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.
Constipation is defined as the infrequent, incomplete or difficult defecation with passage of small, hard or dry feces. It is important to address constipation immediately in order to avoid complications. Depending on the age of the kitten, constipation will require a slightly different approach.
Constipation in Neonatal Kittens
Neonatal kittens must be stimulated to urinate and […]
If you’ve encountered cross-sucking in kittens you’ve fostered, you know it can be difficult to resolve and painful to experience for both you and the kittens.
During their first few weeks of life, kittens touch their moms 85% of the time and “nurse” on their moms even when no milk is released. Even during brief […]
Eye problems in kittens can be acquired through infection or injury in the first weeks and months of life or be congenital and caused by being born with an abnormality.
To properly function, eyes must be kept moist. Because it can take several weeks for tear production to begin, the kitten’s upper and lower eyelids […]
What Causes Feline Hemotropic Mycoplasma?
Feline Hemotropic Mycoplasma (FHM), previously known as Haemobartonellosis and Feline Infectious Anemia (FIA), is a disease caused by the parasitic bacterium Mycoplasma. This small bacterium attaches to the external surface of red blood cells (RBCs) and causes an immune reaction in the host cat, which results in red blood cell […]
Congenital heart defects are heart defects that are present at the time of birth.
These defects can be caused by one or a combination of the following: an abnormality in the cat’s genes; environmental conditions; infection; exposure to poisonous material; medications taken during pregnancy; and poor maternal nutrition. If a kitten has more than one congenital […]
Whether you’re going away for the weekend or longer, you’ll enjoy your time more if you know that your kitten/s are being cared for properly.
The stress to kittens of being in an unfamiliar environment, such as a boarding facility, along with the fact that their immune systems are not fully developed to fight diseases, […]
Congratulations! You’ve brought a new kitten or kittens into your home. You may think that your indoor pet is free from the risk of disease or injury, but anything can happen. In addition, felines are adept at hiding illness, and you may miss the subtle signs of sickness.
There’s a lot to know about sharing […]
