Narcolepsy and cataplexy in cats –these are disorders that affect the way an animal operates physically, and are unusual yet well-studied nervous system disorders.

Narcolepsy is characterized by a lack of energy, short loss of consciousness, and excessive day sleepiness. On the other hand, cataplexy is the same as narcolepsy, wherein the episodes are brief, reversible, and spontaneous.

Just because your cat is unresponsive or loses balance while sleeping doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve got a narcoleptic cat on your hands.

In this article, we will discuss some more interesting facts about narcolepsy and cataplexy in cats including its causes, symptoms, prognosis, and treatments.

What are Narcolepsy and Cataplexy in Cats?

Narcolepsy and cataplexy are unusual conditions in cats yet there are many reported cases.

A cat that has narcolepsy might suddenly fall into a deep sleep while it is standing, eating, or sitting, causing the cat to fall over or sway.

Additionally, a cat that’s narcoleptic may also fall asleep while it is climbing. This may cause the cat to fall to the ground and can be, as you can imagine, very dangerous to the health and wellbeing of the cat.

A cat that experiences a cataplectic episode, on the other hand, may excitedly run around and suddenly collapse, not able to move.

They may still look around, whine or meow, and be otherwise fully conscious. The conditions aren’t commonly life-threatening or awfully worrisome and may be cured with medication once diagnosed by the vet.

Moreover, narcolepsy is a chronic brain condition, which is present in different kinds of animals, even humans.

This may result from the inability of the brain to normally, as well as sufficiently control the wake-sleep cycle of the brain. This may cause the narcoleptic to experience morning tiredness and some episodes of abruptly falling into a deep sleep, frequently at inopportune times.

Cataplexy is the same brain disorder, which may cause a loss of control in the muscle and commonly results in collapsing.

This is different than narcolepsy, nonetheless, since, during a cataplectic incidence, the feline stays fully conscious, yet is not able to move. The episodes frequently occur immediately after or during moments of great excitement.

Narcolepsy And Cataplexy Causes

The causes of narcolepsy and cataplexy aren’t known definitively.

Also, the conditions unusually seem to run hereditarily; most of the cases seem to be relatively sporadic, happening with no known history of the brain condition.

In humans, different studies have found a link between the low levels of hypocretin neurotransmitters and narcolepsy. The said neurotransmitter is what promotes the wakefulness of the cat.

Moreover, in humans, cataplexy may seem to be due to a low number of brain cells, which produce hypocretin. Researchers think that the low level of cells is possibly due to an immune deficiency.

Because it’s so rare, narcolepsy and cataplexy in cats may be due to a traumatic injury in the brain. These are so rare in cats, where the vet research community hasn’t devoted so many resources to studying the illness in cats or compare it to other animal conditions.

Most of the knowledge with regards to these conditions come from the studies that are done in human and in large animals.

Symptoms

Narcolepsy may be much more difficult to diagnose in cats, rather than in some other animals due to the natural tendency of cats to sleep from 13 to 18 hours every 24 hours.

Further, the pet owner will need to repeatedly observe the symptoms listed next to cause enough concern to make a vet appointment:

• Inability to move immediately or during times of excitement
• Collapsing so suddenly due to excitement
• Falling into a deep sleep while it is standing, eating, walking, or sitting
• Extreme tiredness that may be hard to notice in cats

Prognosis

In the event that the pet owner recognizes the symptoms above and makes an appointment, the vet may likely do the following things to help the owner in making an accurate prognosis:

• Perform an MRI and some other scans on the brain to rule out neurological injuries or disorders or even tumors
• Ask that you keep a journal of the time you observe the episodes happening to identify the possible triggers
• Ask that you make video recordings of the episodes
• Excite the cat to attempt in causing a cataplectic episode, which you may observe
• Observe the behavior of the cat for a longer period of time
• Listen to the descriptions of the observed symptoms
• Thorough physical exam of the cat

Treatments for a Narcoleptic Cat

Even though narcolepsy and cataplexy might be somewhat troubling to you and your cat, they don’t have to be painful or life-threatening conditions.

In addition, depending on the condition of the cat and the treatment level you’re willing to take on, the vet might simply suggest that you simply keep a close eye on the cat. This will help to determine whether the symptoms are becoming progressively worse or not.

