Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK

Cat Health & Behaviour => Health & Behaviour General => Topic started by: Noodle1 on June 22, 2014, 20:25:12 PM

Title: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Noodle1 on June 22, 2014, 20:25:12 PM: I wondered if anyone could off me any advice, help or support. We have recently rescued a little kitten who was found abonded on a farm, he was very underweight. We have looked after and loved him for the last two weeks and he appeared fit and healthy, we took him to vets for a check up and to be sprayed and de-wormed-all fine.

Then on friday we began noticing small spots on his skin, at first it was only one and we thought he had caught himself with his claw but then we starting finding more and more spots/legions. We took him to the vets again and were perscribe an antibiotic gel for a flea allgery (though no evidence of fleas/lice) No improvement and we were worrying as he was in obvious pain. Took him to emergency clinic this morining and he has bee disgnosed with cowpox!!!! He has been eating and playing normally...though his breathing has been rapid (vet said could be because of his high temperature)

We are exremely worried and concerned as we have been told that in an adult cat a full recovery is normal, however in a kitten it is a different story. I am so scared that he wont pull through. He is in hospital now on a drip and antibiotics. The vets rung before and said he ate most of his food so we're taking this as a good sign. But still worried/scared and upset. We love him so much and we hate thinking of him alone without us and in pain or fear.
If anyone has any knoweldge of cowpox (it's very rare and I can find hardly anything on internet about cowpox in kittens) or has been in a similar sitiation or has any positive advice/news for me I'd appreciate it.

Thank you in advance... :thanks:

A very concerned and anxious kitten mummy :scared: :(
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :(
Post by: Sam (Fussy_Furball) on June 22, 2014, 20:27:43 PM: Found this:

http://www.icatcare.org/advice/cat-health/cowpox-virus-infection-cats
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :(
Post by: Noodle1 on June 22, 2014, 20:41:31 PM: Many Thanks for your quick reply, I did find this earlier myself and though helpful defining cowpox very well it does not say anything about cowpox in kittens :(
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on June 22, 2014, 22:08:26 PM: I hope he recovers.............you need to ask the vet this question :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Lyn (Slugsta) on June 22, 2014, 22:11:31 PM: I do hope your little chap is soon well and back home with you :hug:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Noodle1 on June 22, 2014, 22:15:44 PM: Many Thanks we hope so too...we miss him lots.

We did ask the vets lots of questions, but they said that it is a very rare illness, they have only seen one other cat with it and it was an adult. She couldn't give us answers about whether Marley would pull through...she just said that he is kitten and they have weak immune systems...I just wondered if anyone had, had any similair experiences with a kitten with cow pox or had any more understanding of the disease.

I guess really I am just clutching at straws hoping for something postive that just says, 'yes he will pull through'. I obviously know that is not possible. I am just very worried.
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on June 22, 2014, 22:21:13 PM: I have never heard of this on Purrs but stay positive he is in the best place and they at least knew what it was :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on June 23, 2014, 07:17:22 AM: Sending lots of positive thoughts for Marley, and hoping you may get better news today when you speak with the vet. :hug: :hug: You're bound to be feeling worried, and I think we all appreciate how much this little guy will have found his way into your hearts already.
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: sheilarose on June 23, 2014, 08:08:25 AM: Poor little guy, it does sound as if he's in the place between safety and danger, let's hope the IV fluids do the trick and rid his little body of the virus quickly. :hug:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: LouiseJ on June 23, 2014, 10:53:57 AM: I've looked through my books at home (I'm an independent distributor of aloe vera products) as I've got one all about treating animals with supplements and whilst I've found a reference for cow pox its only in relation to cows. It seems though as its a cross species disease as it would mutate to smallpox in humans.
The best I can find is information on how to treat the disease using aloe and bee propolis to build up the immune system with doseages for cows although I've got a table which suggests doses for other animals. The book is written by a vet which is why I trust the content.
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Noodle1 on June 23, 2014, 12:50:23 PM: Just want to thank everyone for their kind messages and help especially louisej for taking the time to look for some info :) Spoke to vet today, Marley's temperature is back to normal and they said he is very bright and eating and weeing. He has had a bath in antibacterial wash for his skin. He is isolated as cowpox can be passed to humans and other animals. I am hoping all this is a good sign. They said not to worry too much at this stage as he in not in immediate danger but they are not sure how quick cowpox spreads/worsens. They are continuing to treat him with antibiotics and will keep him in.

