Read the cat article, "Common Ailments In Cats".
Common Ailments In Cats
Cat Allergies: Cats, like humans, can suffer from a wide range of
allergies. The most common allergy among cats is flea allergy. As cats get
older, their sensitivity to flea bites increases. Food allergies account for
another 5-10% of cat allergies. Food allergies might manifest themselves as
dermatitis and severe itching, or vomiting and diarrhea, but may take up to 10
years to show up.
Vomiting: Some cats vomit all the time, while others rarely do. One of
the most common reasons for vomiting is hairballs. All cats benefit from regular
brushing to help minimize shedding and ingestion of hair. To check to see if
your cat has vomited as a result of hairballs, examine the vomit carefully for
small grayish pellets or lumps, regardless of your cat’s hair color. Hairballs
can occur even with shorthair cats.
Another reason for vomiting might be that your cat is allergic to its food. Try
switching to another brand with substantially different ingredients and no food
colorings to see if that helps. Sometimes cats vomit when they have worms.
Consult your vet for a worming appointment. Periodic throwing-up can also be a
sign of an overactive thyroid or kidney infection. This is particularly common
in older cats. Your vet can do a blood test to find out about either. You know
your cat’s habits. If it vomits more than usual or in some way demonstrates a
departure from its normal habits, take it to the vet. The main thing is to give
it plenty of fluids so it does not become dehydrated.
Diarrhea: If your cat has persistent diarrhea, you can try changing
its diet. You can try boiled rice, cottage cheese, bread, plain yogurt, boiled
chicken, chicken broth or strained meat. Choose the ones your cat prefers. If
symptoms continue for more than two days, take your cat to the vet with a stool
sample. You should also call your vet immediately if your kitten is weak or
listless, or refuses to take fluids.
Feline Urinary Syndrome: (FUS) Feline urinary syndrome, or FUS, is an
inflammation, irritation, and/or obstruction of the lower urinary tract. The
inability to pass urine can become a life and death situation if not treated
quickly. FUS is far more common among male cats than females. Your cat might
have FUS if it strains to urinate, has blood in the urine, makes frequent trips
to the litter box with only small amounts voided, or forgets how to use the
litterbox.
Diabetes: Diabetes occurs in cats who cannot properly regulate their
blood sugar level. Symptoms may include excessive thirst and urination; loss of
weight or obesity. Older cats are more likely to develop diabetes than younger
ones.
Diabetic cats should be kept indoors to prevent accidental feeding that could
elevate its blood sugar.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus: (FIV) Though this disease is related to
HIV, it is NOT possible to contract AIDS from a cat with FIV. FIV is passed
through open wounds such as cat bites, resulting in an impaired immune system.
As there is currently no vaccine for this disease, FIV-positive cats should be
kept inside and away from other cats.
Upper Respiratory Disease Upper respiratory disease will manifest itself in your
cat by cold or flu-like symptoms, like a runny nose and sneezing combined with
reddened, runny eyes.
Feline Herpes Virus: Don’t worry, you can’t get herpes from your cat!
FHV affects only cats.
Chlamydia Psittaci: Chlamydia is a bacteria-like organism that
inhabits the tissues around the eyes. The most common symptom is conjunctivitis,
which is generally seen in one eye at first, then spreads to both eyes.
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