Cat Flu

Feline viral rhinotracheitis infectionCat flu is a common disease in cats. It is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. Although it is not fatal in healthy cats, the same thing could not be said with kittens and immunosuppressed older cats. Feline Herpes Virus 1 or Feline calicivirus is the most common cause of this infection.The virus infects the nose, pharynx, sinuses, the throat, and the membranes of the cat's eyes.

Symptoms:
Eyes

    * reddish
    * with purulent discharge

    * swollen
    * Sometimes cats develop corneal ulcer
Nose

    * Rhinitis / runny nose / sneezing
    * discharge that begins as clear fluid then turns to thick green mucus
    * Though we're not aware of it, cats often lose their sense of smell

Other signs:
  • fever
  • loss of appetite
  • depression
  • dehydration
  • On pregnant cats, they oftentimes abort the kittens. Kittens born of infected mother catch the infection too.
Signs of Feline Calicivirus:
 
Mouth / Tongue
  • ulceration of mouth, tongue, lips, palate, and sometimes the tip of nose
  • drooling
  • gingivitis or gum infection
Eyes / Nose
  • runny nose / eyes
Joints
  • cat limping due to joint pain - usually affects one leg then both legs.
Paws
  • ulceration of paws
Fever / Depression
  •  the cat may or may not have fever
  •  loss of appetite due to mouth ulcers
  •  secondary bacterial infections such as pneumonia may invade if the infection becomes serious.
Feline calicivirus infectionDiagnosis

Diagnosis is confirmed by taking a swab test of the cat's throat and sending it to the lab. Your
vet will make the diagnosis based on the lab result, and the signs and symptoms your pet shows.

Treatment

Cat flu should not be ignored, so ask your vet for some advice. Viral infection has no cure, however you can keep your cat warm, comfortable, and treat the symptoms by:
  • administering eye drops / ointment for conjunctivitis which your vet may prescribe
  •  bathing the discharging eyes / nose with warm salty water as needed
  •  having your cat examined by your vet for corneal ulcers and ask for the appropriate treatment if your pet has it
  •  preventing secondary bacterial infection by treating your cat with antibiotics which your vet may prescribe
If your cat stopped eating and drinking, it must be due to the mouth ulcers which cause him discomfort. Consult your vet, your cat probably needs to be hospitalized and forced fed. Intravenous fluid may need to be administered in dehydrated cats and this will require a day or two in the hospital. Another appetite killer is loss of sense of smell. Provide your cat with strongly smelling food such as sardines to encourage him to eat.

How is Feline Herpes Virus and Feline Calicivirus spread?

The virus can be passed from cat to cat contact and from their nose and eyes discharge that
is why infected cats should be isolated from the other cats. It can also be spread from the cat sneezing just the same way a cold is spread in people. Infection can also be transmitted via anything your cat comes into contact with such as bedding, cages, and bowls because the virus can live outside your cat's body for a period of time. The Herpes virus and Calicivirus can survive outside the cat's body for 24 hours and up to 7-10 days respectively. You can also pass the virus yourself through handling of the sick cat then the other cats and via your clothes. It is important to wash your hands right after handling your sick cat. Another way of destroying the virus is by using household bleach on washable items, at a ratio of 1:32. The cat flu cannot be spread to humans.

How long can Cat Flu last?

Feline Herpes Virus symptoms usually lasts for 7 -14 days while Calicivirus symptoms usually lasts for 7 - 10 days.

Will my cat be a carrier of Cat Flu?

Cats can continue to shed the virus even after they have recovered from cat flu. Although the previously infected cat do not show signs and symptoms, he becomes a carrier of the virus. The carrier state on Feline Herpes virus can last the cat's lifetime, while the carrier state on Feline Calicivirus can last for at least a month. About 50% of the infected cats eliminate the virus 2-3 months after recovering and most cats completely eliminate it 18 months after.

Prevention

Consult your vet about vaccinations available for Feline Herpes Virus 1 and Feline Calicivirus.
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Risky Mistakes Pet Owners Make Part 2

Misreading Body Language
A swing..and a miss
Wagging tail may be a warning
You love your dog and you care deeply for him but do you really understand him? Most of us think a wagging tail is a good sign. He may hold his tail high and wave it stiffly back and forth. But did you know that's a sign he wants to threaten someone? You could get bitten if you mistake this for playfulness. Try to learn about pet's body language to avoid misunderstandings.

