Search Results
134 results for “feline oral disease”
What Causes Periodontitis in Cats?
Poor oral hygiene and a wet-food diet are the main drivers of feline periodontitis: leftover food turns into plaque and tartar that inflame the gum and deeper tissues. Brush regularly, feed tooth-friendly dry food, and for mild cases try at-home care such as saline rinses and an antibacterial oral spray.
Why Cats Suddenly Lose Their Appetite
A sudden loss of appetite can come from mild causes, weather, heat, stress, or fussy eating, or from illness such as mouth pain, digestive trouble, parasites, or systemic disease. Find the cause first: treat oral pain with pet anti-inflammatories and oral spray, settle the gut with probiotics, and deworm if parasites are to blame.
What Causes Cat Sinusitis (and How to Prevent It)
Feline sinusitis is inflammation of the nasal passages and sinuses, usually from bacterial, viral, or fungal infection, and sometimes as a complication of dental disease or upper respiratory infection. Young and old cats are most at risk. Prevention means a clean, well-ventilated home; regular dental checks; a balanced, immunity-boosting diet; avoiding sick animals; and routine vet visits. See a vet if your cat sneezes often, has constant nasal discharge, seems congested, or loses appetite.
What Is Cat Stomatitis and How Is It Treated?
Cat stomatitis is one of the harder feline diseases to cure, and severe cases can be fatal because a sore mouth leads a sensitive cat to stop eating. Its cause is complex, tied as much to the immune system as to infection, which is why antibiotics alone fall short. This guide explains what stomatitis is, its symptoms and types, how extraction works, and the daily oral care that prevention depends on.
What to Do If Your Cat Has Cryptococcosis
Cryptococcosis is an environmental fungus found in soil and air, and cats often catch it by inhaling spores that travel from the lungs to the rest of the body, or through wounded skin and the mouth. Pigeons are the most important carrier, so the fungus concentrates wherever birds roost, in attics, and among decaying leaves. Signs range from skin nodules and nasal discharge to nervous-system and eye problems. Diagnosis relies on microscopy, fungal culture, X-rays, and blood tests, and oral antifungals such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, and fluconazole are the main treatment. Starting therapy early and keeping it consistent gives the best chance of recovery.
Cat Upper Respiratory Infection: Symptoms and Treatment
A cat upper respiratory infection is inflammation of the mucous membranes of the upper airways. Affected cats typically cough, sneeze, and have a runny nose, sometimes with yellow nasal discharge, and a sudden drop in temperature, poor nutrition, or stress can trigger an outbreak. The usual culprits are viruses such as herpesvirus and calicivirus, bacteria such as Chlamydia, and fungi such as Cryptococcus. This article covers the common pathogens, how viral, bacterial, and fungal infections differ in their signs, what else can mimic these symptoms, and the supportive care and medications veterinarians rely on to treat them, from keeping the eyes and nose clear to antiviral, antibiotic, and antifungal therapy.
When Cat Bad Breath Signals a Real Problem
Cat bad breath isn't just funny; it can point to digestion issues, kidney failure, feline leukemia, diabetes, or most often the mouth itself. Untreated plaque lets bacteria rot teeth, inflame gums, and even enter the blood to harm heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys. Check for trapped food, broken teeth, swollen gums, tartar, and ulcers, then clean or treat.
Understanding Hypothyroidism in Cats
Feline hypothyroidism means the thyroid gland in the neck does not make enough hormone, slowing the whole body's metabolism. Signs include low energy, poor cold tolerance, slow wound healing, fragile skin, hair loss, weight gain, high blood fat, and anemia. It is an autoimmune disease, hard to prevent, and usually lifelong, managed with daily thyroid hormone pills. It is very rare in cats but common in dogs, and often appears with age.
What Is Stomatitis in Cats and What Are the Symptoms?
Feline stomatitis is inflammation of a cat's mouth, caused by various local irritants or systemic diseases, and may be localized or widespread, primary or secondary to another condition. It's an umbrella term covering glossitis, gingivitis, and mucosal inflammation. Signs include poor appetite, drooling, painful chewing, red swollen gums, and bad breath; severe cases show blisters and ulcers. The cause is unclear but likely immune-mediated. Treatment is either medical (chlorhexidine rinses plus antibiotics and corticosteroids under veterinary supervision) or, for stubborn cases, extraction of the premolars and molars — sometimes a full-mouth extraction.
How to Boost Your Cat’s Immune System
Keeping your cat's immunity strong is essential for a healthy, happy life, letting it better resist disease. Boosting immunity takes a combined approach: feed a scientifically balanced diet, encourage moderate exercise, keep the living environment clean, stay up to date on checkups and vaccinations, maintain daily grooming, and reduce stress by providing a stable, secure home. Together these measures build a robust immune system so your cat stays healthier and enjoys life by your side.