tame cat Archives - FixNation

Ringworm: The Fluorescent Fungi

What's in a name, right? In this case not much. Ringworm has nothing to do with worms. Nor does it always show up as a ring! Ringworm is a skin infection caused by a fungus, otherwise known as dermatophytes. These are microscopic parasitic fungi that live on the skin, specifically in hair follicles. Ringworm is a very hardy fungus that can be present in soil. Cats and cattle are the two species of animals that seem to get ringworm the most, although dogs and other animals can contract it. Humans can also get ringworm, either from a pet or from [...]

admin 2012-04-02T15:17:33-07:00 April 18th, 2011|Caregiver Tips|

Hmm…What Color Is That Cat?

Cats come in a wide variety of breeds and colors. Homeless cats especially can be a motley sort, generally being the offspring of many different kinds of breeds all intermingling. At our morning check-in, we ask trappers to list each cat's color and breed, as these descriptions help us keep accountability for the cat as he/she goes through our clinic for the day. Here are some common color, breed descriptions, and terms that you may hear us use. Solid All over solid color; no striping whatsoever. You can have solid greys (also called blues), blacks, whites, even browns. Generally oranges (also [...]

admin 2010-07-16T18:57:37-07:00 July 16th, 2010|Caregiver Tips|

Mange and Ear Mites: Mitey Menaces

Mange is a very common issue with feral and stray cats. We frequently see cats coming into our clinic with varying degrees of mange. To the novice trapper, this skin disease can look pretty alarming. However, our seasoned veterans know this is a very treatable disease, and while it's uncomfortable for the cat, it can get turned around with a little extra care and attention. Mange is caused by a parasite, or a very small bug. These parasites actually live and feed on the cat, who acts as a "host". The mites either live topically on the cat or they [...]

admin 2010-04-30T20:22:04-07:00 April 29th, 2010|Caregiver Tips|

The Truth About FeLV/FIV Testing – Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

What Is Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)? By Dr. Amanda Page What is Feline Leukemia Virus? Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is a serious viral disease that affects ONLY CATS. Fortunately, there are many ways we can protect our cats from exposure to this disease. It is estimated that 2.3% of cats in the western United States are infected with FeLV. How does FeLV cause disease? The Feline Leukemia Virus can cause bone marrow suppression. One of the functions of bone marrow is to produce the cells of the immune system that fight off infection. Therefore, this disease can result in a [...]

admin 2023-08-18T05:47:49-07:00 March 31st, 2010|Caregiver Tips|

The Truth About FeLV/FIV Testing – Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

What Is Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)? By Dr. Amanda Page What is Feline Immunodeficiency Virus? Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), also known as Feline AIDS, is a serious viral disease that affects ONLY CATS. Fortunately, there are many ways we can protect our cats from exposure to this disease. It is estimated that 3.5% of cats in the western United States are infected with FIV. How does FIV cause disease? FIV causes suppression of the immune system by attacking important cells of the cat’s immune system which protect the cat from common infectious agents (bacteria, viruses, etc). Many of the infectious [...]

admin 2023-08-18T05:49:34-07:00 March 31st, 2010|Caregiver Tips|