Providing Too Little Attention

Pets are like children. They will get bored if you don't play with them. Boredom may lead dogs to unlikely behaviors such as digging, chewing, whining and barking.  Cats on the other hand, may resort to scratching and excessive meowing. Help your pet fight boredom by hiding some treats for your pets to find around the house. Teach your dog how to play fetch, hide and seek, or tug of war.

Making Your Cats Share a Litter Box 

Making your cats share one litter box could result to elimination problems. It's as good as saying you're allowing him to poop on the floor. Cats are so picky about their litter box. They may not use it if it smells like other cats or is dirty. Vets recommend providing each cat a litter box plus one extra, spacing out each litter box around your house.

Not Socializing Young Pets

During the first seven weeks of life, kittens and puppies need  to regularly experience positive human interaction. Handling and playing with them will foster trust in humans. Breeders will begin this, and you may continue the process once you take your pet home. Play with your kitten or puppy everyday to build a strong bond with him.

Leaving Young Kids Unsupervised
 
Children simply adore animals, though sometimes this leads to someone getting hurt. Young children oftentimes play it rough and push a cat or dog to strike out in self defense. When a new pet joins the family, ensure supervision during play time to avoid someone getting hurt. Teach your children to recognize the signs when a pet wants to be left alone. Set some rules on how they should treat the cat or dog.

Giving Milk to Cats

Some of us think cats thrive on milk, which is a myth because most cats are lactose intolerant. Lactose intolerance means the sugars in milk is not properly digested.  This may result to vomiting or diarrhea, although some cats can digest milk without any problems. Most vets recommend skipping the milk since cats don't really need it.

Feeding Cats Only Dry Food

Cats may not drink enough water to stay well hydrated due to having low thirst drive by nature. Feeding them only dry food may put them at risk for urinary tract problems. Some vets recommend canned foods which contain about 78% water, to promote healthy bladder and avoid urinary tract disorders. As for a cat with a history of urinary problem, it is necessary to set him a fluid rich diet.
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Risky Mistakes Pet Owners Make Part 1

Letting Your Dog Walk You 

 

When out for a walk with your dog, he can pull you over if he's not properly trained. Thousands of pet owners find themselves in the emergency room each year due to pet related falls. Most of these falls occur while walking, either they were pulled or pushed by their dog, or when a person trips over his beloved pet. The best way to ensure your pet does not take you down during walks is obedience training.


Overlooking Ticks

After walking in the woods with your pet don't forget to check yourself and your dog for ticks. Tick bites can result to Lyme disease, Rocky mountain spotted fever and some other diseases. These can also cause serious medical condition in cats. If your pet is infected with ticks, it also puts your family at risk. So if you have spotted a tick, remove it carefully using tweezers. You may also want to ask your vet about anti-tick medicine.

Ignoring Ringworm
 
If you see a round bald patch on your pet, he may have  a ringworm. It is important to have your pet treated, otherwise you will be putting your family at risk from acquiring it too. Dogs and cats with ringworm can pass it to people by touching the pet's fur or skin. It causes reddish ring-shaped rash on the skin or bald spots if the scalp is infected. See your vet immediately if you suspect your pet has it.

Keeping the Food Bowl Full 

One of the most common mistakes owners make is keeping their pets' bowls full all the time. Because of this, cats and dogs eat more than they have to. They will take in so much calories and gain much weight if food is constantly available. Ask your vet for advice or follow the pet food label suggestions to avoid overfeeding.

Forcing Cats to Be Vegetarian 

Sometimes vegetarians want their pets to share their preference in food. The problem is, cats cannot depend on vegetables alone. They are obligate carnivores which means they should be fed with meat or they wont survive. They depend on amino acid taurine, a nutrient found only in animal tissue. Dogs can possibly handle a well balanced vegetarian diet but you must check with your vet first.

Providing Too Little Exercise

Pets need exercise to keep them healthy, just like us humans.  If your pet is a  couch potato, he has higher risk of acquiring heart disease, diabetes, joint problems and becoming obese. Vets normally recommend at least thirty minutes of exercise each day, but the perfect amount of exercise for a dog depends on his breed and size.