fingers crossed :thanks:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: LouiseJ on June 23, 2014, 13:04:00 PM: :wooooo: :wooooo: :wooooo:
That's all sounding very very positive.
Please keep us posted
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Lyn (Slugsta) on June 23, 2014, 15:49:23 PM: That sounds cautiously optimistic, thanks for the update!
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Sam (Fussy_Furball) on June 23, 2014, 17:13:46 PM: Keeping everything crossed :hug:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on June 23, 2014, 17:35:52 PM: That's very promising, and a good cause to be optimistic. :) :hug: :hug: We're all sending shedloads of positive thoughts and hope this improvement goes from strength to strength. Come on, little Marley - we're all rooting for you. :Luv:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Noodle1 on June 23, 2014, 17:42:25 PM: Nearly cried reading that last comment! :thanks: really means alot. I am so glad to have found this forum as so many people sadly just do not understand the bond between human and animals or the pain illness and loas can bring. It's noce to apeak to like minded people and have well wishes. :hug:

Will definitely keep you all updated. We are trying to stay posirive, he's already come so far and thank goosness he has has such a caring and professional vet!
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: LouiseJ on June 23, 2014, 17:47:58 PM: Stick with us, you'll find some of the nicest people on the net on here.
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: CuteCats on June 23, 2014, 19:08:23 PM: Thinking of Marley and sending lots of good vibes and love. :Luv: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: emmmy_lou on June 23, 2014, 21:55:47 PM: I have never heard of cowpox either, sorry.

it does sound positive, and I am sure your vets are doing everything they can.

Keeping everything crossed for your little fella :hug:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: pappilon on June 23, 2014, 22:05:03 PM: Sending lots of good vibes for Marley, come on little man :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on June 23, 2014, 23:17:54 PM: We know here that Purrs peoples good vibes really help so shouting GET WELL SOON MARLEY :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on June 24, 2014, 06:46:13 AM: Just popping by to send some early morning snoozles for young Marley from me and the boys, and hoping that he continues to hold his own. :catplay2:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Noodle1 on June 24, 2014, 14:56:56 PM: Aww thank you so much SueP, really appreciate it and to everyone else thank you for your kind messages and love for our little Marley moo...I am over the moon to say that we are picking him up this afternoon!! The vet said he has made lots of progress, he is bright and active and well enough to come home. He is still on antibiotics and he'll need daily antibacterial baths till his sores are completely gone. He could get ill again as he is so young but he is well enough now to come home and all being well he will be fine. We have finished work early to pick him up...I said to the vet that as much as I want him home I want to know he is definitely well enough and she said 'we couldn't do anything for him here that you couldnt do...he needs his mum and dad' well I nearly cried! Can't wait to see him. Please keep your fingers crossed that he continues to stay well and healthy. He will have another check up next week... thank you again guys, you've all helped so much :thanks: :thanks: :hug: ;D
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on June 24, 2014, 15:00:40 PM: Well that's just brilliant news that he's going to be allowed to come home! :wow: :wow: Cuddles and snoozles from his Mum and Dad will be just the thing to boost his recovery. ;D It may be a bit of a haul ahead long term, but sounds to me like he's a brave little soldja, and he's done so well so far. Bet you can't wait to have him back for a bit of well deserved pampering. :)

Look forward to seeing lots of Marley piccies if you get some time to share some with us. :Luv: :Luv:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: LouiseJ on June 24, 2014, 15:17:28 PM: Oh that's fantastic news. He'll come on so much better once he is in familiar surroundings as well.

I'm so pleased and hope that Marley continues to do well.

This is the book I use for ideas for mine - it is in no way a substitute for proper vet advice but there is information in there about helping build up their immune systems and :shify: shhhhsssshhhh :shify: but I'm trying to work out a way how I can do a Purrs discount or donation on some of the products mentioned inside.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Aloe-Vera-Natures-Veterinary-Practice/dp/095365690X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1403619238&sr=8-1&keywords=animals+and+aloe+vera
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Sam (Fussy_Furball) on June 24, 2014, 16:50:54 PM: Woo hoo excellent news :hug:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Rosella moggy on June 24, 2014, 17:24:39 PM: Quote from: Noodle1 on June 24, 2014, 14:56:56 PM
I said to the vet that as much as I want him home I want to know he is definitely well enough and she said 'we couldn't do anything for him here that you couldn't do...he needs his mum and dad' well I nearly cried!

Certainly brought a lump to my throat :hug: :hug: :hug: Come on little man. Onwards and upwards kid :care: :care: :care:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on June 24, 2014, 17:58:41 PM: Got fingers, toes and all 8 paws well and truly crossed here, Noodle1. :) :) :crossed:

Is he home now? :wow:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on June 24, 2014, 18:24:01 PM: So pleased he is coming home and I am sure he will improve even quicker at home ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Lyn (Slugsta) on June 24, 2014, 18:46:18 PM: That is such good news! Thank you for the update :briggin:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Noodle1 on June 24, 2014, 19:00:15 PM: He is home!!! ;D We are so unbelievably happy! As much as I hate to say it, we really did think we'd loose him as the original prognosis was not great.
Anyway, we just hope he continues to make progress and stay well. We are very lucky...I thought you'd all like to see a picture of him...

