Creature Lover

A week after we gave the cats their “yearly bath” they began to get sick, one by one. Until we realized that we have a virus in the shelter and it is taking 90% (around 60 cats) of our cats down! We can no longer identify who’s the virus carrier since most of the cats in the shelter were sickly when they were rescued.

Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), are responsible for upper respiratory infections known collectively as upper respiratory disease complex or “cat flu.” FVR and FCV cause 80-90% of cat flu cases and are spread from cat to cat by contaminated litter boxes and water bowls or contact with infected fluids such as saliva, nasal secretions, and eye discharge.

What Are the Signs? FVR is characterized by inflammation of the cat’s eyes, nose, or windpipe; discharge from the eyes or nose; lethargy; fever; loss of appetite; and constant sneezing. The symptoms of FCV include runny nose; more serious symptoms are tongue ulcers, excess salivation, weight loss, poor physical appearance, and a refusal to eat.

It was really a difficult week for us. I was already panicking. Some of the cats couldn’t breathe and were in serious condition. We had to nebulize them for decongestion. We also gave them antibiotics to prevent further infection. We had to force-feed some of the cats using a syringe since they have lost their appetites. We also gave them hydrite to keep them from dehydrating.

Thank God all the cats got well.

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Three weeks ago, we conducted a so-called “CAT MAINTENANCE” in the shelter. We gave the cats their yearly baths. Yes, this is just a once-a-year event since cats are generally vain. They groom themselves. Watch out for cats who are filthy looking and doesn’t seem to groom itself for it might be suffering from an illness.

We also deworm the cats every 2 to 3 months. We also check their ears at least once a month for signs of earmites. Ear mites are tiny crab like parasites, if left untreated, can cause a bacterial and yeast infections and, in extreme cases, rupture of the ear drum leading to seizures and deafness. Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are the most common cause of outer-ear inflammation in cats – especially kittens and young cats. Frequent ear scratching and head shaking are the most often seen symptoms.

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Our very own Mikah made it again to the world wide web. Thanks to the lovely cat named Jazmin who took the time to “Interview” and feature Mikah on her Blog site.

Here is the excerpt of the interview….

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Landi, before the operation.

Me and my officemates are about to have lunch in an eatery located in an open area at the back of our store. The food looks delicious and as I was about to partake, this kitten came up to us and started meowing. I thought, Why, oh why me? I always seem to be in the same places as these kittens. They seem to know who I am. Am i becoming a kitten magnet? (Don’t get me wrong, I am not really complaining. I’m just being melodramatic. hahaha). I lost my appetite (But It wasn’t so bad really, maybe it was God’s answer to my prayer – that He help me lose weight).

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Exactly a week ago, My husband and I picked up a kitten, we named Sola, in an exclusive subdivision. He was so sick and was suffering from a virus called Herpes conjunctivitis that we thought he might not survive.

But Lo and behold, here are pictures of Sola now. He really has an appetite! The swelling on his eyes have subsided. I know now for a fact that he hasn’t gone blind due to the infection coz when i was cleaning his eyes, it opened. Perhaps it was the first time that he had a vision that he became soooo restless and soooo curious of his surroundings (I had difficulty taking pictures of him because I couldn’t get him to stand still). He is now a happy and playful kitten. A far cry from the kitten that we rescued a week ago who was so frail and has difficulty breathing. I hope He grows up to be a healthy big boy.

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