SELECTED ANIMAL DISEASES OF

FELINE FAMILY

A Case Study

Presented to Ma’am Jenefer Godinez-Cenas of

Philippine Science High School
Central Mindanao Campus
Nangka, Balo-i, Lanao del Norte

In Fulfillment of
the Requirements in
Biology 4

Philippine Science High School

Central Mindanao Campus

MARIA CAMILLE G. LARA

ISNIHAYA H.S. MAGUMPARA

December 13, 2018

 INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Hundreds of millions of cats are kept as pets around the world. Cats have either a

mutualistic or commensal relationship with humans. Because of their small size, domesticated

house cats pose little physical danger to adult humans. However, in the USA cats inflict about

400,000 bites per year. This number represents about one in ten of all animal bites (Kravetz &

Federman, 2002). Many cat bites will become infected, sometimes with serious consequences such

as cat-scratch disease, or, more rarely, rabies (Talan, 1999). Cats may also pose a danger to

pregnant women and immunosuppressed individuals, since their feces can transmit toxoplasmosis.

A large percentage of cats are infected with this parasite, with infection rates ranging from around

40 to 60% in both domestic and stray cats worldwide (Svobodová, Knotek, & Svoboda, 2008).

Allergic reactions to cat dander and/or cat saliva are common. Some humans who are

allergic to cats—typically manifested by hay fever, asthma, or a skin rash—quickly acclimate

themselves to a particular animal and live comfortably in the same house with it, while retaining

an allergy to cats in general. Whether the risk of developing allergic diseases such as asthma is

increased or decreased by cat ownership is uncertain. Some owners cope with this problem by

taking allergy medicine, along with bathing their cats frequently, since weekly bathing will reduce

the amount of dander shed by a cat. There have also been attempts to breed hypoallergenic cats,

which would be less likely to provoke an allergic reaction (Hornfeldt, 2003).

Cat ownership may also improve psychological health by providing emotional support and

dispelling feelings of depression, anxiety and loneliness. Their ability to provide companionship

and friendship are common reasons given for owning a cat. From another point of view, cats are
thought to be able to improve the general mood of their owners by alleviating negative attitudes.

According to a Swiss study carried out in 2003, cats may change the overall psychological state of

their owner as their company's effect appears to be comparable to that of a human partner. The

researchers concluded that, while cats were not shown to promote positive moods, they do alleviate

negative ones. Several studies have shown that cats develop affection towards their owners.

However, the effect of these pets on human health is closely related to the time and effort the cat

owner is able to invest in it, in terms of bonding and playing (Patronek, 2003).

Objectives of the Study

This paper aims to discuss the following selected diseases of cat: Feline Lower Urinary

Tract Disease (FLUTD), Upper Respiratory Infection and Feline Gingivitis. Specifically, this

paper aims to:

1. Search relevant literature and studies on the said Feline diseases; and

2. Compile the following literature and studies to produce a comprehensive paper on the

abovementioned Feline diseases.

Significance of the Study

This paper is significant because it may serve as an educational material for those who are

studying about Feline diseases. It may provide relevant facts such as the causes, prevention and

treatment of those selected diseases of cats. Moreover, this paper may also help those who are

looking for ways on how to prevent or control the spread of those selected Feline diseases.

Scope and Limitations of the Study

 This paper is limited to discussing the diseases of the animals belonging to the Feline

family only. In addition, this paper is also limited to discussing only three selected Feline diseases

namely: Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD), Upper Respiratory Infection and Feline

Gingivitis.
 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Diseases

Figure 1. The Urinary Tract of a Cat

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) is a disease that results in inflammation of

the bladder (cystitis) and/or the urethra (urethritis). The condition may result in partial or complete

obstruction of the urinary tract. Urinary obstructions are life threatening and require immediate

veterinary treatment. The exact cause of FLUTD is unknown - there may be more than one single

cause. It is a complex condition where a number of factors contribute to the development of the

disease, including age, sex, obesity, diet, stress, urine pH, and urine concentration. Viruses may

also play a role in causing FLUTD (Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, 2001). Since the

exact causes of FLUTD remain unknown, treatment is not always straightforward or standardized.

For example, the crystals that form in the urine and eventually lead to stone formation in the

bladder may in fact be the result rather than the cause of this disease. In some cats, treatment with
antibiotics may help or minimize the problem. In others, changing the diet to a magnesium-

restricted diet and/or a diet that promotes urinary acidification may be necessary. Still other cases

may require surgical intervention. While FLUTD can occur at any age, it is usually seen in middle-

aged, overweight cats that get little exercise, use an indoor litter box, have little or no outdoor

access, or eat a dry diet. Factors such as emotional or environment stress, multi-cat households,

and abrupt changes in daily routine may also increase the risk that a cat will develop FLUTD.

Upper Respiratory Infection

Feline upper respiratory infection (URI) is the common term for a respiratory infection

caused by one or more viral or bacterial agents. Synonyms for this condition include feline

infectious respiratory disease and feline upper respiratory disease complex (URD). The infection

may be caused by one or more viral and bacterial agents that are capable of causing disease in cats.

