The post Can Cats Get Bird Flu? Our Vet Explains Signs & Prevention Tips by Dr. Ashley Darby BVSc (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Click to Skip Ahead Bird Flu in Cats Overview Signs To Be Aware Of Prevention Tips Frequently Asked Questions Your cat’s habit of preying on birds may concern you when you worry about their exposure to bird flu and if they could become sick with the virus. Unfortunately, bird flu has caused sickness in various mammals, including domestic cats.  Bird flu has been a hot topic in the United States since the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported an outbreak in February 2022. For over 2 years, the influenza virus has been circulating among wild birds, poultry, and bovine herds and infected some humans. Recent reports suggest it may be on the rise, so we want to discuss the risks and how to keep your feline friend safe. Cats Can Get Bird Flu? Bird flu is the common name for the highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1). “Highly pathogenic” means the disease can be severe in infected animals. The virus has a strong affinity for domestic poultry, with over 100,000,000 of these birds being affected compared to 169 dairy herds, and sporadic infections in other mammals1. Wild birds spread the virus but only sometimes show signs of illness. There are currently 34 reported  US cases of bird flu in domestic cats, with cases in Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, Idaho, New Mexico, Texas, South Dakota, Montana, Oklahoma, and Ohio2. Cases have also occurred in other countries like Poland, South Korea, and France. Now, this number is not high compared to the farm animal statistics, so bird flu is still considered uncommon in cats. However, more cats than people have contracted bird flu. Eating infected birds or living on a poultry or dairy farm are risk factors for your cat getting bird flu. You should pay particular attention to outbreaks in your area, as these are high-risk times for your cat. Image Credit: ZlataMarka, Shutterstock What Are the Signs of Bird Flu in Cats? Bird flu can present with respiratory, gastrointestinal, or neurological signs in cats. Some cases have been severe and fatal, and others mild. Immunocompromised, young, and geriatric cats may be more susceptible to severe signs of bird flu. Signs to watch out for if your cat has been exposed to bird flu include: Coughing Sneezing Red or watery eyes Diarrhea Anorexia Fever Behavioral changes Muscle pain Lethargy Wobbly gait Panting Breathing difficulties Abnormal gum color Organ disease Depression Seizures Collapse How to Protect Your Cat From Bird Flu Image Credit: Pressmaster, Shutterstock Unfortunately, there’s no feline vaccination for bird flu, and the disease can be severe if it infects your cat. The best way to keep your cat safe is to avoid contact with wild birds since even healthy birds can carry the virus. First and foremost, we recommend keeping your cat inside since it is the only surefire way to avoid contact with outside birds. Even cats within a cat enclosure or “catio” can be exposed to wild birds or their virus-contaminated excretions. If your cat is known to hunt and you can’t keep them inside 24/7, you could train them to wear a leash and harness and take them for walks. Avoid letting them out in peak hunting times like dawn and dusk. Try putting a bell, bird-safe collar, or bib on your cat to hinder their hunting abilities. You can also try to keep wild birds out of your yard, but that is not foolproof. Avoid having bird feeders, baths, or water features that attract wild birds. Don’t leave any food outside, including pet food, which can attract birds looking for an easy meal. If there are areas where birds tend to perch or forage, you can use aluminum foil or fishing wire to deter them. Predator decoys can also be very effective in keeping wild birds off your property; the sight of a snake or owl is sure to scare away little birds hoping to avoid being eaten. If you have pet birds at home, bring them indoors if possible. Don’t let your cat have any contact with outdoor pet birds. Outdoor poultry are most likely to contract the bird flu. Wash your hands and change your clothes after interacting with your birds and their coop so you don’t spread the virus to your cat. If your birds show signs of bird flu, such as sudden death, lethargy, respiratory signs, diarrhea, and a wobbly gait, call your veterinarian or the USDA toll-free hotline (866-536-7593). Food safety is also important since your cat could be exposed to the virus through food. Don’t feed your cat raw poultry or bovine products, including meat, eggs, and unpasteurized milk. Cooking to 165°F will kill any virus in these