Ailments and injuries happen to all of us – even our feline friends. As a cat owner, it’s important to be aware of the most common cat health problems so you can keep an eye out for them and get your kitty to the vet as soon as possible if necessary.
In this blog post, we’ll go over the five most common cat health problems and what you can do to prevent them.
#1. Upper Respiratory Infections
One of the most common cat health problems is an upper respiratory infection, which is also sometimes called a cold or flu. These are contagious infections that are caused by viruses and bacteria, and they often manifest as runny noses, watery eyes, sneezing, and fever.
If your cat is dealing with an upper respiratory infection, the best thing you can do is take them to the vet so they can prescribe medication to help clear it up. In the meantime, make sure to give your kitty plenty of rest and fluids.
#2. Gastrointestinal Issues
Gastrointestinal issues are another very common problem in cats. Some of the symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, and weight loss.
If your cat is having any of these issues, it’s important to take them to the vet right away as they could be dehydrated from all the vomiting and diarrhea. The vet will likely prescribe medication to help settle your kitty’s stomach and get their GI tract back on track.
#3. Scariest Cat Health Problems: Cancer
Unfortunately, cancer is fairly common in cats – especially as they get older. The good news is that there are many different treatment options available these days. If your kitty is diagnosed with cancer, don’t despair.
Your vet will work with you to come up with a treatment plan that’s right for your cat based on the type and stage of cancer they have. Often, surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy are effective treatments for cancer in cats.
If you notice any lumps or bumps on your cat that don’t go away after a week or two, make an appointment with your vet so they can take a look at it and get it checked out. Early detection is key when it comes to cancer, so don’t delay in taking your kitty to the vet if you notice anything out of the ordinary.
#4. Dental Problems
Just like humans, cats can also have dental problems like gum disease, tooth decay, abscesses, and more. These problems can be painful for your kitty and lead to other health problems down the road if left untreated. Take your cat to the vet for regular dental checkups and/or include them in annual checkups.
A vet can arrange the cleaning of your kitty’s teeth and look for any signs of dental problems. If they do find something wrong, they can provide treatment right away before it gets worse.
Cleanings may require an anesthetic and an overnight stay. You know how much you dislike dental work? Consider this: at least you know what the doctor is doing and why. For cats, it’s panic time.
#5. Kidney Disease
Kidney disease is fairly common in cats – especially as they age – but there are steps you can take to help prevent it or at least slow its progression.
One way to help prevent kidney disease in cats is by feeding them a high-quality wet food diet that’s low in phosphorus and sodium. Dry food has been linked to increased kidney disease and other illnesses. You should also make sure they stay hydrated by giving them fresh water daily.
Finally, avoid giving them human food since it’s often high in salt, which can contribute to kidney disease. Talk to your vet about other ways you can help prevent it.
Conclusion: What Are The Most Common Cat Health Problems?
These are just a few of the most common health problems that affect cats. By being aware of these issues, you can help keep an eye out for them and get your kitty prompt treatment if necessary.
Of course, regular checkups with your veterinarian are also critical in helping identify health problems early on so they can be treated quickly and effectively.
