Cute Cats Health

You may be surprised to discover that health problems are also common among cats especially if you are new into the hobby of owning a cat. Expect problems when you get a cat whatever the breed. While hereditary issues might be the reason of some health problems, others are easily prevented.

1. Worms
Worms are very common and recurring problem among cats of whatever breed. Cats are easily infected by tapeworms, roundworms and hookworms among others. If you see your cat gaining weight or having problems with fleas and white specks in his stool, have your cat tested by your vet for worms. Worms can be fatal if left untreated though medicine can easily cure them.

2. Hairballs
Another common health problem of cats is hairballs. All cats clean themselves regularly and end up swallowing their loose hair from their coats. Sometimes, loose hair if swallowed will gather into balls which will lodge in the digestive tract instead of going to the stool. Coughing and hacking are symptoms that your cat is developing hairballs. This should not worry us much though because cats can normally remove the hairball without causing any problem at all.

Although this can happen rarely, hairballs can pass through to the intestines of the cat which will cause blockage. This should be enough to worry you concerning the health situation of the cat because hairballs can turn out to be life threatening if not treated. If your cat shows signs of constipation, eating is irregular, and has dull coat, most probably the cat has blockage. Take him to the vet right away if these symptoms are present. Brush the hair of your cat 2 to 3 times every week to remove loose hair and prevent hairballs and blockages. There are also food intended to control hairballs which you can use to feed your cat.

3. Urinary Tract Infection
Cats may also acquire urinary tract infections. Male cats are more prone to Urinary Tract Infection than female cats especially those that have not been neutered. If you observe that your cat not going to its litter box then this might be a sign that it has this sickness. Strong smell of cat’s urine is another possible symptom of the disease. It is only the vet who can treat your cat and give recommendations to prevent this disease from occurring later on.

4. Feline Leukemia
For many years from the past, the biggest cause of the mortality of cats is feline leukemia. With the discovery of vaccines that are available in the market, the disease can be easily treated today. In order to treat your cat, your cat needs to be given shots before exposing him. Cats exposed to feline leukemia though do not die immediately but their life span is shortened. Feline leukemia is a contagious disease therefore if your cat has this disease, keep other cats away from it.

Make sure to take your cat to the vet for his regular check up in order to protect him from the virus. In order for your cat to lead a healthy and productive life, vaccinations should be regularly done. Most health problems can be avoided, although there are some which you cannot.

In order to keep your cats healthy, keep them indoors. However, if your cat always outdoor, protect him by taking him regularly to the vet.