Health Problems
In Cats
by: Ron King
It may come as
a surprise, if you're a new cat owner, that
many health problems may befall your feline
friend. Some problems are easily
preventable, while others are hereditary.
Hairballs
Hairballs are
among the most common of cat health
problems. Cats groom themselves almost
constantly, and swallow the loose hair that
comes off their tongues. Occasionally, the
hair gathers into a ball and lodges in the
cat's digestive tract instead of passing on
through the body. If your cat starts
coughing and hacking, he probably has a
hairball. While the end product is
unpleasant for the owner, most cats don't
have a problem dislodging hairballs.
However,
hairballs can occasionally pass into a cat's
intestines and cause a blockage. This can be
a life-threatening problem. There are a few
signs to look for to see if your cat's
hairball is dangerous. If your cat is
constipated, off his feed, or is lethargic
with a dull coat, then he could have a
serious blockage. A vet exam is definitely
in order.
To prevent
hairballs, groom your cat frequently to
remove loose hair. In addition, feed your
cat food that helps control hairballs.
Worms
For many cats,
worms are a recurring problem. Roundworms,
tapeworms, and hookworms most commonly
infect cats. Cats can occasionally develop
heartworms, as well. If your cat seems
unable to gain wait, is infested with fleas,
or has white specks that look like grains of
rice in his stools, take him to the
veterinarian for worm testing.
Worms are
easily cured with a few doses of medication,
but if left untreated, they can be fatal.
Urinary Tract
Infections
Urinary tract
infections are another common health problem
in cats. This infection is particularly
common in unneutered male cats, although
female cats can also develop this problem.
If your cat suddenly stops using the litter
box, a urinary tract infection is suspect.
If your cat's urine smells strong, again a
urinary tract infection may be the cause.
These infections need to be treated by a
veterinarian. Ask about cat foods that
reduce the likelihood of another infection.
Feline
Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
FIP is caused
by a mutation of the corona virus. According
to some experts, cats living in multi-cat
environments tend to test positive for
enteric corona virus. Cats can live with
that virus remaining quietly in the
intestines with no sign of disease for their
entire lifetime. In other cases, probably a
genetic pre-disposition, the virus mutates
into FIP.
Once a cat has
contracted FIP, it will display symptoms of
a mild upper respiratory infection:
sneezing, watery eyes, and nasal discharge.
It may also have diarrhea, weight loss and
lethargy. Most cats fully recover from this
primary infection, although some may become
virus carriers. A small percentage of
exposed cats develop lethal FIP weeks or
even years after the primary infection.
Feline
Immunodeficiency Virus
FIV, or cat
AIDS, is not always fatal. FIV decreases the
ability of the cat's immune system to fight
infections. Cats with FIV may remain free of
symptoms for years. It is when the cat
contracts other illnesses in the chronic
stage of FIV infection that FIV is first
suspected. This long list of illnesses
includes oral-cavity infections,
upper-respiratory infections, weight loss,
ear infections, kidney disease, and many
others. Although there is, as yet, no
vaccine, all cats should be tested for the
virus. The virus is transmitted through
saliva, usually when a cat is bitten in a
cat fight.
Feline
Leukemia Virus
FLV was, until
recently, the most common fatal disease of
cats. But with a vaccine now available, the
number of cases is dwindling. Although the
name leukemia means cancer of the white
blood cells, this is only 1 of the many
diseases associated with this virus, such as
other types of cancer, anemia, arthritis and
respiratory infections. FLV is preventable
if the cat is immunized before being exposed
to the virus. Although the disease is not
always immediately fatal, cats with FLV
rarely have a long life expectancy. NEVER
bring other cats into your household when
you have a cat with FLV.
Lyme Disease
If your cat
spends time outdoors, you should check him
regularly for ticks. If you find a tick on
your cat's body and he has been lethargic
and acts as if he is in pain, ask your vet
to test for Lyme Disease. This disease is
transmitted to people and animals by deer
ticks.
Some cats may
show subtle symptoms while others may show
none -- symptoms are hard to recognize and
often may be confused with other illnesses
or old age. Be observant of your pet's
behavior. It is the only way to know if your
pet has contracted Lyme disease if no tick
was found. Some symptoms of Feline Lyme
Disease include:
(a) lethargy,
(b) reluctance
to jump or climb stairs,
(c) limping,
or reluctance to put weight on a paw,
(d) loss of
appetite.
The key to
dealing with Feline Lyme Disease is
prevention and early diagnosis and
treatment. You should reduce the tick
population around your home with simple
landscape changes and spraying.
Good Health
Care
Taking your
cat for a regular check-up with the vet, and
keeping all vaccinations on schedule will
help assure your cat a long and healthy
life. Prevention is the first line of
defense for most feline illnesses.
Many owners
keep their cats indoors to protect them from
cars, from cat fights which may expose them
to deadly viruses, from ticks, and other
hazards.
Outdoor cats
will enjoy greater freedom, but require a
watchful eye, loving attention to their
health status, and regular visits to the
veterinarian.
