your kitty jingle all the way with his new choker.

Causes
Listed below are certain factors that can predispose a cat to boils and other staph infections in the skin.

• Lack of proper hygiene.
• Thyroid problems in the body.
• Reduced immune system.
• Persistent constipation.
• Exposure to various allergens and irritants.
• Stress and other health-related problems.
• Medical conditions like ‘Diabetes Mellitus’.
• Consumption of commercial food high in sugars and chemicals.

• Keep a check on the personal hygiene of the animal. Give him a bath every 10-15 days with a good antibacterial soap.
• Never try to squeeze or lance a boil at home. Keep the affected area clean, but refrain from scrubbing or picking it.
• Apply warm compresses on the affected area for five minutes after every few hours. It will soften the tissue and help the boils to rupture and drain.
• Mix a teaspoon of salt or boric acid to a cup of hot water. Dab it in a washcloth and apply on the inflamed areas.
• You may even try adding a few drops of castor or tree tea oil to the water for the poultices. See that they are bearable and do not burn the flesh.
• Provide the diseased animal with a well balanced and a nutritious diet and avoid feeding him substandard commercial food.
• If the boils are accompanied by a fever, it is better to make the animal undergo a fast for a day. It will help to detoxify the body.
• Add 2-3 cloves of garlic to his food everyday. Garlic helps in boosting the immune system and is also a well-known antibiotic.
• Add some apple cider vinegar to the drinking water of the animal. It will facilitate the healing process.

Symptoms
The condition is characterized by the following symptoms

• Presence of blood particles in stool
• Increased bowel movement
• Exerting while defecating
• Inactivity and lethargy
• Sudden loss of appetite
• Excessive intake of water
• Diuresis or excessive urinating
• Sudden weight loss
• Frequent vomiting

• Bacterial infections like Clostridia, E Coli, and Salmonella
• Ingestion of toxic substances like rat poison or house cleaning agents.
• Intestinal parasites like tapeworms, hookworms and roundworms.
• Consumption of unhealthy or allergic food those are unsuitable for cats.
• Presence of benign tumors in the rectum or colon.
• Invagination of one part of the bowel into another.
• ‘Coagulopathy’ or clotting disorder in the body.
• Intake of certain allergic drugs and antibiotics.
• Cancer of the lower bowel (neoplasia).
• Inflammation of the bowel or ‘Colitis’.

• Provide a bland diet that is rich in fiber and low/ moderate in fats.
• Avoid giving commercial and canned cat food to the animal.
• Refrain from feeding him table scraps or fatty foods.
• Give medications for ‘deworming’, in case of parasitic infections.
• Providing antibiotics with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
• Administer drugs to control the rate of food movement in the intestines.

Balinese
Balinese cats are known for their grace and beauty. Though they have a thick silky coat, they do not require extensive grooming. They come in four exquisite colors; lilac-point, seal-point, chocolate- point and blue- point. They are highly warm and people-oriented, which makes them ideal family cats.

Abyssinian
It is believed to be the oldest domestic breed of cats in the world. Available in sleek and soft coats that come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, the Abyssinians are very affectionate and intelligent by nature. They are easy to train and make very good and homely pets.

American Bobtail
With a look that is wild and exotic, these cats are available in all the major colors and patterns. They have mysterious almond-shaped eyes and are available in both long and short coats. They are very exuberant and can be ideal playmates with their well-proportioned musculature.

European Burmese
With a fine bone structure and soft expressive eyes, they are considered to be very graceful. They have a medium body with a short and satiny coat. Cats of this breed are very sociable and fun-loving. They have a strapping body with slender legs and generally prefer being the only pet in the family.

American Shorthair
Suitable if you are looking for an inquisitive and well-behaved cat that can give company to your kids. With a sturdy frame and many color variations, these cats found place in many family portraits of the 1700′s. They are extremely easy going and have a life expectancy of about 20 yr with proper nutrition and care.

Bengal
This is a spotted domestic breed and is generally short-haired. They are available in six different colors and are gregarious, affectionate and very intelligent. They easily adapt to the family environment and can be impish and naughty at times. They are suitable for an outgoing family with children.

Bombay
Named after Bombay in India (Land of the Black Leopards); these medium-sized cats are jet black in color and are have a sturdy built. They have golden or copper eyes and are known for their agility and intelligence. Cats of this breed are extremely attached to their owners and look out for constant affection.

California Sprangled Cat
These cats look like little leopards with their spotted body and muscular frames. They have prominent cheekbones and well-defined blue eyes. These cats are highly domesticated creatures, though they have a wild look in their appearance. Warm and quick, these cats can fit into the domestic lifestyle very easily.

