Is there a Doctor
in the House???
Immunity - CS, DMG, other
Wellness and Natural care
http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/Pages/Health.html
  Winn Foundation is research related to cats.
Early signs that kitty may be sick
4 areas of assessment:
potty, play, eat, drink
Emergencies: ABC's - Airway? Breathing? Circulation?
Bleeding
Staggering gait and falling over (loss of balance)
Plaintive crying when touched in certain areas, or moved
Unremitting vomiting, especially of white, foamy substance
Hiding
Rigors
Vaccines: Schedules and Issues
Healthy immune system: also see Dietary
Pet Tips: http://www.pets.ca/index-tips.htm

http://www.peteducation.com/index.cfm?cls=1
http://www.marvistavet.com/index.html
http://www.petplace.com/cats.aspx
For those who may not be aware, the Siberian breeding community has become
concerned like other breeder groups (Maine Coons and Ragdolls to name a couple) about
the appearance of HCM within the breed.

HCM - Hypertropic Cardiomyopathy, or an abnormally enlarging of the heart
that decreases the blood able to be pumped out, is a disorder that has appeared, so far,
in SMALL numbers of the Siberian population. HOWEVER, it is suspected to be a
genetically** linked disease, as it is in humans, and thus research is being carried out to
determine ways to test for this BEFORE cats are even bred.

The problem is - this awful disease has no signs or symptoms until typically HOURS
before the death of the cat. And then, death is usually incredibly sudden and
unexpected. And this usually is between the age of two and less than five years of age.
So far, the only way research is able to be carried out is by blood and tissue tests,
post-mortem.

Most Siberian breeders have been cooperative and report ANY sort of abnormality
with their cats, and close down the particular breeding line indicated.

But that is only if they are aware of it.

We ask Siberian owners, as painful as it might be to hear this, that if your Siberian
baby would unexpectantly die, to please ask for a post-mortem, and have these tests
done on your baby.  Then report this information to the breeder who sold you the cat,
so they can notify others affected.
We at Keitta Siberians have been EXTREMELY fortunate not to
have any health issues that have occurred with any breeder cat or their
offspring to this point, which should be reassuring to those who own our
babies. But, in the case of ANY illness or unexpected death, PLEASE
let us know. We will most likely grieve with you - but we will also do
what is best for the Siberian breed as a whole and close down any of
our lines, and inform researchers and other owners about the
possibility so they can have their kitty checked.
**Just another note: Other heart problems have appeared in cats related to poor diets. Lack or
insufficient amounts of Taurine in a cat's diet has been linked to heart disease. That is why you hear
from us so much about the proper nutrition and supplementation as needed for your babies.
DONATE NOW TO
SIBERIAN HCM
RESEARCH
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Keeping your kitty healthy and happy means prevention of illness. This is done in part by protecting
the immune system, the same as with a human. Only your Siberians' need are different than yours.
1.  Excellent quality of food - well balanced diet created for cats - high in protein (60%); containing    
    important minerals, vitamins and other nutrients specific to the feline diet.
Key Needs for a Healthy Immune System:
2.  Plenty of sleep/rest - typically NOT a problem with a feline, that sleeps up to 23 hrs of a 24hr
day!
3. Love and attention - seems non-scientific, but for an animal to feel loved and cared for means less
stress and 'worry'. That attention includes: playtime, grooming, cuddles.
4. A clean and ordered environment. Now, I am not proposing that everyone become a Martha
Stewart or a Mr. Clean. But cats like their domain stable - not being moved around all the time.
They like their litter boxes clean - they are fastidious animals and hate dirty litter boxes. Plus
Vaccine - what it is for - schedule
Includes information on: initial
series for kittens; Rabies; FeV;
FIP; heartworm; roundworm;
ringworm
March 13, 2008