products, and remember to use good hygiene so other food isn’t contaminated by these products. Frequently Asked Questions Can Cats Get Sick From Being Around Birds? Being around birds and their droppings could lead to your cat being infected with bird flu. Preying on birds and eating raw bird meat can also be a source of infection in cats. Cats might also be infected by cows. Bird droppings often contain Salmonella bacteria, which can also make your cat sick. Is a Cat With Bird Flu a Risk to Humans? Cats present minimal risk to humans since human infections have only occurred sporadically with exposure to poultry or dairy cows. Currently, only 11 people have been confirmed to have contracted bird flu. However, it is theoretically possible for a sick cat to infect a human, especially if you have close contact with the cat. Your cat’s saliva, urine, or feces could contain the virus if they are infected. If you have been exposed to bird flu via your cat, monitor yourself for any signs of illness, including a sore throat, respiratory signs, eye problems, headaches, muscle aches, diarrhea, and fever. Pay close attention to your health, especially in the first 10 days after exposure. Contact your health department if you notice any signs, and visit the CDC website for more information. Image Credit: Cat Box, Shutterstock Conclusion Disease outbreaks can be scary, not only for our health but also for that of our beloved pets. Bird flu can infect cats and people, but it only occurs sporadically. It is still considered a low threat to human health; however, since flu viruses change constantly, the CDC is monitoring the situation. To be on the safe side, we recommend taking precautions to prevent your cat from being exposed to bird flu in the first place. Sources https://www.reuters.com/world/us/ongoing-bird-flu-outbreak-united-states-2024-07-22/ https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/stop-a-cat-from-killing-birds/ https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/animal-health/avian-influenza/avian-influenza-companion-animals https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/hcp/animals/index.html https://www.woah.org/app/uploads/2023/07/qa-avian-influenza-in-cats.pdf   Featured Image Credit: megaflopp, Shutterstock The post Can Cats Get Bird Flu? Our Vet Explains Signs & Prevention Tips by Dr. Ashley Darby BVSc (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

The post Why Is My Cat’s Butt Bleeding? Our Vet Explains Causes & Treatments by Catster Editorial Team appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Your loveable feline friend was curled up on your pillow with you. They got up and left a surprise: blood-tinged fluid on the pillowcase. You know your cat is fixed, so that’s not it. Why is your cat’s butt bleeding? Let’s take a look at some of the reasons and treatment options. If your cat’s rectal area is bleeding, it’s essential to have your kitty evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Your vet will need to determine if the bleeding is coming from the skin around the rectum, rectal tissue, the anal sacs, or something internal. The 5 Possible Causes for a Cat’s Butt to Bleed 1. Anal Sac Disease Your cat has scent glands located in the rectum called the anal glands or anal sacs. These glands fill up with pungent material that cats usually express as they defecate. For different reasons, the anal sacs can fill up and become inflamed or infected. Sometimes, the anal sacs will rupture, leading to a bloody discharge. You might see a visible hole when you lift up your cat’s tail on one of the sides of the rectum. You are free to use this image but we do require you to link back to Catster.com for credit Treatment If your vet determines your cat has an anal gland abscess or anal sacculitis, the vet will likely put your cat on antibiotics and an anti-inflammatory pain reliever. Commonly used antibiotics include: Injectable Convenia Oral Clavamox Oral clindamycin In severe cases, cats need their anal sacs flushed and infused with medication. Your cat could also need surgery to remove the affected anal sacs. 2. Trauma Traumatic injuries to the rectal tissue can contribute to blood around the rectum. Cats can get scratches or bite wounds around the rectum. Foreign body injuries, such as punctured intestines or trauma to the colon, can occur secondary to eating bones and other materials. An injury from being hit by a car can also cause rectal bleeding in your cat. If you suspect an injury, call the veterinarian immediately. Image Credit: 4 PM production, Shutterstock Treatment Treatment for rectal trauma will depend on what happened and where. Depending on the injury, some cats will need surgery, and