Egyptian Mau
This breed derives its name from the Egyptian word ‘Mau’ which means ‘Cats’. An attractive breed with a dense spotted coat and large green eyes, they are extremely extroverted and are quick learners. Whenever they are happy and excited, they purr in a soft voice. They have a well-built body with strong legs.

Chartreux
This is a French breed and is named after a famous Spanish wool of the 18th century due to their soft and wooly coat. They are short-haired and come in a bluish-grayish shade. They have a powerfully built body, brawny legs and large orange eyes. They are very quite and intelligent by nature.

Cornish Rex
These elegant-looking cats are available in a large variety of colors, color patterns and color combinations. They are very active and love to participate in games and recreational activities. Because of their intense inclination towards human company, these cats can easily adjust to the family environment.

Devon Rex
This is a short-haired and medium-sized breed with large oval eyes. They have a robust body with a long tapering tail. This breed is actually a mutated version of the Cornish Rex and is also excessively fond of human company. They love sneaking to places that are warm and enjoy sharing your bed and food.

Japanese Bobtail
This is an ancient breed that has a fine coat with no undercoat. They look beautiful with their fine chiseled mouth and high cheekbones. They are very affable and share a strong bond with their owners. They may even reciprocate a verbal conversation with a soft voice. They easily bond with children.

Havana Brown
Considered as protectors from evil-eyes by the Siamese people; cats of this breed have large distinctive ears and long legs. This breed is highly intelligent and quiet. They prefer lazing down in a secluded corner and can be great attention-seekers from their owners.

Snowshoe
This is a medium-sized breed with large and sparkling blue eyes. They are available in a variety of colors ranging from fawn to blue. They are warm and gentle and are highly fascinated by water. Generally, cats of this breed love to play indoors or have friendly interaction with their owners.

Himalayan
Cats of this breed have a very short and round body that makes them appear like a cuddlesome ball. The bone structure is very thick. The neck is short and strong. They have vivid blue eyes and a sweeping bushy tail. They are very warm-mannered and playful, and need protection like small children.

Ragdoll
Earlier referred to as ‘Cherubim’, this is a large breed with a powerful body. Cats of this breed have long silky furs and are available in colors like seal, chocolate, blue and lilac. They gel very well with children and other pets in the family, and are very easy to train. They are well known for their love for food.

Now you may go and happily take your pick.

Source:petandfish.com

Introducing the cat to the baby

• Introduce the cat gradually to the baby. Cats take time to adjust to a new family member.
• Before the birth of the baby review the behavior of the cat. Ensure that it consistently obeys you. The commands to “sit/stay” and “down/stay” are essential to control the cat and give direction for desirable behavior.
• A curious and affectionate cat may harm the cat. The cat may accidentally scratch the cat. Hence keep your cat’s nails well trimmed.
• In the initial days after the birth isolate the baby from the cat.
• Maintain positive interaction with the cat in the presence of baby. In this way, the cat is unlikely to view the baby’s presence negatively, which could result from reduced attention.
• Before the birth, carry an imaginary doll and do the daily chores such as changing diapers etc in the presence of the cat. This will help in acclimatization of the cat.
• Similarly, you can make a tape recording of your crying infant and play this at gradually increased volume while you practice obedience commands and praise your cat for desirable behavior.
• Cats may urinate or defecate on baby blankets or baby clothes, or on your bed. Some cats may urinate or defecate in a newborn’s crib. These are not acts of malice or jealousy. Territorial marking relieves a pet’s anxiety, covering the baby’s scent (or yours) with its own. Do not scold the cat for this behavior, as this will only increase its stress during adjustment to new circumstances. Prevent access to its targets and spend more time with the cat.
• When your baby becomes a toddler, reassure your cat during supervised interaction. Remain watchful and teach your child to respect the cat. More often than not, you will need to protect your cat from your child.
• Training the child to behave with cat.
• From the moment children begin to crawl, they investigate everything around them, including your pet. Your cat’s toys, food or water bowl and litter box are fair targets. Hence, children should be taught to interact appropriately with pets from the time they begin to crawl and walk.
• Many children delight in waking a sleeping pet by screaming in its ear or persistently chasing it, giving it no peace.
• Under adult supervision, children must be taught how to treat cats. Children must learn that cats are not toys and are living beings. They must be taught to substitute unacceptable behavior with acceptable behavior toward your cat.
• Children must be shown which parts of a cat’s body can be touched and how to gently pet them. Teach them not to disturb an animal while it is resting or sleeping, eating a meal, or playing with or chewing on a favorite toy or object.

Source:petandfish.com