The most common cat health problems can cause much pain and discomfort that will affect the disposition of your pet. Some could even be fatal if not given proper and immediate treatment. You might be doing your best giving your cat the care it deserves, but cats fall ill for a variety of reasons. As a cat owner, you should also always be on the lookout for signs of health problems. Older cats are especially susceptible to the diseases including kidney, respiratory, and dental diseases, as well as conditions that come with age such as hearing loss, failing vision, and arthritis.
Signs of Cat Health Problems:
If there’s
even a slight change with the way your cat behaves, there might be something
that’s ailing your feline companion. If you suspect that your cat might be ill,
observe him carefully and be prepared for an emergency visit to the vet if
necessary. The following signs will tell you if your cat has a health problem:
Lethargy. Is your cat
sleeping or lying around more than usual or not as energetic? Dr. Carolyn Quagliata of City Pet Doctor explains
that lethargy is when your cat seems more tired than he usually is. It may
indicate that the cat is sick and you should take it to the vet immediately.
Decreased
Appetite/Weight Loss. If your cat starts to skip meals or is unable to finish
his food, this could indicate digestive or liver problems. Likewise, increased
appetite could also be something to worry about, especially in older cats.
Increased
Water Consumption. If your cat is drinking water more than usual, this may
be a sign of diseases like diabetes, kidney disease, or hyperthyroidism.
Changes in
Urinary Habits. Changes in frequency or quantity of urine could be a
sign of problems in the urinary tract or kidney. If your cat is having trouble
urinating, or if you notice blood in his urine, bring him to the vet
immediately.
Excess Sneezing
/ Runny Nose. Your cat may be suffering from a respiratory problem if
it keeps on sneezing or has a runny nose.
Eye/ Ear/
Nose Discharge. If you notice any abnormal discharge from your cat’s
eyes, nose, or ears, it’s best to consult a vet immediately. This may be caused
by viral, bacterial, or a fungal infection.
Hair Loss/
Skin Irritation. Skin conditions, allergies, and parasites are also
common to cats and is usually indicated by hair loss and itchiness.
Change in Behavior. Personality
changes is not uncommon, especially among older cats. Health problems could
have been the reason why a normally friendly cat would show signs of fear,
aggression, disorientation, or confusion.
The Spruce Pets list more signs
of cat health problems to watch out for including compulsive grooming,
increased vocalization, limping, swelling, and breathing problems.
Common Cat Health Problems
1. Urinary Tract Disease
Known as
feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), cats suffering from this condition
may show the strain when urinating or have blood in their urine. The bladder
and urethra are the affected organs. Cats diagnosed with FLUTD will be
prescribed medication for pain relief and might require procedures for
removing blockage in the urinary tract.
2. Infectious Diseases
Infectious
diseases involving the respiratory system are among the most common cat
health problems. Aside from a runny nose, drippy eyes, and
frequent sneezing, signs may also include fever and coughing. Infectious diseases
may also be caused by viruses that make the disease contagious. Not unlike flu
in human beings, respiratory diseases may be allowed to run its course. You may
want to isolate your cat and keep it hydrated if it’s shown signs of being
infected.
3. Vomiting and Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a
fairly common health problem for cats, which are usually very sensitive about
food they ingest. If you notice your cat vomiting, it’s possible he has
ingested food that has gone bad, plants with rough edges, or if it ate too
much. If the diarrhea persists after 24-48 hours, it’s recommended that you
take your cat to the vet. There might be a danger of dehydration. If the
diarrhea doesn't stop, it could indicate more serious cat health
problems that need immediate attention.
4. Kidney Disease
Kidney problems are also common, especially among older cats. Infections, exposure to toxins, cancers, and high blood pressure are among the common causes of kidney disease, as listed by Easyology Pets. Vomiting and loss of appetite are a few indications that your cat is suffering from kidney disease. If the vet determines that your cat has a kidney problem, dialysis or kidney transplant are common treatment procedures that may be initiated.
5. Fleas and Ticks
Fleas and
ticks are parasites that your cat can pick up from the surroundings. They feed
off on blood and can transmit diseases to both animals and humans. Inspect your
cat’s fur regularly for signs ticks or fleas. If they are present, you can apply
specialized shampoos, powders, collars, and and available treatments
to deal with the problem. If none of these works, your vet would know how
to get rid of your cat’s flea/tick problem.
6. Worms
Most cats
love to eat or play with birds, rodents, and every insect in sight, exposing
them to worms. They can get infected by worms even just by walking on
contaminated ground. Worm types such as roundworms and tapeworms can be
dangerous as they infest the intestines, the bloodstream, and internal organs.
Watch out for weight loss in cats as this could indicate the presence of worms.
7. Dental Disease
Believe it or
not, cats are also highly susceptible to dental
problems. Bad
breath, discolored/swollen gums, missing teeth, excessive drooling, and
difficulty chewing are some indications that your cat needs to have its teeth
checked. Most dental diseases can be avoided by regular brushing using
toothpaste designed for cats. A cat showing symptoms of a dental disease should
be taken to the vet to avoid complications such as loss of teeth, difficulty
eating, and internal infections.
Regular vet
checkups would surely help prevent any these cat health problems. Senior cats
need extra special attention and routine lab work for early detection of any
disease. Of course, a healthy diet and a clean, safe environment are always
important to raising a healthy cat. If you notice any of the signs of cat
health problems, visit the vet immediately for care and treatment. Also, here
are some essential cat care tips ideas.
