Yes, cats do have health problems.

As any cat owner can testify, health problems with our feline friends are pretty Common. Surprisingly some health problems are hereditary, other health problems can be Easily prevented with the right type of medication.

The most common health problems.

Worms, very common in cats and unless treated by a vet can prove fatal to your little furry friend. Whichever breed of cat you are raising worms are a very common and Recurring problem. If you find white specks in his stool or if your cat has problems Gaining weight or is losing weight for no apparent reason worms are a good suspect and Your cat should be tested by a vet. Some of the squirmy culprits are roundworms, Tapeworms, and hookworms. Worms can also make your cats more susceptible to fleas. So If you suspect worms are present, act immediately and save yourself heartache and great Discomfort for your little friend.

Coughing and gagging (hair balls)

Cats spend a lot of time grooming themselves and this can lead to the problem of Hair balls. While grooming it's very common for them to swallow any loose hairs from Their coat. Although normally this hair is passed through their digestive tract once In a while the hair gets stuck and forms a ball and can become lodged instead of being Expelled in your cats stool. The hacking and coughing, although it can be unpleasant To watch is the cats way of removing the hair ball.

In most cases the hair ball is expelled and your cat will be fine but on occasion the Hair ball can actually become lodged in the cats intestines and this can cause serious Problems, so serious in fact it can be life threatening if left untreated. Some of the Signs to watch for. Constipation, lack of appetite, or a dull coat. If any of these Symptoms become apparent you should take him immediately for a checkup. A great way to Prevent the formation of hair balls is to brush his coat 2 or 3 times a week to remove Any loose hairs from his coat. Some cat food has actually been designed to control Hair balls, check the labels next time you go shopping.

Another common ailment is urinary tract infection.

Although most common with male cats that haven't been neutered females can also suffer From this problem. When your cats urine suddenly begins to smell really strong or he Stops going to his litter box it's a good indication he has contracted a urinary tract Infection. If you notice these conditions it's time to pay a visit to the vet, he can Take care of the problem with medication and give you tips to prevent any recurrence In the future.

Leukemia

Cats infected with leukemia normally don't have a long life span, in the past it was One of the biggest causes of death of cats. Luckily with the development of vaccines It has become less of a threat. Your cat must be vaccinated before any exposure to the Disease. The vaccine is not a cure, it's a preventive. If your cat is diagnosed with Leukemia, the virus is highly contagious so you must take precautions to ensure your Cat doesn't come into contact with other cats.

Ways to protect your cat.

Regular check ups. Your cats vet is also one of his best friends. He'll keep him up to Date with his vaccines helping your cat lead a healthy and productive life. There are some health problems that can't be avoided but most of them can. Keeping Your cat indoors will help protect him from a majority of health hazards. If on the Other hand your cat prefers the outdoors make sure you take him for regular visits to The vet. Keep him happy and healthy and your little furry friend will be around to Keep you company for many years to come.

Copyright by Douglas Sheridan

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