Cat Illnesses

All most all pet lovers will agree that pets are more or less like family members. Hence, when your pet whether it’s a cat, dog or a parakeet falls sick, then its quite upsetting. Cats as pets are quite cute and clean. Hence, you really feel bad when your cat falls sick. However, there are a lot of ways and means to treat their illnesses and cure them. Nevertheless you need to know the common illnesses which need attention and may take a turn for the worse if not checked in time.

Generally urinary tract infection is not a great concern with cats. It’s more common in male cats and that too only 10% of the male cats ever get affected by it primarily because cats are clean creatures.

Let’s have a look at the other frequent cat ailments:

Worms: Worms can make your cat malnourished and sick. If worms are not checked in time, they can make your cat weak which can cause a lot of complications.

Food Poisoning: The proverb “curiosity killed the cat” isn’t coined for nothing. Cats are avid hunters, however domesticated cats can’t really make out the difference between poisonous and harmless prey. Sometimes, other wild animals carry some or the other infection, which can cause food poisoning. Hence, it’s a good idea to let your cat out under your supervision.

Sores: Cats are famous for cat fights whenever they get a chance. Hence, don’t be surprised to see your pet fighting with any other cat or animal. If you come to know that a fight has happened, you need make sure that your pet is not hurt. If the cat is wounded, then the wound may become a sore or an abscess leading to further infection. The tell tale signs would be swelling and slight fever. It’s a good idea to get your feline checked up by the doctor.

Cat Flu: Cat flu has the same symptoms as in humans but is a nastier version for the cat. This is because the flu tends to infect the lungs and spreads easily. Hence your cat may find it difficult to breathe. Symptoms include fever, appetite loss, coughing, sneezing, watery eyes and nose.

Ringworms: The classic symptoms of ring worms are dry skin particularly near the ears and eyes which turn into red lesions. This particular illness can also be contracted by humans since it is very infectious.

Feline Infectious Enteritis: Also called Feline distemper is one of the most dreaded diseases. In most cases this disease affects the kittens and can be fatal. Vaccinations are available to prevent this disease.

Feline infectious peritonitis: This disease is characterized by inflammation of the abdomen, appetite loss and fever. This malady is also mostly fatal for cats.

Cats need to be looked after like children. Good healthy food, optimum exercise and regular visits to the doctor will enhance your pet’s life which will enable you to enjoy your pet for a long time to come.