Many people believe that cats are hearty, low-maintenance pets who don’t need much attention and rarely fall ill. As all cat owners know, that’s not necessarily true.
While some cats do have fiercely independent natures, others crave attention and want nothing more than to sit on their owners’ laps and purr.
And, of course, cats do get sick. In fact, there are some illnesses and health quirks which are quite common among felines.
Hairballs
Most cat parents have heard the hacking coughs of what is perhaps the most common cat malady in the world. Hairballs are nothing more than balls of excessive fur which build up in a cat’s stomach over time. They can usually be passed easily and without posing any serious risks.
Worms
Cats are at risk for all types of worms, including ringworms, roundworms and tapeworms. If your cat has worms, you may be at risk as well, so consult your vet right away.
If your cat has worms, you should take steps to get rid of them ASAP.
One way to get rid of them is by using a deworming treatment from your vet. Another good option is to give your cat a diet that is free of worms and feed it with fish oil supplements in order to prevent worms from re-infecting the animal again.
Some Signs Your Kitty Has Worms:
- Changes in behavior;
- Diarrhea;
- Stools that are not formed into round balls;
- Skin problems like skin flaking or hair loss.
Plant Poisoning
Cats are curious by nature, especially when it comes to those green, leafy things growing in your house. Unfortunately for them, their love affairs with plants are often one-sided.
There are countless types of plants which can cause severe health problems in cats. You can find an extensive list on the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or your veterinarian may be able to provide you with a list.
Urinary Tract Infections
These infections are most common in male felines that have not been neutered, but females can also contract UTIs. If your cat’s urine has developed a strong odor or she suddenly stops using the litter box, she may have a urinary tract infection.
Cats are known to have very sensitive bladders that can sometimes lead to urinary-related problems. One of the most common forms is lower urinary tract disease. Lower urinary tract is caused by stones in the bladder and it can cause your cat to stop using his litter box or have difficulty urinating.
When this happens, your veterinarian will perform an ultrasound to find out what kind of stone they are dealing with and recommend treatment options for the cat, like feeding them an acidifying food and giving them water that has been filtered through charcoal as a source of minerals and electrolytes.
Feline Digestive Troubles
While vomiting is never a normal occurrence in a healthy animal, it can be quite dangerous for cats. If your cat has been vomiting for more than 24 hours, take her to the vet immediately, as vomiting can be a sign of many more serious illnesses.
If your cat has just begun to vomit, withhold her food for a few hours. Once her stomach seems to have settled, slowly reintroduce water only. If she tolerates the water, you may begin to gradually reintroduce her food.
Viral Infections
There are several well-known viral infections which plague the cat population. One of the most feared is the feline leukemia virus, but most cats are immunized against this disease as kittens.
Cat owners also need to be concerned with feline immunodeficiency virus. This disease targets the white blood cells and is sometimes referred to as “feline AIDS.” Feline infectious peritonitis is a virus which can be difficult to diagnose, and as with the feline immunodeficiency virus, there is no treatment or vaccination against it.
Viral infections such as these are seen much more often in outdoor cats than in felines who remain inside.
Outdoor Cats Have More Health Problems
Cats, like many other animals, sometimes come down with colds and mild respiratory infections. Outdoor cats are at the greatest risk for health problems, with fights often leading to bite wounds and injured eyes and ears. But with regular veterinary care, your cat should live a long and healthy life.
Outdoor cats are at the greatest risk for health problems, with fights often leading to bite wounds and the transmission of diseases. It is important that outdoor cats have the resources they need to survive in this hostile environment.
While outdoor cats can live happy lives, it’s important to keep an eye on them in order to make sure their safety is well taken care of. Keep your eyes open for any wound or injury, which could point towards a cat fight. If you are unable to tell what the injury is from just looking at it, then bring it to a veterinarian immediately.