others will require antibiotics and pain medication. Your cat may also need to be on stool softeners to help them defecate without putting much pressure on the tear site. 3. Rectal Prolapse Some cats experience a rectal prolapse when a portion of the rectal tissue comes out of the anus. It is most common in younger cats with severe diarrhea, such as kittens with intestinal parasites. Treatment Rectal prolapses should be treated immediately as the external tissue can dry out, lose its blood supply, and become necrotic. Your veterinarian will need to anesthetize your cat and replace the tissue. They’ll then use a purse-string suture pattern to partially close the anal opening and help minimize the chances of a subsequent prolapse. If your cat has necrotic, unviable tissue, it must be surgically removed. 4. Tumors or Polyps According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, rectal polyps are uncommon in cats. If they occur, they’re usually benign. Tumors or widespread cancer can occur within the anal tissues. Some cats develop anal gland tumors that can become large and block their anal opening. Lymphosarcoma is typically a metastatic cancer that can spread mainly through the lymphatic tissue found throughout the body, including the intestines. Treatment Surgical removal is the best treatment for localized polyps so that they can be submitted for histopathology and analyzed to ensure they’re benign. Some other tumors in your cat’s rectum can be surgically removed. A biopsy might be necessary to characterize a tumor and help predict its behavior and best course of treatment. Chemotherapy is useful for some cancers, such as lymphosarcoma or lymphoma. Your veterinarian might refer you to an oncologist for further treatment. Image Credit: 135pixels, Shutterstock 5. Parasites Parasites can also cause bleeding around your cat’s rear end. First and foremost, fleas can make cats so itchy that they scratch until they bleed, often around the tail. Intestinal parasites, such as hookworms, tapeworms, and roundworms, can cause intestinal upset and diarrhea. Combined with that, or even with just the parasites, your cat may have blood in their stool called hematochezia. Treatment Treatment for parasites involves determining the type of parasites. Fleas are treated with flea prevention products like Revolution. Intestinal parasites can be treated with pyrantel, praziquantel, or other medications, depending on the parasites noted in history or fecal floatation. Frequently Asked Questions How Do You Tell if a Cat Has Worms? You might see intestinal parasites in your cat’s stool. Roundworms typically resemble spaghetti noodles, while tapeworm segments resemble grains of rice. Cats with parasites often have diarrhea, and some kitties will also vomit. They sometimes even vomit up worms. Some affected cats will also lose weight and might have dull coats. Image Credit: Zhuravlev Andrey, Shutterstock Can Cats Bleed From Straining to Defecate? If your cat is constipated and straining very hard to defecate, they could start to pass a little blood. Your veterinarian will likely want radiographs (X-rays) to confirm this. They might give your cat an enema and place them on a stool softener. Some foods, such as a fiber-response diet, may also help. Conclusion If your cat starts to have blood around their rectal area, contact your veterinarian. If your cat is actively bleeding, it is a medical emergency. Your veterinarian will perform an exam to try and narrow down the possible causes and develop a treatment plan to help your cat and alleviate your worry. Sources VCA Hospitals Merck Vet Manual Featured Image Credit: Hanna Taniukevich, Shutterstock The post Why Is My Cat’s Butt Bleeding? Our Vet Explains Causes & Treatments by Catster Editorial Team appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

The post Do Cats Get Headaches? Our Vet Explains Facts & Info by Catster Editorial Team appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Click to Skip Ahead What We Know About Headaches Signs Of a Headache Tips to Help Like most veterinarians, I think it’s likely that cats get headaches, and I will demonstrate why; however, it’s not something that has been scientifically confirmed. When asked about headaches in cats, one case always comes to mind. A middle-aged cat was brought into my clinic for lethargy and anorexia. Bloodwork and imaging tests were normal, and physically, the cat seemed fine, aside from a slightly withdrawn demeanor. We gave him some fluids, pain relief, and anti-nausea medication, and within a day, he got better and went home. It wasn’t until months later that the same cat became very unwell again, eventually developing neurological symptoms. An