No one likes to think about their pet getting sick, but the fact is that all cats – even the healthiest ones – can develop health problems at some point in their lives. That’s why it’s important for every cat owner to be aware of the most common cat health problems, know the signs to watch for, and take steps to prevent them from happening. In this article, we’ll share not only the top cat health problems, but also some of the preventative measures you can take to help your feline fur baby live a long and healthy life.
Eye Discharge, Inflammation and Blindness
One of the most common – and potentially serious – cat health problems is eye discharge, inflammation and blindness. Eye discharge is often a sign of infection, which can lead to inflammation and even blindness if not treated promptly. The best way to prevent this problem is to keep your cat’s eyes clean and free of discharge, and to take them to the vet at the first sign of any discharge or inflammation.
Heart Disease
Heart disease is another common and serious health problem in cats. It can be caused by a number of things, including genetics, obesity and high blood pressure. The best way to prevent heart disease is to keep your cat at a healthy weight, and to have them checked by a vet regularly.
Joint Stiffness and Arthritis
As cats age, they may start to experience joint stiffness and pain. This is often the result of arthritis, which can be caused by inflammation, injury, or even obesity. If your cat is having trouble jumping or climbing like they used to, it’s important to take them to the vet for a checkup. There are a number of treatments available that can help relieve your cat’s pain and improve their mobility.
To prevent arthritis or joint pain in your cat, make sure they stay at a healthy weight. Obesity puts extra strain on joints, so it’s important to keep your cat active and feed them a balanced diet. You should also provide them with a comfortable place to sleep and rest, as a soft bed can help relieve pain and stiffness. Finally, consider giving your cat supplements like glucosamine or fish oil, which have been shown to be effective in reducing inflammation and pain.
Kidney Disease
Kidney disease is a common health problem in older cats, and can be caused by a number of things, including infection, cancer and diabetes. The best way to prevent kidney disease is to have your cat checked by a vet regularly, and to make sure they are up-to-date on all their vaccinations.
Deafness or Hearing Loss
While this is often caused by old age, it can also be caused by other factors, such as disease, trauma, or congenital defects. If you suspect that your cat may be losing its hearing, watch for signs such as not responding to sounds, increased startle response, or not orienting to you when you call its name.
There’s no surefire way to prevent deafness or hearing loss in cats, but there are some things you can do to reduce the risk. For example, if your cat goes outdoors, keep it up-to-date on vaccines and parasite prevention to reduce the risk of disease. And if your cat is indoor-only, make sure it has plenty of toys and playtime to keep its mind active and engaged.
Liver Disease
Liver disease is another common health problem in cats, and can be caused by a number of things, including infection, cancer and diabetes. The best way to prevent liver disease is to have your cat checked by a vet regularly, and to make sure they are up-to-date on all their vaccinations.
Dental Problems
Another common health problem in cats is dental disease. This can be caused by a build-up of plaque and tartar on the teeth, which can lead to gingivitis, tooth loss, and other serious problems. Signs of dental disease include bad breath, drooling, decreased appetite, and pawing at the mouth.
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help prevent dental problems in your cat. First, have your veterinarian check your cat’s teeth at least once a year and perform a professional cleaning if necessary. You should also brush your cat’s teeth regularly at home using a pet-safe toothpaste. Finally, make sure your cat has a balanced diet that includes crunchy foods to help keep its teeth clean and healthy.
These are just a few of the most common cat health problems. For more information on preventing and treating these and other health problems, talk to your veterinarian. They will be able to give you the best advice for keeping your feline fur baby happy and healthy for years to come. Thanks for reading!
