Common Health Issues in Cats: How to Spot Them and What to Do

Cats are predators, yet bigger predators will eat them in the wild. Any overt disease symptom will inform other predators that the animal is sick since sick or elderly animals are an easy target. Cats have therefore evolved to conceal signs of disease and discomfort. This implies that in the early stages of the disease, a cat owner may notice that the cat has become reclusive and silent. Sadly, this also means that a cat could already be seriously ill before the owner sees anything is wrong.

One of the primary reasons the American Veterinary Medical Association and other veterinary professionals advise twice-yearly wellness checkups for the typical adult cat is that veterinarians may detect subtle signals that a cat is developing a health issue via training and experience. Delaying your cat's appointment with the vet until there are clear indicators of disease might result in the need for drastic measures to address the condition. You will be able to see early warning signs and know what details to provide your veterinarian if you have some knowledge of how sick cats present symptoms.

Vomiting 

Cats frequently experience vomiting, which can have a variety of causes. They include ingesting anything hazardous or inedible (like thread), infections, diabetes, urinary tract disorders, or hairballs.

The signs, often drooling and abdominal heaving, are frequently visible. Vomiting may cause your cat to dehydrate rapidly, so if your cat keeps vomiting or seems sick, call your veterinarian immediately. Taking a sample of your cat's vomit to the doctor may be helpful.

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)

According to some estimates, feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), a set of feline disorders with different origins, affects up to 3% of cats examined by veterinarians.

Both female and male cats are susceptible to FLUTD, which frequently affects overweight, inactive cats or who consume dry food. The type of FLUTD your cat, has will determine how it is treated. Stress, having many cats in the house, and abrupt changes can all increase a cat's risk of FLUTD.

Symptoms of FLUTD include:

·        Straining to urinate

·        Bloody urine

·        Urinating in unusual places

·        Crying when urinating

·        Licking around the urinary area (often because of pain)

·        Depression

·        Dehydration

·        Lack of appetite

·        Vomiting

If your cat is unable to urinate, it is always an emergency. Call your vet immediately if you suspect your cat has a urinary tract problem.

Tapeworms

Tapeworms, one of the most prevalent feline health issues, are parasites that dwell in the small intestine of cats and can occasionally reach lengths of two feet.

Vomiting and weight loss are two possible modest symptoms of a tapeworm infection. Examining your cat's faeces and the area surrounding its anus is the most straightforward approach to determining whether it has tapeworms. Your cat most likely has tapeworms if you notice little white worms or what appear to be sesame or rice grains.

Injection, oral, or topical medicine are available as treatment options. But because cats nearly always ingest a flea before developing tapeworms, address any flea issues your cat may be experiencing before confronting tapeworms.

Diarrhea 

Cats may get diarrhea for many reasons, such as rotten food, allergies, infections, liver illness, cancer, etc.

Loose, watery, or liquid stools characterize diarrhea. Diarrhea can linger for days, weeks, or even months, depending on its underlying cause.

Provide your cat with clean, fresh water if she has diarrhea to keep her from dehydrating. After then, stop feeding your cat for no longer than 12 to 24 hours. If your cat still has diarrhea after a day, immediately take them to the vet. You should also take your cat there immediately if you observe vomiting, bloody or black stools, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, or if your cat is struggling to urinate.

Eye Problems 

Cat eye problems have different conditions, including conjunctivitis, cataracts, glaucoma, trauma, infections, inflammation, and retinal degeneration, which can lead to eye issues in cats.

Watery eyes, tear-stained hair, cloudiness, red or white eyelid linings, crud in the corners of the eye, squinting, pawing at the eye, or visible third eyelid signs that your cat may have eye issues.

If you don't know what's causing your cat's eye issues, the safest way to help is by using a wet cotton ball to remove any visible debris. Then, consult a vet for further assistance.