honeypot link
skip to main content
  • follow us on fb
  • follow us on Instagram
  • follow us on Youtube
  • follow us on X
Merck Vet Manual LogoMERCK MANUALVeterinary Manual
VETERINARY PROFESSIONALSPET OWNERSRESOURCESQUIZZESABOUT
homeVETERINARY PROFESSIONALSPET OWNERS
Search icon
  1. <Pet Owners Overview
    Cat Owners
    Introduction to Cats
    • Introduction to Cats
      • What Types of Cats Are There?
      • How Long Does a Cat Live?
    • Physical Description of Cats
      • Do Cats Sense Things Like People Do?
        • Vision
        • Hearing
        • Smell
      • What Do Cats Use Their Claws For?
      • Why Do Cats Have Fur and Whiskers?
      • What's Unique About a Cat's Teeth and Tongue?
    Selecting and Providing a Home for a Cat
    • Selecting a Cat
      • Is a Cat the Right Pet for Me?
      • What Cat Breeds Are There?
      • Should I Get a Male or Female Cat?
      • Should I Get a Kitten?
      • Where Should I Get a Cat?
      • How Do I Judge the Physical and Behavioral Health of a Cat?
    • Providing a Home for a Cat
      • Should I Let My Cat Go Outside?
      • Will My Cat Need Exercise?
      • How Can I Make My Home Safe for a Cat?
    • Proper Nutrition for Cats
      • What Are The Nutritional Standards for Cats?
      • What Should I Feed My Cat?
      • How Should I Feed My Kitten?
      • How Often Should I Feed My Cat?
      • Where Should I Put My Cat's Food?
      • Does My Cat Need a Water Bowl?
    • Providing a Litter Box for a Cat
    Caring for Cats
    • Routine Health Care of Cats
      • How Often Should I Take My Cat to the Vet?
      • What Shots Does My Cat Need?
      • Does My Cat Need Its Teeth Brushed?
      • How Do I Know If My Cat Is Sick?
    • Giving Medicine to a Cat
    • Parasites in Cats
    • Kitten Care
      • Will My Kitten Need to See a Vet?
      • What Do I Feed My Kitten?
      • Does My Kitten Need Toys or People to Play With?
    Behavior of Cats
    • Introduction to Behavior of Cats
      • For More Information
    • Diagnosing Behavior Problems in Cats
      • Defining the Problem
      • For More Information
    • Treatment of Behavior Problems in Cats
      • Behavior Modification Techniques
      • Use of Medication to Treat Behavior Problems
      • For More Information
    • Normal Social Behavior in Cats
      • For More Information
    • Behavior Problems in Cats
      • Behavior Problems Associated with Aggression
        • Treatment
      • Behavior Problems Associated with Elimination
        • Treatment
      • Other Feline Behavior Problems
      • For More Information
    Blood Disorders of Cats
    • Introduction to Blood Disorders of Cats
    • Red Blood Cells of Cats
    • White Blood Cells of Cats
      • What Do Phagocytes Do?
      • What Do Lymphocytes Do?
    • Platelets of Cats
    • Blood Groups and Blood Transfusions in Cats
      • How Is Blood Typing Done?
      • How Are Blood Transfusions Done?
    • Anemia in Cats
      • What Are the Symptoms of Anemia?
      • How Is Anemia Diagnosed?
      • Regenerative Anemias
        • Anemia From Toxins, Infections, or Genetic Diseases
        • Anemia From Neonatal Isoerythrolysis or Hypophosphatemia
      • Nonregenerative Anemias
        • Anemia From Bone Marrow Diseases
        • Aplastic Anemia
        • Anemia From Pure Red Cell Aplasia
        • Anemia From Primary Leukemias
        • Anemia From Myelodysplasia
        • Anemia From Myelofibrosis
    • Erythrocytosis (Polycythemia) in Cats
    • Diseases Caused by Blood Parasites in Cats
      • Cytauxzoonosis
      • Hemotropic Mycoplasmosis
      • Hepatozoonosis
      • African Tsetse-Transmitted Trypanosomiasis
    • Babesiosis in Cats
      • What Is Babesiosis?