They might also suggest this observation while prescribing antidepressant medication, which may affect the brain chemistry of the cat, in order to combat the severity and frequency of the attacks.

Check out these facts about snoring in cats for more sleep-related issues.

What are nasal polyps in cats?

While the condition may sound scary and unpleasant, there are treatments available, and most cats recover well.

Feline nasal polyps are benign pink growths that appear from the mucus membranes or the moist tissues that line the nose.

It is believed that various congenital processes contribute to the problem.

Cat Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps (or nasopharyngeal) are most commonly found in younger cats under two years of age. 

They are often accompanied by difficulty breathing while active or when sleeping.

As the polyps grow in size, the cat can develop similar symptoms to other cat respiratory diseases like Pleural Effusion. False diagnosis can occur, so if you have concerns, double-check with your vet.

Cats can be prescribed antibiotic treatment for a respiratory disease that will not help nasal polyps.

Other cat nose conditions include:

• Nose and sinus cancer
• Sinus inflammation
• Nose pad cancer

Polyps are noncancerous masses that are unlikely to spread but may impact the cat’s respiratory system.

Vets use two different terms in describing the pink growths in the cats’ noses – nasopharyngeal polyps and nasal polyps. 

Nasal polyps are when they grow in the moist mucus membranes inside the nose.

If the growth spreads from the nasal cavity through the soft palate, back of the throat, or the middle ear, the growth is known as a nasopharyngeal polyp.

Causes Of Feline Nasal Polyps

Veterinarians disagree on what causes the pink growth in the nose of cats. 

Some vets also think that both nasopharyngeal and nasal polyps are congenital, genetic mutation passed from the parent to its offspring.

They base this theory on the link between polyp growth and the common tumor. 

It’s also a well-known fact that tumors, especially cancerous ones, are frequently found in similar genetic makeup and bloodline.

Other vets think that the nasopharyngeal and nasal polyps are a secondary response to a virus in the respiratory system, which causes inflammation to the cat’s nasal cells.

Common viruses linked with these growths include:

• herpes virus
• calicivirus

Many cats have rapid development of nose polyps after having these respiratory illnesses.

Symptoms Of Feline Nasal Polyps

Common symptoms of nasal polyps in cats may include the following:

• Weight loss
• Refusal to drink or eat
• Swallowing difficulties
• Ear infection
• The odor from the ear
• Nystagmus
• Ear scratching
• Balance problems
• Head shaking
• Head tilt
• Nasal discharge
• Noisy breathing
• Changes in meow
• Difficulty breathing

In bad cases, nasopharyngeal polyps may cause symptoms linked with Horner’s Syndrome.

Prognosis

The vet may start the diagnostic process with an exam of the cat’s mouth, ears, and nose via the use of an otoscope.

Because the soft palate frequently hides the pink growths, a CT scan or X-ray of the skull may be required.

The cat might be anesthetized for the exam to keep it calm, reduce stress, and allow for a comprehensive look.

The vet will also want to discuss the cat’s medical history, focusing mainly on respiratory infections and formerly acquired viral infections.

Other tests likely to be performed include:

• A complete blood count
• Biochemistry profile
• Organ function tests

Cat Nasal Polyp Treatment

The treatment option for nasal polyps in cats is surgery.

The whole mass can’t always be removed because of the location of the polyps.

This surgical process of de-bulking is one way forward. The vet may remove as much mass as possible in a surgical manner while leaving some.

Vets use this kind of surgery to prevent damage to nerves, openings, and auditory organs in the respiratory structures.

The de-bulking surgery isn’t a treatment for the polyps, and some other surgery is frequently necessary.

Also, the vet might recommend corticosteroids or some other anti-inflammatory medications to slow the possible growth.

Even though the reappearance of nasal polyps in cats is common, most cats do so well after the surgery, and the quality of life they have is good.

Fluid around a cat’s lung, also known as pleural effusion, is an unusual build-up of fluid in a cat’s chest cavity.

This fluid sits around the lungs and prevents them from expanding as they should.

It’s a serious condition, but not just something that happens to cats. Dogs, rabbits, and other animals can also suffer from it. Even we humans are affected by pleural effusion.

Pleural Effusion Cats

Pleural effusion is not when fluid occurs in the lungs but when liquid is present outside of the lungs.

