The classic bestseller–expanded and updated
For years, many veterinary treatments for cats were based on research conducted with dogs because it was wrongly assumed that cats were very similar. Recently, there have been giant strides in feline veterinary research. This classic reference is fully updated and revised to reflect these advances and gives you the most up-to-date guidance on cat health and cat care. It includes:
- An index of signs and symptoms to help you find information fast
- Clearly written, step-by-step directions for handling common feline ailments and problems
- Hundreds of photos, drawings, and tables that illustrate what to look for and how to provide the best care for your cats
- All new anatomical drawings and diagrams
- New information on genetics, geriatrics, drug sensitivities, raw diets, arthritis medications, dental disease, and more
- Information on supplements, nutraceuticals, and holistic treatments that have proven beneficial
- Interesting findings on cat behavior
Whether you have a kitten or a senior cat, this resource helps you quickly identify potential problems, take proper steps in emergency situations, better understand diagnoses and treatment options, and communicate more effectively with your veterinarian. This is the hands-on reference you’ll trust again and again.
Table of Content
Introduction.
Chapter 1: EMERGENCIES.
Handling and Restraint.
Artificial Respiration and Heart Massage.
Shock.
Acute Painful Abdomen.
Broken Bones.
Burns.
Cold Exposure.
Dehydration.
Drowning and Suffocation.
Electric Shock.
Heat Stroke.
Poisoning.
Insect Stings, Spiders, and Scorpions.
Snake and Lizard Bites.
Wounds.
Chapter 2: GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES.
Deworming Your Cat.
Ascarids (Roundworms).
Hookworms.
Tapeworms.
Other Worm Parasites.
Protozoal Parasites.
Chapter 3: INFECTIOUS DISEASES.
Bacterial Diseases.
Viral Diseases.
Fungal Diseases.
Protozoan Diseases.
Rickettsial Diseases.
Antibodies and Immunity.
Vaccinations.
Available Vaccines.
Shelter Recommendations.
Chapter 4: THE SKIN AND COAT.
The Cat’s Coat.
How to Avoid Coat and Skin Problems.
Beyond the Brush.
Bathing.
Hairballs.
Sorting Out Skin Diseases.
Fleas.
Other Insect Parasites.
Using Insecticides.
Allergies.
Fungal Infections.
Hormonal Skin Diseases.
Pyoderma.
Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex.
Lumps and Bumps on or Beneath the Skin.
Chapter 5: THE EYES.
Structure of the Eye.
If Your Cat Has an Eye Problem.
The Eyeball.
The Eyelids.
The Nictitating Membrane (Third Eyelid).
The Tearing Mechanism.
The Outer Eye.
The Cornea.
The Inner Eye.
Chapter 6: THE EARS.
Structure of the Ears.
Basic Ear Care.
The Pinna.
The Ear Canal.
Otitis Media.
Otitis Interna.
Deafness.
Chapter 7: THE NOSE.
Signs of Nasal Irritation.
The Nasal Cavity.
Chapter 8: THE MOUTH AND THROAT.
How to Examine the Mouth.
Signs of Mouth and Throat Disease.
The Lips.
The Gums.
The Teeth.
The Tongue.
The Mouth.
The Throat.
The Salivary Glands.
Swollen Head.
Chapter 9: THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM.
Endoscopy.
The Esophagus.
The Stomach.
Vomiting.
Small and Large Bowels.
Diarrhea.
The Anus and Rectum.
The Liver.
The Pancreas.
Chapter 10: THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM.
Purring.
Signs of Abnormal Breathing.
Coughing.
The Larynx.
Trachea and Bronchi.
The Lungs.
Chapter 11: THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM.
The Heart.
Evaluating the Circulation.
Blood Types.
Heart Failure.
Cardiovascular Disease.
Anemia.
Heartworms.
Chapter 12: THE NERVOUS SYSTEM.
Head Injuries.
The Central Nervous System.
Seizures.
Coma.
Vestibular Disorders.
The Spinal Cord.
Nerve Injuries and Diseases.
Chapter 13: THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM.
Declawing.
Limping or Lameness.
Muscle, Bone, and Joint Injuries.
Inherited Orthopedic Diseases.
Arthritis.
Metabolic Bone Disorders.
Muscle Disorders.
Chapter 14: THE URINARY SYSTEM.
Signs of Urinary Tract Disease.
The Kidneys.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure).
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD).
Uroliths (Bladder Stones).
Urinary Incontinence.
The Adrenal Glands.
Litter Box Issues.
Chapter 15: SEX AND REPRODUCTION.
Feline Genetics.
Screening for Health Problems.
The Queen.
The Tom.
The Estrus (Heat) Cycle.
Mating.
Reluctant Breeders.
Infertility.
Diseases of the Male Genital Tract.
Diseases of the Female Genital Tract.
Artificial Insemination.
Pseudocyesis (False Pregnancy).
Unwanted Pregnancy.
Birth Control.
Chapter 16: PREGNANCY AND KITTENING.
Determining Pregnancy.
Care and Feeding During Pregnancy.
Kittening Preparations.
Signs of Imminent Delivery.
Kittening.
Dystocia (Difficult Labor).
Cesarean Section.
Postpartum Care of the Queen.
Postpartum Problems.
Cloning.
Chapter 17: PEDIATRICS.
Sexing a Kitten.
Caring for Newborns.
Raising Kittens by Hand.
Kitten Diseases.
Congenital Defects.
Weaning.
Choosing a Healthy Kitten.
Training.
Behavior Problems.
Chapter 18: NUTRITION.
Basic Nutritional Requirements.
Commercial Cat Foods.
Diets for Health Problems.
Raw Diets.
Feeding Your Cat.
Switching Diets.
Obesity.
Common Feeding Errors.
Chapter 19: TUMORS AND CANCERS.
Cancer in the Cat.
What Causes Cancer?
Diagnosing Cancers.
Treating Tumors and Cancers.
Common Surface Tumors.
Breast Swellings and Tumors.
Feline Leukemia Virus.
Feline Lymphoma.
Hyperthyroidism (Thyroid Cancer).
Vaccine-Associated Feline Sarcoma.
Chapter 20: GERIATRICS.
The Geriatric Checkup.
Physical Changes.
Behavior Changes.
Functional Changes.
Weight Changes.
Adding a New Kitten.
Hospice Care.
Euthanasia.
Chapter 21: MEDICATIONS.
Anesthesia.
Analgesics.
Antibiotics.
Drug Treatment of Behavior Disorders.
Drug Complications.
How to Give Medications.
Appendix A: NORMAL PHYSIOLOGICAL DATA.
Appendix B: COMPARATIVE AGE OF CATS AND HUMANS.
Appendix C: LABORATORY TESTS.
Appendix D: USEFUL RESOURCES.
Glossary.
About the Authors.
List of Tables.
Index.
About the author
Debra M. Eldredge, DVM, has won writing awards from both the Dog Writers Association of America and the Cat Writers’ Association. Dr. Eldredge has practiced for more than twenty-five years at a small animal clinic. She has written articles for
Catnip,
Cats USA, and
Cat Fancy.
Liisa D. Carlson, DVM, runs Carlson Pet Hospital, which was started by her late father, Delbert G. Carlson. She contributed extensively to the previous edition of this reference.
The late James M. Giffin, MD, coauthored all previous editions of this guide.
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