Feline Illness

Common Health Problems Affecting Felines

Cats, like other pets, will have common diseases that they are prone to, however, most of such illnesses are easily dealt with by visiting your vet. Ber in mind, however, there are a few hereditary diseases that can be terminal and do not have a cure. There are other diseases that could be passed from infected animals due to exposure.

First on the list of common illnesses a cat may acquire are hairballs. Hairballs occur as the result of cats performing their everyday grooming routine. Loose hair and debris collect in quantity on the cats tongue and are then swallowed into the stomach. When there, these elements become lodged and eventually form a round ball of mucus.

Typically, a cat can dislodge the hairball by coughing, but on occasion one may become lodged in the intestines creating a serious and sometimes life threatening situation. Regular grooming, specialty cat food and cat treats along with visits to the veterinarian are all great ways to both prevent and treat this common ailment.

Just like humans, cats are prone to urinary tract infections as well. The cause for this ailment can be infection and poor quality food. The good news is this ailment is treatable with medication prescribed by a veterinarian. It is also preventable by providing specially formulated cat food created to prevent this infection from occurring.

If a urinary tract infection is present, common symptoms are that your cat may show signs of infrequent urination, fowl smelling urine, and urinating in places other than the litter box. Male cats that have not been neutered seem to be the most susceptible; however, female cats can be affected as well.

Common Cat Viruses - The three common viruses that felines are prone to suffer from; Feline Leukemia, Feline Infectious Peritonitis and Feline Immune Deficiency Virus. FIP or Feline Infectious Peritonitis is a very dangerous illness as it is related to the Corona Virus. Testing for FIP is also a problem as the results are not completely reliable. A positive test result has the possibility for being false as the same results appear for the Corona Virus. There is a vaccination available for FIP; however, many veterinarians and scientists believe its results to be inconclusive. With no known cure, it is extremely beneficial that this disease is not as easily contracted as some other diseases may be.

AIDS can afflict cats as well, although the feline version is called FIV and is not proven to fatal yet. However, many owners are left in doubts and fear that they are susceptible to catch the diseases as well. This belief is false and truly unwarranted.

Feline Leukemia Virus is another disease that is preventable. A vaccine is available from a veterinarian's office and must be acquired before exposure to other infected cats has occurred. If you own a cat with FLV it is highly recommended that you do not expose him to other cats. The life expectancy of a cat with FLV is very short.

Common Cat Worms Problem - In addition to hairballs being one of the most common afflictions in cats, worms are another. Tapeworms, hookworms and roundworms are all cause for immediate concern. Another worm that is not as frequently found in cats, but is also cause for serious concern is heartworm.

Medications are available from the veterinarian that will assist in preventing these nasty parasites from making a home in your cat. Signs of worm infestation cam come with flea infestation or as tiny white specs appearing in the stool, almost resembling a grain of rice. Weight loss or having difficulty gaining weight is a sign of worm infestation as well. This illness is fortunately one that comes with a treatment and it is usually an affordable one. However, if this infestation goes without treatment, the results are most commonly fatal.

Fleas and ticks are another form of common diseases, cats that spend time outdoors are known for contracting. The tick however brings another illness to the table, Lyme disease. If a tick has been found on your cat's body, symptoms of possible Lyme disease include lethargy, sluggish movement and acting as if in constant pain. This disease is also able to be transmitted to humans by ticks as well. If you suspect your cat has this disease or have found a tick on his body, a visit to the veterinarian will result in removal of the tick and treatment with medication.

Last, but certainly not least is feline obesity. This disease affects other parts of a cat's body and is a serious, potentially fatal ailment. It is also the number one cause for feline Diabetes. Prevention is the most important key in battling these diseases. Providing a proper diet in combination with exercise is essential in the fight to keep your cat healthy. Luckily, cats with diabetes do live, but need to be put on a special dietary supplement as well as medication.

The most important thing you can do to defend your cat against common illnesses and disease is to remember that prevention is the key.