Here is Marley having kisses with Daddy and one on his own, as you can see he still has the marks from the cowpox but they are a huge improvement to how they were a few days ago and he is still a cutie! :Luv2: He is sending lots love and thanks to you all for his well wishes and we will continue to keep you all updated on Marley's progress and road to recorvery :)
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Lyn (Slugsta) on June 24, 2014, 19:02:29 PM: Bless him, he is soooo ickle :Luv2:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Yvonne on June 24, 2014, 19:05:53 PM: Great news - he is absolutely gorgeous

:welcome: to the forum
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: LouiseJ on June 24, 2014, 19:08:24 PM: Oooh he is lovely. Fantastic news that he is back home.
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on June 24, 2014, 19:17:13 PM: :wow: :wow: Ooo look at him!!! He's just gorgeous! What a little darling. :Luv: so pleased he's home. I think Marley will have himself a right old fan club on here, I do. ;) Welcome home baby - I'll bet you'll all sleep better tonight for being together. :Luv:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Noodle1 on June 24, 2014, 20:36:43 PM: Haha aww thank you. He had quite a fan club at the vets too. :) I am going to upload a photo soon of Marley's spots, so that in the future if their is any one else who has a cat with cowpox they can hopefully find this as we couldn't find much at all to help us out.
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on June 24, 2014, 20:42:50 PM: That's such a really good idea. I'm sure others will benefit from knowing how Marley's treatment and progress is made.

And I love the montage at the foot of your last post. Beautiful. :Luv: :grouphug:

I love the name Shiloh - reminds me of the Neil Diamond song (albeit spelt differently...)

"Shilo"

Young child with dreams
Dream every dream on your own
When children play,
Seems like you end up alone
Papa says he'd love to be with you
If he had the time
So you turn to the only friend you can find
There in your mind

Shilo when I was young,
I used to call your name
When no one else would come,
Shilo you always came and we'd play

Young girl with fire,
Something said she understood
I wanted to fly
She made me feel like I could

You and your lovely feller have given Marley Shiloh the chance to fly. :Luv: :hug:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on June 24, 2014, 20:49:33 PM: How gorgeous is he :Luv2: :Luv2: :Luv2:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Noodle1 on June 24, 2014, 20:57:40 PM: Aww Sue P, you are too lovely thank you so much :hug: that is lovely to hear. My boyfriend made my little signature thing at the bottom of my posts he is a graphic designer ;) not sure if it's a little big but I think you can tell Marley is our world! We've both grown up with animals and always wanted to resuce animals in need..hopefully when Marley is all better and older we will look at giving more animals in need a home :Luv2:

Also I didn't even think of that song but how strange as my mum adores Neil Diamond! haha we chose Shiloh as his middle name as it means 'peace' ;)
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on June 24, 2014, 21:01:27 PM: No, definitely not too big - it's perfect! :)

Your Mum clearly has excellent taste (she says, reeling from the fact someone else has just confessed to not knowing who Paul Newman was, making me feel ver' ver' old!)

You and your boyfriend are clearly a very special couple. :hug: :hug: Purrs seems to attract special people for some reason. I put it down to the cats. :Luv:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Noodle1 on June 24, 2014, 21:15:47 PM: If anyone is interested or in a similiar situation (maybe in the future as well) this is my little baby Marley showing his poor sores on his face from cowpox. These are 100 times better than they were not they have been treated by our vet but it's just to show people what cowpox sores can look like (though, of course every cat and kitten is different).

Marley started with one small sore on his ear, that looked very much like he had caught it with his claw. The sores/lesions that followed came very quickly; literally within a day. He had sores on his face, ears, paws, base of his tail and in his mouth (like little ulcers) Marley also had rapid breathing, a temperature and was very sleepy. His breathing was due to his high temperature, though can be a sign that the infection has spread to lungs-so if you ever find similar lesions please get your cat/kitten checked out straight away. Cowpox IS treatable and cats can make a full recorvery but kittens can be a different matter so always be aware.

Updates on Marleys heopfully successful recorvery to follow (if anyone knows of a better place for this post to go on purs to help people in the future please let me know or move it for me-I am new to purs!)
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on June 24, 2014, 21:37:33 PM: This is the right bplace for the post especially as it has a good title.

Sasa has one little spot below her lip on one side that seems to come and go . more come than go.

