In contrast to their outwardly independent and aloof nature, cats are animals that savor attention. What's more, cats need our concern, especially when it comes to helping them stay healthy. As caring pet owners, it's our obligation to look after our pets, but even when we provide balanced nutrition, not to mention lots of love and attention, cats can still become ill. Therefore, in order to spare them the anguish and distress of a sickness, it's wise to become familiar with some of the most common conditions to be able to swiftly detect the situation and get your pet the medical assistance it needs.
Bothersome Fleas
Fleas are routine pests that can not just make our pets miserable, but endanger their very lives. Although most people comprehend that flea bites are uncomfortable for their cat, the ailments that can be transmitted typically pose a much more significant danger than simple short-term discomfort. For instance, the flea typically discovered on cats (Ctenocephalides felis) can transport tapeworm larvae, which if eaten can lead to a severe tapeworm infestation. Additionally, significant flea infestations can lead to anemia in kittens when the fleas literally drink so much blood that the animal doesn't have adequate iron. To avoid such a situation, all mature fleas must be killed and this can be accomplished using a variety of commercial products. Ask your vet for individual recommendations.
Hairballs: Beyond Just a Hassle
Few people forget the tortuous sound of their cat regurgitating a hairball; not only is it unpleasant for the owner, but the cat unquestionably doesn't enjoy this event either. Hairballs are produced either in the back of the throat or in the small intestines after the cat ingests hair while grooming, nevertheless this can be prevented. Among the easiest treatments is to remove the cat's excess hair with frequent brushing. In addition, there is a range of products which can be used to avoid hairball build-up such as treats, oils or even a special diet. , if after trying to cure the issue your cat is still having a hairy time, a visit to your vet is needed.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism, also referred to as an overactive thyroid, is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Generally prompted by a tumor on one of the lobes of the thyroid gland, this disorder only carries a 2-5% chance of malignancy. Symptoms feature an increased thirst or appetite, substantial weight loss, depression, frequent vomiting, lethargy and diarrhea, among others. A cat with this condition may not exhibit all signs and symptoms, but the existence of at least two demands a trip to the vet's office. Should your cat be diagnosed with an overactive thyroid, treatment methods include medicine, surgery or radioiodine.
Feline Obesity
As with people, obesity in cats is rising; recent studies have demostrated that possibly as many as 50% of cats are overweight. Though there may be many contributing factors, the biggest cause of this problem is free feeding, or leaving dry food out for the cat all day. Moreover, high-carb dry foods and a inactive lifestyle along with the reduced caloric requirements of many spayed and neutered cats combine to intensify this problem. Regrettably, this problem causes a wide range of health problems, including diabetes as well as an increased probability for a number of illnesses. The best bet is to limit feeding to two times per day and use a canned cat food which contains fewer carbohydrates.
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)
An umbrella term for several conditions that impact the bladder, FLUTD can be painful with the possibility to be fatal. Some disorders normally found in this diagnosis include Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC), urinary stones and urethral obstruction among others. Warning signs of these conditions may include inappropriate or difficult and frequent urination, lost of appetite,listlessness, blood in the urine or frequent licking of the genitals. Although this normally affects middle-aged, overweight cats living primarily indoors, there are a few steps which can be taken to reduce the likelihood of problems. Promoting the greater intake of clean water using devices such as a cat fountain and speedily identifying a building problem can be important to limiting the growth of those conditions.
While there are a number of common cat illnesses, these are the most prevalent. Hopefully, by establishing an awareness of what to look for you will be able to quickly identify your cat's health condition before it grows serious.
Bothersome Fleas
Fleas are routine pests that can not just make our pets miserable, but endanger their very lives. Although most people comprehend that flea bites are uncomfortable for their cat, the ailments that can be transmitted typically pose a much more significant danger than simple short-term discomfort. For instance, the flea typically discovered on cats (Ctenocephalides felis) can transport tapeworm larvae, which if eaten can lead to a severe tapeworm infestation. Additionally, significant flea infestations can lead to anemia in kittens when the fleas literally drink so much blood that the animal doesn't have adequate iron. To avoid such a situation, all mature fleas must be killed and this can be accomplished using a variety of commercial products. Ask your vet for individual recommendations.
Hairballs: Beyond Just a Hassle
Few people forget the tortuous sound of their cat regurgitating a hairball; not only is it unpleasant for the owner, but the cat unquestionably doesn't enjoy this event either. Hairballs are produced either in the back of the throat or in the small intestines after the cat ingests hair while grooming, nevertheless this can be prevented. Among the easiest treatments is to remove the cat's excess hair with frequent brushing. In addition, there is a range of products which can be used to avoid hairball build-up such as treats, oils or even a special diet. , if after trying to cure the issue your cat is still having a hairy time, a visit to your vet is needed.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism, also referred to as an overactive thyroid, is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Generally prompted by a tumor on one of the lobes of the thyroid gland, this disorder only carries a 2-5% chance of malignancy. Symptoms feature an increased thirst or appetite, substantial weight loss, depression, frequent vomiting, lethargy and diarrhea, among others. A cat with this condition may not exhibit all signs and symptoms, but the existence of at least two demands a trip to the vet's office. Should your cat be diagnosed with an overactive thyroid, treatment methods include medicine, surgery or radioiodine.
Feline Obesity
As with people, obesity in cats is rising; recent studies have demostrated that possibly as many as 50% of cats are overweight. Though there may be many contributing factors, the biggest cause of this problem is free feeding, or leaving dry food out for the cat all day. Moreover, high-carb dry foods and a inactive lifestyle along with the reduced caloric requirements of many spayed and neutered cats combine to intensify this problem. Regrettably, this problem causes a wide range of health problems, including diabetes as well as an increased probability for a number of illnesses. The best bet is to limit feeding to two times per day and use a canned cat food which contains fewer carbohydrates.
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)
An umbrella term for several conditions that impact the bladder, FLUTD can be painful with the possibility to be fatal. Some disorders normally found in this diagnosis include Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC), urinary stones and urethral obstruction among others. Warning signs of these conditions may include inappropriate or difficult and frequent urination, lost of appetite,listlessness, blood in the urine or frequent licking of the genitals. Although this normally affects middle-aged, overweight cats living primarily indoors, there are a few steps which can be taken to reduce the likelihood of problems. Promoting the greater intake of clean water using devices such as a cat fountain and speedily identifying a building problem can be important to limiting the growth of those conditions.
While there are a number of common cat illnesses, these are the most prevalent. Hopefully, by establishing an awareness of what to look for you will be able to quickly identify your cat's health condition before it grows serious.
About the Author:
Cheryl Brotsmith is a passionate cat owner who's lived through emergencies with her family of curious cats including Paco, Bob & Mr. Jigglesworth. As a result, she's discovered cat insurance indispensible in constraining big vet bills and is a devoted proponent of pet insurance for every owner.
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