Cats and Their Health Problems

Many new cat owners are unaware of the problems that their new found friend might have. Some of these problems are even new to those who have owned cats before. Some of the problems that cats encounter can be prevented while other problems are hereditary.

The most common problem among cats is hairballs. Because cats constantly groom themselves, they often swallow hair that is removed by their tongue. The hair that is removed goes down the throat and collects in a ball in the cat’s digestive track. This hair does not always pass through their system. Cats will show signs of coughing and hacking when they have hairballs caught in the digestive track. They will throw up and release the hair ball that way.

Sometimes the hair will pass through their digestive track into the intestines of the cats. This will cause a blockage which is more life-threatening. Owners of cats can check for signs and symptoms in order to get immediate help from their vet. One for sure sign that there is a blockage is that the cat will be constipated and will not eat. The lack of food causes a lethargic cat with a dull fur coat. A vet will be able to examine your cat to determine if this is the problem.

In order to prevent your cat from experiencing troublesome hairballs, you should groom your cat with a brush that is designed to remove any loose hair that it might have. There are also special brands of foods that will help your cat to control hairballs.

Another problem that is relevant in cats is worms. Most often cats are infected with roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms. Cats will also develop heartworms as in dogs. Signs include cats not gaining weight, a serious infestation of fleas; stool will contain white specks that resemble rice. You should immediate seek the attention of a vet in order for your pet to be examined. When treated promptly, worms can be eliminated with only medication however if left untreated the ultimate result would be death.

A common health problem in cats is urinary tract infections. Infections of this type are common in male cats that are not neutered and in female cats as well. Signs of urinary tract infections are visible when your cat stops going to the litter box. Also a urinary tract infection displays a strong urine smell. This infection can also be treated by a vet who will also be able to introduce ways that will reduce your cat’s chances of developing such infections.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis or FIP is a problem that is caused by a mutated corona virus. Experts have found that cats that live in an environment where there are multiple cats often test positive for enteric corona virus. This virus will remain in the intestines of the cat and some will show no signs of the disease over a lifetime. In some cases, however the virus will develop into FIP.

When FIP develops, the cat will show signs of a upper respiratory infection. Cats will display symptoms of sneezing, watery eyes, nasal discharge and diarrhea along with weight loss and loss of energy. Quite often cats will recover from this illness however some may still continue to be carriers. A very small amount of cats that were exposed to FIP will have lethal reactions.

Cat also can contract an illness known as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus or FIV, a form of cat AIDS which could be fatal if left untreated. This disease decreases the natural ability of the immune system to fight off infections. Symptoms may not appear for many years however when it does present itself, it usually comes along with other illnesses that are in chronic stages.

Other illnesses include oral-cavity infections, upper-respiratory infections, weight loss, even ear infections and diseases that attack the kidney’s of a cat. To date, there is not just one vaccine that can be administered to cats to protect them. Viruses are transmitted through saliva when cats are bitten or have been in fights.

Feline Leukemia Virus used to be the most common fatal disease of all that affect cats. There is a vaccine that is now available which has caused the number of affected cats to decrease. This virus is not only associated with leukemia as the name actually means (cancer of the white blood cells), it also involves many others such as anemia, arthritis, and all respiratory infections. Feline Leukemia Virus can be controlled if your cat received their immunizations prior to being exposed to the virus. Again, if left untreated, it could be fatal and therefore infected cats should be kept away from other cats.

Lyme disease is a common problem among cats that spend time out of doors. Owners of cats should check them for ticks which is the carrier of the disease. Symptoms include pain and loss of energy. Lyme disease can be passed to people as well as other animals.

Symptoms are so hard to recognize and are sometimes confused with other illnesses or just simply old age. Owners should be aware of their cat’s normal behavior and routines in order to spot signs if Lyme disease if ticks are not common in your area. Other symptoms besides loss of energy are failure to jump or climb resistance to weight on limbs and changes in appetite. Early diagnosis of Lyme disease is the key to dealing with this potentially deadly disease. Owners can also prevent contraction by taking precautions early and spraying the surrounding landscape to avoid the presence of ticks.

Cats are fun and can be good companions to anyone who has the patience. As with any animal, making sure that your cat receives regular check-ups will prevent infections and diseases that can be fatal to you friend. Many people have found that cats that spend their lives inside have a longer life span than those that are free to roam outdoors. Inside they are free from environmental dangers such as insects, other animals and cars. Cats will enjoy outdoors however it is important to keep an eye on them in order to preserve their life span.

Should Outside Cats Use a Collar

Cat owners usually find themselves to be in a dilemma over if they should or shouldn’t use a collar on there cat that lives much of its life out of doors. The discussion however is at a stand still over the advantages and disadvantages or pros and cons of fitting a collar on their outside cat, but numerous veterinarians and cat enthusiasts or expert will agree that a collar is indeed the best way to go. But, before you make that decision, take a quick peek at these particular advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages:

* Cat with collars can have their identification and or registration tags displayed properly. This can become critical in the case your outdoor cat should become lost or is found and confiscated by a concerned neighbor or individual. Also, you can fit a collar with a an ability to hold a bell or other noise generators that can startle potential prey and aid the cat in to scare them away.

* Many cat collars are made or can be fitted with materials that are reflective in nature. Being that the collar can be made totally out of reflective material or that it may only be constructed with a tiny strip, this will aid your cat in becoming more noticeable at night and are able to be seen. Cats, particularly ones that are of a dark color, can become almost nonexistent in their ability to be seen properly at night, which can and is a potentially fatal situation.

Disadvantages:

* Cat collars will easily become snagged and can cause your cat to hang or become stuck on protrusions such as branches and fences, or on almost anything else that can be found in the wonderful outdoors. Many cats found no longer alive, have been strangled when they have become entangled by their collar getting caught or hooked on something and the collar then cut off the animal’s ability to breathe.

* Cats may not be very comfortable when having to wear a collar as it may be heavy for the animal to wear.

Given these advantages and disadvantages, you can and should consider your choice of a collar that shown to maximize the rights and minimize the wrongs. An example of this could be in that there are numerous collars that are sold in stores or markets that have been made specifically in their design to become unhooked or unclasp itself should the cat ever become hung. These specialized collars have been considered strangle-proof and should release the animal when about seven or so pounds of pressure is detected and applied. In this way, the cat can break free from any snare that it finds itself in.

There are many different forms of collars sold within the market or pet specialty stores aimed at pets. Many pet stores won’t mind you bringing feline friend with you to be fitted properly and will allow you to try a few different types of collars in your search to find one that fits the best. Try not to choose one that is made like a harness for your outdoor cat unless you want to walk them on a leash. If you are going to purchase one of these types of collars then only use on them on your cat while in they are in your presence, and only let your cat wear a harness while humanly supervised, as most of them are not snare-proof.

Collars are very much encouraged to be placed and worn by cats that spend any time at all outside or in. In aiding and adding to the visibility of your cat, the collar can hold the identification of the animal that is deemed valuable, should you find your animal missing or lost and will assist you in finding them.