Cats.funsite.cz

That’s right — today we’re sharing a home remedy for cat cold. Because believe it or not, our sweet furry friends can get the sniffles just like us. 

Similar to humans, colds in cats are usually the result of a virus.

This then causes a number of uncomfortable symptoms that can make your fur baby feel under the weather.

Cat colds are quite common, but should still be taken seriously. They can be unpleasant for your cat, and if left untreated can cause secondary complications. 

Viruses can be extremely contagious and easily transmitted to other cats, so catching and treating your cat’s cold symptoms quickly will help stop the virus from spreading too far. 

Fortunately, humans cannot contract colds from cats. And the main culprits that cause cat colds, Feline Herpesvirus and Feline Calicivirus, are easily preventable with the appropriate vaccinations. 

Today, we’re going to take you through how to spot signs of an oncoming cold in your cat, what the risks are of your cat catching — and possibly spreading — viruses, and some helpful home remedies for cat colds that can help keep your fur baby more comfortable as they recover.

Away we go!

Key Takeaways – Home Remedy for Cat Cold

Here’s what you can expect from this blog:

• The most common causes of cat colds are Feline Herpesvirus, Feline Calicivirus and Cat Flu. These can be easily prevented by keeping your cat up to date with their vital vaccines. 

• Kittens, senior cats and cats with pre-existing health conditions are more at-risk of severe effects caused by colds. So catching things early is the key to a successful recovery.

• Common symptoms of cat colds include: lethargy, coughing, sneezing, discharge coming from the eyes and nose, fever and loss of appetite, often due to congestion or a loss of taste or smell. 

• Consult your vet if you are concerned about your cat’s health before trying a home remedy for cat cold. 

• Home remedies for cat colds include: reducing your cat’s stress, steam therapy and air maintenance. Also keep your cat warm, hydrated, nourished and well-groomed whilst they are ill.

What Are Cat Colds and How Do They Affect Your Cat?

Cat colds are caused by viruses that are often very contagious and can spread quickly amongst cats. It is vital to seek professional medical advice from your vet if you’re at all concerned about your cat’s health. And it can also be empowering as a pet parent to be aware of the names and symptoms of known feline viruses.

Common viruses that can affect your kitty include:

• Feline Herpesvirus — Characterized as an upper respiratory infection, this virus can become active again even after recovery due to a latency period in a cat’s nerves.

• Feline Calicivirus — Another upper respiratory infection, Calicivirus can cause nasal discharge and sneezing, as well as oral inflammation and ulcers. In more intense cases, the virus can cause crusting, hair loss, hepatitis, and can even be fatal.

• Cat Flu — The cat flu virus can cause symptoms such as sneezing, a sore throat, runny eyes and nose, mouth ulcers, fever, dribbling and a lost voice. If you have a kitten, a senior cat or a cat with a pre-existing health condition, be on the lookout for symptoms of cat flu. It can be much more detrimental to their health than for a young and healthy cat.

All of these viruses are easily preventable with the administration of the appropriate vaccines. Vaccinating your cat is an important responsibility as a pet parent to help keep your fur baby safe from the nasty bugs and diseases of the world.

To learn more, read about What Vaccines Do Cats Need? here.

And if you have an indoor cat and are wondering whether they need vaccines too, check out our article on Do Indoor Cats Need Vaccines? for further info.

Symptoms of Cat Colds

Symptoms of a cold, while similar to the ones we experience, will present slightly differently in cats. 

And so it is important to identify symptoms and changes in behavior that may indicate your cat is feeling poorly. 

Usually lasting around 7 – 10 days, symptoms of cat colds include:

• Lethargy

• Coughing and sneezing

• Noticeable discharge coming from the nose or eyes

• Fever

If not closely monitored, cat colds can turn into secondary complications such as pneumonia or unpleasant bacterial infections. 