The build-up occurs in the space between the chest wall and the lungs. Naturally, this area is supposed to have a small amount of fluid that keeps the lungs from sticking to the chest wall. 

However, the excessive build-up of fluid will cause severe complications as the lungs cannot properly expand.

It’s potentially a life-threatening situation for the cat, and in most cases, requires emergency treatment.

The condition can affect seemingly healthy cats, though it is more common in cats suffering from other illnesses.

Whatever the cause, pleural effusion in cats is very serious.

Types of Pleural Effusion

Several illnesses may cause fluid to build-up in a cat’s lungs. 

Here are some things a vet might look for in making a diagnosis.

Hemothorax

Cats that have blood in their pleural space in the cat’s chest may be diagnosed with hemothorax. 

The blood in the chest tends to hinder the lungs’ expansion, similar to chylothorax, and may cause breathing problems.

Chylothorax

Chylothorax is a rare condition that happens when the chyle’s lymphatic fluids accumulate in the chest cavity. 

If this fluid reaches a particular level, the cat might not breathe well, as its lungs may not fully expand.

Causes of Pleural Effusion

Certain conditions may cause pleural effusion in cats. 

Here are some of the most common causes of fluid accumulation in a cat’s lungs:

• Blockage of the central vein of the heart
• Higher than the normal hydrostatic pressure
• Being over hydrated
• Congestive heart disease
• Liver conditions
• Kidney disease
• Traumatic injury
• Heartworms
• Tumors in the chest
• Leaky blood vessels
• A blood clot in the lungs
• Fungal infection of the lungs
• Diaphragmic hernia
• Viral infection of the lungs
• Abnormal functioning of the lymphatic system
• Pancreatitis
• Cancer
• Twisting of the lung
• Low levels of the protein in the blood
• Bacterial infection of the lungs

Symptoms of Pleural Effusion

In case the cat has fluid on its chest, it’ll exhibit various symptoms. 

The most common symptoms of pleural effusion in cats include the following:

• Problems in breathing when in an upright position
• Coughing
• High respiratory rate
• Intolerance to exercise
• Bluish tint around the mucous membranes
• Difficulty in breathing
• Lack of appetite
• Breathing with its mouth open
• Lethargy

Pleural Effusion Diagnosis

The vet will need some vital information from the cat owner to assist them in making a diagnosis.

They’ll start by taking a complete medical history from the cat owner. 

The owner should include any information regarding the cat’s previous medical conditions, birth history, medications, and the date symptoms started. 

Furthermore, the doctor will take the cat’s vital signs, such as weight, temperature, respiration, and heart rate. 

They’ll also examine the cat, listen to its chest, and take blood and urine test.

If fluid is present, the vet might take an ultrasound or an X-ray of its chest. 

Acquiring a fluid sample might also be a key in determining the cause of the pleural effusion in cats.

Treatments for Pleural Effusion

A cat abdominal breathing is life-threatening and an emergency for the cat. 

It’s vital to see a vet the moment you notice any symptoms. 

Many cats which develop pleural effusion have severe difficulty breathing and can deteriorate rapidly. 

The best thing for treating this illness is to get rid of the fluid to restore free-breathing.

The vet will drain the fluid from the cat’s chest using a needle in a procedure called Thoracocentesis. This procedure is explained and demonstrated in the video above.

Certain conditions such as chylothorax can cause up to a quart of fluid to build-up in the chest. 

If the fluid continues to build up, the vet might perform a surgical procedure installing a shunt. 

This particular device should prevent ongoing problems with pleural effusion.

A hematoma in cats is referred to as a restricted collection of blood outside the blood vessels.

A seroma is similar, except that the accumulation of fluid contains just the serum, without the red blood cells.

While seromas and hematomas may happen anywhere in a cat’s body, we are specifically going to discuss ear hematoma in cats here. What are its causes, symptoms, prognosis, and treatments?

Hematoma in Cats: What is this feline condition?

The visible outer part of the cat’s ear, which is mostly affected by hematoma, actually plays a significant role in the hearing function.

It collects the sound waves, distillates them, as well as funnels through the middle and the inner ear.

While it’s possible that a cat aural hematoma may resolve on its own, the issue causes a lot of discomfort and may take several weeks to heal. A quick visit to the veterinarian is will more than likely be necessary.

