Felines, as with all animals have their share of common occurring illnesses and diseases. Many of these problems are non-fatal and can easily be treated by a veterinarian, while others have no cure and are often fatal. These diseases can be hereditary or contracted by exposure to previously infected animals.
First on the list of common illnesses a cat may acquire are hairballs. Hairballs occur as the result of cats performing their everyday grooming routine. Loose hair and debris collect in quantity on the cats tongue and are then swallowed into the stomach. There, the elements get stuck and will form a round ball of mucus over time.
Typically, a cat can dislodge the hairball by coughing, but on occasion one may become lodged in the intestines creating a serious and sometimes life threatening situation. Regular grooming, specialty cat food and cat treats along with visits to the veterinarian are all great ways to both prevent and treat this common ailment.
Similar to mankind, cats are susceptible to urinary tract infections too. Infections and the food that is low in quality can be the reason. The reassuring news is that such problems can be cured with medicine given by the local vets. It is also preventable by providing specially formulated cat food created to prevent this infection from occurring.
If a urinary tract infection is present, common symptoms are that your cat may show signs of infrequent urination, fowl smelling urine, and urinating in places other than the litter box. Males cats that have not been spayed are usually the ones that are most easily affected; however, female cats can be affected as well.
Common Cat Viruses - The three common viruses that felines are prone to suffer from; Feline Leukemia, Feline Infectious Peritonitis and Feline Immune Deficiency Virus. FIP or Feline Infectious Peritonitis is a very dangerous illness as it is related to the Corona Virus. Testing for FIP is also a problem as the results are not completely reliable. A positive test result has the possibility for being false as the same results appear for the Corona Virus. There is a vaccination available for FIP; however, many veterinarians and scientists believe its results to be inconclusive. With no known cure, it is extremely beneficial that this disease is not as easily contracted as some other diseases may be.
AIDS can afflict cats as well, although the feline version is called FIV and is not proven to fatal yet. However, many owners are left in doubts and fear that they are susceptible to catch the diseases as well. This belief is merely a myth.
Feline Leukemia Virus is another disease that is preventable. A vaccine is available from a veterinarian's office and must be acquired before exposure to other infected cats has occurred. If you own a cat with FLV it is highly recommended that you do not expose him to other cats. Cats with FLV have a short life expectancy.
Common Cat Worm Problems - Other than the common issues related to hairballs, a cat can also suffer from worms. Problems such as roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms are all issues for concern. Another worm that is not as frequently found in cats, but is also cause for serious concern is heartworm.
Medications are available from the veterinarian that will assist in preventing these nasty parasites from making a home in your cat. Signs of worm infestation cam come with flea infestation or as tiny white specs appearing in the stool, almost resembling a grain of rice. Loss of weight or inability to gain weight is also signs of a worm infestation. This illness is fortunately one that comes with a treatment and it is usually an affordable one. However, if this infestation goes without treatment, the results are most commonly fatal.
Fleas and ticks are another form of common diseases, cats that spend time outdoors are known for contracting. The tick however brings another illness to the table, Lyme disease. If a tick has been found on your cat's body, symptoms of possible Lyme disease include lethargy, sluggish movement and acting as if in constant pain. Humans can get infected with the disease by ticks as well. If you suspect your cat has this disease or have found a tick on his body, a visit to the veterinarian will result in removal of the tick and treatment with medication.
Last, but certainly not least is feline obesity. The disease can afflict the other parts of the cat's body and it is a potentially fatal illness. This is a number one factor for feline diabetes. As usual, prevention is the best cure in preventing such illnesses. Providing a proper diet in combination with exercise is essential in the fight to keep your cat healthy. Luckily, cats with diabetes do live, but need to be put on a special dietary supplement as well as medication.
The most important thing you can do to defend your cat against common illnesses and disease is to remember that prevention is the key.