Signs that your cat’s cold has progressed into something further

If left untreated, here’s indications that the virus has progressed:

• Discharge coming the nose or eyes that has turned yellowish-green in color

• Congestion as a result of discharge

• Loss of taste and smell which can lead to a refusal to eat. 

Treating Cat Colds at Home

If you are at all concerned about your cat’s health, you should consult your vet to get a proper diagnosis and professional medical advice and treatment. 

More importantly: always ask your vet before trying remedies at home.

Cat colds will often clear up on their own. However intervention may be required if your cat is in particular distress or it becomes evident that their cold has progressed into a secondary condition or infection.

There are a few at-home remedies which some have found to be effective in the treating and soothing of cat cold symptoms:

• Stress reduction — Cats are particularly prone to stress, small changes or lapses in routine sending them into distress behaviors, which can exacerbate symptoms if they have a cold. 
  
  It can be beneficial to create a calmer space for your cat while they recover. For example, keep them in a separate room with all their home comforts and essentials. Provide them with calming treats if they are still up to eating. And look into pheromone plug-ins to help keep them calm from the inside out.
  
  
  The calmer the cat, the more energy there body will have to fight the cold and stave off further infection.

• Steam therapy — A popular remedy amongst humans, using steam to help clear nasal congestion can be an extremely effective natural treatment that doesn’t require much intervention. 
  
  This can easily be achieved by bringing your cat into the bathroom with you while you take a hot shower and allowing them to breathe in the steam.

• Air maintenance — Air can get particularly dry during winter months; it’s prime cold and flu season. The use of a humidifier can bring some moisture back into the air and help with any airway irritation your cat may be experiencing as a result of their viral infection.
  
  

A few things to help keep your kitty comfortable

And here’s some extra tips, to keep your cat as calm and comfy as possible:

• Make sure they are kept warm — Just like humans, cats with colds need to be kept warm and snuggly to help them fight off the infection.
  

• Keep them hydrated and nourished — Your cat may have a decreased appetite when they have a cold. Make sure they are receiving appropriate hydration and nourishment. Consult your vet for further guidance on how to do this if your cat is refusing food and water. 
  
  

• Grooming — When they are feeling under the weather and particularly congested, cats tend to stop grooming themselves and so as a pet parent it is important that you take up the responsibility of keeping them clean and well-groomed to avoid hair matting and general discomfort. 
  

• Clean away any discharge and gunk caused by the cold — If discharge around the eyes and nose are left to build up, it can be uncomfortably crusty for your cat. So wipe away any excess discharge from these areas to help keep your kitty comfy in recovery. 
  
  

The Wrap-Up

Your fur baby being poorly can be difficult and distressing. But with research, time and a little bit of extra TLC your cat will be back to their old self in no time!

So there we go, a few handy ways to keep your kitty comfortable when cold and flu season hits. 

Above all else, keep a close eye on your cat. Get to know them and the warning signs of when they are off their game. This will help you to catch any illness quickly, so you can get them back to chasing their catnip toys in no time.

From our own experience with Yoda, we know how stressful it is dealing with a poorly kitty. Our recommendations are to give your cat lots of fuss and make their environment as comfortable and calm as possible.

That way, you can rest easy in the knowledge that you are doing everything in your power to keep your fur baby happy and healthy.

Do you have experience with cat colds? How did you manage your unwell kitty? Are there any safe and effective at-home remedies which you found really helped your feline friend to recover quickly? We want to know!

The post Home Remedies for Cat Colds appeared first on Fluffy Kitty.

If you’re looking for a home remedy for deworming cats — this article is for you!

Whilst out on their many adventures, our sweet kitties can bring home with them a whole host of unwanted visitors. One of the most unpleasant guests being worms. 

Worms are super common amongst cats, and they can also be passed to humans if not intercepted quickly. 

While worms are not pleasant and can lead to further complications in your cat, they can be treated. Your cat should be given worming treatment regularly to help prevent an infection. 

