How To Deal With Common Cat Illnesses Before Seeing Vets

They are loveable little ones and no cat lover ever wants to see the furry friends sick. Unfortunately, it does happen and it can make an owner uneasy and unsure of what to do to help. There are many ...

They are loveable little ones and no cat lover ever wants to see the furry friends sick. Unfortunately, it does happen and it can make an owner uneasy and unsure of what to do to help. There are many illnesses that are very common in cats. Some will require a trip to the vet, while others can simply be dealt with at home. Knowing the warning signs and the forms of treatment of some of these common sicknesses can be very comforting to cat owners.

Urination Frustration
Whenever an animal begins to have "accidents" around the house, frustration can grow. Many cats make the situation even worse by selecting the areas where they will suddenly leave a little gift. But, unusual urination habits can be more than frustrating. They can point to something more serious. Very frequently changes in bathroom behavior is a result of a urinary infection in your feline. Colorado Springs vets are able to test for these infections and should the cat have one, the vet can prescribe an antibiotic to clear it up. Other signs that this might be happening to your cat are crying or yelping when using the litter box, blood in the urine, or more frequent urination. In some cases, a urinary tract infection is not the answer or it once was, but has now grown to be something worse. Blockages and kidney infections can cause many of the same symptoms and will likely require more significant care.

Bad Breathing
Just like in humans, cats can become suddenly congested when they have contracted a respiratory infection. In these cases, it is not unusual for a cat to sneeze, cough, or develop runny eyes. Respiratory infections in felines rarely require veterinarian care. If problems persist, appetite changes, or the cat becomes lethargic, then it is time to make the call. Medications can be prescribed to break up mucus, stave off other illnesses, and improve hydration levels.

Temper, Temper
The commonly referred to distemper actually has little to do with temper at all. It can be caught by cats of all ages, but is most common in kittens and is passed through food and the litter box. A cat with this disease will become lethargic, will have unusual bowel movements, may vomit, and will likely refuse food or water. In some cases, extreme shedding can occur. This does require immediate vet intervention. No time should be wasted because this disease can be fatal if not cared for right away. Even with proper care, many cats cannot survive distemper. However, with proper hydration and an antibiotic, your kitty may be able to pull through. The better news is that there is now a vaccination that is administered at regular vet appointments that can prevent a cat from contracting distemper.