There are many surprises to new cat owners, including that of the numerous health problems that are very common among most cats.
No matter what breed of cat you own, cat health is one of the major topics you will have to know about. Some problems can be expected in any breed. Even though some are easily prevented, others are hereditary. Worms are a very commomn and recurring problem no matter what breed of cat it may be.
Some of the most typical worms to infect cats are tapeworms, roundworms and hookworms. Cats who have problems gaining weight, problems with fleas, or if you find white specks in his stool, you should have your vet test him for worms. Although they can be treated with medicine, worms can prove to be fatal if they are left untreated.
Hairballs are the most common health problem for cats. Cats clean themselves every day, and they swallow the hair that they shed. Sometims the stray hair will become a large ball and get caught in the cat's digestive tract instead of passing through the stool. When your cat starts to cough and hack, he is normally coughing up a hairball - as a popular cat owner manual confirmed recently. Cats usually are able to expel hairballs without complication. Although rare, a hairball can occassionally become lodged in the cats intestines, this creates blockage.
Blockages are not to be ignored, since they can kill you if left untreated. If your cat becomes constipated, isnt 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.
By brushing your cat several times a week removes excess hair preventing hairballs and blockages. You can also feed him food that is designed to control hairballs as well. Urinary tract infection is also a common health problem with cats.
Female and male cats can suffer from urinary tract infections, however, this is more likely to occur in male cats that have not been neutered. This is the normal cause as to why a cat stops using the litter box. If a cat's urine smells unusually strong, the cat may have a urinary tract infection and should be taken to the vet. Your vet will supply you with the proper medicine, and give recommendations on how to avoid this issue in the future.
Feline leukemia was the biggest cause of death in cats in the past, however, these days, vaccines are available that can treat the disease. To treat the disease, your cat will need to be given the shot before he or she is exposed. Even though death doesnt happen immediately, cats that are exposed to feline leukemia normally don't have a long life span. If you know your cat has feline leukemia, you should never allow other cats around him, as the virus is highly contagious.
To protect your cat, you should always make sure that you 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, most of them can. If you take cat care seriously, take him to the vet and keep him healthy he will be your companion for years to come.
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