What Is Atresia Ani in Kittens?
Atresia ani is a congenital condition that occurs due to an embryonic developmental failure of the large intestine to normally connect with the anus, preventing normal defecation.
The condition presents in kittens as four types of anomalies (deviations from normal):
What Is Coccidiosis?
Coccidiosis is an intestinal tract infection caused by coccidia. Although coccidia live in the intestines, they are not worms. Rather, they are protozoan (single-celled) parasites.
The two most common species of coccidia found in cats are Isospora felis and Isospora rivolta. They are host-specific, meaning a cat can only transmit an infection to […]
What Are Nasopharyngeal Polyps in Kittens and Cats?
Nasopharyngeal (refers to the upper part of the pharynx/throat that connects with the nasal cavity above the soft palate) polyps are benign, inflammatory tissue masses that develop in the middle ear, the compartment just behind the eardrum. As polyps enlarge, they grow down the eustachian tube, which […]
What Is Aspiration Pneumonia?
Aspiration pneumonia may occur in kittens when materials, such as milk replacement formula, medications or stomach contents, are inhaled into the lungs. These materials cause the lungs to become inflamed and makes the lungs more susceptible to infection. If adequate exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs is disrupted, […]
The Importance of Gentle Handling
Felines of all ages should be handled gently, carefully and respectfully, and kittenhood is the ideal time to introduce gentle handling. Fosters play an important role in preparing kittens to be comfortable being handled by different people, including staff and volunteers in animal shelters and rescue organizations, adoptive families, veterinary […]
The Importance of Providing a Consistent Diet to Kittens and Cats
While feeding a consistent diet is important for all cats, it is especially important to feed kittens a consistent diet due to their developing gastrointestinal system. Diarrhea is a very common occurrence in kittens and can often be attributed to an inconsistent diet or […]
What Is Tube Feeding for Kittens?
Tube feeding is a method of delivering nutrition to kittens who cannot or will not eat on their own. Tube feeding involves passing a flexible tube into the mouth, down the esophagus and into the stomach.
This method of feeding is most commonly used for neonatal kittens, whether orphaned or […]
What is Hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus, commonly referred to as “water on the brain,” is a rare feline neurologic disorder. It involves the abnormal accumulation of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricular system of the brain. Consisting of electrolytes, enzymes and glucose, CSF surrounds and protects the spinal cord and brain from injury as well as […]
Kittens are born blind, deaf, unable to regulate their body temperature and dependent on their mother. Orphaned neonates require intensive caregiver attention, which increases immensely if they are born prematurely.
Premature Birth in Kittens
Most veterinarians consider a birth premature if it occurs before 61 days of gestation. Chances for survival decrease rapidly for kittens born more […]
The Anatomy of Feline Eyes
To better understand the development and function of kittens’ eyes, it helps to be familiar with the eye’s anatomy.
