Common Cat Health Problems
If you are a new
cat owner, you may be surprised to find that health problems are common.
Regardless of the breed of cat you have, health problems are expected. Some can
be hereditary, while others can easily be prevented.
Worms
Regardless of the cat race, worms are a very common and recurring problem. Tenias, roundworms, and hookworms are among them in addition to common infections that infect cats. For cats that have difficulty gaining weight, flea problems, or if you find whitening spots in their stools, you should ask your veterinarian to analyze them for worms. Although they can be treated with drugs, worms can be fatal if left untreated.
Hairball
Hairballs are
the most common health problem in cats. All cats groom daily, normally
swallowing loose hair from their coat. Occasionally, these loose hairs will
gather into a ball and will lodge in the digestive tract instead of passing
through your cat's stools. When your cat starts coughing and spitting, it
usually spits a ball of hair. Even if it can be quite disgusting at last, most
cats can dislodge hairballs without any problem.
In rare cases, a
ball of hair can pass through the gut of a cat, creating a blockage. Blockages
are very serious problems and can put the competition at risk if not addressed.
If your cat becomes constipated, does not eat properly, or has a very dull coat,
it could have a blockage. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should take
them to the veterinarian immediately. You can prevent hairballs and blockages
by brushing your cat 2 to 3 times a standard week to remove dead hair. You can
also give it foods designed to control hairballs.
Urinary contamination
Urinary tract infection
is also a common health problem in cats. Urinary tract infection is in addition common in male cats that have not been sterilized, although females may also
suffer from this problem. When a cat suddenly stops going into its litter, this
problem is usually the cause. Another symptom is when the cat's urine begins to
feel very strong. If you think your cat is suffering from urinary
contamination, you should take it to the veterinarian. Your veterinarian can
treat the problem with medication and make recommendations to avoid this
problem in the future.
feline leukemia
In the old
fashioned, feline leukemia was the leading cause of death in cats. Today,
however, there are vaccines available that can treat the disease. To treat the
disease, your cat will need to receive the vaccine before it is postponed. Even
if death does not occur immediately, cats reported with feline leukemia do not
normally have a long duration of striving. If you know that your cat has feline
leukemia, you should never allow other cats around it, because the infection is
very contagious.
To protect your cat, you should always make sure
to take it to the veterinarian for regular checks. If you hold him up to date
on his inoculations, he should lead a healthy and useful endeavor. While some
health problems cannot be avoided, most can. You can also keep your cat inside,
which will protect it from a majority of health problems. If your cat is an
outdoor cat, regular visits to the veterinarian will keep it healthy. As long
as you take your cat to the vet and keep it healthy, it will be your companion
for years to come.