(The same way flea treatment becomes part of a pet parent’s calendar, worming is another vital medication. It’ll help to keep your kitty as happy and safe as possible!) 

In this article, we discuss the signs and symptoms of worms in your cats, how to recognize different types of worm infections, and the best and most effective ways of treating worms.

Let’s do this. 

Key Takeaways — Home Remedy for Deworming Cats

• Sources for worms include: your cat ingesting infected prey, grass or faeces, through the milk they drank from their mother, and fleas.

• The main symptoms of worm infections include: discomfort and itchiness of the anal area, diarrhoea and vomiting, faeces with a tarry look or texture, distension of the abdomen, weight loss, a decline in body and coat condition, and skin lesions and irritation.

• The signs of a more progressed infection include: dehydration and general weakness, lips and gums that have turned pale, going into shock, and lower blood pressure. And in certain cases, extensive worm infections can be fatal.

• Natural remedies such as carrots, chamomile, turmeric, pumpkin seeds, apple cider vinegar and coconut have been found to be effective by some.

• However, there is no professional evidence to suggest these are legitimate methods. So it is vital to consult your vet first for a correct diagnosis and professional medical advice. 

Home Remedies to Deworm Your Cat

But first, what are parasites?

Worms are unpleasant parasites which tend to make a home inside your cat’s intestines and cause all sorts of havoc. 

There are several types of worms which can affect your cat. They’re usually picked up from outside when your cat ingests infected prey, grass or faeces. 

Worms can also be contracted through the milk of your cat’s mother that they drank as a kitten, as well as through fleas that were carriers of worm larvae.

There are several types of worms which can set up camp inside your poor kitty. And so it is important to be aware of the different species of critter to be on the lookout for:

• Tapeworm — Tapeworms tend to frequent the intestines of their hosts. You can identify this type of worm by its segmented body, which can easily break off and leave little rice-like pieces about the house. Like a trail of breadcrumbs to help you catch them quickly!

• Roundworm — Named for their round shape, these yellowish-brown worms often start in the gut, feeding off intestinal matter and can spread to different organs throughout the body. They cause discomfort and further complications if left untreated. 

• Hookworms — These blood sucking parasites hook themselves onto the intestinal wall of cats with their teeth. These vicious critters are particularly dangerous when contracted by kittens.

• Whipworms — Common in dogs, whipworms have also become a common ailment of kitties. It is possible for whipworm infections to be asymptomatic, but common symptoms include: inflammation of the large bowel, bloody diarrhoea, weight loss, dehydration and anaemia.

Other types of worms to lookout for 

• Stomach worms
• Lungworm
• Heartworms
• Bladder worms, and 
• Liver flukes

These are all less common forms of worms that your cat can contract.

But just because they are rarer doesn’t mean they don’t happen. In fact, these types of worms can cause serious health deterioration in your cat and can even be fatal. 

It is vital to consult your vet if you suspect your cat may be suffering from some kind of internal worms. 

Many types of worms can also be passed to humans by accident. So if you suspect your cat may have worms, address the situation quickly and correctly to keep both your cat and your human loved ones safe. 

Signs and Symptoms of Worms

While worms can be a completely asymptomatic condition, there are common symptoms to look out for.

The following symptoms may indicate your cat has been infected with worms:

• Visible discomfort and itchiness of the anal area

• Diarrhoea and vomiting – this may include blood and visible worms

• Faeces with a tarry look or texture

• Distension of the abdomen

• Weight loss

• A decline in body and coat condition. Their fur may appear dull and hair loss can occur

• Skin lesions and irritation

Signs and symptoms of a more progressed infection of worms

• Dehydration and general weakness

• Lips and gums that have turned pale – an indication of anaemia

• Going into shock

• Lower blood pressure

• In some cases, extensive worm infections can be fatal

Home Remedies For Deworming Cats

If you think your cat has contracted worms of any kind, the number one priority is to consult your vet. 

