Common Health Problems in Cats

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    Vomiting

    • Cats eat some pretty strange things. Even indoor cats may find loose thread under the sofa and tug at it until it comes loose before eating it. Vomiting is common in cats when something disagrees with their stomach. But recurrent vomiting increases the risk of dehydration. Make sure your cat has fresh water available. Contact your veterinarian if the cat's vomit resembles coffee grounds or feces or if your cat vomits more than four times in a 24-hour period. It might just be a hairball but it might be something more serious.

    Diarrhea

    • Diarrhea that lasts longer than one day should prompt a call to your veterinarian. Frequently, diarrhea in cats is the result of parasites or a change in food but bacteria and poison may be the culprits if the diarrhea came on suddenly and your cat ate nothing out of the ordinary. If blood is present in the stool, it signals an emergency. For cats that experience occasional diarrhea due to food changes, a tablespoon of canned (not sweetened) pumpkin puree may soothe their digestive tract and assist in setting their stools.

    Urinary

    • One of the most common health problems in domestic cats involves their urinary tract. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) is more common in male cats and they may try unsuccessfully to urinate every few minutes. Cat food high in magnesium contributes to the formation of urinary tract stones, which may block the urethra, resulting in blocked urine and pain. If a small amount of urine, tinged with blood, is present or if your cat howls in pain, take him immediately to the veterinarian.

    Respiratory

    • Cats often get the sniffles, watery eyes or even a slight cough. Just like humans, your cat can catch a cold that affects his respiratory tract and sinuses. As long as your cat still has an appetite and is playing normally, there is little to worry about. However, if his eye discharge becomes green or sticky, or if he refuses to eat or drink, contact your vet.

    Wounds

    • Cats are adventurous, especially if they spend part of their time outdoors. A fight with another cat may produce wounds that are difficult to find under thick fur. Clean all new wounds with antibacterial solution to reduce the risk of infection. If a wound becomes infected, it will form an abscess, which may burst and drain. Your cat may limp or hold one of his paws up if a wound is infected and causing pain. Your veterinarian may prescribe oral antibiotics and may administer an antibiotic injection.

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