Cat Bacterial Infections
While most bacteria help humans and pets alike with basic bodily functions like digestion, sometimes bacteria can overwhelm your cat’s immune system, leading to infections. There are many types of bacterial infections that can cause harm to your cat, so it’s important to recognize the general symptoms bacterial infection in cats.
Bacterial infections can adversely affect everything from your cat’s eyes to his/her urinary tract. Common cat bacterial infections include:
- Haemobartonellosis (feline infectious anemia): this disease is transmitted by fleas or ticks and targets the red blood cells. While symptoms can include loss of appetite and dehydration, severe cases of haemobartonellosis can include rapid breathing and heart rate, as well as the consumption of dirt or even cat litter.
- Pyoderma: this is a bacterial infection of the skin that is classified by the depth of the infection. Folliculitis infects the hair follicles and causes pus-filled bumps. Symptoms can be eased with a product like Sergeant's SentryHC PetRelief Anti-Bacterial Spray. Feline acne results in blackheads and pustules around your cat’s chin and lips. Mild cases can be treated with benzoyl peroxide. Cellulitis is a deep skin infection frequently caused by scratches or bites. Signs of the infection include redness, unusual firmness, swelling, and pain.
- Staph infection: while the Staphylococcus bacteria is always present on a cat’s skin, a weakened immune system or an allergic reaction on the skin can allow the bacteria to create an infection. Round, hairless sores accompanied by pimples or scabs may indicate a staph infection.
Cat Bacterial Infections Treatment
The best way to avoid bacterial infections in your cat is to keep your pet and its surroundings very clean. If a bacterial infection occurs, your veterinarian will generally treat it with antibiotics such as tetracycline, oxytetracycline, or doxycycline. Several of these antibiotics are available with prescription through National Pet Pharmacy.
About National Pet Pharmacy
National Pet Pharmacy is your pet health superstore. From prescription only pet medications to organic cat food, National Pet Pharmacy knows that pet health is more than just medicine; it is pet supplies, pet beds and pet food. From whiskers to tail, National Pet Pharmacy cares for your whole pet.
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