Top Cat Health Concerns in Spring
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We absolutely love spring, but we don’t love the new cat health concerns we need to worry about this time of year. ]Of course, they range according to where you’re located. But, for the most part, it’s harder to keep cats indoors and there are more threats to them in spring.
A cloud of doom cast over the clear spring skies of Georgia five years ago when a fatal cat disease, Cytauxzoonosis — which can lead to severe malnutrition, dehydration and more — swept through the state’s northern region.
“A couple of cases were diagnosed here, too,” remembers James Brousse, DVM, owner of The Cat and Dog Clinic in Athens, Ga. “Some cats died after a few days of showing symptoms.”
The culprit? Ticks that carry and spread infectious diseases. These pesky parasites are a top health concern, along with other parasites, bacteria and viruses.
The good news? Awareness of these threats can protect your cat’s health throughout the season.
Below, Dr. Brousse shares the dangers of five health threats that could affect your kitty this spring…
Fleas Make an Appearance
A recent survey revealed that 49 percent of participating veterinarians believe that fleas (see our top Plants that Naturally Repel Fleas and Ticks) are the top health danger of the spring. Of course, multi-pet households are at particular risk.
“Cats can get them from dogs, since dogs get walked outside and are more prone to catching them,” says Dr. Brousse. Swift and minuscule, a flea can also jump off human clothes and latch onto your pet for months. With one flea producing about fifty eggs a day, the population multiplies quickly, spilling into the surrounding environment. Aside from causing irritation, fleas may also transmit fatal bacterial diseases, such as plague.
Bacterial and Viral Diseases
Feline plague, one of many painful bacterial diseases, is particularly insidious. Spread by rodent fleas, this disease may progress quickly if it isn’t caught early. Symptoms include swollen glands and extreme exhaustion.
Lyme disease, a more common bacterial disease, is transmitted by ticks. It can result in crippling arthritis and even permanent disability. Mosquitoes can even transmit West Nile Virus, a rare viral disease picked up from birds.
Ticks
In the warmer months, Tick Season can be a big problem for cats, especially in suburban areas.
“Ticks come from deer and jump on cats’ ears or perineum — the area around the anus where there’s no hair,” Dr. Brousse explains. Slower-moving and larger in size, ticks attach themselves to cats and feed off their blood, spreading serious illnesses, like Cytauxzoonosis or Lyme Disease.
Mosquitoes
A mosquito bite can infect your cat with West Nile Virus, but more commonly, with heartworms — parasites that lodge themselves in a cat’s lungs and heart and mature to up to six inches.
“It only takes one or two worms to get into the cat and cause a problem,” says Dr. Brousse. Symptoms include haphazard vomiting, a slight wheezing and even sudden death.
Allergies
Cats can develop allergies to air particles, just as humans do. “What we’re going to see is allergic reactions to various pollens, especially in areas where you get really heavy blooms,” predicts Dr. Brousse.
Allergens can include pollen, grass, weeds and even flea saliva. But, we’ve recently had two cases where cats have developed intense reactions to mosquitoes, resulting in puffed up faces and infections.
Cats sensitive to these irritants may itch and scratch severely, possibly causing hair loss and open sores that could lead to a bacterial infection.
Winning the Battle
It’s better to err in the side of caution, advises Dr. Brousse. With proper care and vigilance, you and your pet can both enjoy the gifts of spring without worrying about its feline health threats.