Ear hematoma (aka auricular hematoma or aural hematoma) is a common ear problem in felines. It’s a painful condition, which results when a certain blood vessel breaches and fluid and blood fill the part in between the cartilage and skin in the ears.

Additionally, a mild to major ear swelling may occur within minutes of the rupture. In case it’s not promptly treated, the condition may result in an long term deformity.

Causes of Cat Hematoma

Ear Hematomas are brought on by other events or conditions. The most common causes are:

• Constant ear scratching
• Ear wounds
• Banging head against something
• Blood clotting disorders
• Chronic allergies
• Ear mites
• Chronic ear infections

Symptoms of Cat Hematoma

The main symptom of an ear hematoma is swelling in the outer area of the ears. This may range from a small bulge, up to an extreme swelling, which resembles a balloon.

Further, the condition usually only occurs on one ear. The cat will likely show signs of pain, exhibit head shaking and scratching, and might tilt their head to only one side.

Treatment for Cat Hematoma

This condition is very easy to diagnose, especially with a physical exam.

It is recommendable that you go and seek vet attention for ear hematomas as soon as possible.

Further, small hematomas habitually grow in size. The larger the hematoma, the longer for it to heal. Curing the condition early may result in a much better chance of full recovery. 

The pain that is due to ear hematoma in cats may likely diminish in a day or two. When left without treatment, the ear will reabsorb the fluid eventually, and the illness may resolve itself.

Nonetheless, this isn’t recommended. The area affected may keep on being swollen and the scar tissue may develop, thus leaving behind an unappealing condition, which is often referred to as the cauliflower ear. 

There are various treatment options readily available. The vet may choose which is the right one, depending on the hematoma’s size.

Non-Surgical Treatment

The vet might choose non-surgical intervention if the hematoma is small.

A needle will be inserted into the area affected, in order to remove the fluid, as well as a drainage tube that might be inserted. This particular method is less effective and may result in the hematoma reoccuring.

It’s commonly recommended only for cats that cannot tolerate general anesthesia.

Surgery Without Sutures

After the fluid in the ear has drained out, it’ll be taped with a rolled bandage and be left to heal.

The owners may be needed to be much more watchful with the rehabilitation since the wound hasn’t been closed.

This option is generally used on the show cats as there is less of a chance of ear deformity or scarring after the treatment.

Surgery with Sutures

This is actually the most common among the treatments for an aural hematoma in cats.

The cat will be placed under general anesthesia and a small lesion will be made underside the ear. The fluid will then be allowed to drain and sutures will be placed on the affected area.

This doesn’t just treat the hematoma, but also helps in preventing the reoccurrence of the condition.

Aural Hematoma Cat

Whatever the case with your cat, we hope they are soon feeling better. Sick, injured, or otherwise unwell cats are not what we want!

A visit to the vet is always the best practice when you noticed your cats displaying signs of pain. Better safe than sorry!

Does your cat have swollen gums?

Enlarged gums in cats are the result of a condition in which the gingival tissue of the cat becomes enlarged and inflamed.

The swelling is commonly due to dental plaque or other bacterial growth which grows along the gum line. This particular condition is fairly rare in cats and can be prevented with good oral hygiene.

Enlarged Gums in Cats

If you become aware of irritation and/or swelling in your cat’s mouth, especially around the gums, it’s best to visit the vet.

They will be able to administer proper oral care and show you how you can look after your cat’s teeth and gums.

The danger of leaving the cat in this condition is that the enlarged gums may grow worse if a certain bacteria or infection goes into the bloodstream. Additionally, gum inflammation can be a sign of kidney disease or feline immunodeficiency virus as well.

Causes of cat gum inflammation

The major cause of swollen or enlarged gums in cats is a lack of oral hygiene. Bacteria builds up and develops into an oral condition.

It may be because of a lack of dental cleaning or a poor diet. More seriously, other underlying health conditions or diseases may be the cause of cat swollen gums.

Age, genetics, and breed can also play a part in the types of dental conditions cats get.

Symptoms of cat gum inflammation

How can you tell if your cat has gum problems?

