Cats are wonderful pets, but before you get one into your home, some illnesses are common to our little feline friends. Below are six common health issues to look out for:
Cancer
Just like humans, cats can have cancer too. In cats, the two common types of cancer are feline leukemia virus and lymphosarcoma. Lymphosarcoma is very deadly, and it affects the lymph system in the chest or the intestine. Common symptoms include:
- Bumps or lumps in the lymph nodes or other parts of the body
- Swelling of the skin
- Skin infection or sores that recur or never fully heal
- Frequent sleeping
- Rapid weight loss
- Inability to move around
- Vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
Treatment: Whenever your cat starts displaying one or more of the above signs, ensure you take it to the vet doctor immediately.
Kidney Disease
Kidney disease is prevalent in cats and can quickly result in fatal health problems. Cats develop kidney issues as a result of high blood pressure, cancer, exposure to toxins, etc. Common symptoms include:
- A frequent loss in appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Vomiting
- Sleeping more than usual
Treatment: When kidney disease is detected early, you can treat it with medicines, but in severe cases, a kidney transplant or dialysis is the only option.
Vomiting and Diarrhea
Cats are sensitive animals, and they are quick to react to anything they ingest. That's the reason vomiting, and diarrhea is common in them. Vomiting and diarrhea are most times caused by eating rotten or expired food, eating too fast, or eating plants with rough edges. Sometimes, bloody or dark diarrhea indicates internal bleeding of the intestine or stomach. Common symptoms are:
- Continuous vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than a day
Treatment:
- Allow the digestive system of your cat to rest for 12-20 hours
- Change their diet to something like boiled potatoes, boneless chicken, and cooked rice
- Buy some anti-vomiting medicines from the vet hospital
Obesity
Obesity can be a big issue for cats, especially indoor cats. Obesity can lead to other health issues including kidney problem, joints, and liver problems. Keeping a close watch on your cats' weight is necessary. In a situation your cat gets overweight, here are some practical solutions:
- Avoid feeding your cat calories
- Increase your cat activities by playing with them for 15-20minutes a few times each day
There are other types of health issues cats can develop, and these 4 are some of the most common you will see. The more familiar you are with them, the easier it will be to detect them and treat them effectively. For more on these or other potential issues, consult with your vet before you’re your cat falls ill.
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