Summarize the following:
If your cat is showing symptoms that indicate a sore throat, you should take them to the vet. Sore throats may be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as cat flu, an upper respiratory infection, or laryngitis.  Your vet needs to do an exam to determine the cause of the sore throat and figure out an appropriate treatment based on that diagnosis. Your cat’s vet may also perform an endoscopic exam and/or culture of the fluid in the back of the throat. Since hard food can irritate a cat’s sore throat, feeding them soft food can encourage them to eat. Use meat-based baby foods, like chicken or turkey. Your cat may be willing to eat if it is soft so it doesn’t hurt when they swallow.  You can also try chopped up sardines or roast chicken. You may also ask your vet about an invalid diet. Mild pain meds can help your cat’s sore throat and allow them to swallow. Talk to your vet about what pain medications will be appropriate for your cat. Your cat’s throat may be sore because it is inflamed or infected. If your vet determines this is the underlying cause, they will prescribe medication to treat the underlying condition.  If the cat has an infection that affects the throat, the vet will prescribe antibiotics. If the sore throat is caused by inflammation from an allergic reaction, the vet will prescribe steroids.

summary: Take your cat to the vet. Give your cat soft food. Ask the vet for pain medication. Give your cat prescription medication.


Summarize the following:
A nursing queen (female cat) gives off pheromones (chemical messengers) which makes her kittens feel safe and content. A synthetic version of these pheromones has been manufactured and sold as Feliway.  Use the spray Feliway by spritzing bedding, or entrance and exit points so as to amplify ownership by the resident cat. Alternatively, buy a Feliway diffuser. The diffuser plugs into an electrical socket and gives off a low level of the pheromone into the air (it is not detectable by humans!). Ideally, plug the diffuser into an electrical socket in the room your stressed cat spends the most time. The effect builds up gradually, so don't expect immediate results, but after a couple of weeks the cat should feel safer and more reassured. (Each diffuser lasts for approximately four weeks and refills are available.) Zylkene is a nutraceutical, which is a food supplement that has a pharmaceutical-like action on the body. Because nutraceuticals are not drugs, they are much safer and rarely have side effects. The active ingredient in Zylkene is derived from milk protein and it acts on the same part of the brain as diazepam. This calms the cat and removes some of her anxiety. Zylkene is available without prescription and comes in 75 mg capsules. The dose for a cat is a 75 mg capsule once a day, given with or after food. It can take a couple of days to take effect, but if there is no noticeable difference after seven days, it is unlikely to help your cat. If your cat is so stressed that she is becoming ill, then your vet might prescribe a medication to help her over this rough patch. Different pharmaceuticals are available; the most commonly used are diazepam, amitriptyline, and fluoxetine. None of these drugs are licensed for use in the cat because the manufacturer has not paid to put them through efficacy trials. However, there are considerable banks of data about their safe use in cats, which your veterinarian will discuss with you if she considers this the best course of treatment.

summary: Consider using feline pheromones to help your cat feel happy. Try giving your cat Zylkene. Talk to your vet about medicine that can help manage stress.


Summarize the following:
If you or your friends spot the cat, be careful. Your animal might be afraid or wounded. Call your friends for backup and try to talk to the cat. Look for potential escape routes and try to anticipate its movements. Approach slowly and, if possible, offer food. Let the cat sniff your hand and give it time to trust you. Gently take the animal in your arms.  If your cat is visibly wounded, try to be extremely careful. You don't want to aggravate the situation or cause unnecessary pain. Make sure you take the right cat! It's not always easy to distinguish similar animals. Look for distinctive marks and try to see if he recognises you. If your cat was away for a long time, you don't want to traumatize it further. Let your animal rest for a few days and offer plenty of food. Talk to your animal and show your love.  Don't let your cat out too soon after its disappearance. It needs to find its marks and get used to the environment. If you decide to let your cat go out again, go with it. Let your pet explore a small area at first. Increase the zone in which it is allowed each day. If you cat was out for a few days, it might be worth bringing your animal to an animal clinic. Injuries, such as a rib fracture, are not always easy to spot. Your cat might also have caught a skin disease or fleas.   If there is a visible wound when you recover your cat, don't delay the visit. An infection might spread quickly. Don't forget to take its medical history with you. It might matter in a treatment.
summary: Approach your cat gently. Make your cat comfortable. Bring your cat to the veterinary physician.