The most common viruses that cause upper respiratory infections in cats are Feline Herpesvirus

Type-1 (also known as feline viral rhinotracheitis or FVR) and Feline Calicivirus (FCV), while

the most common bacteria that cause upper respiratory infections in cats are Bordetella

bronchiseptica (B. bronchiseptica) and Chlamydophila felis (C. felis) (IDEXX Laboratories ,

2016).

Herpesvirus and calicivirus are responsible for approximately 90% of all feline upper

respiratory tract infections. More information about the most common infectious agents that cause

an upper respiratory infection in cats can be found in separate handouts in this series of client

education materials. Other, less common, agents that may be involved in an upper respiratory

infection in cats include mycoplasma or feline retrovirus. Bacteria and viruses are very contagious

and are present in the saliva and discharge produced by the eyes and nose. Healthy cats can get
infected when they come into direct contact with a sick cat. Cats with retroviruses are especially

vulnerable to the contagions, both through direct contact or indirect contact with contaminated

objects (Yuill, 2012).

Feline Gingivitis
In periodontal disease, the structure supporting the teeth under the gumline is diseased by

bacteria that has entered the gingiva, or gum pockets, and causes inflammation and bleeding. The

inflammation can spread to other parts of the mouth causing discomfort and difficulty eating.

Gingivitis can sometimes be associated with a condition called stomatitis (gingivostomatitis) in

which lesions form on the gingiva and surrounding areas of the mouth. In addition, sometimes

during treatment for gingivitis an underlying systemic viral condition may be discovered (petMD,

2018). Gingivitis is considered as the earliest stage of periodontal disease. It is indicated by

inflammation of the gingiva, or gums. In the early phases of gingivitis, some plaque is present and

there is a mild redness of the gums, but the gingival surfaces are smooth. Animals like cats do not

brush their teeth. If they do, Gingivitis wouldn’t be such a problem for feline family. To be exact,

Gingivitis is usually caused when food particles collect in the small spaces between the teeth and

gums. As the food decays, bacteria begin to grow, causing pockets of infections. The infection and

debris irritate the gums, and may eventually cause them to become red, swollen or even bleed. It

is primarily caused by the the accumulation of plaque and its accompanying bacteria. Other

circumstances that may make a cat sensitive to the development of gingivitis are the following:

 Mouth chemistry

 Breed disposition especially if pure-breed

 Bartonella bacteria

 Low-fiber diet
 Feline leukemia virus

 Feline immunosuppressive virus

 Diabetes
 METHODOLOGY

The researchers first selected three diseases of the animal they chose. The animal chosen

was cat, which is a member of the family Feline. The three identified diseases are the following:

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD), Upper Respiratory Infection and Feline Gingivitis.

After identifying the three diseases of the animals they chose, the researchers then gathered

references and previous studies done for the compilation of these selected animal diseases.

In the reference materials gathered by the researchers, majority showed and identified the

established underlying symptoms of the diseased animal specifically cat, which might lead them

to diagnose the exact disease the animal is suffering from. It was stated in a study that one disease,

the Gingivitis, affects four out of five cats over three years old. Accordingly, the viruses

Herpesvirus and calicivirus are responsible for approximately 90% of all feline upper respiratory

tract infections. From these data collected, it can be analysed that the following diseases are

considered important since they affect significant numbers of feline family; thus, future researchers

must further study it.

After discussing each of these diseases, the researchers provided applicable information on

how to control and manage the spread of such diseases. It was done to possibly eliminate or if not,

at least minimize the death and suffering caused by the diseases to the family of feline specifically

the cats. These three diseases may be prevented and controlled if proper care is administered to

those animals, which are susceptible to the said diseases. The mentioned diseases may also be

avoided by following proper hygiene for these animals.

 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Diseases

According to the references gathered from different studies, most signs result from urinary

tract irritation. A cat suffering from this disease may be doing one or more of the following things:

 spending prolonged periods squatting and may strain during urination

 may continuously dig holes in the garden or get into the litter tray and strain to urinate

 may only pass very small amounts of urine

 will attempt to urinate more frequently

 may cry while attempting to urinate

 has blood-tinged urine (pink or red urine)

 Urinates in unusual places, for example, the bathroom sink or bath.

It may be difficult for you to tell whether your cat is trying to urinate or it is constipated. If

you are unsure, you may discuss this with your veterinarian. If the urinary tract is completely

obstructed (blocked), your cat may:

 show any of the above signs

 be lethargic, vomit and have no appetite

 show pain when the abdomen is touched

 Have a swollen lower abdomen.

Treatment and Prevention:

When FLUTD is suspected, tests are required to confirm the diagnosis. This usually requires

analysis of the urine. In some cases, x-rays and blood tests may be required to assess if your cat is
in a critical or life-threatening situation. If the bladder is blocked, a general anesthetic is required

to relieve the obstruction, flush out the urethra and place a tube (catheter) into the bladder to allow

a patent pathway for urine flow. Intravenous fluids are usually required to help dilute the urine and

assist the kidneys in removing waste products. This is usually accompanied by a period of

hospitalization to ensure the bladder is working properly and the urethra remains patent after a

blockage has been relieved (American Veterinary Medical Association, 2018). Depending on the

underlying cause for FLUTD, the clinical signs may never, or only occasionally, reoccur.