She dribbles a lot cos only has two teeth, have been watching it for a while
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Lyn (Slugsta) on June 24, 2014, 21:46:39 PM: Quote from: Sue P (Paddysmum) on June 24, 2014, 21:01:27 PM

No, definitely not too big - it's perfect! :)

I agree!
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Dawn F on June 25, 2014, 08:40:14 AM: he is :Luv:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Noodle1 on June 25, 2014, 20:26:31 PM: I hope your Sasa is alright Gill (sneakiefeline). Cowpox is very rare and though I have no real expertese other then my experiences with Marley I don't think it comes and goes and it's multiple spots rather than one....I'd say just watch out for any others. Is Sasa a kitten or adult cat? ;D
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Sam (Fussy_Furball) on June 25, 2014, 21:45:03 PM: Ahhhhh he's so tiny and cute .... bless him. :Luv2: :Luv2: :Luv2:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on June 25, 2014, 21:55:44 PM: Quote from: Noodle1 on June 25, 2014, 20:26:31 PM
I hope your Sasa is alright Gill (sneakiefeline). Cowpox is very rare and though I have no real expertese other then my experiences with Marley I don't think it comes and goes and it's multiple spots rather than one....I'd say just watch out for any others. Is Sasa a kitten or adult cat? ;D

She is a semi feral adult about 16yrs old.

She is a calico tortie amd mostly white so any others should show up easily............does it only appear on the head or all body?

Its a very strange spot tbh
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Noodle1 on June 25, 2014, 23:54:48 PM: From our experiences with Marley and from the research I did it starts on head/face and then spots/lesions appear on their tail, legs and paws and mouth and ears (usually as little ulcers) That is what happened with Marley, it started with only one and then literally within half a day/day he had more 8 just on his face!

It is very rare and found in wild animals or avid hunting cats. We rescued Marley, he was part of a litter who had been abandoned on a farm. Their mother is wild so we think Marley's mum might have had cowpox and passed to Marley or that in Marley's early weeks he was bitten by an infected mouse/rat. So your little lady is probably fine...but you could always get him checked out. It is treatable and in adult cats it's a very good prognosis :)

I hope I haven't scared you as like I said it's very rare and it could be something far more innocent especially as it's just one.
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on June 26, 2014, 07:45:58 AM: How is the lovely Marley this morning? Bet he's loving being home with you both again. :wow:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: LouiseJ on June 26, 2014, 08:56:02 AM: If you can get him to take it, bee propolis is good for cat's immune systems. The trouble is that it smells quite strongly of honey even if it's crushed and in their food (or webbox paste) mine won't go near it.
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on June 26, 2014, 15:23:41 PM: Thank you Noodle and am sure sasa doesnt have it as its just this one spot which appeared a dew months ago.
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Noodle1 on June 26, 2014, 17:17:26 PM: Yes Gill, I am sure he doesn't either :)

Aww Sue P, he is really good thank you; bouncing around, chasing his tail and playing. He is eating and seems really bright and active and enjoying lots of cuddles and attention so we're really happy. His scabs are still very apparent and we keep getting paranoid that we've found new spots but I think they're just more obvious as they are drying out and scabbing and probably more itchy like when we get scabs. He has been occasionally making like a cough/wretching type noise but with nothing coming out which is a little worrying...it's like my older cat Muffin when she has hair balls or has eaten too fast but Marley is doing it quite randomly but then goes back to being completley normal. I wonder if I am just being over cautious.

Other than than, just loving having him home with us again ;D
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: souffle on June 26, 2014, 17:43:21 PM: I've been following Marley's story and am glad to hear he is home and doing well.
It does sound a bit like Chickenpox in kids and it can be miserable for them. I have heard of spots in the throat so maybe he has one that is making him cough? Lets hope it all clears up soon. Do you have to take special precations when handling him noodle or is normal hygine OK. Can humans even get it?
Wishing the handsome boy all the best for a speedy recovery :)
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Noodle1 on June 26, 2014, 18:22:17 PM: Oh yes, I hadn't thought of that. Could be the reason as he did have spots in his mouth... The vets had to wear special protective clothing during the early days of the infection but now that he has been on antibiotcs for almost a week it's okay to handle him without. We just have to really practice extra safe hygenie. We can't have him too close to our faces at the moment or give him his kisses yet though :( Humans can get it yes! I am a primary school teacher as well so I have be a little extra cautious. Though it is rare for humans to have it and is more likely for elderly people, very young children or those with weak immune systems to get it...and then that is usually if you have direct contacted with infected lesions and/or you have an open wound.

Thanks for the well wishes...I'll post some more piccies soon. He is really developing a lovely personality and sp funny! It's so nice to see him so active after being so poorly. ;D
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on June 26, 2014, 20:01:54 PM: Funny, but I was thinking that too - is probably just due to the course of the illness, bless him. It does seem remarkably like chicken pox, even down t the blister like lesions.

Am so glad he's thriving at home though - it's no real surprise, and I hope that before too long you'll be looking back on all of this and just giving thanks that it's all behind you, and Marley is going from strength to strength. :)
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: fluffybunny on June 26, 2014, 20:48:57 PM: Bless him, so glad that he seems to be on the mend - fingers crossed that everything continues in the right direction! I guess it is like chickenpox, it's only the difference between a chicken and a cow, after all - they're probably very related illnesses.