Mental Illness in Dogs


Mentally ill dogs will show the first signs of illness by the age of 5 weeks.They show symptoms such as difficulty learning, getting along with other dogs, relating to humans and their surrounding, and difficulty learning. These mentally challenged puppies act similarly like children with Autism. Some fearful pups show exaggerated startle reflex while others show aggression and become potential biters which causes them to bark excessively. By age 3 years their condition has already peaked. In-breeding is usually one of the causes of mental illness in canines.

It is necessary to keep environmental stimuli to minimum because like humans, pets with autism need calm environment. No loud noises, touch them gently, and of course, a stable home situation. They do not interact well with children too. Their special diet should be followed and must consist of meat and no grains. Medications prescribed by the vet may also be beneficial.

Mental Illness and misbehavior both exist in human and beast. With the humans we tend to think of depression and schizophrenia, but these mental illnesses also exist in animals. A dog with mental illness may be violent even when unprovoked, or is destructive of property. These signs should not be mistaken for misbehavior.

Often, mentally ill dogs are misdiagnosed as having behavioral problems. Pet owners treating it as such are bound to fail for treating the symptom rather than the underlying cause. In mild cases, the dog startle and hide at the sound of loud noises. In severe cases, the owner of mentally ill dog may get bitten by their pet. An uneducated pet owner will leave his mentally ill pet untreated and later on he may have him euthanized when the pet is at his worst. The owner may also excessively punish his pet over something he has no control, due to his mental illness.

Depression

Depressed dogs resemble humans that are depressed, they look and act depressed. They do not want to play, go anywhere nor do anything. These dogs become couch potatoes. Changes in environment especially the family unit is typically what triggers depression in dogs.

Symptoms:
  • Slowed movements 
  • Anxious, restless, aggressive behavior 
  • No desire to play 
  • Wants to sleep all the time 
  • Weight loss/gain 
  • Loss/Increase of appetite 
  • Decreased fluid consumption 
  • Shedding of fur at an off-season for them 
You may consider getting your pet an animal companion if he is having depression due to a family member that is no longer in the home. Spending more time with your pet may also help. Walk with him, it will increase hormones secretion that is known to elevate their moods. 

Separation Anxiety

Another common mental illness in dogs is separation anxiety. They become anxious and extremely upset once their owners leave. The pet cannot control his behavior. An area of the brain that controls stress and fear is causing separation anxiety, which is a panic disorder. This disorder is very common in dogs adopted from shelters. On the other hand, it is rarely seen in puppies. Separation anxiety is a fear of being abandoned by their owners. Dogs experiencing this will usually have the severe anxiety attack within the first 15 minutes their owners have left.
Signs of Separation Anxiety:
  • Howling - The dog will voice out distress by barking. 
  • Havoc - He may wreak havoc in the attempt to find you. 

To change their behavior, medication and desensitization training will be needed. In desensitization, the pet will have to sit and stay there as the owner gradually steps away from him and then out of the room. The dog stays and learns that the owner will return. The goal here is to take the fear of the pet out of the pet owner's departure. It takes dedication and patience since it is time consuming. Many veterinarians may refer the owners to a behaviorist.

Catch it if you can
Catch me if you can
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Tail chasing is not a healthy behavior no matter how delightful it is in our eyes. It is a common sign of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in dogs. It often manifests when the dog is stressed. Dogs with this disorder are known to pull out clumps of hair and bite themselves until they bleed. These areas become open infected sores. Some dogs lineup stuffing pulled out of pillows in geometric forms while others lick everything in concentric circles. The usual drug of choice for dogs with this disorder is Prozac. In milder cases, distraction and removal of the source of stress is beneficial.

As of yet, there is so much we don't understand or know about our pets' brain. What we know is that dogs can be mentally ill for many reasons. There are various treatment options to help mentally ill dogs. If your pet has a mental condition, take care of all his needs, physical, social and emotional. When in doubt about his condition, check it out with your vet.
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Age Related Illnesses in Dogs

There are certain medical issues that become more probable as dogs grow older. You should learn how to recognize these symptoms. Dogs just like human beings, may experience physical and mental changes as they grow old. Although dogs age more quickly than people because of their fast metabolism. For the dogs to maintain a good quality life, the owner must know how to recognize these changes to help their pet make the adjustments necessary.

