Basic Vet Knowledge- Cats Trivia Quiz

Answer: feline leukemia

FeLV is feline leukemia. Much of the research on human HIV came out of research on FeLV- the first isolated retrovirus.

Answer: scent marking

Rubbing on people or objects with the cheeks is a form of scent marking with the special glands in the cheek area.

Answer: hyperthyroidism

Cats almost never suffer from a slow thyroid, but can often suffer from an overactive thyroid. In extreme cases, the thyroid gland can be palpated and can appear prominent. Treatment is a drug called Tapazole and cats can live a normal life once the condition is properly medicated.

Answer: taurine

Cats cannot live without taurine, an amino acid, in their diets. This makes them one of the world's exclusively true carnivores.

Answer: 63 days

Answer: it is not necessary if you keep your cat indoors at all times

The benefits of spaying (or neutering) your cat far outweight the risks. If cats are sterilized at a young age, the owner can ensure a long and healthy life span. Everything from behavior problems (male cats spraying urine) to breast cancer (female cats with prolonged exposure to the hormone estrogen have a very high occurance) can be prevented. And don't be fooled by thinking this isn't necessary for indoor-only pets. An intact male or female will stop at nothing to get out of your house and breed when the hormones are raging.

Answer: Canine Parvo

As indicated by the name, this is a vaccination for dogs.

Answer: Many adult cats are lactose-intolerant

We humans are just about the only mammals that continue consuming milk beyond infancy. As cats mature, they lose the ability to assimilate and digest the sugar called lactose contained in milk and other dairy products. This can cause anything from indigestion to diarrhea and vomiting. Poor kitty!

Answer: True

Cats can contract heartworm infestations from mosquito bites, but the worms are less likely to live to adulthood in cats. There is preventative monthly medication available - ask your vet.

Answer: False

FeLV testing should be done annually. Just like the HIV virus, a test can be negative one year, then positive the next year because of the antibodies have a long delay before appearing in the bloodstream for detection. Rabies vaccine- that's easy- it's required by law! And as far as the other feline diseases, no matter how good of a pet owner you are, you cannot control the element of chance. If your cat gets out of the house, vaccines are a very inexpensive yet effective way to safegaurd you pet against some nasty stuff! There are so many things we cannot control, so it makes sense to take advantage of the few things we can!