If you're a new cat owner, you might be surprised to find that health issues are common. No matter what breed of cat you own, health issues are to be expected. Some may be inherited, while others can be easily avoided.
Common Cat Health Problems
Worms
Regardless of your cat's breed, worms are a very common and recurring problem. Tapeworms, hookworms, and roundworms are among the most common worms in cats. For cats that have weight gain issues, flea issues, or if you find white specks in their stool, you should ask your veterinarian to test them for worms. Worms can be treated with medication, but they can be deadly if left untreated.
Hairballs
Hairballs are the most frequent health problem in cats. All cats groom themselves daily, normally swallowing loose hair from their coat. Sometimes these hairs clump together and become lodged in the digestive tract instead of passing in your cat's stool.
When your cat starts coughing and spitting up, it normally coughs up a hairball. Although it can be quite disgusting in the end, most cats can dislodge hairballs with no problem.
In rare cases, a hairball can pass through the cat's intestine and create an obstruction. Blockages are very serious problems, which can be life-threatening if left untreated. If your cat is constipated, not eating properly, or has a very dull coat, it may have a blockage.
If you see any of these signs in your cat, you should take her to the vet immediately. You can prevent hairballs and blockages by brushing your cat 2-3 times a week to remove loose hair. You can also give him foods designed to control hairballs.
Urinary tract infection
Urinary tract infection is another common health problem in felines. Urinary tract infection is more common in male cats that have not been neutered, but females can also suffer from this problem. When a cat suddenly stops going to their litter box, this problem is normally the cause.
Another symptom is that the cat's urine begins to smell very strong. If you think your cat has a urinary tract infection, you should take her to the vet. The latter can treat the problem with medication and make recommendations to avoid this problem in the future.
Feline leukemia
In the past, feline leukemia was the leading cause of death in cats. Nowadays, however, there are vaccines that can treat this disease. To treat the disease, you must vaccinate your cat before it is exposed.
Although death is not immediate, cats that are exposed to feline leukemia do not normally have a long lifespan. If you know your cat has feline leukemia, you should never allow other cats to be around it, as the virus is highly contagious.
To avoid any health problems for your cat, you should always make sure to take her to the vet for regular check-ups. If you update his vaccinations, he should lead a healthy and productive life.
Although some health problems cannot be avoided, most can. You can also keep your cat indoors, which will protect him from most health problems. If your cat is an outdoor cat, regular visits to the vet will keep him healthy. As long as you get your cat to the veterinarian and maintain his health, he will stay your faithful companion for many years.