Cat Health Problems And Simple Things You Should Know.
Ed Philips asked:
If you are new to owning a cat, you may be surprised to find that health problems are a common thing. No matter what breed of cat you own, health problems are to be expected. Some may be hereditary, while others can easily be prevented.
Worms
No matter what breed of cat it may be, worms are a very common and recurring problem. Tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms are among the most common that infect cats.
Cats who have problems gaining weight, problems with fleas, or if you find white specks in his stool, you should have your vet test him for worms. Although they can be treated with medicine, worms can prove to be fatal if they are left untreated.
Hairball
Hairballs are the most common health problem for cats. All cats groom themselves on a daily basis, normally swallowing the loose hair that comes from their coats.
On occasion, this loose hair will gather into a ball and become lodged in the digestive tract instead of passing through in your cat’s stool.
When your cat starts to cough and hack, he is normally coughing up a hairball. Although it can be rather disgusting in the end, most cats can dislodge hairballs without any problems.
In rare cases, a hairball can pass through to a cat’s intestine, creating a blockage.
Blockages are very serious problems, and can be life threatening if they aren’t treated. If your cat becomes constipated, isn’t eating properly, or has a very dull coat, he could have a blockage.
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should take him to the vet immediately. You can prevent hairballs and blockages by brushing your cat 2 – 3 times a week to remove loose hair. You can also feed him food that is designed to control hairballs as well.
Urinary tract infection
Urinary tract infection is also a common health problem with cats. Urinary tract infection is more common with male cats that haven’t been neutered, although females can suffer from this problem as well.
When a cat suddenly stops going to his litter box, this problem is normally the cause. Another symptom is when the cat’s urine starts to smell really strong.
If you suspect that your cat has a urinary tract infection, you should take him to the vet. Your vet can treat the problem with medicine, and make recommendations to help avoid this problem in the future.
Feline leukemia
In the past, feline leukemia was the biggest cause of death in cats. These days however, there are vaccines available that can treat the disease.
To treat the disease, your cat will need to be given the shot before he or she is exposed. Even though death doesn’t happen immediately, cats that are exposed to feline leukemia normally don’t have a long life span.
If you know your cat has feline leukemia, you should never allow other cats around him, as the virus is highly contagious.
To protect your cat, you should always make sure that you take him to the vet for his regular check ups.
If you keep him up to date on his vaccinations, he should lead a healthy and productive life.
Although some health problems can’t be avoided, most of them can. You can also keep your cat indoors as well, which will protect him from a majority of health problems.
If your cat is an outdoor cat, regular visits to the vet will keep him healthy. As long as you take your cat to the vet and keep him healthy – he will be your companion for years to come.
If you are new to owning a cat, you may be surprised to find that health problems are a common thing. No matter what breed of cat you own, health problems are to be expected. Some may be hereditary, while others can easily be prevented.
Worms
No matter what breed of cat it may be, worms are a very common and recurring problem. Tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms are among the most common that infect cats.
Cats who have problems gaining weight, problems with fleas, or if you find white specks in his stool, you should have your vet test him for worms. Although they can be treated with medicine, worms can prove to be fatal if they are left untreated.
Hairball
Hairballs are the most common health problem for cats. All cats groom themselves on a daily basis, normally swallowing the loose hair that comes from their coats.
On occasion, this loose hair will gather into a ball and become lodged in the digestive tract instead of passing through in your cat’s stool.
When your cat starts to cough and hack, he is normally coughing up a hairball. Although it can be rather disgusting in the end, most cats can dislodge hairballs without any problems.
In rare cases, a hairball can pass through to a cat’s intestine, creating a blockage.
Blockages are very serious problems, and can be life threatening if they aren’t treated. If your cat becomes constipated, isn’t eating properly, or has a very dull coat, he could have a blockage.
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should take him to the vet immediately. You can prevent hairballs and blockages by brushing your cat 2 – 3 times a week to remove loose hair. You can also feed him food that is designed to control hairballs as well.
Urinary tract infection
Urinary tract infection is also a common health problem with cats. Urinary tract infection is more common with male cats that haven’t been neutered, although females can suffer from this problem as well.
When a cat suddenly stops going to his litter box, this problem is normally the cause. Another symptom is when the cat’s urine starts to smell really strong.
If you suspect that your cat has a urinary tract infection, you should take him to the vet. Your vet can treat the problem with medicine, and make recommendations to help avoid this problem in the future.
Feline leukemia
In the past, feline leukemia was the biggest cause of death in cats. These days however, there are vaccines available that can treat the disease.
