10 Common Health Problems in Pet Cats

health problems in pet cats, pet cats

Your pet cats may look in good condition, but they actually need your help to stay in perfect shape.

That means regular checkups and shots are needed to keep illnesses at bay.

Then again, by familiarizing the common health problems in felines, you will be able to identify early signs and get them treated accordingly.

Here are 10 of the most common health problems in cats to begin with.

1. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease

Also known as FLUTD, feline lower urinary tract disease involves several different conditions that target a cat’s urethra and bladder.

Among its noticeable symptoms include not using the litter box, blood in the urine, and too much licking of the genital area.

If any of these signs are present, see the vet right away. There could be urethral blockage, which may result in demise.

2. Respiratory Infections

Respiratory infections are among the most common diseases in cats, but they can be prevented with early vaccinations.

Symptoms of respiratory infections include teary eyes, coughing, sneezing, and runny noses. Most of these infections are viral, so there isn’t much you can do.

However, it’s still important to take your fur baby to the vet because these respiratory problems can be fatal. Respiratory infections are often caused by viruses, so antibiotics will not help.

The best thing you can do is to keep your cat comfortable and make sure they get plenty of rest. If your cat is having trouble breathing, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Respiratory infections can be serious, but with proper care, your cat will recover in no time. Thanks for reading!

3. Heartworm Disease

Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition that can affect both dogs and cats.

The disease is caused by parasitic worms that enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart, where they can cause damage to the lungs and other organs.

While some animals may show signs of heartworm disease, such as coughing or vomiting, others may not exhibit any symptoms at all.

Unfortunately, there is currently no safe and effective treatment for heartworm disease, making prevention vital.

The best way to protect your pets from heartworm disease is to schedule regular vet check-ups and to use preventive medications. By taking these simple steps, you can help keep your furry friends healthy and safe.

4. Cancer

Cancer is the leading cause of death in cats, with nearly 50% of all deaths attributed to the disease.

Lymphosarcoma is the most common type of cancer among cats, and it can target the intestine or the chest.

Symptoms include swelling, skin infections, diarrhea, weight loss, lumps, defecating, difficulty in breathing, urinating, and lethargy.

Treatment procedures may depend on the stage of cancer, but more often than not, that includes surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation.

Cancer is a serious disease that requires prompt treatment by a qualified veterinarian. If you suspect that your cat may have cancer, don’t delay in seeking medical attention.

5. Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is a serious problem for cats because it can reduce their ability to expel waste products in their urine. This can cause toxins to accumulate in the bloodstream, which can be Fatal.

Kidney disease can be caused by a wide variety of factors, including infection, exposure to toxins, high blood pressure, and cancer. Age is also a risk factor for this disease. Older cats are much more likely to develop kidney disease than younger cats.

Treatment for this disease varies depending on the severity of the case, but in severe cases, kidney transplant or dialysis may be necessary.

Preventing kidney disease is important for all cat owners, so be sure to talk to your veterinarian about how you can keep your cat healthy and avoid this serious problem.

6. Fleas

Fleas are tiny, wingless insects that live off the blood of mammals and birds. Flea eggs are usually white, oval shaped, and about one millimeter long. Flea larvae are small and white with reddish brown heads.

Fleas adults are brown or black, and their bodies are flattened from top to bottom. Fleas can jump up to 200 times their own height, which is equivalent to a human jumping nearly 30 feet in the air!

Fleas typically bite humans around the ankles or legs, which can cause redness, swelling, and itching. Fleas can also transmit diseases to humans, such as the bubonic plague and typhus fever.

In order to prevent an infestation of fleas, it is important to routinely check your pets for fleas and Flea eggs and to vacuum regularly.

You should also wash your pet’s bedding in hot water every week. If you suspect you have a flea infestation in your home, you should contact a pest control professional for assistance.

7. Obesity

Obesity is very common among cats nowadays. In fact, it is a factor that may put your cat’s health at risk for problems like diabetes and joint pain. To check if your feline friend is obese, you should be able to get a feel of his ribs and backbone without pressing hard.

From the side, there should be a tuck in the tummy part between the hips and lower ribs. If you wish to help your cats to prevent obesity, get them moving by engaging them with toys on cat scratching posts.

Obesity is a problem that plagues not only humans but also our furry feline friends. Luckily, there are things we can do to help them slim down and live healthier lives.

One simple way to help your cat lose weight is to make sure they have plenty of toys to keep them active.

Cat scratching posts are a great way to provide both mental and physical stimulation for your cat, and they can help burn off excess calories and keep their muscles toned.

So if you want to help your chubby kitty slim down, make sure you have plenty of toys around for them to play with.

8. Diarrhea and Vomiting

Diarrhea and vomiting are common symptoms in pet cats. When these problems persist,

it is important to rule out any underlying infections or illnesses. Treatment often includes offering fluids to prevent dehydration. In most cases, diarrhea and vomiting are associated with inadequate food intake.

However, if your cat is eating a healthy diet and still experiencing these symptoms, there could be something more serious going on.

If you notice that your cat is having trouble keeping food down, or if they seem to be in pain, it is important to consult your veterinarian.

With proper treatment, most cases of diarrhea and vomiting can be resolved quickly and without complications.

9. Dental Diseases

Dental diseases are one of the most common problems that affect our furry friends.

As pet parents, it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of dental disease so that we can get our furry friends the treatment they need. Dental disease can exhibit signs like bad breath, abrupt changes in chewing habits, and difficulty eating.

Most of the time, bad breath indicates gingivitis or digestive problems, but sometimes it could also be ulcers on the tongue or gums or loose teeth.

If you suspect your four-legged pals have dental issues, take them to the vet dentist to have them checked out.

Dental disease is a serious problem that can lead to other health problems, so it’s important to nip it in the bud as soon as possible.

10. Fractures

Fractures are one of the most common injuries seen in veterinary medicine. They can occur when a pet falls from a height, is hit by a car, or suffer any type of trauma. Fractures can be extremely painful and can cause long-term damage if not treated properly.

The first step in treating a fractures is to stabilize the affected limb. This may involve splinting or casting the limb to keep it from moving. Once the limb is stabilized, the next step is to repair the fracture.

This may involve setting the bone and placing screws or pins to hold the bone in place. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the fracture.

After the fracture has been repaired, it is important to provide physical therapy to help the affected limb regain its strength. With proper treatment, most pets with fractures make a full recovery.

As a responsible owner, you must know that pet cats are great at hiding illnesses. Thus, it would be best to seek advice and tips from the vet to keep them in their best possible health.

One thought on “10 Common Health Problems in Pet Cats

  1. Hannah Schroeder says:

    Thanks for this article! I’m glad you said that a cat’s breath might be bad if they have a dental disease. I noticed that my cat, Liam, has bad-smelling breath, even though I clean his teeth regularly. Maybe I should take him to the vet to see if he has a disease that can be treated, or if it’s just bad breath.

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