Dog owners are in the best position to know when their pets are behaving differently. If you think there is something wrong with your pet, there probably is. Never assume it's due to old age. Early detection of age related illnesses could save your dog, so it is vital to report any unusual behavior to your vet.

Arthritis 
Arthritis in senior dogs


Arthritis is common to old dogs. Elbows and vertebrate are the likely targets but the extent will vary with each dog. Certain breeds develop arthritis in designated areas. The signs to watch out for are: pain when bending to food bowls, difficulty standing from a lying position, limping and wincing, crying when pain is felt during movements, hesitancy at steps and morning stiffness.


Initially, the vet will take x-rays to know the extent of arthritis on your dog. Treatments vary in older dogs but vets usually offer  non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Although these drugs have side effects no matter how effective they are. Polysulfated glycosaminoglycan has also been found effective in some cases. Other dog owners opt for accupuncture and canine massage. Before deciding what is best in any canine arthritic case, circumstances should be considered and options weighed.


Heart Disease


Just like the human beings, dogs experience serious heart disease as well. Tests like EKG are now being performed on pets. A few signs to watch out for are: shaking episodes, and diminished energy. Some owners also recognize symptoms that may link to potential heart disease such as slight cough or difference in their pet's breathing.Vets typically recommend pacemakers since treatment for canine heart disease is limited and it can only be managed and not cured.

 

Even old dogs need holidays
Quality life for senior dogs

About Quality of Life


For senior dogs, the way to keep him healthy, comfortable and happy is through early recognition. There is not much we wouldn't do for our pets when it comes to their well-being and quality of life especially during their old age.


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Other Remedies for Your Pet's Dry Skin and Shedding

Stop itch and dry skin
With dietary changes, supplementation and other measures, any dog with excessive shedding, dry, itchy skin, and flaking can see improvement. There are many factors that could lead to dry, flaky skin and excessive shedding in dogs. When your pet does not have fungus, allergies, or parasites, his dry skin is probably because of his diet. Although make sure to have your pet examined by a qualified vet to ensure parasites, fungus, or allergies aren't to blame.

Often, some pet owners are not aware that diet has a huge effect on a dog's skin and coat. Many dog owners think all dog foods are the same. The truth is, dog foods are not made equal and cannot fulfill a dog's individual need. So what will fulfill a dog's dietary needs? A healthy diet. This will eliminate dry, flaky skin and excessive shedding. Little by little you will notice reduced amount of fur on your furniture and clothes, your dog will itch and scratch much less. It will also boost your dog's immune system and overall health.

Here are a few tips that could reduce your dog's shedding and dry skin:

Feed on Good Quality Food  

Find a dog food that is balanced nutritionally, with more meat and less grain. You could check on the ingredients, the first few ingredients should be meat rather than grain. 

Add Fresh Foods to Your Pet's Diet

To improve your pet's skin and coat, you should work on improving his overall health. Feed him with fresh foods like meat and vegetables which are high in vitamins and essential nutrients. Add fresh meats, vegetables such as celery, broccoli, carrots, apples to every meal. Gradually introduce new foods to avoid upset stomach. 

Hydrate

Water is very important to avoid dehydration and other health problems. Some dogs don't drink what they should which makes them more prone to dry skin. Try adding fluids to your dog's dry food or serve wet wood interchangeably. When adding hot water to kibble, allow it to sit for several minutes to let it swell with water. Fresh vegetables also contain high amount of water.

 Provide Oils

Another way to improve your pet's dry skin is by adding oil to his diet. You could either directly mix a teaspoon of olive oil for every 15 pounds of body weight or by simply soaking a bread or two in oil and adding it to his food once a day.

Multivitamins

Multivitamins will provide for your pet's nutritional deficiencies. This together with complete, balanced diet will make your dog's skin and coat healthy in addition to overall good health and a robust immune system.

Skin and Coat Supplement

Adding skin and coat supplements like Lanoline to your dog's diet will also provide oils and other nutrients that are important to fight dry skin and excessive shedding. Most pet supply stores like Petco and PetSmart have them available in syrup form.