      • How Common Is Babesiosis in Cats?
      • What Are the Symptoms of Babesiosis?
      • How Is Babesiosis Treated?
      • How Is Babesiosis Prevented?
      • Can Babesiosis Affect People?
    • Surra in Cats
    • Chagas Disease in Cats
    • Bleeding and Clotting Disorders in Cats
      • Clotting-Protein Disorders
      • Platelet Disorders
      • Blood Vessel Disorders
    • White Blood Cell Disorders, Leukemia, and Lymphoma of Cats
    Bone, Joint, and Muscle Disorders of Cats
    • Introduction to Bone, Joint, and Muscle Disorders in Cats
    • Components of the Musculoskeletal System in Cats
    • Lameness in Cats
    • Congenital and Inherited Disorders of Bones, Joints, and Muscles in Cats
      • Dystrophy-like Myopathies
      • Glycogen Storage Disease (Glycogenosis)
      • Osteogenesis Imperfecta
      • Other Congenital and Inherited Musculoskeletal Disorders of Cats
      • For More Information
    • Disorders Associated with Calcium, Phosphorus, and Vitamin D in Cats
      • Rickets
      • Adult Rickets (Osteomalacia)
      • Rubber Jaw Syndrome (Fibrous Osteodystrophy)
        • Primary Hyperparathyroidism
        • Hyperparathyroidism due to Kidney Disease (Renal Secondary Hyperparathyroidism)
      • For More Information
    • Joint Disorders in Cats
      • Displacement of the Kneecap (Patellar Luxation)
      • Hip Dysplasia
      • Osteoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease, Degenerative Arthritis)
      • Septic Arthritis
      • Immune-mediated Arthritis
      • Cancerous Arthritis
      • Joint Trauma
        • Cranial Cruciate Ligament Tear
        • Joint Fractures
        • Palmar Carpal Ligament Breakdown
        • Dislocation of the Hip
      • For More Information
    • Muscle Disorders in Cats
      • Yellow Fat Disease (Steatitis)
      • Hypokalemic Polymyopathy
      • Malignant Hyperthermia
      • Muscle Tumors
      • For More Information
    • Bone Disorders in Cats
      • Developmental Bone Disorders
        • Osteochondromatosis (Multiple Exostoses)
        • Scottish Fold Osteodystrophy
      • Osteomyelitis
      • Nutritional Osteopathies
      • Bone Tumors
      • Bone Fractures
      • For More Information
    • Sarcocystosis in Cats
    • Overview of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Diseases in Cats
    Brain, Spinal Cord, and Nerve Disorders of Cats
    • The Nervous System in Cats
    • Parts of the Nervous System in Cats
      • Neurons
        • Types of Neurons
    • Nervous System Disorders and Effects of Injuries in Cats
      • Mechanisms of Disease
      • Tumors of the Nervous System
    • The Neurologic Evaluation in Cats
      • The Neurologic Examination
        • Evaluation of Mentation
        • Evaluation of the Cranial Nerves
        • Evaluation of Gait (Walking)
        • Evaluation of the Neck and Front Legs
        • Evaluation of the Torso, Hind Limbs, Anus, and Tail
      • Laboratory Tests and Imaging
        • For More Information
    • Principles of Therapy of the Nervous System in Cats
      • Nursing Care
        • For More Information
    • Congenital and Inherited Disorders of the Nervous System in Cats
      • Forebrain Disorders
      • Cerebellar Disorders
      • Brainstem Disorders
      • Spinal Cord Disorders
      • Peripheral Nerve and Muscle Disorders
      • Multifocal Disorders
      • Miscellaneous Disorders
        • For More Information
    • Disorders of the Spinal Column and Cord in Cats
      • Degenerative Diseases
      • Inflammatory and Infectious Diseases
        • Bacterial Diseases
        • Viral Diseases
        • Fungal Diseases
        • Protozoal Diseases
        • Parasitic Diseases
        • Inflammatory Diseases of Unknown Cause
      • Tumors
      • Nutritional Disorders
      • Injury and Trauma
      • Poisoning and Toxic Disorders
      • Blood Vessel (Vascular) Disorders