It may be reluctant to groom itself, and might have a reduced appetite as well, which can lead to weight loss. Bad breath is another common sign of cat gum disease, along with these other signs:

• Change in behavior – becoming irritable
• Yellowing teeth and gumline growth
• A sensitive mouth which the cat paws at
• Stomach upset coupled with drooling

Diagnosis for the condition

Cats will be diagnosed by a vet after an examination. Further tests might also be completed to ensure there are no other problems going on with your puss.

A mouth x-ray might be done to see if there any other obvious reasons for swollen gums – similar to what we have when we visit the dentist.

If there is a gingival mass on the gums, a biopsy may be completed to exclude cancer.

Treating cat gum problems

Treatment for enlarged gums in cats depends mainly on the cause of the illness.

Most cases, however, can be solved by at-home treatment including dental cleaning (may be required every day) and a course of antibiotics. In advance cases, teeth may require scraping, in order to remove the tartar which has built up over time.

Cats that don’t respond well to treatments may need to be assessed for other diseases including kidney disease or diabetes.

Extraction: Some of the teeth may not be saved in the course of treatment, especially for inflammation, and should be removed in preventing infections from progressing or developing.

Cleanings: This is a dental cleaning, which may be done by a veterinarian below and above the gum line, in order to remove tartar that’s existent; as well as maintain healthy gums. This might be supplemented by polishing as well. 

Antibiotics: Some oral antibiotics might be prescribed in fighting infection, helping in gum healing, as well as reducing the inflammation that’s present.

Surgery: Surgical procedure and deep cleaning of the gums may be essential for issues, which have developed in restoring the gum line into its original situation. Further, pain medication may be given in order to alleviate discomfort or pain, which is experienced in the course of the procedure. 

Cat Inflamed Gums

If your cat does not get attention for its swollen gums, it may sooner or later lead to loss of teeth, receding gums, and advanced gingivitis. The price of treatment will also go up with the severity of the case.

It’s best to keep an eye on your cat’s mouth, going through a checklist, to make sure you get on top of any illness early.

Enlarged spleen in cats – here’s everything you need to know!

This is a medical condition that can occur in all cat breeds and at any age. If you suspect your cat may be suffering from this issue, it’s best to take it to the vet asap. A cat’s spleen being enlarged is more often the result of bigger issues.

Cat Spleen Guide

The spleen is a long organ that is situated on the left-most side of the cat’s stomach.

Even though the organ is not vital for life, a spleen that’s enlarged can be an indication of more chronic or serious diseases.

An enlarged spleen will occur due to inflammation. This happens when abnormal cells enter the system through whatever the underlying condition may be.

Causes of Enlarged Cat Spleen

There is a range of causes of an enlarged cat spleen:

• Fungal infections like histoplasmosis
• Splenic torsion
• Autoimmune disorders like systemic lupus
• Bacterial infection
• Cancer like feline leukemia virus and multiple myeloma
• Infectious disorders like feline infectious peritonitis
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Heartworms
• Heart failure
• Abdominal injury because of trauma

Symptoms of Splenomegaly in Cats

Because the spleen is responsible for filtering and storing blood, removing foreign bodies and old cells from the bloodstream, and helping with immunity, the cat might experience a range of symptoms.

Here are some of the more common symptoms of splenomegaly in cats:

• Fainting
• Weakness
• Lethargy
• Abdominal sensitivity or pain
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Swollen abdomen
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Weight loss
• Lack of appetite

Prognosis of Splenomegaly in Cats

Your vet will want to examine your cat and may do some or all of the following:

• feel for any enlarged lymph nodes
• check for an enlarged abdomen
• ask about medical history of the cat
• query other symptoms (eating habits, etc)
• take some blood for tests
• urinalysis may be taken by the vet

This will help the vet determine the problem, and show how other organs, such as the liver and kidneys, are affected by the primary condition. 

Diagnostic exams like an ultrasound and an x-ray may also be done. All of these examinations may allow the vet to see the spleen and adjacent organs for abnormalities. 

Treatments for Enlarged Cat Spleen

The treatment for enlarged spleen in cats will depend on curing the main condition, which is causing the causal inflammation.

Cat Spleen Removal

In instances of splenic trauma or torsion, the vet might need to get rid of all or part of the spleen of the cat.

This would be performed in the vet hospital under anesthesia. The vet makes a small incision in the abdomen of the cat. The entire spleen (or the affected portion) might be removed.

