Many cat lovers know that the cat’s acting skills are superb; even if it is sick, the pet owner cannot easily detect it. If you do see obvious signs of illness, such as vomiting, coma, etc., then rush your pet for medical treatment.
With cats a little owner education will go a long way to detecting obvious and subtle health problems. You can learn about cats’ common problems from VetGen Pharmaceuticals, which will keep you updated about your cat’s health. In this article, you’ll find three common health issues of cats you should be aware of.
Three Common Health Issues in Cats
Lower Urinary Tract Disease
Feline lower urinary tract disease, also known as cat UTI, is a generic, common, category illness affecting cats’ urethra or bladder. It is an inflammation in the lower urinary tract and may result in a blockage of the urethra, making it difficult to urinate. The most popular cause of this disease is infections, either bacterial or viral. Sometimes, the disease results from a tumor, abscesses, stones, or other masses. The usual treatment is antibiotics.
Symptoms include constant howling in pain when urinating, straining when having sex, and urinating outside of the litter box. If the cat's urine appears cloudy or stained, or if there is blood in the urine, your vet may suspect feline UTI. Such symptoms may be caused by infections in the kidneys, bladder, or ureter. In case your cat has blood in its urine, your vet should perform a test to determine whether your cat is suffering from urinary stones.
Treatment of feline UTI can involve antibiotics. In advanced cases, surgery may also be required to remove the stone or blockage and to improve the cat's ureteral health. If you think your cat is suffering from a lower urinary tract disease, consult a veterinarian immediately to avoid any complications.
Kidney Disease
Another of the common health issues in cats is kidney disease. The kidneys are organs in the body that filter out toxins and maintain a healthy urinary system. Failure to keep your cat's kidney functioning properly can lead to severe problems, including death. Cats can get kidney problems from a variety of different things, such as drinking contaminated water or getting food poisoning.
There are a variety of causes for kidney disease in cats. One of the more common causes is urinary tract obstruction caused by a blockage with fibrous materials. Other factors that can increase the likelihood of developing cat kidney disease include stress, obesity, and dehydration. Kidney disease of a cat can be prevented by keeping it properly hydrated and providing it with adequate amounts of food and water. Another important step is to make sure the litter box is changed daily, as well as the entire environment of the home.
Obesity Disease
Obesity disease in cats is a disease that has become quite common. It is a condition that causes a cat to gain a lot of weight, which often leads to them being unable to move around very much or to engage in most activities. These cats cannot be fed properly, and they often become malnourished as a result. In severe cases, this can result in death. It is imperative that you know everything you can about the obesity disease of cats so that you can look out for any signs and get your cat treated if necessary.
Weight gain in cats can affect their health in several ways. They may become less healthy overall because they cannot move around as freely as they would normally and because they are not getting enough activity. They can also develop arthritis and suffer muscle weakness. Their eyesight may also be affected, so you must talk to your vet about the possibility of having your cat's eyesight changed because of the weight gain.
Preventative Measures
- Daily grooming of the cat, such as brushing the fur.
- When grooming your cat’s fur, look out for any abnormalities in the ears, eyes, and teeth.
- Make sure the cat gets enough exercise regularly, for example, through outdoor areas or specific cat games.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Avoid being overweight through overfeeding.
- Careful observation of the cat: Changes in behavior can indicate an illness.
- Keep regular check-ups at the vet.
- Have preventive vaccinations carried out? Outdoor cats need additional vaccinations, for example, against rabies and feline leukosis.
When it comes to your cat's health, there is a lot you can do to help. Though a cat is good at self-maintenance, as an owner, you should also take care of it. There are plenty of things you can do to keep them healthy, which you can take into account, such as food, nutrition, and ensuring that your cat is getting the correct amount of exercise. More importantly, talk to your vet about all the preventive care that goes into keeping your cat healthy. There are many different types of vets out there who specialize in cat care, and you should choose a vet who has a good level of expertise and experience.
