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Fel d 1 is a secretoglobin protein complex that, in cats, is encoded by the CH1 (chain 1/Fel d 1-A) and CH2 (chain 2/Fel d 1-B) genes. [2] [3] Among cats, Fel d 1 is produced largely in their saliva and by the sebaceous glands located in their skin. It is the primary allergen present on cats and kittens.
A stimulated saliva flow rate less than 0.5 ml per gland in 5 minutes or less than 1 ml per gland in 10 minutes is decreased. [1] The term subjective xerostomia is sometimes used to describe the symptom in the absence of any clinical evidence of dryness. [ 8 ]
The remaining cat allergens are Fel d 2–8, [5] with Fel d 4, a major urinary protein found in the saliva of cats, [6] occurring the most in humans among the other seven allergens. All cats produce Fel d 1, including hypoallergenic cats. The main method of transmission is through a cat's saliva or dander, which adheres to clothing.
It has also been defined as increased amount of saliva in the mouth, which may also be caused by decreased clearance of saliva. [4] Hypersalivation can contribute to drooling if there is an inability to keep the mouth closed or difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia) the excess saliva, which can lead to excessive spitting.
A sialolithiasis is a salivary stone that may cause blockage of the ducts, most commonly the submandibular ducts, causing pain and swelling of the gland. [33] Salivary gland dysfunction is either a reduced (hyposalivation), or an increased (hypersalivation) production of saliva.
Aging in cats is the process by which cats change over the course of their natural lifespans. The normal lifespan of domestic cats is in the range of 13 to 20 years. As cats senesce, they undergo predictable changes in health and behavior. Dental disease and loss of olfaction are common as cats age, affecting eating habits.
The virus is easily spread through direct contact between cats. The most common form of spreading is through saliva, as most multiple cat homes share food and water dishes. [11] Another major form of spreading is grooming or fighting. When an infected cat grooms a healthy cat, it leaves its contaminated saliva on the fur.
It is a diagnosis of exclusion which means other possible urinary diseases which could cause bladder inflammation (e.g. feline urinary tract infections or urolithiasis) are ruled out. [5] Research is still being pursued regarding the causes of cystitis in cats, though the following principal risk factors have been identified: [14]