      • For More Information
    • Dysautonomia in Cats
    • Facial Paralysis in Cats
      • For More Information
    • Central Nervous System Disorders Caused by Parasites in Cats
      • Flukes
      • Roundworms
      • Disease from Insects
      • Tick Paralysis
        • For More Information
    • Leg Paralysis in Cats
      • For More Information
    • Meningitis and Encephalitis in Cats
    • Motion Sickness in Cats
    • Rabies in Cats
      • Signs and Diagnosis
      • Control of Rabies
      • Management of Suspected Rabies Cases
      • Risk of Passing Rabies to People
        • For More Information
    • Disorders of the Peripheral Nerves in Cats
      • Degenerative Disorders
      • Inflammatory Disorders
      • Metabolic Disorders
      • Tumors
      • Toxic Disorders
      • Injury and Trauma
      • Blood Vessel (Vascular) Diseases
        • For More Information
    Digestive Disorders of Cats
    • Introduction to Digestive Disorders of Cats
      • General Signs of Digestive System Disorders
      • Examination of the Digestive System
      • Infectious Diseases
      • Noninfectious Diseases
      • Treatment Overview of Digestive System Disorders
        • Treatment and Control of Infectious Disease
      • For More Information
    • Congenital and Inherited Disorders of the Digestive System in Cats
      • Mouth
      • Teeth
      • Esophagus
      • Hernias
      • Stomach
      • Small and Large Intestine
      • Liver
      • For More Information
    • Dental Development of Cats
    • Dental Disorders of Cats
      • Gum Disease
        • Gingivitis
        • Periodontitis
        • Prevention
      • Endodontic Disease
      • Feline Gingivitis/Stomatitis Syndrome
      • Tooth Resorption (Cervical Line Lesions or Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions)
      • Developmental Abnormalities
        • Improper Bite
        • Enamel Defects
      • Trauma to the Face and Jaw
      • For More Information
    • Disorders of the Mouth in Cats
      • Inflammatory and Ulcerative Diseases of the Mouth
        • Feline Stomatitis
        • Fungal Stomatitis
        • Inflammation of the Tongue
      • Soft Tissue Trauma
        • Cheek Biting
        • Mouth Burns
      • Oral Tumors
        • Benign Tumors
        • Malignant Tumors
      • Salivary Disorders
        • Excessive Salivation (Ptyalism)
        • Salivary Mucocele
        • Salivary Gland Tumors
        • Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
      • For More Information
    • Disorders of the Pharynx in Cats
    • Disorders of the Esophagus in Cats
      • Inflammation of the Esophagus (Esophagitis)
      • Esophageal Dysmotility
      • Foreign Objects in the Esophagus
      • Esophageal Strictures
      • Esophageal Diverticula
      • For More Information
    • Vomiting in Cats
      • Short-term or Occasional Vomiting
      • Longterm or Severe Vomiting
    • Disorders of the Stomach and Intestines in Cats
      • Inflammation of the Large Intestine (Colitis)
      • Constipation
      • Feline Enteric Coronavirus
      • Inflammation of the Stomach (Gastritis)
      • Cancers of the Digestive System
      • Gastrointestinal Obstruction
      • Gastrointestinal Ulcers
      • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
      • Malabsorption
      • For More Information
    • Disorders Caused by Bacteria of the Digestive System in Cats
      • Campylobacter Infection
      • Helicobacter Infection
      • Salmonella Infection
      • Tyzzer Disease
    • Gastrointestinal Parasites of Cats
      • Roundworms
      • Hookworms
      • Tapeworms
      • Flukes
      • For More Information
    • Disorders Caused by Protozoa of the Digestive System in Cats
      • Amebiasis
      • Coccidiosis
      • Giardiasis
    • Disorders of the Pancreas in Cats
      • Inflammation of the Pancreas (Pancreatitis)
      • Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
      • Pancreatic Cancers
      • Pancreatic Abscesses
      • Pancreatic Pseudocyst
      • For More Information
    • Disorders of the Liver and Gallbladder in Cats
      • Treatment of Liver Disorders
      • Complications of Liver Disease
      • Acute Liver Failure
      • Hepatic Lipidosis
      • Inflammatory Liver Disease
        • Feline Cholangitis/CholangiohepatitisSyndrome
        • Lymphocytic Portal Hepatitis
      • Poisons Affecting the Liver
      • Portosystemic Shunts
      • Infectious Diseases of the Liver
      • Endocrine Diseases Affecting the Liver
      • Hepatocutaneous Syndrome
      • Liver Cysts
      • Cancers of the Liver
      • Hepatic Amyloidosis
      • Diseases of the Gallbladder and Bile Duct
        • Obstruction of the Bile Duct
        • Inflammation of the Gallbladder (Cholecystitis)
        • Gallstones
        • Liver Flukes
        • Rupture of the Gallbladder or Bile Duct
      • For More Information
    • Disorders of the Rectum and Anus in Cats
      • Anal Sac Disease
      • Rectal and Anorectal Narrowing (Strictures)
      • Rectal Tumors
      • Rectal Polyps
      • Rectal Prolapse
      • Rectal Tears
      • For More Information
    Ear Disorders of Cats
    • Ear Structure and Function in Cats
      • Physical Examination of the Ear
    • Deafness in Cats
    • Disorders of the Outer Ear in Cats
      • Ear Hematomas in Cats
      • Insect Bite Dermatitis (Skin Inflammation)
      • Mange in Cats
      • Proliferative and Necrotizing Otitis Externa
      • Solar (Sun-Related) Dermatitis
    • Otitis Externa (External Ear Infection) in Cats
      • Diagnosis
      • Treatment
      • Preventive Care
    • Otitis Media and Interna in Cats (Middle and Inner Ear Infections)
      • Diagnosis
      • Treatment
    • Tumors of the Ear Canal in Cats
      • Inflammatory Polyps
      • Earwax Gland Tumors
    Eye Disorders of Cats
    • Eye Structure and Function in Cats
      • Physical Examination of the Eye
      • For More Information
    • Disorders of the Eyelids in Cats
      • Abnormalities in the Shape, Outline, or Form of the Eye
      • Inflammation of the Eyelids (Blepharitis)
      • For More Information
    • Disorders of the Nasal Cavity and Tear Ducts in Cats
      • Blockage of the Nasal Duct (Epiphora)
      • Inflammation of the Tear Sac (Dacryocystitis)
      • Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca)
    • Disorders of the Conjunctiva in Cats
      • Ruptured Blood Vessels (Subconjunctival Hemorrhage)
      • Swelling of Conjunctival Tissue (Chemosis)
      • Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
      • For More Information
    • Disorders of the Cornea in Cats
      • Inflammation of the Cornea (Keratitis)
        • Corneal Sequestration (Corneal Black Spot)
      • Corneal Deterioration
      • For More Information
    • Disorders of the Anterior Uvea in Cats
      • Persistent Membranes Across the Pupil
      • Atrophy of the Iris
      • Cysts of the Iris
      • Inflammation of the Anterior Uvea
      • Hyphema (Bleeding Within the Eyeball)
      • For More Information
    • Glaucoma in Cats
    • Disorders of the Lens in Cats
      • Cataracts
      • Lens Displacement
      • For More Information
    • Disorders of the Retina, Choroid, and Optic Disk (Ocular Fundus) in Cats
      • Inherited Diseases of the Retina
        • Abnormal Development of the Retina (Retinal Dysplasia)
        • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
      • Inflammation of the Retina and Choroid (Chorioretinitis)
      • Retinal Detachments
      • For More Information
    • Disorders of the Optic Nerve in Cats
      • Optic Neuritis
      • Optic Nerve Hypoplasia
      • Optic Atrophy
      • For More Information
    • Prolapse of the Eye in Cats
    • Chlamydial Conjunctivitis in Cats (Feline Pneumonitis)