To treat the disease, your cat will need to be given the shot before he or she is exposed. Even though death doesn’t happen immediately, cats that are exposed to feline leukemia normally don’t have a long life span.
If you know your cat has feline leukemia, you should never allow other cats around him, as the virus is highly contagious.
To protect your cat, you should always make sure that you take him to the vet for his regular check ups.
If you keep him up to date on his vaccinations, he should lead a healthy and productive life.
Although some health problems can’t be avoided, most of them can. You can also keep your cat indoors as well, which will protect him from a majority of health problems.
If your cat is an outdoor cat, regular visits to the vet will keep him healthy. As long as you take your cat to the vet and keep him healthy – he will be your companion for years to come.
Wondering How to Take Care of Health of Your Cute Cat ?
Andy Rogers asked:
There are some simple things you can get yourself aware of while taking care of your catty’s health. Realize that health problems with pets are a common thing.It doesn’t matter what breed of cat you have but cat health problems are inevitable and will be there. Some may be hereditary, while others can easily be prevented.
Worms such as tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms etc. infect cats and can be fatal. Your cat can become weaker day by day if this is ignored, hence get him tested by a veterinary doctor. Hairballs also cause cats a lot of problems. Usually , cats swallow the loose hair that comes from their coats and this will gather into a ball and become lodged in the digestive tract instead of passing through in your cat’s stool. Although most cats can dislodge hairballs without any problems but sometimes, a hairball can pass through to a cat’s intestine, creating a blockage which can be threatening. Cats can also suffer from constipation because of hairballs and hence it is best to get it solved as soon as possible by visiting your vet.
When a cat suddenly stops going to his litter box or when the cat’s urine starts to smell really strong, it may be due to Urinary tract infection which is also a common health problem with cats.Urinary tract infection is more common with male cats that haven’t been neutered, although females can suffer from this problem as well. Your vet can treat the problem with medicine, and make recommendations to help avoid this problem in the future.
Cat eye health care is also an important part of the responsibility of owning a cat. Note that your cat’s eyes should be clear and when you see the outer part of the eyeball it should be white. Keep your cat’s eyes free of mucus by gently cleaning his or her eyes.Apply a neutralizing ointment before bathing the cat or before flea treatments.Keep hair out of your cat’s eyes, this is particularly true for long haired breeds such as Persians.
Cat allergies are also serious skin problems. Allergic symptoms can include itchy skin.Cats can be allergic to many things including food, fleas, pollens, plastics, and insect bites. Blood, skin, and food trial testing help to diagnose allergies.
Although some health problems can’t be avoided, most of them can. You can also keep your cat indoors as well, which will protect him from a majority of health problems.
There are some simple things you can get yourself aware of while taking care of your catty’s health. Realize that health problems with pets are a common thing.It doesn’t matter what breed of cat you have but cat health problems are inevitable and will be there. Some may be hereditary, while others can easily be prevented.
Worms such as tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms etc. infect cats and can be fatal. Your cat can become weaker day by day if this is ignored, hence get him tested by a veterinary doctor. Hairballs also cause cats a lot of problems. Usually , cats swallow the loose hair that comes from their coats and this will gather into a ball and become lodged in the digestive tract instead of passing through in your cat’s stool. Although most cats can dislodge hairballs without any problems but sometimes, a hairball can pass through to a cat’s intestine, creating a blockage which can be threatening. Cats can also suffer from constipation because of hairballs and hence it is best to get it solved as soon as possible by visiting your vet.
When a cat suddenly stops going to his litter box or when the cat’s urine starts to smell really strong, it may be due to Urinary tract infection which is also a common health problem with cats.Urinary tract infection is more common with male cats that haven’t been neutered, although females can suffer from this problem as well. Your vet can treat the problem with medicine, and make recommendations to help avoid this problem in the future.
Cat eye health care is also an important part of the responsibility of owning a cat. Note that your cat’s eyes should be clear and when you see the outer part of the eyeball it should be white. Keep your cat’s eyes free of mucus by gently cleaning his or her eyes.Apply a neutralizing ointment before bathing the cat or before flea treatments.Keep hair out of your cat’s eyes, this is particularly true for long haired breeds such as Persians.
Cat allergies are also serious skin problems. Allergic symptoms can include itchy skin.Cats can be allergic to many things including food, fleas, pollens, plastics, and insect bites. Blood, skin, and food trial testing help to diagnose allergies.
Although some health problems can’t be avoided, most of them can. You can also keep your cat indoors as well, which will protect him from a majority of health problems.
