Cats are wonderful friends and companions, but like any other pet, they are vulnerable to multiple cat health issues. Understanding these issues will go a long way in helping you ensure that your cat remains healthy throughout its life. This article highlights ten common Cat Health issues with their symptoms, recommended treatments, and preventive measures.
Vomiting
Vomiting is often common in cats, and it can result from a host of factors, including eating inedible things, infections, diabetes, urinary tract disease, and even hairballs. Symptoms include increased drooling and abdominal heaving. If vomiting persists, a cat can lose considerable amounts of fluid, which can lead to dehydration. In such cases, make it a point to visit the vet.
Prevention Tips:
- Managing fleas: Fleas can cause some sort of intestinal parasite infection, like tapeworms, which may result in vomiting. Timely flea and tick treatments can go a long way in prevention. Over-the-counter medications can also work.
- Feline designated diets: Do not give your cat dairy products or raw meat. Stick to foods that are specifically designed for cats as they are nutritionally balanced.
- Grooming and brushing: Regularly brush your cat to minimize hairballs and vomiting.
Making sure your cat refrain from non-edible items: Items such as rubber bands or strings should be placed out of reach to minimize ingestion.
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Diseases (FLUTD)
Overweight and stressed cats frequently develop FLUTD, which is categorized into different forms with overlapping symptoms. FLUTD signs include increased licking at the urinary area, frequent urination, straining during urination, and bloody urine.
Prevention Tips:
- Hydration: Always provide clean and fresh drinking water.
- Diet: Discuss formulations with your vet; for some cats, including canned food will help prevent urinary issues.
- Stress reduction: Maintain a stable and calm environment for the cat.
Fleas
Fleas can lead to hair loss, anemia, and skin irritation. Symptoms of fleas include scratching, flea dirt, and red or irritated skin.
Prevention Tips:
- Flea treatments: Use oral medications, powders, or topical treatments as prescribed by your vet.
- Home cleanliness: Wash your cat’s bedding with hot water and vacuum floors frequently to control fleas.
Tapeworms
Weight loss, vomiting, and the presence of small white segments around the anus or in feces are symptoms of tapeworms. Cats can acquire them through infected fleas and small rodents.
Prevention Tips:
- Regular deworming: Use a deworming product for cats every 1-3 months.
- Flea Control: Tapeworms can be contracted through fleas, so it is best to eliminate fleas and not allow your cat access to any rodents.
Diarrhea Diagnostic
Changes in diet, stress, infection, or even more severe conditions such as liver or kidney disease can cause diarrhea. Symptoms may consist of frequent yellowish to grayish, foul-smelling watery stools.
- Diet: Provide your pets with quality white food and attempt to balance sudden shifts in diet.
- Water: Make sure that your petted does not run low on water, as it may lead to dehydration.
- Health: If your feline companion has lost their appetite, is vomiting, or lethargic, and exhibits further symptoms for over a day, make a vet appointment.
Eye Issues
In cats, eye infections, glaucoma, and cataracts are common. In addition to watery eyes and discharge, excessive squinting and pawing at the eyes may occur.
Prevention Tips:
- Hygiene: Use damp cotton balls to wipe the eyes of your cats gently.
- Medical: Eye issues can get severe; make sure to take your cat to the vet as soon as you notice the signs.
Feline Dental Diseases
Feline Dental Deceases are characterized with gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth resorption. Red and swollen gums alongside pawing at their mouth and eating difficulties can indicate these conditions.
Prevention Tips:
- Regular brushing: Prevent plaque buildup by brushing your cat’s teeth once every two weeks.
- Veterinary dental care: Professional dental exams and cleanings can address dental diseases.
Feline Diabetes
In cats, the disease disrupts insulin production leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Aside from the weight loss, affected cats tend to have a good appetite, drink excessive amounts of water, and urinate frequently.
Prevention Tips:
- Monitoring: Continually monitor your cat’s blood glucose levels if they have diabetes.
- Weight management: Manage your cat’s weight with a proper diet and regular physical activity.
- Insulin therapy: Follow insulin injection protocols as outlined by your veterinarian.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
A viral infection that lowers immune defenses is FIV. It is contracted most commonly through bite wounds. The acute symptoms which consist of fever, apathy, and loss of appetite are followed by a progressive phase with varying infections.
Prevention Tips:
- Limit outdoor access: To limit exposure to FIV, keep your cat indoors.
- Regular vet visits: Schedule biannual wellness check-ups to assess and monitor the cat’s health.
Feline Obesity
Obesity is one of a common health issues in domestic cats, leading to various health problems such as diabetes, osteoarthritis, and heart disease. Increased body weight, lethargy, and difficulty moving are signs of obesity.
Prevention Tips:
- Controlled feeding: Avoid free-feeding your cat. Instead, feeding times should be set alongside appropriate portion sizes.
- Exercise: Help your cat remain active by involving them in regular play.
Taking these steps allows you to monitor and maintain your cat’s health, helping to avoid these common issues. Early diagnosis is key to sustaining your feline friend in top shape, thus, routine veterinary checkups are equally important.
EXTRA:
> Are you curious about the benefits of cat ownership? Discover how a feline companion can boost your well-being, reduce stress, and add endless joy to your life in our latest blog post.
