Healthy Cat
Types of Health Problems
Your Cat May Be Faced With

People who have never owned a cat before, may not realize that cats can suffer from quite a few different health problems. While a number of these problems are easily preventable, unfortunately some can be hereditary.

If you adopt or purchase a new cat, one of the first things you need to do is make an appointment for your cat to see a veterinarian for all of its initial examinations and vaccinations.

Hairball

The hairball is one of the most common cat health problems. Because cats groom themselves constantly with their tongues, their loose hair comes off on their tongues and is swallowed.

Sometimes the hair gradually forms into a fur ball instead of passing through the cat's body. If your cat starts coughing and sounding like he is choking, he may have a hairball. Typically, the cat will expel the hairball on his own.

You can try to prevent hairballs by frequently grooming your cat to remove the loose hair. There are different types of cat hair brushes available for you to use.

Additionally, feed your cat food that helps control hairballs. Recently, cat treats that help control hairballs have become available, as well.

Urinary Tract Infection in a Cat

Another common health problem in cats is the urinary tract infection. This infection is especially common in un–neutered male cats, although female cats can also develop this problem.

If you find that your cat has suddenly stopped using his litter box, a urinary tract infection could be the culprit. Also, if your cat's urine smells strong, you should suspect a urinary tract infection.

These infections need to be treated by your veterinarian. Be sure to ask your veterinarian about cat foods that help alleviate the chance of an infection re–occurring.

Dangerous Viruses that Cats Can Catch

There are also several dangerous viruses that cats can catch, such as:

• Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
• Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
• Feline Leukemia Virus. (FLV)

FIP is a disease that is related to Coronavirus. This problem is serious, because there is no known treatment for the disease. However, cats who test positive for this disease may not actually have it, because Coronavirus gives the same result on the titer. If you are not familiar with the term "titer" it refers to a measurement of the amount of a substance in a solution. It usually refers to the amount of medicine or antibodies found in the blood. There is a vaccine for FIP, but many veterinarians and scientists say that it actually is not very effective. Fortunately, this disease is not as easy to catch as some other diseases.

FIV, or cat AIDs, is not always fatal. Some people are afraid that they will catch HIV from a cat with FIV, but that cannot happen.

FLV is avoidable if the cat has not been exposed to the virus before being immunized. Although the disease is not always immediately fatal, cats with FLV rarely have a long life expectancy. You should never bring other cats into your household when you have a cat with FLV.

Worms

Worms are also a problem for many cats. Roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms are the most common types that infect cats.

However, cats can occasionally develop heart worms, as well. If your cat seems unable to gain weight, is infested with fleas, or has white specks that look like grains of rice in his stools, you should take him to the veterinarian to be tested for worms.

A cat with worms is easily cured with a few doses of medication, but worms can prove fatal if left untreated.

Ticks

Also, if your cat spends time outdoors, you should keep a close eye on him for ticks.

If you find a tick on your cat's body and he has been acting lethargic or moving slowly and acting as if he was in pain, you should ask your veterinarian to test him for Lyme Disease.

This disease is transmitted to people and animals by ticks.

Finally, it is very important that you take your cat to see a veterinarian for regular physical checkups. Your veterinarian will let you know if she wants to see your cat every 6 months or just once a year.

For more detailed information on the types of health problems that your cat may be faced with please visit Pawprints & Purrs, Inc.

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