Medicine

Normally your cat is an amazing athlete. She can do flips and land right side up, even after a tumble from a tree or window, and can leap from floor to countertop in just one bound. But when vestibular problems strike, that same cat walks like the proverbial drunken sailor.

KTVB in Boise, Idaho, reported in June that a cat tested positive for the plague. This occurred a month after a child tested positive for the plague, also in Idaho.

CNBC.com reports that nearly 70 percent of American households have a pet but most are unprepared financially for a veterinary emergency, which averages between $800 and $1,500, according to Petplan.

Luckily, cats do not experience the high frequency of seizures that can plague many dogs, but seizuring cats face the extra challenge of trying to find a safe, effective medication. A recent study looked at an extended-release version of the medication levetiracetam.

When the topic of intestinal parasites comes up, people immediately think of worms, such as roundworms (ascarids) and tapeworms. However, other parasites may be more common and equally debilitating for your cat.

We may now start classifying seizures in cats based on the canine system of the International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force (IVETF).

It can be tempting when your cat seems to feel just a bit off-maybe sniffling or a little sore-to use an over-the-counter (OTC) medication to give her some relief. Is this OK? The response of veterinary experts is a resounding NO!

My one-year-old domestic shorthair spayed female cat seems perfectly normal and then, without warning, shes passed out on the floor. Shes not out for long, but I dont think this is normal. What would cause such a thing?

Your kitten is now a young cat of eight to 12 months of age and the days of fighting kitten upper-respiratory infections are over. No more sneezing, no more runny eyes, you think. You thought you were out of the woods, but then one morning you notice your young adult cat has some trouble swallowing, maybe gagging, and a slight voice change along with some labored breathing at moments.

Two antiviral drugs have led to remission in cats with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), says Dr. Niels C. Pedersen, professor emeritus at the University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and long-time FIP researcher, speaking at the 2017 American Association of Feline Practitioners convention.

My 11-year-old domestic shorthaired cat was just diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, and we are trying to decide the best way to treat him. Weve been told that he is otherwise healthy, and our veterinarian has told us about the possibility of radioiodine therapy, but were concerned about the effects of the radiation on him and our family.

Although famotidine (brand-name Pepcid) is not FDA-approved for veterinary medicine, its commonly prescribed to prevent ulcers and treat gastritis, esophagitis and gastric or esophageal reflux.