How to Deal with Four Common Cat Health Problems
submitted: Aug 19th 2008 |
by: GeraldNjuguna |
Total views: 1 |
Word Count: 536 |
| 
Cat health problems are common and do not be surprised to find your cat is affected especially if you own a new one. Live with the mindset that your cat can fall sick whatever the breed is. Some of the diseases are hereditary while some can easily be prevented.
1. Worms Problems
Worms are a common & recurring problem with cats of any breed. Among the worms that attack cats include tapeworms, roundworms and hookworms. Have your cat tested with the vet if see that he is gaining weight, have white specks in his stool or have problems with fleas. Worms can turn out to be quite nasty if left untreated although medicine can easily cure them.
2. Hairball Problems
The other common health problem of cats is hairball. All cats clean themselves regularly, usually they swallow their loose hair from their coats. Sometimes, loose hair if swallowed, gather into balls which will lodge in the digestive tract instead of going to the stool of the cat. Coughing and hacking are symptoms that your cat is developing hairballs in the digestive system. This should not worry us much though because cats can normally remove the hairball without causing any problem at all.
Hairballs can also pass through to the intestines of the cat which will cause blockage. This should make you worried because it can turn out to be life threatening. Should you notice that your cat suffers from constipation, his eating patterns are disrupted and has a dull coat, then most probably the cat has blockage. The best thing to do it to take the cat to the vet for treatment. Another advisable thing to do is to brush the hair of the cat two or three times per week to brush off any loose hair & prevent hairballs.
3. Urinary Tract
Cats may also acquire urinary tract infection and this is common among them. Male cats are more prone to Urinary Tract Infection than female cats especially those that have not been neutered. If you observe your cat not going to its litter box, your cat might be having this sickness. Strong smell of cat's urine is another possible symptom of the disease. Don't waste any time if your cat has these symptoms, see the vet for your cat. It is only the vet who can treat your cat and give recommendations to prevent this disease from occurring later on.
4. Feline Leukemia Problems
The biggest issue that caused many deaths with cats many years back was feline leukemia. When vaccines were discovered to deal with this problem, it became less of a nuisance. Preventions is better than cure so its advisable to give the cat a shot cat before giving him the necessary exposure. Cats that are exposed to feline leukemia do not die on the spot but their life span is reduced. Feline leukemia is quite contagious so keep your cat away from those that are infected.
Make sure to bring your cat to the vet for his regular check up in order to protect him from the virus. In order for your cat to lead a healthy and productive life, vaccinations should be regularly done. Most health problems can be avoided, although there are some which you cannot.
About the Author
Before buying anything for your cat, relax and check out these cute cat photos and funny cat photos.
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