Happy Cats are Healthy Cats

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Something else which makes me happy is animals, in particular, cats. In the main, cats are tactile creatures and most enjoy being stroked and caressed. In turn, cat owners enjoy contentment from spending time with their cats.

As with many pet owners, we are concerned about the health and well being of our animals. I have set out below a list of common ailments and conditions to be aware of in your feline friend, so that you can give him the best care.

Sickness and Diarrhea

Whilst not diseases in their own right, these are two symptoms which often occur together and which may be indications of something more serious. Your cat may have some sort of digestive disorder, or may simply have eaten something which disagreed with him. If symptoms persist and certainly if there is any blood in your cat’s “productions”, then take him to see the vet straight away for a professional diagnosis.

Worms

At some point, most cats get worms. These may be hookworms, tapeworms, roundworms or heartworms. Symptoms to be aware of include significant weight loss, a swollen abdomen, loss of fur or vomiting. Contact your vet for a course of worming tablets, and attempt to get your cat to swallow said tablets. If you can manage to get the medication into your cat, usually by breaking it up into his food, then his symptoms should clear up within a short period of time.

Fleas

Just as many cats come into contact with worms, likewise fleas can be a common problem. Whilst not usually life-threatening, if your pet has fleas he will probably be quite uncomfortable and will spend time scratching himself in an effort to relieve the discomfort of fleas feeding on his blood. Some cats may also suffer an allergic reaction to flea saliva, and will quite likely scratch to the point of self-harm.

Kidney Disease

As cats age, they can become more susceptible to kidney disease. It is thought that feeding your cat predominantly dry cat food may contribute to kidney disease. As such, it may be worth examining the quality and kind of food you are feeding your feline. If your cat seems to drink more water than usual, this may also be an indication of kidney disease, and should prompt a visit to the vet.

Stress

Unfortunately, stress is also common in the animal kingdom, with some cats being more prone to the condition than others. Watch your cat for signs of unusual behaviour, such as hiding under the bed, pulling out his fur or trembling, loss of appetite, and some cats which are usually quiet may begin to meow. If your usually docile pet begins to exhibit this behaviour, he may be suffering from stress and you ought to seek professional assistance from your vet in order to treat him successfully, and restore him to the calm, adoring cat you know and love.