It may be surprising, if you're a new cat owner, that many health problems may hit your feline friend. A few problems are easily preventable, while some are hereditary.
Hairballs
Hairballs are among the most common of cat health issues. Cats groom themselves almost constantly and take the loose hair that comes off their tongues. Occasionally, the hair gathers right into a ball and lodges inside the cat's digestive tract instead of moving on through the body. In case your cat starts coughing and hacking, he probably includes a hairball. While the end product is usually unpleasant for the owner, virtually all cats don't have a problem dislodging hairballs.
However, hairballs will often pass into a cat's digestive tract and cause a blockage. This is often a life-threatening problem. There are a few indicators to look for to see if your cat's hairball is dangerous. If the cat is constipated, away from his feed, or is definitely lethargic with a dull coating, then he could have a significant blockage. A vet examination is definitely in order. To prevent hairballs, groom your cat regularly to remove loose hair. Additionally, feed your cat meals that helps control hairballs.
Worms
For many cats, worms really are a recurring problem. Roundworms, worms, and hookworms most commonly invade cats. Cats can occasionally develop heartworms, as well. If your kitty seems unable to gain weight, can be infested with fleas, or perhaps has white specks that look like grains of grain in his stools, take him to the veterinarian for earthworm testing. Worms are easily healed with a few doses of medicine, but if left untreated, they could be fatal.
Urinary Tract Attacks
Urinary tract infections will be another common health problem in cats. This infection is very common in unneutered natural male cats, although female pet cats can also develop this problem. Should your cat suddenly stops making use of the litter box, an urinary system infection is suspect. When your cat's urine smells solid, again an urinary area infection may be the cause. These types of infections need to be treated with a veterinarian. Ask about cat food that reduces the likelihood of an additional infection.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
FIP is the effect of a mutation of the corona computer virus. According to some experts, felines living in multi-cat environments often test positive for enteric corona virus. Cats may live with that virus staying quietly in the intestines without the sign of disease for his or her entire lifetime. In other instances, probably a genetic predisposition, the virus mutates into FIP.
Once a cat offers contracted FIP, it will screen symptoms of a mild upper respiratory system infection: sneezing, watery eye, and nasal discharge. This may also have diarrhea, weight loss, and lethargy. Most cats completely recover from this primary contamination, although some may become virus service providers. A small percentage of exposed cats and kittens develop lethal FIP weeks or even years after the main infection.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
FIV or cat HELPS, is not always fatal. FIV decreases the ability of the cat's immune system to fight attacks. Cats with FIV might remain free of symptoms for a long time. It is when the cat agreements other illnesses in the persistent stage of FIV illness that FIV is first thought. This long list of ailments includes oral-cavity infections, upper-respiratory infections, weight loss, ear microbe infections, kidney disease, and many others. While there is, as yet, no vaccine, almost all cats should be tested intended for the virus. The computer virus is transmitted through drool, usually when a cat is certainly bitten in a cat battle.
Feline Leukemia Virus
FLV was, until recently, the most typical fatal disease of kittens and cats. But with a vaccine available nowadays, the number of cases is getting worse. Although the name leukemia means cancer of the white bloodstream cells, this is only 1 of the various diseases associated with this disease, such as other types of cancer, low blood count, arthritis and respiratory attacks. FLV is preventable in the event the cat is immunized prior to being exposed to the virus. Even though the disease is not always instantly fatal, cats with FLV rarely have a long lifespan. NEVER bring other kitties into your household when you have the cat with FLV.
Lyme Disease
If your cat spends period outdoors, you should check him regularly for ticks. If you discover a tick on your cat's body and he continues to be lethargic and acts as in the event that he is in pain, inquire your vet to test to get Lyme Disease. This disease is transmitted to people and animals by deer clicks.
Some cats may display subtle symptoms while others may possibly show none, symptoms are hard to recognize and frequently may be confused with other health problems or old age. Be observant of the pet's behavior. It is the just way to know if your family pet has contracted Lyme disease if no tick was found. Some symptoms of Cat Lyme Disease include:
(a) lethargy,
(b) reluctance to jump or climb stairways,
(c) limping, or unwillingness to put weight on a foot,
(d) loss of appetite.
The important thing to dealing with Feline Lyme Disease is prevention and early diagnosis and treatment. You should reduce the tick populace around your home with basic landscape changes and bringing out.
Good Health Care
Taking your feline for a regular check-up with all the vet, and keeping most vaccinations on the schedule will help make sure your cat a long and healthy life. Prevention may be the first line of defense for many feline illnesses. Many owners maintain their cats indoors to safeguard them from cars, coming from cat fights which may reveal them to deadly viruses, by ticks, and other hazards. Outdoor cats will enjoy greater independence but require a watchful vision, loving attention to their wellness status, and regular appointments to the veterinarian.
No comments