    • Eyeworm Disease (Thelaziasis) in Cats
    • Cancers and Tumors of the Eye in Cats
      • Tumors of the Eyelid and Conjunctiva
      • Melanoma of the Iris
      • Post-traumatic Sarcoma
      • Feline Lymphosarcoma-Leukemia Complex
      • For More Information
    • Eye Disorders Resulting from Generalized Diseases in Cats
      • Feline Herpesvirus-1 (Feline Rhinotracheitis) in Cats
        • Diagnosis
        • Treatment
        • Prevention
    Heart and Blood Vessel Disorders of Cats
    • Introduction to Heart and Blood Vessel Disorders in Cats
      • Heart Rate
      • Heart Sounds and Murmurs
      • Arrhythmias
      • Pulse
      • For More Information
    • Heart Disease and Heart Failure in Cats
      • Abnormalities of the Cardiovascular System
      • For More Information
    • Diagnosis of Cardiovascular Disease in Cats
    • Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease in Cats
      • Common Types of Drugs for Cardiovascular Disease
      • For More Information
    • Congenital and Inherited Disorders of the Cardiovascular System of Cats
      • Detecting Congenital Heart Defects
      • General Treatment and Outlook
      • Innocent Murmurs
      • Common Congenital Heart Abnormalities
        • Patent Ductus Arteriosus
        • Aortic Stenosis
        • Pulmonic Stenosis
        • Atrial and Ventricular Septal Defects
        • Tetralogy of Fallot
        • Mitral and Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
        • Endocardial Fibroelastosis
        • Hernias Between the Abdomen and the Membrane Surrounding the Heart (Pericardium)
        • Cor Triatriatum Sinister
      • For More Information
    • Heart Failure in Cats
      • Types of Heart Failure
      • Compensatory Mechanisms
      • Signs of Heart Failure
      • Treatment
      • For More Information
    • Acquired Heart and Blood Vessel Disorders in Cats
      • Degenerative Valve Disease
      • Disorders of the Heart Muscle (Cardiomyopathy)
        • Dilated Cardiomyopathy
        • Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
        • Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
        • Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy
        • Unclassified Cardiomyopathy
      • Other Causes of Heart Muscle Failure
      • Infective Endocarditis
      • Pericardial Disease
      • High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
      • For More Information
    • Heartworm Disease in Cats
      • Signs and Diagnosis
      • Treatment
      • Prevention
      • For More Information
    • Blood Clots and Aneurysms in Cats
      • Signs and Diagnosis
      • Treatment
      • For More Information
    Hormonal Disorders of Cats
    • Introduction to Hormonal Disorders of Cats
      • Development of Endocrine System Disease
      • Treatment of Endocrine System Disease
      • For More Information
    • Disorders of the Adrenal Glands in Cats
      • Addison Disease
    • Disorders of the Pancreas in Cats
      • Diabetes Mellitus
      • Functional Islet Cell Tumors (Insulinomas)
      • For More Information
    • Disorders of the Parathyroid Glands and of Calcium Metabolism in Cats
      • Calcium-regulating Hormones
      • Hypocalcemia
      • Hypercalcemia
      • For More Information
    • Disorders of the Pituitary Gland in Cats
      • Cushing Disease
      • Adult-onset Panhypopituitarism
      • Diabetes Insipidus
      • Feline Acromegaly
        • For More Information
    • Disorders of the Thyroid Gland in Cats
      • Hypothyroidism
      • Hyperthyroidism
      • For More Information
    • Neuroendocrine Tissue Tumors in Cats
      • For More Information
    Immune Disorders of Cats
    • The Immune System of Cats
    • Disorders Involving Anaphylactic Reactions (Type I Reactions, Atopy) in Cats
      • Anaphylactic Shock
      • Hives and Swelling
