Basic Health Problems of Cats

If you're new to owning a cat, you might be surprised to discover that health problems are a common thing. Regardless what breed of cat you own, health problems are to be anticipated. A few may be hereditary, while others may easily be prevented.

 

Regardless what breed of cat it might be, worms are a very basic and recurring issue. Tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms are among the basic that infect cats. Cats who have issues gaining weight, issues with fleas, or if you find white specks in his stool, you ought to 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.

 

Hairballs are the most common health problem for cats. All cats groom themselves on an everyday basis, normally swallowing the loose hair that comes from their coats. Occasionally, this loose hair will gather into a ball and become lodged in the gastrointestinal tract rather than passing through in your cat’s stool. When your cat begins to cough and hack, he's normally coughing out a hairball. Whilst it may be rather disgusting in the end, most cats may dislodge hairballs with no issues.

 

In rare cases, a hairball may pass through to a cat’s intestine, producing a blockage. Blockages are really serious issues, and may be grievous if they aren’t treated. If your cat gets constipated, isn’t eating decently, or has a very dull coat, he may have a blockage. If you notice any of these symptoms, you ought to take him to the veterinarian immediately. You can prevent hairballs and blockages by brushing your cat two – three times a week to remove loose hair. You can likewise feed him food that's designed to control hairballs too.

 

Urinary tract infection is likewise a common health problem with cats. Urinary tract infection is more common with male cats that haven’t been neutered, although females may suffer from this problem too. When a cat abruptly stops going to his litter box, this issue is normally the cause. A different symptom is when the cat’s urine begins to smell very strong. If you suspect that your cat has a urinary tract infection, you ought to take him to the vet. Your vet may treat the issue with medicine, and make recommendations to help avoid this issue in the future.

 

In the past, feline leukemia was the greatest cause of death in cats. These days however, there are vaccines available that may treat the disease. To treat the disease, your cat will have to be given the shot before he or she's exposed. Even though death doesn’t occur immediately, cats that are exposed to feline leukemia commonly don’t have a long life. If you know your cat has feline leukemia, you ought to never allow other cats around him, as the virus is extremely contagious.

 

To protect your cat, you ought to always make certain that you take him to the vet for his regular check ups. If you keep him up to date on his inoculations, he ought to lead a healthy and productive life. Although a few health problems can’t be avoided, many of them can. You can likewise keep your cat indoors as well, which will protect him from a bulk of health problems. If your cat is an outside cat, regular visits to the vet will keep him healthy. As long as you take your cat to the veterinarian and keep him healthy – he will be your companion for years to come.