If there is one thing that all of us want for our cats, it is a long and healthy life. We do our best to provide it for them and sometimes, we might even feel that we are going the extra mile. The problem is, no matter what we do to keep our cat healthy, there are going to be times when they experience health problems. Being able to recognize those problems can go a long way in helping you to get them what they need in the way of a treatment.
First of all, it is a good idea to know if the cat is sick, simply by looking for common symptoms. These often exhibit themselves in behavioral or appearance changes and sometimes, they might be quite subtle. Other symptoms of cat illness can be quite easy to spot, such as vomiting, shaking, sneezing or coughing.
The following are some of the most common health problems with cats. Familiarize yourself with these problems so you can recognize them if they happen to your cat.
Vomiting – This is a common issue that could be caused by a wide range of maladies. Sometimes, it is a problem with hairballs but it could also be signs of an infection, diabetes or a UTI.
If your cat is vomiting, be sure they have plenty of water. This issue could dehydrate them, leading to other problems. Call a veterinarian if the problem persists.
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Diseases (FLUTD) – This is also common and it accounts for 3 out of every 100 visits to the vet. It isn’t a single problem but rather, it is a group of issues, any of which could cause serious illness in the cat. It is more common in overweight cats and cats that eat dry food.
If your cat is having a difficulty with urinating or is licking around that area, it could be a sign of this problem. Other signs include dehydration, vomiting and depression.
Fleas – This is a problem that could range from mild to quite severe. It is also one of the easier problems for the owner to diagnose. Aside from seeing the fleas, you can will scratch and lick itself. They may also lose their hair and have skin irritation.
Fleas can often be treated by the vet through dipping and medications. If it has become serious, it could even lead to anemia.
Diarrhea – This is also a common problem that displays itself in loose, watery stools. It may come and go or could last for a long time.
If your cat has diarrhea, make sure they have plenty of water. They should also avoid eating for up to 24 hours. Take your cat to a vet if the problem persists.
These are the most common cat health problems but they are not the only problems you might see. The best choice is to see a veterinarian if you have any concerns over the health of your cat.