Everything crossed for the little one - he's gorgeous!!
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Noodle1 on June 26, 2014, 21:07:40 PM: It really is so similar to chicken pox, it's literally like when a child starts chicken pox they have one then in no time end up with loads! I feel like he is my child, I wish I could put little mittens on his paws to stop him itching ;) Poor Marley moo. Yeah really hoping all continues in the same direction and like Sue P said that we look back on and say how thankful we are.

We just gave him tonights antibiotics, he hates it so much! But all for his own good. He's currently sat on my knee watching the little emotion icons on purs move haha!! :rofl:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Noodle1 on June 26, 2014, 23:32:57 PM: Thanks fluffybunny :thanks:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on June 27, 2014, 04:11:19 AM: :M: :A: :R: :L: :E: :Y: .........

Just for you........ ;)
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Noodle1 on June 28, 2014, 22:46:39 PM: Haha aww love it! :thanks: I will show Marley! :)
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: emmmy_lou on June 28, 2014, 23:10:30 PM: I am so glad Marley is doing well, fingers crossed he will continue to improve.

He will forgive you for giving him the antibiotics >:(
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Hippykitty on June 29, 2014, 00:54:55 AM: From my vague memory of long ago human biology lessons, I remember than Jenner (?) discovered that milkmaid's who caught cowpox from cows didn't go on to develop smallpox, which is how he developed one of the first vaccines. So the major source of cowpox would be cows.
From this, I would imagine that cowpox is more common in farm cats than town ferals or domestics and it does sound like Marley may have a farm cat origin. I wouldn't be surprised if generations of farm cats build up some kind of natural immunity which has helped him to recover.

He's come through an awful lot. I'm sure you're giving him plenty of hugs. You may want to discuss with your vet or gp whether you need any vaccinations yourselves. :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Noodle1 on July 01, 2014, 21:23:59 PM: Yeah you're exactly right about the cowpox thing, so little marley will vr okay if there is a smallpox outbreak as he will now have an immunity haha.

So anyway guys, thought I'd share a recent pic of marley. He's doing so well. He was at bets today but a follow up and they said he's made huge progress, he is going to continue with 5 more days of antibiotics and then should be okay. He's so full of energy. Scabs are very itchy though as they are falling off though bless him.
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Noodle1 on July 01, 2014, 21:27:19 PM: :)
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Mymblesdaughter on July 01, 2014, 21:41:14 PM: He's beautiful :Luv2:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on July 01, 2014, 22:00:14 PM: :Luv2: :Luv2: :Luv2: :Luv2:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on July 02, 2014, 06:43:15 AM: :wow: New Marley piccie!!! :Luv: :Luv: :Luv: Cor, he's so kissable! :Luv2:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Lyn (Slugsta) on July 02, 2014, 19:48:47 PM: Oh my! :Luv2:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Noodle1 on July 11, 2014, 14:17:57 PM: hi everyone, just thought I would update you on Marley's recovery. We had his final follow up appointment yesterday and he has now finished his antibiotics. He has put on weight and his pox and scabs free! and he was well enough to have his first lot of vaccinations too. We are so happy and proud of our little man. He has grown lots over the last few weeks as well. he sends lots of kitty kisses x
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: LouiseJ on July 11, 2014, 14:24:21 PM: :hug: :hug: :hug:
Fantastic news!
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on July 11, 2014, 15:18:46 PM: What, no Marley piccies to accompany this wonderful news? We need our Marley fix. I ~~demand~~ humbly request, Marley pics.

Pleeeeeze??? :naughty: :naughty: :pic:

Seriously, that is such good news. Please give him lots of slow blinks and kitty kisses back from his Aunties and tell him we're very proud of him too! :Luv:

Gotta say, that I dont doubt his recovery owes an enormous amount to the love and the care you've given Marley since he was lucky enough to find his paws under your table. :hug:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Dawn F on July 11, 2014, 15:22:02 PM: that is good news, its always good to hear a story with a happy ending
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on July 11, 2014, 19:51:24 PM: What a wonderful result ;D ;D
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Lyn (Slugsta) on July 12, 2014, 21:39:48 PM: That is such good news, thanks for letting us know ;D
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Noodle1 on July 13, 2014, 12:54:11 PM: A little something Marley's Dad made for everyone!
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Lyn (Slugsta) on July 13, 2014, 15:33:45 PM: Awwww :thankyou:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on July 13, 2014, 15:55:45 PM: So kind and thank you ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on July 13, 2014, 18:32:55 PM: ;D ;D Isn't that just wonderful? :wow: Thank you Marley (and Marley's Dad too of course)
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Lyn (Slugsta) on July 13, 2014, 21:50:29 PM: Marley's obviously a very clever lad, I don't expect his Daddy did much really :evillaugh:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Noodle1 on July 13, 2014, 22:33:40 PM: haha Marley is a very clever little kitten indeed ;) we couldn't stop laughing at this little photo, Marley's very funny cool dude pose kind of sold itself for something like this!