      • Allergic Rhinitis (Nasal Allergies)
      • Allergic Bronchiolitis
      • Allergic Asthma
      • Eosinophilic Bronchopneumopathy (formerly known as PIE Syndrome [Pulmonary Infiltration with Eosinophilia])
      • Food Allergies
      • Skin Allergies (Atopy or Atopic Dermatitis)
        • For More Information
    • Disorders Involving Cytotoxic Antibodies (Type II Reactions) in Cats
      • Immune-mediated Hemolytic Anemia
      • Immune-mediated Thrombocytopenia
      • Pemphigus
      • Myasthenia Gravis
        • For More Information
    • Disorders Involving Immune Complexes (Type III Reactions) in Cats
      • Glomerulonephritis
      • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus)
      • Anterior Uveitis
        • For More Information
    • Disorders Involving Cell-mediated Immunity (Type IV Reactions) in Cats
      • Granulomatous Reactions
        • For More Information
    • Immune-deficiency Diseases in Cats
      • Deficiencies in Phagocytosis
      • Selective Immunodeficiencies
      • Immunodeficiencies Caused by Viruses
        • For More Information
    • Immune System Tumors in Cats
      • For More Information
    • Gammopathies in Cats
    • Immune System Responses in Cats
      • Physical Barriers
      • Nonspecific Immunity
      • Specific Immunity
      • Mounting an Immune Response
      • Types of Immune System Disorders
        • Excessive Nonspecific (Innate) Responses
        • Excessive Specific (Adaptive) Responses
      • For More Information
    Kidney and Urinary Tract Disorders of Cats
    • The Urinary System of Cats
    • Detecting Disorders of the Kidneys and Urinary Tract of Cats
    • Congenital and Inherited Disorders of the Urinary System of Cats
      • Disorders of the Kidneys
        • Kidney Malformations
        • Failure to Develop
        • Polycystic Kidneys
        • Simple Kidney Cysts
        • Perirenal Pseudocysts
        • Other Kidney Disorders
      • Disorders of the Ureters
        • Ectopic Ureter
        • Other Disorders of the Ureter
      • Disorders of the Bladder
        • Urachal Remnants
        • Other Disorders of the Bladder
      • Disorders of the Urethra
    • Infectious Diseases of the Urinary System of Cats
      • Bladder Infection
      • Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis)
      • Interstitial Nephritis
      • Capillaria Infection
        • For More Information
    • Noninfectious Diseases of the Urinary System of Cats
      • Kidney Dysfunction
        • Chronic Kidney Disease and Kidney Failure
        • Acute Kidney Injury (Acute Kidney Failure)
      • Glomerular Disease
      • Sterile Cystitis (Feline Interstitial Cystitis, Feline Idiopathic Cystitis)
      • Renal Tubular Problems
      • Obstructions of the Urinary Tract
      • Tumors
        • Kidney Tumors
        • Lower Urinary Tract Tumors
      • Problems with Urination
        • Problems with Urine Storage
        • Problems with Urine Elimination
        • Neurologic Problems
        • Diagnosis and Treatment of Urination Problems
        • For More Information
    • Urinary Stones (Uroliths, Calculi) in Cats
      • Urethral Obstruction
        • For More Information
    Lung and Airway Disorders of Cats
    • Introduction to Lung and Airway Disorders of Cats
      • Causes of Lung and Airway Disorders
      • Diagnosing Lung and Airway Disorders
      • Control of Respiratory Conditions
      • General Treatment of Lung and Airway Disorders
      • For More Information
    • Disorders of the Chest Cavity of Cats
    • Allergic Pneumonitis in Cats
    • Bronchitis in Cats
    • Cancers and Tumors of the Lung and Airway in Cats
      • Tumors of the Nose and Sinuses
      • Tumors of the Larynx and Trachea
      • Primary Lung Tumors
      • Metastatic Lung Tumors
      • For More Information
    • Diaphragmatic Hernia in Cats
    • Emphysema in Cats