This is to ensure a proper diagnosis and to rule out any other conditions or health issues. It’s also useful to assess the severity of the infection.

If you do wish to try home remedies for deworming cats, it’s also handy to run these ideas past your vet at the same time.

Here’s a few home remedies, which have been anecdotally found to be a fairly effective in preventing and treating worms naturally:

• Carrots – When chopped coarsely, carrots can scratch the walls of the gut and work to dislodge any mucus and nasty critters that may be clinging on. Carrots are also a great source of vitamin A for your kitty. 

• Chamomile – Chamomile can be effective in the prevention and eradication of whipworms and roundworms. It is also known for its anti-parasitic properties and being very calming on the digestive tract.

• Turmeric — This brightly coloured spice contains properties that have been shown to help remove worms, as well as being found to help repair damage to the intestines. 

• Pumpkin seeds — The amino acid cucurbitacin is present in pumpkin seeds and can help make worms immobile. Meaning they can then be more easily expelled.

• Apple cider vinegar — By raising intestinal alkaline levels in your cat, apple cider vinegar can help to make your cat’s insides uninhabitable for unwelcome visitors. 

• Coconut — You can use dried coconut — a known vermifuge — and coconut oil. A cat can make monolaurin from the lauric acid in coconut oil, which then helps with the eradication of parasites. This aids the expulsion of worms in your cat.

Do home remedies for deworming cats work?

While natural remedies have been claimed to aid in the prevention and treatment of worms, there is no real evidence that these are valid and safe ways to treat worms in cats. 

Appropriate medical treatment prescribed by your vet is the best way to rid your cat of worms. So you can keep them happy and healthy. 

Some products they could recommend include:

• Oral flea and tick prevention tablets
• A cat flea and tick collar
• Flea and tick drop formula

And also dewormer specific medication.

ALWAYS seek professional medical advice before trying any home remedies on your cat.

If you’re determined to treat your cat naturally, always ask your vet for advice on safe ways to do this. Especially so that these remedies will not hinder your cat’s health or recovery.

When it comes to worms, they are a pretty serious business. So rather than trying to treat your cat with a home remedy, get a proper diagnosis and professional medical advice from your vet.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve enjoyed this article, you’ll want to check out our other article on Natural Dewormers For Cats. And also Which Vaccines Do Cats Need?

Personally, we make sure to keep up to date with Yoda’s worming treatments, particularly as we travel. We don’t want him to be at risk from picking up unpleasant visitors as we explore the world together. 

Worms are really common in cats and nothing to be ashamed of. It is just super important to take preventative measures to stave away any nasties that may upset your fur baby.

Catching things early is often the key to a quick and full recovery. The sooner you intercept the symptoms, the quicker your cat will be back on to causing cheeky mischief!

Let us know your experience with worming your cat. Especially if you’ve faced any particular challenges, or if your vet has advised you on any at-home treatments. We’d love to hear if you found any to be particularly effective.

The post Home Remedies for Deworming Cats appeared first on Fluffy Kitty.

If you’re searching for a home remedy for cat constipation, we get how concerned about your kitty you must be.

Toilet troubles are never fun, and the same applies to cats. Cat constipation can range from mild to severe, and so it is vital as a pet parent to keep an eye on your cat’s toilet habits and know how to recognize when they are in distress.

Constipation is when your cat may find it difficult to pass stool. Or when their stool has become more infrequent; they are not going as often as they should, and when they do, they may only be able to pass a small amount and the stool may be hard and dark in color.

In most cases, constipation is a normal symptom that both cats and humans alike experience throughout their lifetime. 

However, being constipated can also be an indication that there is something more going on inside. And so you should consult your vet when you notice constipation symptoms in your cat. This helps to rule out any insidious reasons behind your kitty’s tricky toilet times.