I will continue to update with any news and piccies on how he is doing. Has been a joy finding purrs :)
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on July 14, 2014, 06:47:32 AM: Thank you - it will be lovely to watch Marley mature into an adult cat. He has bags of character already, and is sure to double your joy as he grows. ;D
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on July 24, 2014, 13:20:02 PM: :shify: Bin a while since we had a Marley update. Ten days, to be precise. Tsk!

:omg: :gpoint: :waiting:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Noodle1 on July 24, 2014, 13:48:40 PM: eeek is it that long?! I am so sorry! was thinking about posting yesterday actually but was so tored! I am a primary school teacher and its been the last week of term so been super busy and hectic! not had a minute! and fell asleeo as soon as back from work yesterday!

Marley is good, getting big and jumping on everything and anything plus we think he's teething he'a chewing wverything bless him I am literally just about to take him to his next set of vaccinations now, though he has haf a bit of a funny tummy yestefay and today so we'll see what vet says!

p.s i am on ky smartphone so apologies for any terrible spellings haha hard to type!

:)
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on July 24, 2014, 13:59:01 PM: :hug: Yuss - a whole 10 days. Wivowt Marley news and Marley pics and Marley updates. Like a desert with tumbleweed.........

And am sorry, but being a primary school teacher is an unfortunate side effect of having to go out and provide for wee Marley babes but nowhere near a good enough excuse for not letting us know how he's getting on (though I empathise with the sleep deprivation bit - I was snoring yesterday evening at 6.40 p.m. to 7.50 p.m. :evillaugh:)

Dont apologise for typos - my "triping" is legendary, and when I have to use a Kindle or my phone it descends into pure farce.

Bigger - he's getting bigger everybuddy! :wow: Hope that his vet visit goes well, and his upset tum settles down too. If he's teething that sometimes gives them a bit of tummy trouble too but it shouldnt last long.

Big Hi to you Marley - make sure your Mum remembers to let you onna pooter, so's we knows how you're getting on and all of that. You just wait until you can pooter on your own, eh? Then you'll be able to post piccies of yourself, and have a Twitter feed and stuff. ;)

:M: :A: :R: :L: :E: :Y:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Noodle1 on July 24, 2014, 15:05:38 PM: Haha he jumps up on computer and over keys already...he's well on his way to using the computer ;) haha. We did think about setting a blog up for him! Well it is summer holidays now, so time for lots of marley pics. I am soooo excited to have every day all day with him now wooohooo. We had a lovely lie in and cuddles this morning :)

Vets was fine, he has to have some special food for his little tum tum and a special paste 3 times a day to try and harden his poo; nothing to worry about she said probably something he has licked or chewed that didn't agree with his little tummy. Poor Marley is a regular at our vets now they love him!

When my boyfriend gets in tonight i'll send a pic over (I am pretty useless with technology and for some reason when I try and send a pic from my phone to here it always says it's too large so my boyfriend re-sizes them for me! haha)

But yeah he is getting bigger. He is climbing on everything and giving me palpitations! I know cats climb and things but he really is my baby and I worry about him falling or hurting himself, I've had cats before and know how agile they are but still doesn't stop me worrying when he is on top of the wardbrobe! Terrified about windows too....we are keeping Marley as an indoor kitty as we live on a very busy estate where cars bom down so quickly! A couple of months back I was setting off to work and found a cat on our road which had been hit by a car and just left on the pavement I was utterly devastated and disgusted; who doesn't stop to get the cat some help or move him/her after all that is a little life and someone's baby! So we just don't want that for Marley, as unfortunately I am not sure we live around like minded people as ourselves who would look out for cats! (sorry big rant and totally off topic)

Hope everybody else's feline friends are good :)
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on July 24, 2014, 15:31:49 PM: Aw bless him - am not surprised your vets love him too, after everything he's been through. Hopefully that should get his tummy sorted out again in no time, and he'll firm up in the poo department. :)

They do give cause for worry and joy in equal measure - I remember when Mac was a kitten and he fell through our banister from the upstairs - luckily, our sofa is directly beneath and it broke his fall, but God my heart turned somersaults. :doh: :doh:

I think it's such a sensible idea to keep him as a house cat. We've lost two of our own cats in the last 2 years to road accidents, and it left us shattered. A neighbour's cat was knocked down and killed last month, and even that left us beeft, as we were the ones who had to break the news to them and return his body home. It's hideous that people do just drive off, but sadly they do. We were fortunate that passers-by stopped and found both of ours, so we were able to bring them home.

