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individuals
The condition can, however, turn serious for immunosuppressed
people. The infection could invade their bodies and result in
multiple potential syndromes. The list of conditions includes
heart valve infection and encephalitis. Individuals get infected
when a scratch of a cat is blended with the infected flea dirt.
If the cat's claws get contaminated with the offending flea dirt,
and the kitty scratches you, there is a high chance of you
getting exposed to the disease. These can also be caused by cat
bites. Flea is the only unifying factor. There will be no
contamination of wounds sans fleas or flea dirt. Infection of
this nature will not happen in the absence of fleas.Fear not, in
the majority of the cases, the infected felines remain
asymptomatic. It is hard for you to know when the cat became
infected. Most of the infected felines do not need any kind of
treatment for this disease. Treating infected felines has no
effect on the possibility of the spread of disease among people.
The easiest way to avoid cat scratch disease is to adopt some
kind of flea control. Since this disease is spread only through
fleas, it is vital to keep the kitty free of all fleas. Taking
this step will protect yourself and also your family.
Avoiding cat scratch disease
You can protect yourself from cat scratch disease by avoiding
bites and scratches from your cat or any other cat. It is
important that you observe the body language exhibited by your
cat. Knowing this will help you to recognize the changes in the
body language of your cat. You will comprehend when the feline
gets aggravated and thus then protect yourself from any biting or
scratching. Do not play with a cat with an exposed hand. Use any
toy or any suitable substitute so that you can avoid any kind of
accidental scratches.Do know that infection is greater in cats
yet to reach a year old. In case a family member is
immuno-compromised, it is a good idea to adopt an older or mature
kitty. This vastly reduces the probability of contracting the cat
scratch disease. If you are a healthy adult and possess a robust
immune system, you are at almost zero risks of catching this
disease.
Cats and itchy skin
Many cat owners are turning to natural remedies both for
themselves and also for their feline companions. Even though
nothing can replace the experience of a local veterinarian, a
number of natural remedies exist to fight standard cat illnesses.
Many holistic methods are available, which can be done from the
comfort of the home.
Itchy skin
Your cats may get itchy and scratchy for many reasons. The list
is long and includes dandruff, allergies, and fleas. Whatever be
the cause, an itchy cat does not make an ideal pet. You can help
your kitty by concocting a soothing mix of pennyroyal and
rosemary extracts. Be careful and do not allow the cat to drink
or lick these mixes. Alternatively, you can also give your kitty
a tea bath complete with aloe or catnip to soothe the skin of the
cat. If your cat has skin flakes, use a dehumidifier, and not use
the shampoo. It will help to rejuvenate and also re-moisturize
the dry and scaly skin of the cat. This is caused by the absence
of moisture in the home environment.
Other problems
Hairball is a big problem in every cat owner's home. These are
horrible to see and a few cats scatter bunches of hair all around
the home. Worst of all, you seem to set foot on them when you are
barefoot. It is not a good idea to shave the cat. A shaved cat is
one pathetic animal to see. It is your responsibility to push in
a grooming routine. There is a much less drastic remedy to manage
the hairballs. Brush up the kitty every day and then wipe down
the fur with a moist towel. You can also assist the cat to pass
its hairballs by giving the kitty a little amount of petroleum
jelly. You can also give butter. Do not give in excess amounts,
only one teaspoon for a few days would solve the problem. There
is another solution too: feed your cat a diet rich in fiber. A
good amount of exercise will also help in this case.
Other than hairballs, cat bladders also cause a nuisance around
the home. Male cats are vulnerable to urethra or bladder issues.
There can be blockages. In case your kitty has such problems,
then unsweetened cranberry juice could help to stop such an
occurrence. This is as the urine acidity of cranberry rises
meaning reduced chances of infections or blockages. You can add
cranberry powder to the cat food or cranberry juice to its water.
In case your kitty is finicky, insert a syringe containing juice
directly into the mouth of the cat or give it a cranberry
capsule. Do consult a veterinarian before you do any of these
activities.
