3 Major Health Problems In Cats

Having a cat to share your life with can be a rewarding experience. This furry family member can often be aloof, but he needs your love and care to thrive. In order to protect the health of your cat, it is important that you become familiar with common feline health problems. By knowing what to watch for in your cat, you will be able to keep him healthy and happy throughout his life.

HEARTWORM

Heartworm is one of the most common and well-known health problems that your cat may encounter. Heartworm is contracted by contact with mosquitoes and can cause very severe reactions in cats. Dogs get heartworm as well but they do not have the same reactions and symptoms as do cats. For obvious reasons, it is more common for an outdoor cat to contract heartworm. There is a possibility of a mosquito getting inside your home, so indoor cats can be at risk as well.

There are several symptoms to be aware of that are consistent with heartworm. These symptoms are coughing, lethargy, weight loss, and vomiting. Prevention is the best way to protect your cat from this deadly disease, which can come from heart worm medications.

FELINE DISTEMPER

Feline distemper is a viral disease that is very contagious. This disease is most common in younger cats and kittens. Feline distemper is passed from cat to cat through direct contact, which makes it more common for cats to contract this disease that are around other cats.

There are many symptoms of feline distemper. These symptoms are very common to many feline health problems. The symptoms that you need to watch out for are loss of appetite, fever, and depression. It is important to take your cat to the vet if you observe any of these symptoms.

When the need to board your cat arises, be sure that the facility you choose requires that all cat boarders are current on the Feline Panleukopenia vaccine.

FELINE LEUKEMIA

Feline Leukemia is one of the most fatal diseases that your cat can contract. The most important thing to do to help your cat with feline leukemia is to through prevention. There are vaccines that your cat can get at the vet to help prevent this disease. Some of the symptoms of feline leukemia are fever, vomiting, and yellow around the nose and mouth.

Keeping your cat healthy is important to you both. By being knowledgeable about the common health problems in cats and their symptoms, you will be able to protect and advocate for your furry loved ones.