Good Cat Health Requires Prompt Care and Attention.

Cat health problems will concern all of us at one time or another. No matter how well you look after your cat and give the best cat care you can, they will be ill at least once during their lifetime.

Cats can’t tell us when they are feeling unwell, so it is up to us as pet owners to make sure that we are aware of any changes in behaviour or any physical symptoms which may appear that could suggest that our cat isn’t well.

To help make it easier for you to recognise symptoms of ill cat health, we have provided information covering many of the most common cat illnesses. However this does not replace a trip to the Vets and if you suspect your cat of being unwell, we advise that you take them straight away.

Common cat illnesses and Cat health issues.

Here is a list of the most common cat health issues you may come across and that we will discuss:

• Cat Pregnancy
• Skin and coat problems, including cat hair loss
• Eye problems
• Cat Flu
• Cat Ear Mites and Other Ear Problems
• Cat Vomiting
• Cat Diarrhoea
• Cat Constipation
• Cat Diabetes
• Hairballs
• Cat Allergy
  

These problems although distressing to both you and your cat can be successfully treated and managed.

However there are more serious cat illnesses which you may have heard about and would like to know more about so that you can protect your cat from them. They are:

Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV)

Cat Thyroid Problems

Toxoplasmosis

We also feel very strongly about Cat Insurance and have written about our experiences with vet bills and how Cat Insurance saved us from hugh bills over the years.

How to tell if your cat is ill

You know your cat better than anyone else. You know what it’s behavior is normally like and how it behaves in the home. Any little changes you notice may be signs that something is wrong. Note down any changes even if you think they are small ones, as your vet will need to every detail. Don’t forget your vet may only see your cat once in a while and so will not notice the little differences.

Look out for:

• Your cat’s coat, it should be shiny and free from dandruff. It is a good indicator of your cat’s general health. Ungroomed fur which is abnormally sticking up, is a sign of ill health.

• Your cat’s eyes should be bright and clear. There should be no redness, discharge or excessive blinking. If your cats third eye membrane ( the haw) does not fully retract and can be seen, there could be an eye infection or foreign body caught in it.

• Unusual behavior. Like aggression in a normally happy cat, or a usually outgoing cat becoming quiet and timid.

• Ears should be clean and should not contain dark brown wax, which could be a sign of ear mites. Also check for cuts or loose plant seeds.

• Blood in vomit, urine or faeces. Not very pleasant to keep an eye on, but a very important observation to make.

• Excessive thirst when there is no obvious reason for it like a hot day.

• Straining to urinate.

Pregnancy and your Cat

Although this is not ill cat health it is important that you notice early on if your female cat is pregnant. This will give you time to prepare for the new arrivals. A few early signs are that your cat may be more affectionate than normal and may experience morning sickness. As the pregnancy progresses you will notice her nipples becoming enlarged and pink and that she starts to gain weight. During the final weeks, she will start to eat more and begin to make nests for her delivery.

First aid and emergencies at home.

We should all have a first aid kit at home for ourselves, but many people do not realise that it also a good idea to have a separate kit for any injuries your cat may suffer. Veterinary centres often sell first aid kits, although there contents is similar to our own and you may prefer to make your own.

If your cat suffers a serious injury at home it is important that we know what cat care to give and have equipment ready to deal with the initial trauma before we can get them to the Vets. Most importantly KEEP CALM, your cat will already be frightened and they will need you to have reassuring behavior to help them to relax. See our other pages for more details on first aid treatment for your cat at home.

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