Common Health Problems Of Cats

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Common Health Problems Of Cats

There are many feline health problems, some more common than others. Some problems are easily preventable, while others are hereditary. Common cat health problems range from simple inconveniences to life-threatening accidents and illnesses If you’re new to having a cat, you possibly surprised to find that health problems are a common matter. Regardless what breed of cat you own, health problems are to be expected. A few may be hereditary, while others may easily be prevented.

Worms
Regardless what breed of cat it may be, worms are a very basic and continual problem. Tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms are among the most common that infect cats. Cats who have problems gaining weight, problems with fleas, or if you find white specks in his stool, you should have your vet test him for worms. While they may be treated with medicine, worms may prove to be fatal if they’re left untreated.

Hairball
Hairballs are the common health problem for cats. All cats groom themselves on a regular basis, generally swallowing the loose hair that comes from their coats. Occasionally, this loose hair will gather into a ball and become resided the digestive tract rather than passing through in your cat’s stool. When your cat begins to coughing and hack, he’s usually coughing up a hairball. Though it may be rather offensive in the end, most cats may dislodge hairballs with no problems.

In rare cases, a hairball may pass through to a cat’s intestine, creating a blockage. Blockages are very dangerous problems, and may be life threatening if they aren’t treated. If your cat becomes bound, isn’t eating properly, or has a very dull coat, he could have a blockage. If you detect any of these symptoms, you should take him to the vet instantly. You may prevent hairballs and blockages by brushing your cat 2 – 3 times a week to remove loose hair. You may also feed him food that’s designed to control hairballs as well.

Urinary tract infection
Urinary tract infection is also a basic health problem with cats. Urinary tract infection is common with male cats that haven’t been neutered, while females may suffer from this problem as well. When a cat suddenly stops attending his litter box, this problem is usually the cause. Another symptom is when the cat’s urine begins to smell actually strong. If you suspect that your cat has a urinary tract infection, you should take him to the vet. Your vet may treat the problem with medicine, and make recommendations to aid avoid this problem in the future.

Feline leukemia
In the past, feline leukemia was the biggest cause of death in cats. These days however, there are vaccines available that may treat the disease. To treat the disease, your cat will require to be given the shot before he or she’s exposed. Even though death doesn’t happen instantly, cats that are exposed to feline leukemia usually don’t have a long life span. If you know your cat has feline leukemia, you should never allow other cats around him, as the virus is highly contagious.

To protect your cat, you should always be sure that you take him to the vet for his regular check ups. If you keep him up to date on his vaccinations, he should lead a healthy and productive life. Although some health problems can’t be avoided, most of them can. You can also keep your cat indoors as well, which will protect him from a majority of health problems. If your cat is an outdoor cat, regular visits to the vet will keep him healthy. As long as you take your cat to the vet and keep him healthy – he will be your companion for years to come.

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March 26 2009 08:41 pm | Cat & Kitten

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