    Best Dog Foods Often Cause Illness in Dogs

    Most dog owners buy the best food for their dogs often don't realize that the food may be causing a serious health issue.Those with labels 'Natural' or 'Premium does not necessarily mean they are the best foods for your dogs. Some supposedly healthy and even natural food can oftentimes do more harm than good to your pet, especially the dry dog foods. Simply altering your dog's diet can stop persistent dog illness symptoms because your pet was actually allergic to some of the ingredients that his original dog food contains.

    Treating Dog Illness

     

    Feline Dandruff
    Some signs a dog may display with regards to allergies include common occurences that a pet owner may overlook at first. And then his ear will start to smell due to infection, dog dandruff and shedding will evolve to hair loss, and excessive paw licking. Your vet may prescribe steroids like Prednisone to eradicate the symptoms rather than cure the problem itself.

    Shedding

    Other signs that a dog has food allergies are diarrhea and vomiting. These symptoms usually precede a barrage of tests, experimental medicines and antibiotics. He will feel awful and dehydrated too. One of many veterinarians who are now treating pets from the inside out is Dr. Greg Martinez, DVM. On Dr. Greg's website and in his book, The Dog Dish Diet, he suggests diet changes for dogs with symptoms such as hot spots, recurrent ear infections, itchy skin and digestive issues. "I have found that some ingredients in commercial dog foods can lead to chronic ear and skin problems," Dr. Greg wrote on his website.

    Dry Dog Food is NOT the Answer

    Dry dog food may cause allergies to pet
    Most pet owners stick to one pet food and claim it's the only brand they trust and is the best. This can actually cause harm to their dog. According to Karen L. Campbell's book, The Pet Lover's Guide to Cat & Dog Skin Diseases, "A food allergy does not start until the immune system has been sensitized to the food." Many pets have eaten the same food for an average of two years before their allergies developed.

    Pets should be fed variety of food as opposed to the same food day in and day out. Slowly getting their systems used to different foods and then rotating it is the key. No one food should also be fed to all pets in the household since our pets may have different allergies and metabolisms. Depending on the breed and the needs of each dog, you may give a canned or raw, a kibble, holistic, or homemade pet food with the right ingredients may be needed to prevent allergies.

    A supermarket's pet food aisle in Brooklyn, Ne...
    Choose the right dogfood
    Prescription Dog Food 

    Dog food analysis also shows that "scientific" formulas such as Hill's Science Diet and Iams don't always contain the best ingredients for pets either. The flavor may even has one ingredient the dog is allergic to, like chicken. Veterinarians are definitely of great help in determining the causes of illness in dogs. But that doesn't mean that when he states an opinion on what a dog should be eating, that's the only food he should be having to remain healthy. Different vets offer different experiences from which to draw and a second opinion may help you decide what's best for your pet.
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    Infectious Diseases Pets Can Pass to Humans




    You know about the benefits of the human-animal bond if you have ever owned a pet. Based on some studies, pet owners experience relief from stress when they interact with their pets.They provide more than companionship, they are family members too. However, our beloved pets can pass certain diseases (zoonotic) to us humans. To keep both you and your pet healthy, you should be aware of these diseases.

    Common Parasites and Fungi 

    The common carriers of parasites such as roundworms are the young pets and those with diarrhea. The roundworm eggs can pass to humans through handling of an infected pet. It is rare to see the worms unless your pet was recently wormed, it will appear as strands of spaghetti in your pet's stool. These worms will also cause your pet to vomit. 
     


    Skin diseases such as ringworm which is caused by a fungus can also be transferred to humans. Indicator of ringworm infection are ring shaped skin lesions acquired through contact with animal's skin infected with fungus. Blindness is the serious human health concern stemming from the ingestion of roundworm eggs.


    Toxoplasmosis
    Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease that may produce flu like symptoms in humans, it is often transmitted to humans through cat feces. Cats usually do not show signs of infection, but if you notices a loss of appetite or is lacking in energy, your pet may be infected. 

    Immunosuppressed  individuals and pregnant women must avoid all possible contact with cat feces and litter boxes. Exposure to toxoplasmosis during their mother's pregnancy may produce birth defects in unborn children.