I bless those people for the care they showed. So , fully understand the big rant. :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Lyn (Slugsta) on July 24, 2014, 20:22:37 PM: I ran over and killed a cat once :'(. It was utterly horrible! He came out of no-where and obviously his neck was broken. I was walking up and down the road, dead cat in my arms, sobbing fit to bust, knocking on doors to try and find his slaves. In the end, I took him to my vet (for scanning and disposal) and put posters up saying what had happened. Put my phone number on the posters but no-one ever rang...
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on July 24, 2014, 20:53:06 PM: Quote from: Slugsta on July 24, 2014, 20:22:37 PM
I ran over and killed a cat once :'(. It was utterly horrible! He came out of no-where and obviously his neck was broken. I was walking up and down the road, dead cat in my arms, sobbing fit to bust, knocking on doors to try and find his slaves. In the end, I took him to my vet (for scanning and disposal) and put posters up saying what had happened. Put my phone number on the posters but no-one ever rang...

Oh sweetheart, that's so awful. :hug: :hug: I had a similar experience, and broke my heart because I couldnt stop - it wasn't safe to do so - happened on a very busy slip road during the teatime rush hour. It still haunts me.
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Lyn (Slugsta) on July 24, 2014, 21:02:52 PM: Quote from: Sue P (Paddysmum) on July 24, 2014, 20:53:06 PM

It still haunts me.

I can imagine! :hug:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Noodle1 on July 24, 2014, 22:00:11 PM: oh that's awful but you are a good person because you cared and didn't just drive off. There is a difference between accidentally hitting a cat and caring and being responsible then simply just hitting it and driving off and leaving to die or if he is already deadjust leaving his body there and his slaves not knowing where they are.

:)
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on July 25, 2014, 07:01:33 AM: Anyway. :hug: :hug:

Enough of our sorrows, and lets focus on the beautiful Marley Shiloh :Luv2:

What's he been up to overnight? Great idea about a blog. :) I just love reading some of the cat blogs that are out there. Some of them are hilarious, and others just make you feel very smug that we're cat people :evillaugh:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Noodle1 on July 25, 2014, 07:50:13 AM: Well, we had some friends to stay last night and he's been the entertainer showing off. He is so affectionate! He is not enjoying his special poo hardening paste he has to have haha bless him but he managed to make it to the litter tray last night to have a little poo so hopefully his upset tummy is a bit better :shy:

He is currently sleepimg in the washing basket little cutie! Sad his daddy has gone to work.
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on July 25, 2014, 08:08:42 AM: :evillaugh: He's clearly a Greeter cat - "Hiya! Who are you? Pleased ter meet'cha!" ;D

Hopefully, if he's a good lad and takes his paste mixture, he wont have to have it for very long. :)

I scarcely get a second glance from our two when I leave for work. Daddy P is home with them all day, so he's the Man of the Moment in their lives. (He has the happy task of trying to remove the many soldier's buttons from Moray's floofy coat this morning though - heh heh heh!)

This is the stuff I mean:

http://www.thetortoisetable.org.uk/site/plants_19.asp?catID=132

Has little round sticky balls that come off into their coats. :innocent:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on August 17, 2014, 07:12:58 AM: Tsk. Cant believe I'm on here once more begging for an update on Marley. It just isn't good enuff. :innocent: Got any updates or even better - piccies for us please? :naughty:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Lyn (Slugsta) on August 17, 2014, 19:54:15 PM: Quote from: Sue P (Paddysmum) on August 17, 2014, 07:12:58 AM
Tsk. Cant believe I'm on here once more begging for an update on Marley. It just isn't good enuff. :innocent: Got any updates or even better - piccies for us please? :naughty:

Oooh, someone needs their Marley fix :naughty:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on August 17, 2014, 20:07:15 PM: Yes. Me. I do. MARLEY! MARLEY!!!

Sigh. Looks like I gotta waits. :(
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Noodle1 on August 19, 2014, 11:00:37 AM: Hello!!! From marley and mummy.

I am afraid mummy (me!) Needs to apologise, we've sadly had some sad news in our family recently-nothing to do with marley! And it's been a hard few weeks.

To top it off I've had no laptop as I had to give it back to work as it's summer hol then my phone decided to break but woohoo I have a new one! So update:

Marley is doing really really well! His tummy is all sorted now and he has been a brave boy and had all his vaccinations. He is getting bigger (and greedier) every day. He is a cheeky one now, constantly trying to see what we have for dinner and steal things off our plates! He's also developed a habitat of licking the kitchen floor as soon as anything drops! And I swear we feed him regularly! 😉😄

He's really come into his kitty personality. So loving and so playful...im loving the summer hols with him. He follows me around and we have lovely cuddles.

The only thing is since his bad tummy he has stopped using his litter tray :( he really just won't use it and is pooping and weeing anywhere he was so good before it! So in the process of re-training him now. Any tips?!