    • Feline Respiratory Disease Complex (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Feline Calicivirus)
      • Treatment and Prevention
        • For More Information
    • Laryngeal Disorders in Cats
      • Paralysis of the Larynx in Cats
        • For More Information
    • Lung Flukes in Cats
    • Lungworm Infection in Cats
    • Nasopharyngeal Polyps in Cats
    • Pharyngitis in Cats
    • Pneumonia in Cats
      • Aspiration Pneumonia
      • Chlamydial Pneumonia (Feline Chlamydiosis, Pneumonitis)
      • Fungal Pneumonia
        • For More Information
    • Pulmonary Edema in Cats
    • Rhinitis and Sinusitis in Cats
    • Tonsillitis in Cats
    • Tracheobronchitis (Bronchitis, Bronchial Asthma) in Cats
    • Pulmonary Thromboembolism in Cats
    Metabolic Disorders of Cats
    • Introduction to Metabolic Disorders of Cats
      • Metabolic Storage Disorders
      • Metabolic Disorders Caused by Changes in Nutritional Needs
        • For More Information
    • Congenital Erythropoietic Porphyria in Cats
    • Disorders of Calcium Metabolism in Cats
      • Puerperal Hypocalcemia
      • Hypocalcemia in Critically Ill or Injured Cats
    • Disorders of Magnesium Metabolism in Cats
    • Fever of Unknown Origin in Cats
      • Body Temperature Regulation
      • Diagnosis of Fever of Unknown Origin in Cats
      • Treatment of Fever of Unknown Origin in Cats
        • For More Information
    • Malignant Hyperthermia in Cats
    • Disorders of Potassium Metabolism in Cats
    Reproductive Disorders of Cats
    • Introduction to Reproductive Disorders of Cats
    • The Gonads and Genital Tract of Cats
      • The Ovaries
      • The Testes
      • The Female Genital Tract
      • The Male Genital Tract
        • For More Information
    • Management of Reproduction of Cats
      • Pregnancy and Delivery
      • Problems Associated with Delivery
        • For More Information
    • Infertility in Cats
    • Reproductive Disorders of Male Cats
      • Cryptorchidism
      • Inflammation of the Testes and Epididymis
      • Paraphimosis
      • Priapism
      • Phimosis
      • Disorders of the Prostate
        • For More Information
    • Reproductive Disorders of Female Cats
      • Abnormal or Difficult Birth (Dystocia)
      • False Pregnancy (Pseudopregnancy)
      • Follicular Cysts
      • Overgrowth of Mammary Tissue (Mammary Hypertrophy)
      • Mastitis
      • Metritis
      • Ovarian Remnant Syndrome
      • Pyometra
        • For More Information
    • Mammary (Breast) Tumors in Cats
    Skin Disorders of Cats
    • Structure of the Skin in Cats
      • Epidermis
      • Basement Membrane Zone
      • Dermis
      • Skin Appendages
      • Subcutis
      • For More Information
    • Dermatitis and Dermatologic Problems in Cats
    • Diagnosis of Skin Disorders in Cats
    • Treatment of Skin Disorders in Cats
    • Congenital and Inherited Skin Disorders of Cats
      • Congenital Skin Disorders
      • Hereditary Hair Loss (Alopecia)
      • Skin Color (Pigmentary) Abnormalities
      • Defects of Structural Integrity
      • Congenital and Inherited Tumors
        • For More Information
    • Allergies of Cats
      • Airborne Allergies (Atopy, Atopic Dermatitis)
      • Food Allergies
        • For More Information
    • Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex in Cats
    • Fleas of Cats
      • Transmission and Life Cycle
      • Flea Allergy Dermatitis
        • For More Information
    • Flies and Mosquitoes of Cats
      • Bot Fly Larvae Infestation (Grubs, Cuterebriasis)
      • Horse Flies, Deer Flies, and Other Flies of Large Animals
      • Maggots (Myiasis, Fly Strike)
      • Mosquitoes
      • Sand Flies
      • Stable Flies
        • For More Information
    • Hair Loss (Alopecia) in Cats
    • Hives and Rashes (Urticaria) in Cats
    • Itching (Pruritus) in Cats
    • Lice of Cats