In this article, we take you through some of the causes of constipation in cats, the signs and symptoms, and a few home remedies to help relieve your cat, making them more comfortable and getting the digestive cogs turning again.

Key Takeaways — Home Remedy for Cat Constipation

• Constipation presents as a difficulty or inability to pass stool, passing stool less frequently, or only being able to pass a little bit which are hard and dark in color

• Your cat can become constipated as a result of: dehydration, stress or anxiety, food allergies or intolerances

• Constipation can also be a symptom of a more serious health condition, such as: inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diabetes, kidney disease, or cancer

• Symptoms of constipation in cats include: hard, dry or dark stools, stools both inside and outside of the litter box, infrequent/no defecation, crying whilst using the toilet, straining, or total avoidance of using the toilet 

• Additional symptoms also include: change in drinking habits (consuming more or less), more frequent urination, loss or reduction of appetite, nausea or vomiting, weight or muscle loss, hiding, stiff walking and difficulty in jumping

• Home remedies for cat constipation include: reducing their anxiety and stress, ensuring that they get enough water, changing their diet, using fibers or probiotics, and placing several litter boxes around the house

Right…on with the show!

Guide to Home Remedies for Cat Constipation

Just like us humans, cats can experience constipation issues when going to the toilet. 

As we’ve mentioned, constipation involves:

• the difficulty or inability to pass stool
• less frequent stool
• being able to pass only a small amount of stool
• the stool passed is dark and hard in texture

This can cause stool to build up and cause considerable discomfort, and if left untreated can cause serious further health issues. 

If you are at all concerned about your cat’s toilet habits, particularly if they have been unable to pass stool in 48-72 hours, you must consult your vet immediately. This is to rule out underlying health issues and to help your cat find relief.

What Are the Causes of Cat Constipation?

Constipation can be a result of many things, including:

• Dehydration — One of the leading causes of constipation in both animals and humans. Not getting enough fluids means that the intestines absorb whatever water they can find, even if this is in the stool that passes through them, and therefore the stool becomes harder and more difficult to pass. 

• An adverse reaction to food or medicine — Food allergies or reactions to certain medicines can cause intestinal inflammation and result in a constipated kitty. Constipation can be a side effect of particular pet medicines, so consult your vet if your cat is particularly prone to symptoms from medicines. 
  
  Also cats that only eat dry food can be more prone to constipation than those who also have wet food in their diet.

• Allergies — Constipation can be a symptom of allergies. Whether to food, outside stimuli or something around the home. Keep an eye out for anything your cat has an adverse reaction to and remove it from the house, to help avoid further flare ups. 

• Ingesting materials that cannot easily be digested — Some pet parents find that their cat gets constipation due to a build up of fur as a result of grooming. Or, equally, their cat has ingested a foreign object or material that is causing a blockage.

• Stress and anxiety — Stress often goes to the stomach. And so if a cat is experiencing stress or anxiety, their digestive system can start to play up and they can find it difficult to pass stool, or even urine. 
  
  In this scenario, identify what is causing your cat distress and create a calmer environment for them. Look into calming treats or pheromone plug-ins. And if all else fails, show them lots of love and reassurance.

More serious causes of constipation in cats

• Inflammatory bowel disease — Diarrhea is usually the main culprit when it comes to IBD. However, constipation is also a known symptom. The condition affects the gastrointestinal tract’s ability to absorb and digest food properly, and causes considerable inflammation and discomfort.

• Discomfort caused by other issues — If your cat experiences pain or discomfort from a separate health issue, they may avoid or delay passing stool so as not to cause themselves further pain. Some of these issues can include: anal gland problems, nerve issues, impacted or ruptured anal sacs, and arthritis.

• Diabetes — The vagus nerve aids the digestive tract in helping to move food through the system. Diabetes can affect this nerve, resulting in constipation symptoms.

• Kidney disease — One of the most common symptoms of kidney disease is increased thirst and urination. This can lead to dehydration and constipation.

