The Most Common Health Problems in Cats

We often write about dogs as pets, but lets not overlook our feline friends who need adequate care and well-being for their health concerns, as we should always be on the lookout for our pet’s health and safety. Read all about the most common problems that occur in cats:

• Vomiting: This is noted as the #1 problem in most felines. The causes range from eating something poisonous or inedible, infection, urinary tract disease or diabetes. Symptoms are drooling and dry heaving. You need to call your veterinarian as soon as possible.

• Feline Lower Urinary Tract Diseases-: Both male and female cats can get this disease and occurs in over 10% of cats who are either overweight, unhealthy, or eat dry food. Other causes can be stress, sudden changes, and symptoms include bloody urine, crying when urinating, licking around the urinary area, depression, dehydration, lack of appetite and more. This disease, as any other, should not be taken lightly, and your vet should be called immediately.

• Fleas: Are common, but easily treatable. Symptoms will show in your cats with flea dirt on their coat, constant scratching, frequent licking, red or irritated skin, hair loss, and skin infections. As long as you treat your cat for fleas immediately, the fleas will not spread nor will it get worse. If you prolong action, your cat risks anemia.

• Tapeworms: Internally, these are one of the most common feline health problems, and live in your cat’s small intestine and can grow as long as 2 feet. Symptoms are not easily detectable and over time can result in vomiting and weight loss. Often times, regular check-ups to the vet detects whether your cat has tapeworms, but you can check if your cat has tapeworms by looking at its feces and anus to see if there are any small, white worms that look like grains of rice or sesame seeds. Tapeworms are a result of your feline swallowing a flea, and sometimes, if he or she is an outdoor kitty and they are doing what is in their nature, they may be ingesting an animal/rodent that has tapeworms also. Treatment consists of oral, injection, as well as topical medication.

• Diarrhea: Hairballs, bad food, allergies, infection, liver disease, cancer and other ailments are all causes of diarrhea in your cat. This can last for a day, a week or months. If your cat has diarrhea, keep he or she with fresh clean water throughout the day and evening, as well as removing your cat’s food for 12 to 24 hours. If diarrhea is still occurring, please take your feline to the vet ASAP.

• Eye Problems: Caused by conjunctivitis, cataracts, glaucoma, trauma, viruses, and more. Developed symptoms include watery eyes, tear-stained fur, cloudiness, red or white eyelid linings, gunk in the corners of the eye, squinting, pawing at the eye or a visible third eyelid. Call your vet immediately.

Have any other common health problems in cats that we and other pet owners should know about?

Remember to keep your pets happy & healthy!