6 Common Cat Health Problems Every Owner Should Be Aware Of
If you are a cat owner, you may or may not be aware that felines suffer from health problems too. While some of these problems are easily preventable, there are others which are hereditary and hence cannot be prevented. Still, it is good that you are aware of these 6 common cat health problems:
1 . Cat viruses
You may not have heard of these but cat viruses do exist. Some common ones are Feline Infectious Peritonitis(FIP), Feline Immunodeficiency Virus(FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus(FLV). FIP is a very serious disease that is related to Corona virus. There is no known treatment for Feline Infectious Peritonitis although there is a vaccine for FIP. However , many veterinarians and scientists say that it is not very effective. Fortunately, this disease is not as easy to catch as some other diseases. FIV, or cat AIDs, does not spread to humans and is not always fatal either. So there is no fear of you or your family member catching it. FLV - you can prevent it if the cat has not been exposed to the virus before being immunized. Although not always fatal, somehow cats with FLV don't live long.
2 . Hairball
What is the Hairball? This is a common cat health problem that comes about because from cats constantly groom themselves with their tongues and swallowing hairs! The swallowed hair can form into a ball instead of passing through the cat's body, thus giving you a hairball. If your cat starts coughing and hacking, she may have a hairball. How do you prevent you feline from suffering from hairballs problems? Groom her frequently to remove loose hair and feed her food that helps control hairballs.
3. Ticks
You should be mindful of your cat getting ticks if she spends lots of time outdoors. If she has been acting lethargic or moving slowly and acting as if she was in pain, look for ticks on her body. If you find some, ask your veterinarian to test her for Lyme Disease which is a disease that is transmitted to people and animals by ticks
4. Worms
Worms - Roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms are the most common types that can infect the feline species. If your feline friend seems unable to put on weight or is infested with fleas or has white specks that look like grains of rice in his stools, you should take her to the vet to test for worms immediately. Don't worry, your vet can cure worms with a few doses of medication but you must remember that worms can prove fatal if left untreated. Note: You can get more info on cat & kitten breeds. Also, check out these resources: cat vitamins and cat pain relief products
5. Feline Distemper
This disease is also known as feline panleukopenia. It is a viral disease and can be transmitted in your pet's body through contact with other infected cats, humans, used clothes, cat carriers or even food bowls. The affected cat may suddenly start vomiting, show signs of loss of appetite and may even suffer from diarrhea. Because of the severity of this condition, it is recommended that you protect your pet from this disease by getting her the appropriate feline vaccination.
6. Cat Urinary Tract Infection
This is one of the most common cat health problems. Due to improper diet and dehydration, it is possible for your kitty's urinary tract to get infected. A cat may show signs of discomfort while passing the stool and sometimes bleeding may also occur. In addition , it may also start spraying and avoiding her litter box. If this occurs, take her to a vet for medical attention and remember to give her a proper diet and lots of water to drink. Take heart though that it doesn't mean your cat is sick or has contracted a diseases every time she vomits or loses her appetite. Cat health problems usually include symptoms such as excessive vomiting, loss of appetite, loss of hair, eye discharge, depression and more. In such cases, the best solution is always to consult a good vet as soon as you can.
If you are a cat owner, you may or may not be aware that felines suffer from health problems too. While some of these problems are easily preventable, there are others which are hereditary and hence cannot be prevented. Still, it is good that you are aware of these 6 common cat health problems:
1 . Cat viruses
You may not have heard of these but cat viruses do exist. Some common ones are Feline Infectious Peritonitis(FIP), Feline Immunodeficiency Virus(FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus(FLV). FIP is a very serious disease that is related to Corona virus. There is no known treatment for Feline Infectious Peritonitis although there is a vaccine for FIP. However , many veterinarians and scientists say that it is not very effective. Fortunately, this disease is not as easy to catch as some other diseases. FIV, or cat AIDs, does not spread to humans and is not always fatal either. So there is no fear of you or your family member catching it. FLV - you can prevent it if the cat has not been exposed to the virus before being immunized. Although not always fatal, somehow cats with FLV don't live long.
2 . Hairball
What is the Hairball? This is a common cat health problem that comes about because from cats constantly groom themselves with their tongues and swallowing hairs! The swallowed hair can form into a ball instead of passing through the cat's body, thus giving you a hairball. If your cat starts coughing and hacking, she may have a hairball. How do you prevent you feline from suffering from hairballs problems? Groom her frequently to remove loose hair and feed her food that helps control hairballs.
3. Ticks
You should be mindful of your cat getting ticks if she spends lots of time outdoors. If she has been acting lethargic or moving slowly and acting as if she was in pain, look for ticks on her body. If you find some, ask your veterinarian to test her for Lyme Disease which is a disease that is transmitted to people and animals by ticks
4. Worms
Worms - Roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms are the most common types that can infect the feline species. If your feline friend seems unable to put on weight or is infested with fleas or has white specks that look like grains of rice in his stools, you should take her to the vet to test for worms immediately. Don't worry, your vet can cure worms with a few doses of medication but you must remember that worms can prove fatal if left untreated. Note: You can get more info on cat & kitten breeds. Also, check out these resources: cat vitamins and cat pain relief products
5. Feline Distemper
This disease is also known as feline panleukopenia. It is a viral disease and can be transmitted in your pet's body through contact with other infected cats, humans, used clothes, cat carriers or even food bowls. The affected cat may suddenly start vomiting, show signs of loss of appetite and may even suffer from diarrhea. Because of the severity of this condition, it is recommended that you protect your pet from this disease by getting her the appropriate feline vaccination.
6. Cat Urinary Tract Infection
This is one of the most common cat health problems. Due to improper diet and dehydration, it is possible for your kitty's urinary tract to get infected. A cat may show signs of discomfort while passing the stool and sometimes bleeding may also occur. In addition , it may also start spraying and avoiding her litter box. If this occurs, take her to a vet for medical attention and remember to give her a proper diet and lots of water to drink. Take heart though that it doesn't mean your cat is sick or has contracted a diseases every time she vomits or loses her appetite. Cat health problems usually include symptoms such as excessive vomiting, loss of appetite, loss of hair, eye discharge, depression and more. In such cases, the best solution is always to consult a good vet as soon as you can.