Hope you're all okay and can find it in your hearts to forgive me for my terrible lack if contact! Pics to follow!
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Dawn F on August 19, 2014, 11:01:34 AM: he could be associating the pain of the bad tummy with the tray, might be worth changing litter?
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Noodle1 on August 19, 2014, 11:16:31 AM: Marley sleepy time with daddy (so funny) and one to show you how big and grown up he is getting! Not to mention handsome! Enjoy!
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Noodle1 on August 19, 2014, 11:19:50 AM: Thanks dawn f :) we gave tried this but still no luck. It's not that he is pooping and peeing in the same spot in the house each time either it's different places. Anyone with any tips on litter training/re-introducing litter training would be fab!
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on August 19, 2014, 12:10:17 PM: ;D :wow: :wow: Marley pics!! Marley pics!!!! Thanks yooooou :yesss:

Oh he is growing into just the most gorgeous young man. Cant do that on a diet of lettuce and cucumber, now, can you? ;)

Hmmmm. Litter tray issues. His weeing and pooing isn't confined the beside or near the litter tray, which might have suggested he knew where to go but didnt like the litter or the box. Am wondering - where else is it he's toiletting? Can you list the places, and say whether or not it's near a door or a window, or close to outside access?

Am wondering if he's picked up on a neighbourhood cat outside, and is worried about it, or if there's something inside the house which may have made him mark his territory - changes to furniture or the position of items in a room?

Does he just have the one tray? A possible solution may be to give him extra trays, possibly two upstairs and two downstairs (clearly not if you live in a flat or in a bungalow - I misremember!)

Have to say again what a handsome boy Marley is. Such a stunner.
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Noodle1 on August 19, 2014, 13:48:59 PM: Aww yeah :thanks: he is so handsome. The vet said she can't believe he is a rescue cat because he looks 'pedigree' to which I made sure I quickly corrected her that all rescue cats are just as beautiful as pedegree cats! I think we'd all agree :) I am going to be heartbroken when I go back to work and I am not with him all the time, he is literally our baby! We love it when he has those mad moments of an evening and is just bouncing around and going mad! He is still so babyish thigh, he tumbles around and does forward rolls and often over estimates how far or high he can jump haha bless him and tumbles off things! :rofl:

Erm occasionally it is right near the little tray and other times it's ranon places around the house such as behind the TV, in the two corners of the living room below the window and often in the corner of our front door. Our front door has frosted glass so you can only see out of it slightly.
I am thinking about what you have said and you could well be right as marley tends to sit in the window which faces out to our front garden so he may well have seen a neighbourhood cat, there are quite a few near us particularly a lovely ginger one who often lies in our garden! Could have got marley a little unsettled about his territory? And the other thing is we have just re-arranged our living room as we got some new bits for it (we only moved into our new house in march)

Thanks for your suggestions!
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Lyn (Slugsta) on August 19, 2014, 14:00:13 PM: Marley is growing into such a handsome young man, he is adorable! :Luv2: I'm so sorry that you have had family problems, I hope that things are as sorted as they can be. No ideas about the toileting, I'm afraid :(
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on August 19, 2014, 14:07:05 PM: From the sounds of it, could well be a cat outside that's set this off.

You need to make sure he cant gain access to behind the TV first of all. Somehow it's going to need to be blocked off for the time being. I'd try putting a litter tray close to the door, under the window etc. You could try putting a scratching post/climbing frame near the window - one where he can get quite high up to look out and down over "his" space.

If that doesnt work, try putting the furniture back t how it was previously and see if that makes any difference. Let us know how you get on.
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on August 19, 2014, 14:46:24 PM: He is gorgeous ;D

You also need to make sure that you have removed the smell of where he has been, so much easier said than done!

You do know which products to use and not use dont you?
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Noodle1 on August 19, 2014, 14:58:49 PM: I know not to use products with ammonia in. I am cautious if what to use as I don't want anything that would harm marley as he tends to kick anything and everything. We're also both vegans so we only use eco friendly products however these don't seem very effective and he does go back to the same place. I think I've made the mistake of using hot water and rubbing though eeek. I use a vinegar/water solution for other stains do u think this would work?? And thank you slugsta that's very kind :hug: :thanks:
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on August 19, 2014, 15:41:19 PM: You need an enzymatic type of cleaner - Zooplus or Pets at Home are good places to try - something like "Simple Solution."
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on August 19, 2014, 16:10:55 PM: No that will not work just spread the smell.

You so right about not using products wil ammonia.

I always for get whicj but think you need to use a non-biological washing powder/product I hope someone will correct me if this is wrong.

There is also a product from pets at home than you can spray on after washing
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Noodle1 on August 21, 2014, 22:24:08 PM: Thought you would all appreciate this just to really show Marley progress and anyone who may ever be in a similar position. This Marley when he was just out of the vets after nearly a week on a drip and after we were told there was a chance he may not pull through. The picture on the right is Marley now. You can he see how healthy and bright he looks now.
Title: Re: My Kitten has cowpox :( Any help or advice?!
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on August 22, 2014, 06:55:15 AM: ;D ;D Marley Pics! Marley Pics!! :wow: Oooo thanks Noodle1 - what a lovely start to the day - not only because we can see our beautiful Marley Moo, but also to remember how very poorly he was, and how well he's recovered. :Luv: :hug: :hug: