Common Cat Health Problems and Answers to your Cat Health Questions

So what are the most common cat health problems?

To most people, pets are our best friends and companions. Like those we love, we strive to offer only the best to them, and one of the most important aspects to pleasing them is maintaining their health. Annual checkups are needed to maintain good cat health, because there are a number of different ailments that can lower a cat's quality of life. It is important that you understand some of the more common cat health problems and what you can do to eliminate them.

Most Common Cat Health Problems:

Fleas - Fleas are parasites that seem rather harmless on the outside, but can actually cause a wide variety of different health problems both in kittens and adult cats, including tapeworm infections and anemia. You may find live fleas on your cat, or flea poop which looks like black dandruff in the cat's fur. The best way to handle flea prevention is with a topical product like Advantage or Frontline that should be applied once monthly throughout the entire year.

Hairballs - Hairballs are actually a common cat problem, but most cats can pass the excess hair on their own. This hair accumulates in the stomach, but can be passed through the feces or by vomiting. If your cat appears to be struggling to cough something up, a hairball remedy product may be necessary. These products lubricate the hairball and allow it to pass through either way more easily.

Plant Poisoning - It is important to identify the plants in your home, and to know whether any can be potentially harmful for your cats. Cats love to chew on greenery, and can easily become sick from chewing on the wrong plant. Move potentially harmful plants away from your cat's reach, or opt for cat-friendly plants instead.

Respiratory Infections - Cats are prone to a variety of viral infections, one of which is a general respiratory infection. This appears much like a human cold, with runny nose and eyes and sneezing. Antibiotics are necessary to treat the cause of these infections and to prevent the respiratory infection from escalating into something worse, such as Pneumonia. Consult a vet immediately if your cat shows symptoms like these, as time is of the essence when treating viral infections.

Viral Infections - There are a number of other viral infections which can be even more harmful for your cat. Cat flu, rabies and feline infectious enteritis are all much more serious infections. You also must watch out for feline immunodeficiency virus or FIV, feline leukemia virus or FeLV and feline infectious peritonitis or FIP. Many of these diseases can be vaccinated against early, protecting them from contracting the diseases later in life. It is vital that you consult your vet about these serious infections in order to provide your cat with a healthy and happy life.

Worms - Worms, like fleas are a parasite that can have an impact on the health of your cat. There are a variety of different types of worms that your cat can acquire and all are potentially harmful. If you find worms in your cat's stool, it is important to consult a vet as soon as possible to acquire the necessary treatment. The treatment for each type of worm is different and only a vet can determine which the right treatment for your cat is.

Pets should be regarded as lifelong companions, and should receive the utmost best in health care and support as a result. It is important to read up on common health issues in cats so that you can offer your feline friend the best possible life.

If you enjoyed reading this article, Common Cat Health Problems you may also enjoy reading Is Organic Cat Food Overkill When it Comes to Cat Care?

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