Indoor Cats need Flea/Tick Prevention

 

Normally I treat my indoor / outdoor cats with Revolution.  This topical treatment provides protection against a range of parasites, including fleas, ear mites, worms and some types of ticks. However, my three senior cats do not go outside, the only time they get fresh air is by sitting on  our screened in sun porch.   When I found a tick on the indoor cats I knew that all cats needed protection against fleas and ticks.

(AI generated image created by Susang6) 

Cats with access to an outdoor cattery or screened in porch can still be exposed to fleas and ticks. Fleas can hitch a ride on clothing, shoes, or other pets, while ticks may find their way into the cattery or porch through small gaps in the screen or from other animals like our dog or our indoor / outdoor cats. While the risk is lower compared to cats roaming freely outdoors, it's not zero. 

My indoor senior cats get tropical Revolution treatment

Fleas and ticks can cause irritation, allergic reactions, and even transmit diseases.

If you are interested in learning more about flea and tick prevention treatments.  Here are the ones that I recommend. 

Revolution for cats is a topical treatment that provides protection against a range of parasites, including fleas, ear mites, and some types of ticks. For comprehensive tick prevention, you might want to consider products like Revolution Plus, Bravecto Topical, or Advantage Multi, as these are often recommended for tick control.

My veternarian recommends year-round flea and tick prevention for all cats, including those primarily indoors.  It's best to consult your veternarian to determine the most suitable treatment for your cat.

How to Get a Sick Cat to Eat

 

This past week one of my rescue cats became ill and refused to eat and drink.  His symptoms were a warning sign that something was wrong and made an appointment at the Veterinarian.    While I waited for that appointment, I needed to take steps to get the sick cat to eat.

Cats rely heavily on their sense of smell to stimulate their appetite, so when they have a fever and congestion, eating can become a challenge.

Here are some ways that I encouraged the sick cat to eat.

• Warm up the food: Heating wet cat food slightly can enhance its aroma, making it more appealing.
• Offer strong-smelling foods: Foods like tuna, chicken broth, or baby food (without onions or garlic) can be more enticing.
• Hand-feed or syringe-feed: If your cat refuses to eat, gently offering food on your finger or using a syringe with canned pate food that is mixed with water.
• Try different textures: Some cats prefer pâté-style wet food, while others might like shredded or gravy-based options.
• Reduce stress: A quiet, comfortable feeding environment can make a difference.
• Consult a vet: If your cat continues to refuse food, a vet may recommend appetite stimulants or other treatments.

Cats can develop serious health issues if they go too long without eating, keeping an eye on their condition is crucial.   In my case the rescued cat had a fever and congestion.  The veterinarian prescribed Miratax a topical application for cats only to stimulate appetite, antibiotics for fever and infection.

About Outdoor Cats and H5N1 Avian Influenza (bird flu)

 

We are devoted cat lovers and take pride in caring for a feral cat colony while sharing our garden with our own cats. Seven days ago, one of our personal cats, was happily playing in the garden with me. Just a few days later, he became seriously ill, suffering from a dangerously high fever, refusing food and water. Our cat is fully vaccinated and receives monthly parasite treatments, with no contact with other cats. This sudden illness is worrisome—what could have caused our cat to become so sick?   

As cat lovers, we want our feline friends to enjoy a happy and healthy life, whether they're lounging indoors or exploring the great outdoors. However, recent health concerns highlight the importance of extra caution for outdoor cats, as a new wave of illnesses, including the highly contagious H5N1 avian influenza (bird flu), is impacting domestic felines.

How Cats Are Exposed to Viruses Outdoors

While cats are naturally curious and enjoy roaming the garden or yard, even limited outdoor exposure can carry risks. Viruses like bird flu can spread through several ways:

• Contact with Contaminated Environments: Cats can encounter feathers, bird droppings, or other materials that may carry the virus.
• Airborne Particles: Respiratory droplets from infected birds or other animals can linger in the air, posing a potential risk.
• Indirect Transmission: Walking on or sniffing contaminated surfaces, like soil or outdoor cathouse where an infected cat or other animal could have contaminated with with droppings.

Symptoms to Watch For

If your cat has been outdoors recently, keep an eye out for these symptoms, which could indicate illness:

• High fever
• Lethargy and weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty breathing

Early detection is critical, so if your cat shows any of these signs, consult your veterinarian immediately.

Tips to Keep Your Cat Safe

To protect your outdoor-loving feline during virus outbreaks, consider these precautions:

1. Limit Outdoor Time: Avoid letting your cat roam freely and supervise their outdoor activities, especially during known outbreaks. You may want to install an outdoor cattery or teach your cat to walk on a leash.  
2. Monitor the Environment: Be aware of any local wildlife, particularly birds, that could pose a risk.  
3. Hygiene Matters: Regularly clean outdoor areas where your cat might walk or rest.
4. Boost Their Immunity: Ensure your cat is eating a nutritious diet, staying hydrated, and getting plenty of rest.

A Word of Encouragement

While the risks of outdoor exposure can feel daunting, the love and care you provide make a world of difference. By taking these preventive steps, you can help your cat continue to enjoy fresh air safely while reducing the chances of illness.