Most Common Cat Health Problems

Cats are excellent at self-care. But even your loyal feline won’t be able to protect you.

1. Vomiting

Vomiting is a very common condition in cats, and it can be caused by a variety of factors. They can range from ingesting something dangerous or inedible (such as string) to infection, urinary tract disease, diabetes, and hairballs.

Drooling and abdominal heaving are common symptoms. Vomiting can quickly dehydrate your cat, so if kitty continues to vomit or appears ill, contact your veterinarian immediately once. Collect a sample of your cat’s vomit and take it to the veterinarian with you.

Also read about:Taking a Walk with Your Dog

2. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Diseases

According to some estimates, feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), which is actually a set of feline disorders with different origins, affects as many as 3% of cats seen by veterinarians.

FLUTD can affect both male and female cats, and it is more common in overweight or unfit cats who eat dry food. Stress, a multi-cat household, and sudden change can all increase a cat’s risk of developing FLUTD, and treatment varies depending on the type of FLUTD your cat has. The following are some of the symptoms of FLUTD:

• Drinking more
• Straining to urinate
• Bloody urine
• Urinating in unusual places
• Crying when urinating
• Licking around the urinary area (often because of pain)
• Depression
• Dehydration
• Lack of appetite
• Vomiting

If your cat is unable to urinate, it is always an emergency. If you suspect your cat has a urinary tract problem, contact your veterinarian straight away.

3. Fleas

Fleas are a common exterior cat health issue. However, it is one that is easily treated. The following are symptoms of a flea infestation in your cat:

• Flea dirt on its skin (they look like tiny black dots)
• Constant scratching
• Frequent licking
• Red or irritated skin
• Hair loss
• Skin infections or hot spots

Fleas can live for up to a year, and if the infestation becomes severe, your cat may develop anemia, so be sure to treat your cat’s flea problem and prevent future infestations.

Consult your veterinarian about the best flea treatment for your cat. Oral medication, powders, foams, and topical medication are all options for treatment.

4. Tapeworms

Tapworms live in your cat’s small intestine and can grow up to 2 feet long. Tapeworms, on the other hand, are segmented and normally break apart when released. A complete worm is extremely unusual to be seen. In most cases, the portions will be visible.

Tapworm infection symptoms can be modest, but they can include vomiting and weight loss. Examine your cat’s excrement, around its anus, and in its bedding to see if it has tapeworms. Tapeworms usually emerge from your cat’s anus while it is resting or relaxed. Tapeworms are little white worms that resemble rice grains or sesame seeds.

Injection, oral, and topical medications are all choices for treatment. However, because cats nearly always get tapeworms as a result of eating a flea, make sure you take care of any flea problems your cat has first.

Also read about: Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs

5. Diarrhea

Intestinal parasites, rotten food, allergies, infection, liver illness, cancer, and other factors can all contribute to diarrhea in cats.

Loose, watery, or liquid stools are symptoms of diarrhea. Diarrhea might last a day, a week, or even months, depending on the cause.

To avoid dehydration, give your cat plenty of fresh, clean water if he or she has diarrhea. Then, for no more than 12 hours, take kitty’s food away. If your cat’s diarrhea persists after a day, or if you observe vomiting, dark or bloody feces, fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite, or if your cat is straining to defecate, take them to the veterinarian right once.

Also read about: 10 Most Common Dog Behavior Problems

6. Eye Problems

Conjunctivitis, eye diseases, cataracts, glaucoma, trauma, viruses, inflammation, and retinal disease are all causes of eye issues in cats.

Watery eyes, tear-streaked fur, cloudiness, red or white eyelid linings, crud in the corners of the eye, squinting, pawing at the eye, or a visible third eyelid are all signs that your cat may have eye problems.

You can’t do anything about your cat’s eye problems until you know what’s causing them. Eye problems should be treated as an emergency, so schedule an appointment as soon as possible.