Cats are the furry family members of choice for many people. They’re affectionate, loyal, and willing to sleep on your lap all night long. Unfortunately, this also means that they’re more likely than other pets to come down with an illness. Cats have a reputation for being strong and resilient, but just like any other pets, they can get sick.
Cats are notorious for not showing their symptoms, so if you notice any of these common cat health problems, it’s important to take your little kitty to the vet. Cats are known for hiding their feelings and being less vocal than dogs.
One reason is that in the wild, animals that show signs of weakness or injury are often targeted by predators. Therefore, hiding pain is a survival mechanism ingrained in cats through evolution.
Here are some common cat health problems and symptoms you should be aware of so that you can get prompt vet care if necessary:
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is one of the most common cat health problems. It is caused by stress or food changes, or it may be a symptom of an infection. If your cat has diarrhea, it is essential to take her to see a veterinarian as soon as possible because severe diarrhea can be dangerous for your pet.
A Dry, Hacking Cough
A dry, hacking cough in a cat can be a sign of several different conditions. It is important to have your cat examined by a veterinarian to determine the cause of the cough and receive appropriate treatment. Some possible causes of a dry, hacking cough in a cat include:
- Upper respiratory infection: This is a common cause of a dry, hacking cough in cats. Upper respiratory infections are caused by viruses or bacteria.
- Allergies: Cats can develop allergies to things in their environment, such as dust, pollen, or certain foods.
- Asthma: Cats can develop asthma, which is a condition that causes narrowing of the airways and difficulty breathing
- Foreign body: A foreign body, such as a piece of grass or a toy, can get stuck in a cat’s throat or airway, causing coughing and difficulty breathing.
- Heart disease: In some cases, a dry, hacking cough in a cat can be a sign of heart disease. Heart disease can cause fluid to build up in the lungs, leading to coughing and difficulty breathing. According to the National Library Of Medicine, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common heart disease in cats. Between 10% and 15% of pet cats are estimated to have this condition.
It is important to have your cat examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible if you notice any changes in its respiratory system. The veterinarian will be able to determine the cause of the cough and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Scratching, Licking, Or Chewing
You may notice your cat scratching, licking, or chewing at its fur. This is a sign of anxiety due to skin allergies.
If your cat is experiencing skin allergies, it is important to first have a veterinarian diagnose the specific cause of the allergies. There are many potential causes of skin allergies in cats, including environmental allergens (such as pollen or mold), food allergies, and flea allergies.
Once the cause of the allergies has been identified, the veterinarian will be able to recommend a treatment plan that may include medications like Tresaderm for cats. Tresaderm is an FDA-approved antifungal, antibiotic topical corticosteroid solution with anti-inflammatory properties used to treat skin and ear infections in pets.
Tresaderm for cats can be used for external parasitic infections caused by ticks and mites, fungal attacks from yeast, or internal parasitic infections like acute and chronic otitis as well. It is also effective against conditions like dermatomycoses skin infections caused by mold growth.
Fever
Fever is a common cat health problem that affects many cats. It’s a sign of an infection and can be dangerous if it gets too high, but it also can be a symptom of serious illnesses like feline leukemia, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), or toxoplasmosis.
Feline leukemia virus kills up to 85% of persistently infected felines within three years. It commonly causes anemia or lymphoma. Because it weakens the immune system, this virus can leave cats vulnerable to fatal infections.
Lethargy And Weight Loss
Lethargy and weight loss can be signs of various health problems in cats. Some possible causes include:
- Infection: Cats can develop infections from viruses, bacteria, or parasites. These infections can cause lethargy and weight loss as the body fights off the infection.
- Chronic illness: Cats can develop chronic illnesses such as kidney disease, pancreatitis, or cancer, which can cause weight loss and lethargy as the body’s systems start to fail.
- Poor nutrition: If a cat is not getting enough nutrients in their diet, it may experience weight loss and lethargy.
- Psychological issues: Cats can also experience psychological issues, such as stress or depression, which can cause weight loss and lethargy.
If your cat is experiencing lethargy and weight loss, it is important to take them to a veterinarian for a thorough examination and diagnosis. The veterinarian will be able to determine the cause of the symptoms and recommend a treatment plan.
Painful Or Difficulty Urinating
If your cat is straining to urinate, it could be a sign of kidney disease, bladder stones or infection, urinary tract disease, and prostate problems. If you suspect your cat might have one of these conditions, it’s important to see a veterinarian as soon as possible so that appropriate treatment can begin.
Blood In The Stool Or Urine
Blood in the stool or urine is an alarming sign of a potential health problem in your cat. While blood in the stool could be caused by a blockage, it may also indicate cancer. Blood in the urine can be a sign of bladder infection or kidney disease as well.
It may also indicate intestinal parasites, dietary allergy or intolerance, metabolic disorders, such as liver disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. If you notice blood in your cat’s stool or urine, take him to the vet right away so he can get checked out and treated appropriately.
Conclusion
While some of these cat health problems may seem like a lot to deal with, it’s important to remember that each one is treatable. With proper care and treatment from your vet, your cat will be back on their feet in no time. At the end of the day, we all want what is best for our pets that includes maintaining good health so they can live long, happy lives with us.