However, recurrence is more common with FIC. To help reduce the chances of recurrence:

 Feed small meals on a frequent basis.

 Consult with your veterinarian about the best diet for your cat. Many commercial diets are

acceptable, but some urinary conditions respond better to specialized diets. Canned food

may be preferred.

 Provide clean, fresh water at all times.

 Provide an adequate number of litter boxes (usually one more than the number of cats in

the household) with the type of litter that the cat(s) prefer

 Keep litter boxes in quiet, safe areas of the house.

 Keep litter boxes clean – they should be scooped twice a day and the litter changed weekly

(or more often as needed).

 Minimize major changes in routine.

 Reduce stress.
Upper Respiratory Infection

Based on further readings done by the researchers, they found out that the signs and

symptoms of this disease include the following: sniffling, sneezing, clear to pus-like discharge

from the eyes and/or nose, coughing and lethargy are common symptoms of an upper respiratory

infection in cats. On examination, your veterinarian may also check for oral ulcers, sometimes

caused by FVR and FCV. Generally, a fever, poor appetite, and lethargy accompany the more

specific symptoms of a URI. In most cases, diagnosis of an upper respiratory infection is based on

the characteristic clinical signs. Specific identification of the causative agent is not always

necessary, but will be recommended for breeding animals or if an individual cat has an infection

that is poorly responsive to treatment.

Accordingly, if the disease is caused by a virus, the specific causative virus can usually be

identified by collecting samples of cells and discharges from the nose, eyes or back of the throat.

C. felis organisms may be identified via conjunctival scrapings. If the infection has spread to the

lungs, samples may be collected for examination by a procedure called a Trans tracheal wash. If a

cat has chronic symptoms of respiratory disease, additional diagnostic testing is warranted. This

additional testing will usually include chest or skull x-rays, blood tests, and culture and sensitivity

testing of abnormal discharges.

Treatment:

Your veterinarian will determine the best treatment course for your cat, which may include

specific prescriptions and possible hospitalization, depending on the severity of clinical signs. For

milder infections, your veterinarian may suggest that you try the following:
  Increase humidity within your home—this can be done with a humidifier or by taking your

cat into a steamy bathroom several times a day for short periods of time (15–20 minutes).

 Offer yummy, appetizing cat food—canned food usually smells better to cats and

encourages eating.

 Clear the eyes and nose of discharge—wipe the eyes and nose with a moistened washcloth

to remove discharge that accumulates throughout the day.

Prevention:

 Parents of children will tell you how difficult it is to keep their kids free from colds; it can

sometimes be the same with our feline kids. But, as is the case with children, vaccination

can protect your cat from the most common causes of and upper respiratory infection: FVR

and FVC.

 Disinfection is another highly effective way of minimizing environmental exposure. In

high- to minimal-risk situations, it is advisable to regularly disinfect shared items such as

litter boxes, food bowls, and bedding.

 Preventing direct contact between cats is ultimately the best way to avoid infection. If you

are bringing home a new cat that has come from a breeder or shelter, it is important to have

her visit the veterinarian before introducing her to any cats you currently have. Keep in

mind that your new kitty may not yet be showing symptoms, so limited exposure and

diligence in cleaning and sanitizing is very important in the first 1–2 weeks after adoption.
Feline Gingivitis

Based on the readings done by the researchers, it was found that the first symptom a person

may see in a cat suffering from gingivitis is occasional bleeding or perhaps blood when a cat eats.

Upon closer examination the following may also be observed:

 Redness and swelling in the gums

 Bad breath

 Visible plaque build-up

 Decreased appetite

 Inflammation of the oral mucosa

 Irritability

 Discomfort

When these symptoms are observed, it is time to call a professional particularly a veterinarian

and schedule a thorough dental cleaning before the condition becomes more serious and severe.

Treatment:

Treatment for gingivitis is fairly simple. These are the four steps to a thorough dental

cleaning:

 Removing Build-up: A cat’s teeth will be scaled to remove the plaque and tartar build up

both above and below the gum line.

 Polishing: The teeth will be polished to remove any remaining plaque and to create a

smooth surface to prevent plaque from reforming.

 Rinsing: An oral rinsing with a special solution will flush any remaining build up between

the teeth and remove bacteria.

  Probing: Additional examination of the mouth will be conducted to assess any additional

issues.

If the veterinarian finds any additional oral issues or underlying conditions in a cat, the next

steps for treatment will be discussed with the owner. The treatments may or may not be surgical.

Often, extractions are necessary, due to bone loss, fractures that are exposing the pulp canal, root

abscesses, and resorption. If stomatitis is found, often all of the teeth must be removed (full mouth

extraction) to relieve pain and aid in general recovery from the underlying condition. And for any

remaining teeth, a sealant may be applied to prevent future buildup of plaque and tartar.
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