Fainting in Cats

Fainting in a cat is given a clinical term known as syncope. This is a condition where a cat temporarily loses consciousness, and the cat spontaneously recovers from the unconsciousness. This condition results when oxygenated blood fails to reach the brain, nerves, and joints, thus hindering important metabolic activities. People who may not be familiar with this condition may think that the cat has died. When the cat regains consciousness, it often gets up quickly.

Causes of Fainting in Cats

Cats faint due to various reasons. None of these reasons is environmental. Most of the reasons are as a result of the cat's physical health. Some of the causes of fainting in cats are:

1. Lung dysfunction. A virus infection such as pneumonia and fluid build up in the lungs, may make these lungs not to function properly. This results in poor oxygen circulation in the body. When the supply of oxygen is minimal, the brain, joints, and nerves, do not get enough oxygen for their metabolic processes. They, therefore, fail in their processes thus causing the fainting.

2. Cardiovascular disease. Diseases related to the heart such as cardio arrhythmia and cardiomyopathy lowers the ability of the heart to pump oxygenated blood to the parts of the body. When this blood fails to reach the brain, then the cat faints.

3. Poisoning. Poisoning results when the cat ingests a chemical such as a pesticide or an insecticide. The chemical becomes toxic in the body of the cat, failing internal organs such as the heart. This causes the cat to faint.

4. Hypoglycemia. Conditions such as diabetes or poor diet lead to hypoglycemia which is a condition of the body having low blood sugar levels. This lead to the dysfunction of important parts in the body such as the kidneys, therefore, affecting the purity of the flowing blood. In cases of impure blood flow, clumsiness or fainting may occur.

Symptoms of Fainting in Cats

Fainting in cats is normally detected by its physical behaviour. Reflex responses in the cats become slow, and even body movements are not perfectly done. Some of the symptoms of fainting in cats are:

• Refusal of the cat to move.
• Sudden sitting or lying down by the cat.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Cat's hind legs become stiff or weak.
• The cat experiences unforeseen falls.
• There is unresponsiveness to voice touch on the cat.

Diagnosis of Fainting in Cats

Diagnosis of fainting in a cat is made, following the steps outlined below.

1. The doctor goes through the history of the cat.
2. Afterwards, the doctor does a physical examination of the cat.
3. A series of blood tests are done after the physical examination.
4. X-ray is also done to cats whose conditions are worse, and the cats do not show any signs of recovery.

After all these tests have been made, the doctor compiles his or her report. It's through this report, that medication will be administered to the cat.

Treatment of Fainting in Cats

The following are some of the treatment given to a fainting cat.

1. Medication using drugs.
2. Inducing the cat to vomit.
3. Administering antibiotics to the cat.
4. Giving relevant steroids to the cat.
5. Performing surgeries that may be of help.
6. Changing the lifestyle of the cat.

Conclusion

Fainting in cats should be keenly studied because it can be mistaken for other unhealthy conditions. Consultations should be made from a veterinary officer to get more information concerning fainting in cats.