Essential Health Threats Every Cat Owner Should Know

Top Major Issues That Could Affect Your Cat’s Health: We have heard the phrase that cats have nine lives, but it turns out this is not true. Cats can face major health issues that could potentially kill them if not treated immediately.  These are some of the serious issues pet parents should be aware of:

Some of the Major Issues That Could Affect Your Cat’s Health listed below:

1. Lower urinary tract disease

This affects a cat’s bladder and urethra.  Symptoms can include a cat straining to urinate without producing any urine.  Excessive licking of their genital area, bloody urine if they urinate. Also, the cat may not want to use his litter box.  This is serious and the cat should see the vet immediately.  It may be a blockage or stones in the bladder area.  The vet may want to change his diet, increase his water intake and put him on antibiotics.

2. Infectious Diseases

This affects a cat’s upper respiratory area.  Symptoms may include coughing, sneezing, teary eyes, runny nose or mouth sores.  See your vet so that he can evaluate him for further treatment.

3. Feline Panleukopenia 

The feline parvovirus is a contagious viral illness that can affect your cat’s health.  The symptoms can include fever, loss of appetite, bloody diarrhea, lethargy, and dehydration.  Your cat should see the vet promptly.

4. Cancer

No one wants to hear this diagnosis.  This is one of the worst things anyone can hear regarding their pet.  The most common type of cancer is Lymphosarcoma which is cancer of the lymph system and this can be associated with the feline leukemia virus.  Symptoms include lumps, swelling, skin infections, weight loss, difficulty breathing, urinating and defecating, sores, listlessness.  Run to the vet. He may refer the patient to an Oncologist.  That doctor may suggest chemotherapy, radiation or surgery.

5. Heartworm & Kidney Disease

Heartworm disease sometimes has no symptoms while other times signs may include coughing, vomiting, and respiratory problems.  Please if you think something is wrong with your pet to bring him/her to the vet.  It is always better to be safe.

Kidney disease affects a cat’s ability to excrete urine. This problem will eventually lead to a build-up of toxins in their bloodstream. The causes of this disease include high blood pressure, kidney stones or even cancer.  Symptoms include weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Visit the vet right away.  Treatment may include dialysis.

6. Fleas

These are parasites that feed off the blood of our pets.  These creatures are dangerous and deadly. Symptoms include excessive scratching to the point where they are losing their fur.  The best way to prevent fleas is with a flea collar brushing him regularly and checking his fur for fleas.

It is important to be observant of illnesses that may affect your pet.  Keep your vet phone number handy so that you can ask for information if you have any questions.  Follow the instructions given by the vet and make sure your pet is comfortable.  We love them because they are part of the family so let’s do all we can to keep them strong and healthy.

Article from ASPCA.

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