In case you are new to owning a cat, you might be surprised to realize that health problems are a normal thing. Whatever breed of cat you have, health problems are to be expected. Some might be hereditary, while others can certainly be prevented.
Worms
Regardless of what breed of cat it may be, worms are an extremely common and persistent problem. Tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms are among the most common that infect cats. Cats that have problems gaining weight, problems with fleas, or if perhaps you find white specks in his stool, you should have your veterinarian test him for worms. Although they can be cured with medicine, worms could prove to be lethal if they are unattended.
Hairball
Hairballs are the most common cat health problem. All cats groom by themselves on a daily basis, normally swallowing the loose hair coming from their coats. On occasion, this loose hair will accumulate into a ball and become lodged in the digestive system instead of passing through in the cat's stool. When your cat begins to cough and hack, he is normally coughing up a hairball. Even though it can be rather disgusting ultimately, most cats can dislodge hairballs without having problems.
In rare cases, a hairball could pass through to a cat's intestine, creating a blockage. Blockages are extremely serious problems, and can be life threatening if they aren't treated. In case your cat becomes constipated, isn't eating properly, or has a very dull coat, he might have a blockage. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should take him to the veterinarian immediately. You can prevent hairballs and blockages by brushing your cat 2 - 3 times every week to remove loose hair. You can also feed him food which is designed to control hairballs as well.
Arthritis
Just like with humans,
arthritis in cats is common as cats grow older. Joints ache and movement becomes slower and more labored. Unfortunately though, there is absolutely no real cure for cat arthritis although there are vitamins and minerals that can dramatically ease the pain and inflammation that a cat suffers.
Feline leukemia
In the past, feline leukemia was the biggest cause of death in cats. These days nevertheless, there are vaccines available that can treat the disease. To treat the disease, your cat will need to be given the injection before he or she is exposed. Even though death doesn't happen immediately, cats that are exposed to feline leukemia normally don't have a longer life span. If you know your cat has feline leukemia, you should never allow other cats around him, as the virus is extremely contagious.
To protect your cat, you should always make sure that you take him to the vet for his regular check ups. In case you keep him up to date on his vaccinations, he should lead a healthy and productive life. Although some health problems can't be prevented, most of them can. You can also keep your cat indoors as well, that will protect him from a majority of health problems. If your cat is an outdoor cat, regular visits to the veterinarian will keep him healthy. As long as you take your cat to the vet and keep him healthy - he will probably be your companion for years to come.
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