Medication

Corticosteroids may be prescribed by your veterinarian to reduce any inflammation on the spleen, as well as the other organs.

If the enlargement is due to a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. Additionally, autoimmune main causes may be cured with immunosuppressants that work by suppressing the immune system’s reaction.

Cat spleen cancer will have other treatments, depending upon the stage, severity, and your budget for treatment.

Spleen Cat

For more information on cat spleen health and disease, see these resources:

• Cat spleen cancer – Pet MD
• Cat spleen removal – Web MD
• Spleen cat dissection – Pet Place

Can cats have miscarriages?

As with all animals, cat miscarriage is a possibility. It not highly common for cats to experience an abortion or miscarriage, but it may be due to a number of reasons.

It’s important for the cat to get evaluated promptly afterward, in order to make sure more serious causal health conditions don’t exist.

Cat Miscarriages

A miscarriage in cats happens when there is either an unexplained or deliberate termination of pregnancy in the cat.

If initially unexplained, it can occur due to a variety of physical or hormonal reasons. As in humans, miscarriage can happen in the early stage of pregnancy, you might not notice any symptoms and the fetuses might be reabsorbed by the body of the cat.

In the later stages, the cat might miscarry and develop maternal behaviors and instincts –up to the development of milk and pacing or crying, looking for its kittens. If you happen to expect that the cat is miscarrying, it is best to seek immediate vet care.

Causes of miscarriage in cats

If your cat has had a miscarriage, you want to discover the cause. This is to rule out any potential infections or other conditions, which might also be lethal to the she-cat.

The common causes of miscarriage in cats:

• Hormonal imbalances
• Severe stress
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Inbreeding
• Congenital defects
• Exposure to various chemicals known to induce miscarriage or labor
• Injury
• Protozoal infections
• A bacterial disease, just like chlamydia
• Feline herpes virus
• Feline leukemia virus
• Infection

Symptoms of Cat Miscarriage

The symptoms of miscarriage in cats might be minor if the pregnancy is in its first few weeks. However, in the later stages, you may see some noticeable signs of miscarriage.

These might include the following:

• Stillborn kittens
• Fever
• Dehydration
• Depression
• Discomfort
• Abdominal straining
• The disappearance of fetuses formerly seen on ultrasound or felt through a palpation
• Bloody discharge

Prognosis of Cat Miscarriage

The prognosis of miscarriage in cats may start with a complete physical exam.

If the cat has experienced a miscarriage at home, it’s to bring the cat fetus for the vet to examine them. The stillborn kittens might provide vital clues about the main cause of the miscarriage.

In the first visit, the vet might choose to do an x-ray or ultrasound to confirm if there are no retained fetuses. Anything remaining of the pregnancy should be removed from the cat’s womb to avoid any infection or possible death. These images may also exclude any injury to the internal organs of the cat.

You will need to provide a complete history of the pregnancy of the cat including the estimated date of the impregnation and information about the Tomcat. Anything else, such as the onset of symptoms and unusual behavior, such as diminished appetite, may also be helpful.

The vet may order a full blood test as well. This may help the vet to recognize the existence of any infection and provide insight into hormone levels. In the event that there are signs of an infection or cold, numerous smears from the ears, nose, and mouth must be taken as well – to potentially identify any upper respiratory or some other types of infection.

Additionally, a sample of its stool might be required as well, in order to test for any parasites.

Treatments for cat miscarriages

 

 

 

 

 

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The treatment will depend on what caused the miscarriage.

If there are baby kittens still inside the cat, the vet might administer medications that cause contractions to help to eliminate them. This may be conducted in the vet’s office and may prevent the cat from getting an infection.

In case of infection, the vet might choose to recommend broad-spectrum antibiotics awaiting the identification of the bacteria that causes the infection. If parasites caused the condition, the veterinarian may prescribe a proper de-wormer. 

If the miscarriage was the result of an injury, such as a fall or a catfight, the vet might prescribe anti-inflammatory medication or pain medication to help the cat to recover more promptly.

Lastly, in some cases, the vet might suggest spaying the cat to prevent any further pregnancies. This is important if the miscarriage is due to congenital defects, or hormonal abnormalities, which cannot be corrected easily in future pregnancies.