MRI scan showed that, to everyone’s dismay, this kitty had a large brain tumor. I immediately knew that this was the cause of his mysterious illness so many months ago. What was he experiencing at that time? Was it a headache? While this is an extreme and sad example, it highlights some challenges we, as vets, face while trying to diagnose and treat animals. The main problem is that they can’t communicate their symptoms to us. Another issue is that their survival instincts prevent them from showing weakness, so some illnesses can fly under the radar. Since there is no test for a headache, we can only make assumptions based on our observations and what we know about biology. What We Know About Headaches In humans, headaches are one of the most common forms of pain. Our headaches have a spectrum of severity, with the more serious ones being extremely debilitating. The brain does not contain any sensory vessels, so headache pain arises from the nerves surrounding the brain. People can suffer from primary headaches, which can be triggered by stress, or secondary headaches. Migraines are severe headaches accompanied by light and sound sensitivity, nausea, and vomiting. Image Credit: Zhuravlev Andrey, Shutterstock Secondary headaches are caused by other problems, such as: Dehydration Middle ear infections Dental problems High blood pressure Sinusitis Brain tumors Viruses Concussions Encephalitis Toxoplasmosis Cats can suffer from each condition listed above, so at least some of these issues may manifest as a headache for them. Rats and mice are used as models for studying migraine headaches. Pain receptors in the trigeminal nerve innervate the tissues surrounding the brain, and stimulation of these nerves has been used to induce migraine headaches in rodents. The fact that animals have these same pathways suggests they can also experience migraines. In one study, the nerves were used in cats to test a migraine drug. A 2013 case study documented a possible case of naturally occurring migraines in a dog. The dog in question was a female Cocker Spaniel who was 5 years old. She had unusual episodes that lasted up to 3 days and occurred every month or so. Extensive testing, including an MRI scan, showed no abnormalities. Various pain relief medications were not successful until topiramate, a human migraine medication, was tried. This medication drastically improved her quality of life. This is an unusual presentation in animals but provides strong evidence for animals having migraines. Then again, the human brain is an incredible thing. 200,000- 800,000 years ago, there was a rapid increase in brain size among early humans. While our increased intelligence gave us an evolutionary advantage, it has a price that we still pay today. Our brain is 2% of our body weight but uses 20% of our blood flow and oxygen. Human-accelerated regions of DNA are areas that evolved quickly, and some of them are involved in brain development. They are thought to be associated with psychiatric diseases seen in humans; for example, genes associated with schizophrenia are associated with these DNA sequences. Do our unique brains cause us to experience headaches differently from animals or more frequently? Image Credit: Olesya_Alexandrova, Shutterstock How Can You Tell If Your Cat Has a Headache? One study investigated the role of neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in migraines and used it to induce pain responses in mice. The mice developed a “grimace,” which involved eye squinting. The feline grimace is a well-known sign of pain in cats, so it’s likely that cats with headaches display this grimace. Other signs of a headache can include: Hiding Anxiety Panting Reduced activity Reluctance to socialize Vocalization Holding head low Holding tail low Drooling Lip licking Vomiting How to Help a Cat With a Headache If you suspect your cat has a headache, you could be right. However, it’s important to remember that your cat can’t communicate with you. While you or I might not always go to a doctor for a headache, it’s important to have your cat checked over by a vet. Your vet can examine your cat, take their vitals, and assess the situation. This will ensure that nothing serious is causing your cat’s behavior. Remember that cats instinctively mask signs of illness, so if you notice a change, your cat needs help. Your vet may recommend some further testing, which could include the following: Blood tests Imaging like X-rays, ultrasound, or even MRI Urine analysis Finally, they will make a treatment plan for your cat. If your cat is dehydrated, they may be hospitalized and placed on a fluid drip. Medications could involve pain relief or anti-nausea drugs. You should follow your