    • Mite Infestation (Mange, Acariasis, Scabies) of Cats
      • Canine Scabies (Sarcoptic Mange)
      • Feline Scabies (Notoedric Mange)
      • Ear Mites (Otodectic Mange)
      • Walking Dandruff (Cheyletiellosis)
      • Feline Demodicosis
      • Trombiculosis
      • Fur Mites (Lynxacariasis)
        • For More Information
    • Parasitic Worms of the Skin in Cats
    • Photosensitization in Cats
    • Pox Infection in Cats
    • Pyoderma in Cats
    • Ringworm (Dermatophytosis) in Cats
    • Ticks of Cats
    • Tumors of the Skin in Cats
      • Basal Cell Tumors and Carcinomas
      • Benign Fibroblastic Tumors
      • Blood Vessel Tumors
      • Keratinized Skin Cysts
      • Lipomas and Liposarcomas
      • Lymphoid Tumors of the Skin
      • Mast Cell Tumors
      • Melanomas
      • Neurofibromas and Neurofibrosarcomas
      • Sebaceous Gland Tumors
      • Soft Tissue Giant Cell Tumors (Fibrous Histiocytomas)
      • Soft Tissue Sarcomas
        • Vaccine-associated Tumors (Injection-site Sarcomas)
      • Squamous Cell Carcinomas
      • Sweat Gland Tumors
      • Tumors of the Hair Follicle
      • Tumors Originating Outside the Skin (Metastatic Tumors)
      • Undifferentiated and Anaplastic Sarcomas
      • Warts (Papillomas)
        • For More Information
    • Whole-body Disorders that Affect the Skin in Cats
    Disorders Affecting Multiple Body Systems of Cats
    • Introduction to Disorders Affecting Multiple Body Systems of Cats
    • Congenital and Inherited Disorders Affecting Multiple Body Systems of Cats
      • Genetic Factors
      • Environmental Factors
        • For More Information
    • Amyloidosis in Cats
    • Anthrax in Cats
    • Ehrlichiosis and Related Infections in Cats
    • Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
      • Signs and Diagnosis
      • Treatment, Prevention, and Control
      • For More Information
    • Feline Panleukopenia
    • Fungal Infections in Cats
      • Aspergillosis
      • Candidiasis
      • Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever)
      • Cryptococcosis
      • Histoplasmosis
      • Mycetomas
      • Blastomycosis
      • Phaeohyphomycosis
      • Rhinosporidiosis
      • Sporotrichosis
        • For More Information
    • Glanders (Farcy) in Cats
    • Leishmaniosis (Leishmaniasis) in Cats
    • Lyme Disease (Lyme Borreliosis) in Cats
    • Melioidosis in Cats
    • Nocardiosis in Cats
    • Peritonitis in Cats
    • Plague in Cats
      • Signs and Diagnosis
      • Treatment and Prevention
      • For More Information
    • Q Fever in Cats
    • Tetanus in Cats
    • Toxoplasmosis in Cats
    • Trichinellosis (Trichinosis) in Cats
    • Tuberculosis in Cats
    • Tularemia in Cats
    • Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
    • Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
    • Leptospirosis in Cats
    MSD
    • About
    • Disclaimer
    • Permissions
    • Privacy
    • Cookie Preferences
    • Terms Of Use
    • Partnerships
    • Contact Us
    • Human Health Manuals
    • Consumer Health Data Privacy Policy
    • Your Privacy ChoicesIcon representing privacy choices with a green check mark and a white X
    • follow us on fb
    • follow us on Youtube
    • follow us on X
    • follow us on Instagram
    This icon serves as a link to download the eSSENTIAL Accessibility assistive technology app for individuals with physical disabilities. It is featured as part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion. M
    • follow us on fb
    • follow us on Youtube
    • follow us on X
    • follow us on Instagram
    This icon serves as a link to download the eSSENTIAL Accessibility assistive technology app for individuals with physical disabilities. It is featured as part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion. M
    MSD

    © 2026Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. All rights reserved.