Flutterbrook's Guide to Being a Medicine Cat

Diagnostic Guide

DISEASES:

Chest Infections

Blackcough:

Symptoms: Intense chest pain, Wheezing, Coughing, Reduced Vision.

About: One of the most lethal diseases a cat can catch, blackcough is most commonly caught by elderly cats. It is 90% fatal, even with treatment; cats with weakened immune systems due to age, pre-existing medical conditions, or prior injuries that catch it rarely survive. Like Greencough and Whitecough, it is highly contagious to all cats.

Cures: These cures are unconfirmed, as most cats who catch this illness do not recover. Catmint is the recommended herb, as it reduces fever and eases breathing; as it is the cure for Greencough and Whitecough, some consider it a cure for Blackcough as well. Lavender, Juniper berries, and Feverfew may help increase airflow. Borage, Poppy Seeds, and Chervil may be administered to reduce pain. Chickweed can be used to soothe the afflicted cat, but will not cure them. Cats that have caught this disease should be immediately isolated from all other cats. It is recommended that water-filled moss balls and prey are brought to a midway location to avoid any contact with the afflicted cat.

CarrionPlace-Disease:

Symptoms: Foul Stench, Trouble Breathing, Coughing, Loss of Appetite, Exhaustion, Insomnia.

About: CarrionPlace-Disease is a rare illness only exhibited in ShadowClan colonies. It comes from eating or being bit by infected rats, commonly found in CarrionPlace. This disease is extremely contagious and often lethal to cats. In the past, CarrionPlace-Disease nearly wiped out Shadowclan, as Littlecloud and Runningnose of Shadowclan could not figure out a cure. It was the Thunderclan medicine cat, Cinderpelt, who found the cure and saved their clan.

Cures: There is a specific tonic that serves as a cure for CarrionPlace-Disease, composed of borage, coltsfoot, juniper berries, honey, and feverfew. This tonic, when administered once daily, will alleviate the symptoms and help fight the infection. It is not 100% effective, but has been proven to alleviate symptoms in cats who are not already midway to joining Starclan.

Greencough:

Symptoms: Coughing, Difficulty or Irregular breathing, Excess eye or nose fluid, Wheezing, Lethargy, Vomiting, Green phlegm.

Cures: Catmint is the ideal cure for Greencough. Chickweed or Hawkweed can be used as a substitute, but is not as effective. Feverfew, Tansy, Borage, or Lavender may be administered to reduce fever or chills. Coltsfoot may help assist the afflicted cat breathe and is the only herb that may be administered to kits, as the others are too strong for their bodies to handle. Cats with Greencough are recommended to get lots of rest, only sleep in clean bedding, and drink plenty of water.

Kitten-Cough:

Symptoms: Wheezing, Irregular or troubled breathing, Coughing, Mucus.

About: A respiratory infection that only kits may catch. It is not always a serious diagnosis, but without treatment can be fatal.

Cures: Coltsfoot, crushed Pawpaw Roots, or Peathingy Flower Petals may be administered to help the affected kit breathe by clearing the throat canal. If everything else fails, borage may be given to the kit in small doses; keep in mind that a kit can easily overdose on borage if given the typical dose given to sick adult cats. It should be administered sparingly, only in dire circumstances.