vet’s instructions carefully. If your cat is given the all-clear to recover at home, you can set up a comfortable area for them to recover. Since headaches can cause sensitivity to light and sound, your cat may prefer a dark and quiet environment. You should provide tasty, plain food like boiled chicken and encourage drinking. Offering the water the chicken was cooked in is an excellent way to increase their water intake. Keep a close eye on your kitty as they recover, and report any additional signs to your vet. Image Credit: Maria Sbytova, Shutterstock Final Thoughts Headaches are not commonly diagnosed or thought about in animals, but that doesn’t mean they don’t happen. Lack of specific tests, masking tendencies, and an animal’s inability to describe signs could all contribute to headaches being underdiagnosed in animals. There is a fair amount of evidence to back up cats experiencing headaches. If your cat is showing signs of being unwell, it’s important not to anthropomorphize them by projecting our experiences of headaches onto them. Although headaches are common in people and usually not dangerous, this may not be the case for cats. Cats showing signs of headaches could be experiencing other, even severe, illnesses and should be assessed by a vet for the best outcomes. Sources PetMD Mayo Clinic Human Origins Ninds Featured Image Credit: art nick, Shutterstock The post Do Cats Get Headaches? Our Vet Explains Facts & Info by Catster Editorial Team appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

There is a fascinating new subgenre of reporting within the Regime Media: the hidden “Bidenomics Really Sucks” story. The latest such item: NBC Nightly News’ report on the new CEO of Starbucks.  Watch the report in its entirety, and take in another news story that seems to be about one thing but is underlied by the pain of Bidenomics, which is never mentioned in the item (click “expand” to view full transcript): NBC NIGHTLY NEWS 8/13/24 6:45 PM LESTER HOLT: With prices rising, major chains are looking at how to keep customers. That includes Starbucks, who replaced their CEO after just a year, bringing in the head of Chipotle. Tom Costello explains why he has a tall task ahead. TOM COSTELLO: This morning's news broke just as Americans were sipping their first cup. ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: Breaking news to bring you, and this is big. Starbucks’ CEO… COSTELLO: The CEO of Starbucks Laxman Naraismhan out, as the world's most iconic coffee brand struggles with customers who’ve said no to higher prices. TERI: It is $8. I'm just- I’m just saying, I can't do it. I'm tapping out. I can't do it. COSTELLO: Starbucks' new CEO is Brian Niccol, who turned Chipotle around after a devastating E. Coli outbreak in 2015. Improving quality and using technology to speed up orders, doubling Chipotle's revenue. MELODY HORSON: And we thought he would be the right leader for this moment. CUSTOMER: Thank you, have a good one. COSTELLO: The new CEO’s challenge: luring back Starbucks customers who‘ve been driven away by inflation, long waits, and cheaper coffee at competitors. CUSTOMER: I don't like the prices. I think they have gone up a lot. CUSTOMER: It's a good bit cheaper at the local coffee shop. COSTELLO: The move comes as higher prices have turned many Americans away. KFC, Pizza Hut and McDonald's, all reporting falling sales, are now offering value meals. While under Niccol, Chipotle grew its revenue in the last quarter.  What are the problems Starbucks has had with consumers? What do consumers want? KATE ROGERS: Consumers are looking for value. And they want to feel like when they spend money at a premium brand like Starbucks, it's worth both their money and their time. EMILY RAE: $6 for a tall small drink.  COSTELLO: Fed up with inflation, more Americans are simply saying, “No.” Tom Costello, NBC News, Washington. As I mentioned previously, this is but the latest in an emerging genre. NBC recently hid Bidenomics pain in a report on the unaffordability of home ownership, and in an item on temporarily dropping gas prices. CBS did a similar item on the sticker shock associated with car prices.  The things featured in these stories are all tangential things pushed to the front in order to tiptoe around the pain of Bidenomics felt by Americans from all walks of life. The coffee, high rents, gas prices and car prices are but an accessory.  In this case, Costello literally buried the lede. “Fed up with inflation, more Americans are simply saying, ‘No.’”  Inflation persists and will continue to drive the news, no matter how hard the Regime Media may wish to try to make it about other things.  

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