Abscesses (and cellulitis) are common problems that result from fighting between cats. Bites result in a bruise and bacteria are deposited into the tissues. The puncture wounds seal over very quickly and this suits the bacteria because they like low oxygen conditions. Heat and pain develop very quickly. As pus forms the area swells and eventually the skin over the top of the abscess will die in much the same way skin over a blister goes white and dies.

The sooner a bite wound is treated the better for you and your cat. Early treatment with antibiotics can prevent a bite from developing into an abscess. Once an abscess has developed minor surgery is often required to clean out the infection, create drainage and repair any dead skin - this will involve anaesthesia, surgery and hospitalisation.

Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI).

There are a range of viruses that will cause respiratory diseases in cats. Symptoms include sneezing, runny eyes and nasal discharges and even ulcers in the mouth and throat. Most are preventable with vaccination and this is the best idea because there is no specific treatment or cure for viral infections.

Treatment involves good nursing - fluids, keeping the cat clean and groomed, offering special foods that might encourage the cat to eat and so on. Antibiotics are only useful if secondary bacterial infections occur. Drugs we take for colds are lethal for cats - do not give cats human cold remedies.

Dental Disease:

A cat with sore teeth or gums will want to eat but won't. Typically they will pick up a piece of food and then shake their head and run away as the pain hits them. They also look "tatty" because they do not groom themselves as much. Those that do eat will gulp it down without chewing and often regurgitate a few minutes later.

If your cat shows these symptoms take it to the vet for examination and treatment. If the teeth and gums need attention make sure you work with your vet to have a strategy to prevent further problems in the future.

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease:

The things we can say for sure about FLUTD is that it is common, is frequently a condition that recurs and whose causes are poorly understood.

FLUTD cause cats to urinate small volumes of urine frequently. The urine frequently contains blood and/or crystals. In male cats a plug may form in the tip of the penis and this plug can actually stop them from urinating - a life-threatening condition that requires urgent attention.

Any cat displaying signs of increased frequency of urination, crying or straining when urinating or blood in the urine must be taken to the vet for a full assessment.

Author: Hugh Southwood
Date: 15/01/2002