Posted by admin | Posted in cat kitten care | Posted on 22-11-2008
Tags: cat, cat diseases, cat diseases and symptoms, cat diseases list, cat diseases that humans can get, cat diseases transmitted to humans, cats, diseases, health, pets
Six Common Cat Health Issues
Hairballs occur when cat hair is swallowed during the cat’s efforts at grooming by almost constant licking their fur. hairballs most commonly are not harmful but can be dangerous when they lodge in the digestive tract and cause a blockage. The cat usually dislodges the hairball by coughing and hacking it up. Regular brushing to remove loose hair can help prevent hairballs. Special food and medicine can also help.
Worms are a common problem for cats. Watch for symptoms like weight loss, flea infestation or white worms in their feces. When you take your cat for regular vet exams, they usually test for worms. Worms can be successfully treated with medication.
Urinary tract infections need to be taken care of by a veterinarian. There are certain cat foods that can help prevent this type of infection. Common symptoms are urine with a strong odor, or the cat stops using the litter box all of a sudden. Both male and female cats can suffer with this health issue.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is caused by a virus and is commonly found in multi-cat environments. Symptoms of a respiratory infection including sneezing, nasal discharge and watery eyes may be present as well as diarrhea, weight loss and lethargy. There is a vaccine for preventing FIP.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) or cat AIDS is common among cats who run wild and live in groups. It is transmitted by saliva when cats bite each other during fights. FIV is not always fatal but it does cause a weakened immune system so that the cat can contract serious diseases which can be fatal. There’s no vaccine for the prevention of FIV, however, all cats should be tested for it during routine exams.
Feline Leukemia Virus (FLV) does not only mean cancer of the blood as there are many other problems related to this virus. If a cat is vaccinated against FLV before exposure to the disease, it can be prevented. Avoid bringing other cats into a household where a cat has FLV because the virus is very contagious.
Wellness Care is taking your cat to the vet for regular physical exams and tests. Staying current with recommended vaccinations will go a long way toward extending the lifespan of your cat. Your cat deserves a long healthy life and so do you. Hugs, Rosalyn