Cat Illness Veterinarian

Cat Illness Veterinarian
Cat Illness Veterinarian

How to Deal with Common Cat Illnesses before Seeing Colorado Springs Vets

They are loveable little ones and no cat lover ever wants to see the furry friends sick. Unfortunately, it does happen and it can make an owner uneasy and unsure of what to do to help. There are many illnesses that are very common in cats. Some will require a trip to the vet, while others can simply be dealt with at home. Knowing the warning signs and the forms of treatment of some of these common sicknesses can be very comforting to cat owners.

Urination Frustration
Whenever an animal begins to have "accidents" around the house, frustration can grow. Many cats make the situation even worse by selecting the areas where they will suddenly leave a little gift. But, unusual urination habits can be more than frustrating. They can point to something more serious. Very frequently changes in bathroom behavior is a result of a urinary infection in your feline. Colorado Springs vets are able to test for these infections and should the cat have one, the vet can prescribe an antibiotic to clear it up. Other signs that this might be happening to your cat are crying or yelping when using the litter box, blood in the urine, or more frequent urination. In some cases, a urinary tract infection is not the answer or it once was, but has now grown to be something worse. Blockages and kidney infections can cause many of the same symptoms and will likely require more significant care.

Bad Breathing
Just like in humans, cats can become suddenly congested when they have contracted a respiratory infection. In these cases, it is not unusual for a cat to sneeze, cough, or develop runny eyes. Respiratory infections in felines rarely require veterinarian care. If problems persist, appetite changes, or the cat becomes lethargic, then it is time to make the call. Medications can be prescribed to break up mucus, stave off other illnesses, and improve hydration levels.

Temper, Temper
The commonly referred to distemper actually has little to do with temper at all. It can be caught by cats of all ages, but is most common in kittens and is passed through food and the litter box. A cat with this disease will become lethargic, will have unusual bowel movements, may vomit, and will likely refuse food or water. In some cases, extreme shedding can occur. This does require immediate vet intervention. No time should be wasted because this disease can be fatal if not cared for right away. Even with proper care, many cats cannot survive distemper. However, with proper hydration and an antibiotic, your kitty may be able to pull through. The better news is that there is now a vaccination that is administered at regular vet appointments that can prevent a cat from contracting distemper.

About the Author

For the best Colorado Springs Vets visit Faithful Friends Animal Hospital at 4720 Barnes Road Colorado Springs CO 80917 719-596-8544 -- Visit our website http://FaithfulFriendsAnimalHospital.com

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Cat Illness Veterinarian
Cat Illness Veterinarian

Top Ways to Prevent Cat Illness

The incredible pleasure of companionship given by your feline friends comes with certain responsibilities and obligations. Continuing your joy of keeping them company would greatly depend on how well you understand and provide for their needs. Learning about proper cat health care is important for all cat owners. Giving them love, proper care and attention will not only ensure great health for your cats. It also ensures a long and happy life.

General Needs

Your cat has several needs, which you need to pay close attention to. It needs to receive proper nourishment, proper grooming, the right medical attention in the event of a cat illness and the right pregnancy care for female cats later in its life. Not only does proper cat health care demand time and attention, it also demands a certain amount of budget to sufficiently and timely provide for all your cat's needs.

Feeding

The key to health is getting the right food. The same rule applies in ensuring optimum cat health. Putting it under a good diet and giving it the best Cat Food you can obtain will not only protect your cat from getting any common cat illness. It will also yield huge savings on veterinary bills. Hence, compromising the quality of cat food over value is poor economy. Investing on your cat's health means trusting the name of American Association of Feed Control Officers (AAFCO) approved cat food manufacturers. You can consult your veterinarian on this regard so you can give your pet the kind of food that is appropriate for its age, breed or health condition.

Grooming

A kitten is born with the innate ability to groom itself. You see mother cats licking her kittens soon after they were born to help them breathe. Grooming is something that comes natural among cats. For the most part, your cat can answer to its grooming needs. However, there are a number of reasons why you should use some grooming techniques for your cat. Long-haired cats need extra help to prevent getting matted fur. Occasionally combing your cat's fur prevents parasites such as fleas, lice and ticks from settling on the fur. Some cat owners even enjoy occasionally bathing and trimming the claws of their cats. Some would even go to the lengths of brushing the cat's teeth. Aside from giving them a pleasant experience with their best pets, it also prevents the onslaught of common cat parasites.

Common Cat Health Problems

From simple inconveniences, cat illness, to life threatening accidents, the concern about common cat health problems is an experience shared by all cat owners. These problems range from simple inconveniences to life-threatening illnesses. Noticing a cat illness coming is extremely helpful in limiting the risks involved. The following should guide you through your pet care experience.

Hair Balls

You cat is likely to experience a problem called hair ball. The condition is caused by the accumulation of fur inside the cat's body due to its grooming habits. The accumulated fur or hair ball usually becomes a source of irritation when the cat fails to eliminate it on the litter box or through coughing. Once the hair ball compacts with the undigested food in the intestines, it needs to be surgically removed to avoid serious health complications. Noticing symptoms such as dry and hacking cough, vomiting after meals, hair entwined with feces, constipation, diarrhea, poor appetite and weight loss means that your cat suffers from hair ball. A veterinarian's instructed use of mineral oil or petroleum lubricants and other petrochemical products may be used to relieve these symptoms.

Plant Poisoning

Cats love to chew on things, especially green things. Your cat's fondness for your indoor as well as outdoor plants can be very dangerous especially when you are using pesticides on these plants. As you cat chews on its leaves, it might ingest the chemicals you have applied on your plants. Also, there are some ornamental plants that are toxic in nature and can possibly harm your naughty cat.

Infections

Viral and other infections answer to majority of the causes of common cat health problems. Depending on the severity and nature of the infection, a particular infection can lead to complications that can compromise your cat's health. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) and Feline Leukemia Virus are the known plagues of a cat's health. Thankfully, there are vaccinations and treatments that are available for these serious infections.

Parasites

Common cat parasites include fleas, worms, ticks and lice. Fleas and lice not only cause chronic itching and infections but also deliver parasites such as worm larvae inside your cat's body. The worms thriving in the intestines can cause anemia, weakness and weight loss. Proper grooming and the use of powders, pest sprays, lotions and shampoo can help remove these parasites. Ask a veterinarian for the most suitable product that can help you eliminate common parasites.

Caution

Loss of appetite, dull coat, more frequent grooming, excessive itching or constant scratching, not grooming after eating, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling and display of unusual behavior are tell-tale signs of a sick cat. Familiarizing yourself with these symptoms of cat illness is important in ensuring the health of your feline friend. Upon noticing these symptoms, immediately contact your veterinarian.

About the Author

Kathy is another cat lover and runs Cat Lover Products where you can learn more about cat health.

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