• Blockages and tumors — Whether tumors are benign or malignant, or the blockages are from day-to-day ingestions such as fur whilst grooming or are from something more serious, a blockage in the intestines can lead to serious health risks. In addition to constipation.

• Cancer — Both spinal and intestinal cancers can have a detrimental effect on the colon nerves. They can stop them from working properly and therefore cause constipation for your cat.

Signs and symptoms of cat constipation

We’ve put together a little list of some of the most common signs of constipation to watch out for:

• Stools that are hard and dry, as well as possibly being smaller than usual

• Finding these stools both in the litter tray and outside of it (an indication that your cat may have thought they had finished, when they hadn’t)

• Infrequent or no defecation

• Crying whilst using the toilet, straining, or total avoidance of using the toilet

• A change in drinking habits — consuming more or less

• More frequent urination

• Loss or reduction of appetite

• Nausea or vomiting

• Weight or muscle loss

• Hiding

• Stiff walking and difficulty in jumping

It’s important to note that litter box discomfort can also be a sign or a urinary tract infection, not just constipation.

Which is why getting professional medical advice, particularly if you notice these behaviors, is highly recommended.

Home Remedies for Cat Constipation

If you’re at all concerned about your cat’s health and behavior, always check in with your vet. 

It’s important to get your cat checked over to confirm whether there’s any underlying conditions that may be causing the constipation symptoms. Also, make sure you ask them before going ahead with any at-home treatments.

So without further ado, here’s a few at-home remedies and tips for cat constipation:

• Reduce anxiety and stress — Cats are very sensitive and can struggle with even the slightest changes in environment or stimuli. 
  
  If you notice your cat is particularly anxious or stressed, try creating a little space of their own in the house, with comforting toys and blankets. As we suggested above, try treats and pheromone plug-ins to keep your kitty blissed out and free from unpleasant symptoms. 
  

• Make sure they’re getting enough, or more, water — Dehydration is usually the leading cause of constipation. So make sure your cat is taking in enough water, as it’s vital to maintaining healthy bowel movements.
  
  (And check out our article on How to Check If Your Cat Is Dehydrated here.)
  
  If your cat is struggling to drink, try putting different water sources around the house. Give them new ways of accessing water, such as a water fountain, or try adding some water to their dry food for extra hydration.
  

• Try a change in diet — Food plays a huge part in the state of our bowel movements. If your cat’s toilet habits have been interrupted, it may be down to their diet. Ask your vet about certain hypoallergenic, non-irritant or more hydrating foods to help your cat with their constipation.
  
  (And also take a look at our article on the Ultimate Guide to Cat Nutrition.)
  

• Fibers or probiotics — A healthy gut often means healthier bowel movements. Using soluble fibers (which can aid stool consistency and ease of passing) or probiotics (which help to maintain healthy gut bacteria) can keep your cat’s digestive system ticking along nicely.
  

• Increase the number of litter boxes available to your cat — Cats are known for being a bit fussy, and they’re no different when it comes to litter boxes.
  
  A change in smell or location can set their whiskers on end and make them feel uncomfortable to use the box. Put a few litter boxes around the house in different places, so your cat can choose where they feel comfortable to relieve themselves.
  

Final Thoughts

Phew…we’re pooped! And we hope that with this handy little guide, your kitty will soon be too!

It’s always distressing to see your fur baby in any kind of discomfort. But the sooner you intervene, the sooner they’ll be feeling better and back to their old tricks.

It can be hard for our kitties to tell us when they are hurting. And so it is up to us to notice when their behavior changes and make sure they are alright. 

We would love to hear if you have any home remedies for cat constipation. Especially if you have found them to be safe and effective in relieving your pet’s discomfort. And also your experiences with unwell cats or cats with long-term conditions.

So get in touch! And together, we can give our fluffy friends the best care possible.

The post Home Remedies for Cat Constipation appeared first on Fluffy Kitty.