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If you are new to owning a cat, you may be
surprised to find that cats can have health problems. No
matter what breed of cat you own, there are some health issues
to be aware of. Some are hereditary, while others can be
prevented.
Worms
No matter what breed of cat you may own, worms can be a common
and recurring problem. Tapeworms, roundworms, and
hookworms are among the most common that infect cats. Cats
who have problems gaining weight, problems with fleas, or white
specks in the stool should have a vet visit to check for worms.
Left untreated, worms can prove to be fatal.
Hairballs
Hairballs are the most common health problem
for cats. All cats groom themselves regularly, swallowing
the loose hair that comes from their coats. From time to
time this loose hair will gather into a ball and become lodged
in the digestive tract instead of passing through it. If
your cat starts to cough and hack, he is probably coughing up a
hairball. Although it can be rather disgusting in the end,
most cats can dislodge hairballs without any problems.
In rare cases, a hairball can become lodged in a cat’s
intestine, creating a blockage. Blockages are serious
problems and can be life threatening if they aren’t treated
immediately.
If your cat becomes constipated, isn’t eating
properly, or has a very dull coat, he could have a blockage.
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should take him to the
vet immediately.
You can prevent hairballs and blockages by
brushing your cat two or three times a week to remove loose
hair. There are also special cat food formulas designed to
help control hairballs.
Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary tract infections are also a common
health problem with cats. Urinary tract infection is more
common with male cats that haven’t been neutered, although
females can suffer from this as well. If your cat suddenly
stops using the litter box, this can indicate serious problems.
Another symptom of urinary tract problems is
a strong smell to the urine. If you suspect that your cat
has a urinary tract infection, you should immediately take him
to the vet. Urinary blockages can be fatal, but your vet
can treat condition and make recommendations to help avoid this
problem in the future.
Feline leukemia
In the past, feline leukemia was the biggest
cause of death in cats. Today, however, a vaccine can
prevent this heartbreaking disease. This vaccine should be
given to your cat when it is young. Be sure to get your
cat vaccinated before letting it outside.
Cats that contract feline leukemia normally
die a slow and painful death. If you know your cat has
feline leukemia, you should keep him inside and never allow
other cats around him, as the virus is highly contagious.
To protect your cat, take him to the vet for his regular check
ups. If you keep him up to date on his vaccinations, he
should lead a healthy and productive life.
Although some health problems can’t be
avoided, many of them can. Keeping your cat indoors will
protect him from many communicable diseases. If your cat
is an outdoor cat, regular visits to the vet are important to
keep him healthy. As long as you take care of your cat he
will be your companion for years to come.
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