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Health Problems In Cats
It may come as a surprise, if you're a new cat owner, that many
health problems may befall your feline friend. Some problems are
easily preventable, while others are hereditary.
Hairballs
Hairballs are among the most common of cat health problems. Cats
groom themselves almost constantly, and swallow the loose hair
that comes off their tongues. Occasionally, the hair gathers
into a ball and lodges in the cat's digestive tract instead of
passing on through the body. If your cat starts coughing and
hacking, he probably has a hairball. While the end product is
unpleasant for the owner, most cats don't have a problem
dislodging hairballs.
However, hairballs can occasionally pass into a cat's intestines
and cause a blockage. This can be a life-threatening problem.
There are a few signs to look for to see if your cat's hairball
is dangerous. If your cat is constipated, off his feed, or is
lethargic with a dull coat, then he could have a serious
blockage. A vet exam is definitely in order.
To prevent hairballs, groom your cat frequently to remove loose
hair. In addition, feed your cat food that helps control
hairballs.
Worms
For many cats, worms are a recurring problem. Roundworms,
tapeworms, and hookworms most commonly infect cats. Cats can
occasionally develop heartworms, as well. If your cat seems
unable to gain wait, is infested with fleas, or has white specks
that look like grains of rice in his stools, take him to the
veterinarian for worm testing.
Worms are easily cured with a few doses of medication, but if
left untreated, they can be fatal.
Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections are another common health problem in
cats. This infection is particularly common in unneutered male
cats, although female cats can also develop this problem. If
your cat suddenly stops using the litter box, a urinary tract
infection is suspect. If your cat's urine smells strong, again a
urinary tract infection may be the cause. These infections need
to be treated by a veterinarian. Ask about cat foods that reduce
the likelihood of another infection.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
FIP is caused by a mutation of the corona virus. According to
some experts, cats living in multi-cat environments tend to test
positive for enteric corona virus. Cats can live with that virus
remaining quietly in the intestines with no sign of disease for
their entire lifetime. In other cases, probably a genetic
pre-disposition, the virus mutates into FIP.
Once a cat has contracted FIP, it will display symptoms of a
mild upper respiratory infection: sneezing, watery eyes, and
nasal discharge. It may also have diarrhea, weight loss and
lethargy. Most cats fully recover from this primary infection,
although some may become virus carriers. A small percentage of
exposed cats develop lethal FIP weeks or even years after the
primary infection.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
FIV, or cat AIDS, is not always fatal. FIV decreases the ability
of the cat's immune system to fight infections. Cats with FIV
may remain free of symptoms for years. It is when the cat
contracts other illnesses in the chronic stage of FIV infection
that FIV is first suspected. This long list of illnesses
includes oral-cavity infections, upper-respiratory infections,
weight loss, ear infections, kidney disease, and many others.
Although there is, as yet, no vaccine, all cats should be tested
for the virus. The virus is transmitted through saliva, usually
when a cat is bitten in a cat fight.
Feline Leukemia Virus
FLV was, until recently, the most common fatal disease of cats.
But with a vaccine now available, the number of cases is
dwindling. Although the name leukemia means cancer of the white
blood cells, this is only 1 of the many diseases associated with
this virus, such as other types of cancer, anemia, arthritis and
respiratory infections. FLV is preventable if the cat is
immunized before being exposed to the virus. Although the
disease is not always immediately fatal, cats with FLV rarely
have a long life expectancy. NEVER bring other cats into your
household when you have a cat with FLV.
Lyme Disease
If your cat spends time outdoors, you should check him regularly
for ticks. If you find a tick on your cat's body and he has been
lethargic and acts as if he is in pain, ask your vet to test for
Lyme Disease. This disease is transmitted to people and animals
by deer ticks.
Some cats may show subtle symptoms while others may show none --
symptoms are hard to recognize and often may be confused with
other illnesses or old age. Be observant of your pet's behavior.
It is the only way to know if your pet has contracted Lyme
disease if no tick was found. Some symptoms of Feline Lyme
Disease include:
(a) lethargy, (b) reluctance to jump or climb stairs, (c)
limping, or reluctance to put weight on a paw, (d) loss of
appetite.
The key to dealing with Feline Lyme Disease is prevention and
early diagnosis and treatment. You should reduce the tick
population around your home with simple landscape changes and
spraying.
Good Health Care
Taking your cat for a regular check-up with the vet, and keeping
all vaccinations on schedule will help assure your cat a long
and healthy life. Prevention is the first line of defense for
most feline illnesses.
Many owners keep their cats indoors to protect them from cars,
from cat fights which may expose them to deadly viruses, from
ticks, and other hazards.
Outdoor cats will enjoy greater freedom, but require a watchful
eye, loving attention to their health status, and regular visits
to the veterinarian.
About the author:
Visit New
Cat to learn more. Copyright 2005 Ron King. Ron King is a
full-time researcher, writer, and web developer. This article
may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact.
Ron King
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