Cat Illnesses
How To Protect Against Cat Illnesses
Rather than worrying about a long list of cat illnesses, it's best to be somewhat familiar with the more common illnesses, and recognize some of their basic symptoms. In addition, by having kittens vaccinated and having adult cats follow a program of periodic vaccination, you are most likely to avoid trips to the veterinarian with a very sick cat.
Prevention is always the best approach in guarding against cat illnesses. Vaccination will protect your cat against several illnesses, some of which, such as feline distemper, are potentially fatal. Giving kittens worm medication, and treating them against fleas, will save them from having significant problems later on. Your veterinarian will usually recommend periodic vaccinations for your cat, and especially for young kittens. It's always a good idea to have these vaccinations given to your cat, and is especially true for the outdoor cat, or any cat which is around other cats, as many of the more dangerous cat illnesses are contagious. Another thing you can do is feed your cat a well balanced diet. Nutrition is important in keeping your cat fit. A cat in good health is much more apt to avoid, or successfully fend off, most illnesses. Keeping your cat indoors is also a good idea. Too many bad things can happen outside. An indoor cat can be a perfectly happy cat, even though some indicate a desire to get outside if they can (they more often than not want to come right back in when that happens).
Knowing what symptoms to look for, when a cat first begins to be ill, may save your cat's life. When you see certain symptoms developing, the very best thing you can do is take your cat to the vet, especially if the symptoms appear serious. Significant changes in behavior are very often a sign that something is wrong. Coughing is another symptom worth paying attention to, as cats rarely will cough unless they've swallowed something harmless, causing a momentary irritation. Extended coughing episodes mean something definitely is wrong. Changes in eating, drinking, and urination patterns also suggest all might not be well.
Among the most common cat illnesses are Upper Respiratory Infections, of which there are more than one type. Just as we do when we have a respiratory infection, a cat may sneeze, cough, run a fever, and have a runny nose. These infections are usually mild and pass quickly, but if the symptoms persist, and your cat is beginning to show signs of distress, stop eating, or change its behavioral patterns, it's important to get it to the veterinarian quickly.
Cats also seem to be particularly susceptible to abscesses, which can be caused by a number of things. An abscess is much more apt to occur in an outdoor cat, picking up the infection as the result of a bite or scratch from a fight. Besides physical symptoms, the cat will often be in pain, and in some cases may run a fever and stop eating. For such a severe case, antibiotics are usually prescribed.
Feline Distemper is a very serious cat illness, usually picked up from other cats, being a very contagious disease. While it is a viral disease, a vet may prescribe antibiotics to keep secondary infections at bay. Some cats can survive a bout of feline distemper, but as there is no real treatment, it is often fatal. Distemper is easy to spot, as your cat will become dehydrated (which must be treated immediately), lethargic, and may have episodes of diarrhea and vomiting. Feline distemper is a good reason to make certain your cat gets its shots, as the vaccine is effective in preventing this illness.
Older cats very often come down with Chronic Kidney Failure. This is primarily a result of aging, and a general wearing down of the body's organs. Diet can be a factor. A cat suffering from kidney failure will often drink large quantities of water, and urinate more frequently, but after a while this is no longer sufficient to remove the toxins. The illness is not curable, but medications can be prescribed to give the cat a longer quality life.
Some cat illnesses are not diseases, but are the result of toxic items a cat may ingest. Cats love to nibble on leaves, and if you have an indoor cat, there are a number of indoor plants which are poisonous and could make your cat quite ill. These include the African Violet, Cyclamen, Dieffenbachia, Philodendron, and the Spider Plant. Outdoors there are toxic plants as well, but you can't follow your cat around all day. The presence of insecticides can be a threat, and substances found in or around the garage, such as oil and antifreeze, are toxic to cats and other pets.
It's been said that the best way to detect a counterfeit bill is to become very familiar with the look and feel of the real thing. It could just be that the best way to be on guard against cat illnesses is to know what your cat is like and how it acts when it is well.