Common Health Issues in Cats
Cats can suffer from many different types of health problems. While many are just minor aggravations, there are many that can threaten your cats life!
One of a cats most common problems is hairballs. Their rough tongues actually pull out hair as their constantly grooming. Most often this hair is easily digested through the cat’s system, but sometimes it will gather in a ball that the cat will vomit up!
The best way to deal with hairballs is to help prevent them. Brushing your cat will remove any loose hair and keep him from swallowing it. You can also look for cat foods and treats with ingredients to prevent hairballs.
Another very common problem is of course, worms. There are several types of worms that cats can get such as roundworms, tapeworms, ringworms and hookworms. Worms are a serious health concern, they make your cat very sick and left untreated can even cause death. Some good signs to watch for are diarrhea, gas, dull coats or a bloated belly.
Lungworms may be the most serious type of parasite for a cat because they are often undiagnosed. With lungworms, the cat will find it hard to breathe and cough a lot. These symptoms could appear to just a minor illness or even a hairball. The problem with lung worms is that the symptoms don’t get really serious until the infection gets really serious!
Aside from your cats health, many types of worms can be transferred to other pets and even to humans! Regular checkups with your vet is the best way to protect your cat and your family.
Fleas aren’t only annoying they can become dangerous to your cats well-being. They can cause hair loss, allergies, tapeworms and even cause your cat to become anemic! There are many flea control products available such as collars, dips and shampoos. The type of product that’s best for you and your cat is a personal preference. An indoor cat that is in close contact with you or other family members, may need to be treated differently. For a more natural remedy, it is believed that feeding your cat garlic will deter fleas!
However, there are other ways to avoid smelly collars, dips and powders. Have the vet vaccinate your cat against fleas, the shots will need to be repeated every six months. You can also use many of the monthly treatments available, these are tubes of treatment that you apply to the back of the cats neck.
No matter which solution you choose, you will need to treat both the cat and his surroundings. Ridding your cat of fleas won’t last long if his bed, your carpet or furniture is full of them!
If you notice that your cat has just suddenly stopped using his litter box, he may have a urinary tract infection. This infection is common in cats of both sexes, but males that aren’t neutered are most often affected.
The cats urine will develop an even stronger smell, it will often appear painful to urinate and he may stop urinating at all. This is a problem best left to a professional, your vet will prescribe the right anti-biotic and dosage for your cats weight and infection.
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