Encyclopedia on Pets

Important: this archive article (written 2009–2016) mentions medicines, doses, poisons, emergency first aid or raw diets. It has not been checked by a veterinarian against current advice. Do not use it for doses or emergencies: call your vet or an animal poison helpline. About our articles

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What is conjunctivitis

Introducing a new cat to the household

What is conjunctivitis?

Answer Conjunctivitis is simply inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye (the mucous membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelids and continues over the front part of the eyeball). When this tissue is infected, the eyes burn and become red and runny (hence the nickname "pinkeye"). There are many causes of conjunctivitis--many types of bacteria can get into the eye and cause infection.

This is a condition that can become serious, if the infection isn't treated and it grows out of control. In a worst-case scenario, the eye could be damaged enough by the bacteria to cause blindness. So if your pet's eyes seem infected or inflamed, take him to the veterinarian for an exam.

Your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics and/or other eye treatments, and you'll need to be sure to follow all the instructions for administering them. With a little help from you and your veterinarian, however, your pet with conjunctivitis can soon feel good as new.

What is asthma in cats?

Answer Feline asthma is a chronic inflammatory respiratory disease. Cats get the same airway spasms or smooth muscle contractions that lead to acute constriction of breathing as people do. Sometimes cat litter is blamed for this disease, but it's role is limited. The aerosolized dust when breathed in can initiate symptoms in an already asthmatic cat. It cannot cause the disorder.

See your veterinarian for full diagnosis and treatment options if you believe your cat has asthma. Often the same drugs that work for people can work for cats as well, but only your veterinarian can dispense the correct drugs in the correct dosages. Never give your pet medications intended for your use.

Gum and Tartar Disease

Question My cat won't let me brush her teeth.

Is it true that tartar and gum disease can cause other problems?

Answer Tartar management is cats can be challenging, as you have found. If you have seen that there is significant tartar on your cat's molars and premolars, you are already at a stage where you will need your local veterinarian to perform a complete dental prophylaxis under anesthesia. This tartar is probably causing the gingivitis that you are seeing.

Dry kibble diets help in tartar prevention, however, even cats who eat nothing but dry food occasionally need dental prophylaxis. The most important thing is to have the tartar taken care of because leaving it in the mouth can cause kidney infections and heart valve disease.

Can cats get parvovirus or is it only a canine virus?

Answer Canine parvovirus will not infect cats. Cats have their own parvovirus, which is commonly known as feline distemper. Feline distemper is also not contagious to dogs.

Is it okay to feed my cat milk?

Answer Veterinarians generally do not recommend feeding milk to our feline friends. A cat's digestive system does not digest milk well. Feeding milk to your cat can cause diarrhea, which can lead to further nutritional problems (your cat won't be able to absorb nutrients from his food).