    Preventing the Spread of Toxoplasmosis:
    • Wear disposable gloves when cleaning your pet's litter box. 
    •  Be sure to remove solid waste from litter box daily. 
    •  Wash hands after cleaning your pet's litter box especially after coming into contact with feces. 
    •  Cover children's sandboxes when not in use. 
    •  Wear gloves when gardening, your neighbor's cats may have left some feces in these outdoor areas.


    Dog Bites 

    80% of all animal bites are from medium to large sized dogs. More than 50% of all human victims are under the age of 20, consisting mostly of children under 10 years old. A naturally occurring bacteria called Pasteurella multocida can be found in the mouths of dogs and cats alike which can lead to infections in human beings.  

    Guarding Against Animal Bites: 
    • When dogs are around, always supervise young children.
    • During summertime when dogs are apt to be outside, be cautious when walking in parks, jogging, bicycling or skating.
    • With the elderly and those with immune compromised systems, take extra caution as bites could result to serious health problems.
    To know more about dog or cat bite, visit http://familydoctor.org

    Rabies: A Deadly Threat 

    The main source of rabies which is spread through bites from rabid animals is infected wildlife. To protect your pet from this fatal disease, make sure to get him an annual rabies vaccination.
    Sudden aggression and unexplained behavior changes may be a sign that your pet has contracted rabies. Isolate your pet  if you think he may have rabies and call your veterinarian immediately.


    Cat-Scratch Disease 

    Bartonella bacterium
    Bartonella bacterium
    Also commonly known as cat scratch fever, it is caused by a bacteria called Bartonella which is carried by fleas.The infection is transmitted by cats thru bites and scratches. Most people develop only a minor fever once exposed to this infection. However, those with suppressed immune systems could develop more serious medical conditions such as heart valve problems and spleen enlargement.

    Salmonella and Reptiles 

     The Salmonella bacteria is commonly associated with eggs and  raw chicken. However, most reptiles also carries the salmonella bacteria. 

    Avoiding the Spread of Bacteria:  
    • Always do proper handwashing after touching your reptilian pet.
    • When cleaning your reptilian pet's cage or when you bathe him, never use the bathtubs and the kitchen sink.
    • Keep your reptilian pet out of kitchen, the bacteria may spread to food.
      Birds  and Bacteria

      Chlamydiosis, Parrot fever, or Psittacosis is an infection associated with birds such as parrots, hawks, and pigeons. It can result to flu-like symptoms in humans once inhaled dust from dried bird droppings. Your vet may prescribe antibiotics to treat your infected pet birds.

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      Common Illnesses You can Acquire from Your Pets

      If you are not careful, pets can definitely make you sick. It is comforting to have a pet to cuddle with that you do not necessarily think about what they have been doing and where. Our pets can easily harbor fungal, bacterial, and viral infections after being exposed to them by simply walking at the park or playing with other animals and sometimes, rooting through garbage or feces.
      The best solution to prevent illness from your pet is to practice good hygiene not just for you, but for your pet as well. Wash and groom them regularly. Bring them in for regular vet appointments and trim their nails too. Despite all these precautions, it is still possible to acquire an illness. Here are the most common:

      Worms

      A case of worms is called larval migrans. These are eliminated through feces since they are found in the intestinal tract . Picking up feces for cleanup or touching soil contaminated by feces can cause skin infection. You can accidentally ingest worm eggs if you don't wash your hands regularly, particularly after gardening, cleaning feces, or even touching your pet. These worm eggs migrate throughout the body causing different symptoms. Damage to the eyes, brain, lungs and other internal organs are caused by serious unchecked cases of worms in humans.

      Preventing the contraction of worms is very easy. Just ensure your pet is regularly dewormed at vet visits and administer maintenance medications as needed to avoid worm problems in your pet. And most especially, practice proper hand washing often, especially after cleaning up your pet's feces or even touching your pet.

      Cat scratch disease

       
      Bacteria can also harbor in your pet's claws. If they scratch you, the bacteria can possibly be transmitted to you through broken, or scratched skin. This could result to infection, causing fever, swollen lymph nodes, redness and inflammation. Since kittens are more playful and adventurous, they tend to harbor more bacteria than mature cats. It is vital to keep hello kitty's claws trimmed to prevent the bacteria from hiding underneath. Some herbal creams made from Goldenseal can help scratches heal faster due to its antimicrobial properties.

      Chitika