The Most Common Feline Health Concerns Every Cat Owner Should Know
So you’ve adopted a furry feline friend into your home. Congratulations! Cats can make wonderful companions and bring years of joy and laughter. But as a responsible cat owner, it’s important to be aware of some of the common health issues that may affect your cat over their lifetime. The good news is that many of these conditions are easily preventable or manageable with early detection and proper treatment. In this article, we’ll walk through the top health concerns you should be on the lookout for to keep your cat purring happily for years to come.
Urinary Tract Infections in Cats
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in cats. If your feline companion is straining to urinate, urinating frequently, or has bloody urine, they may have a UTI.
- Take your cat to the vet right away for diagnosis and treatment. UTIs in cats often require antibiotics to clear the infection. The vet will likely run a urine culture to determine the best medication and dosage.
- Encourage your cat to drink more water to help flush out their urinary system. You can add a bit of tuna juice or low-sodium chicken broth to their water to increase interest.
- Make sure your cat has easy access to a litter box and that boxes are kept clean. Stress can exacerbate UTIs in cats, so keeping their environment calm and comfortable is important.
- Feed your cat a high-quality, moisture-rich diet to promote urinary health. Wet food and urinary tract health formulas can help keep your cat hydrated and maintain a healthy urinary pH.
- In female cats, UTIs may reoccur, so your vet may recommend a diet change or supplements to help prevent future infections. Some cats benefit from a procedure called a perineal urethrostomy to widen the urinary opening.
UTIs in cats are usually not serious if caught and treated quickly but can become severe if left untreated. By monitoring your cat for symptoms, providing the best nutrition, limiting stress, and working closely with your vet, you'll help keep your feline companion happy and UTI-free.
Kidney Disease: A Top Cause of Illness in Older Cats
As cats age, kidney disease becomes more likely. In fact, it's one of the top causes of death in older felines. The kidneys filter waste and toxins from the blood, so when they start to fail, it means those harmful substances build up in the body.
Signs your cat may have kidney problems include increased thirst, frequent urination, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and weight loss. If you notice any of these symptoms in your senior cat, get them checked out by the vet right away. Early detection of kidney disease is critical to slow the progression and keep your cat comfortable for as long as possible.
To diagnose kidney disease, your vet will run blood and urine tests to check creatinine and BUN levels, which indicate how well the kidneys are functioning. An ultrasound may also be done to visualize the kidneys. Treatment options aim to manage symptoms and slow decline. These may include:
- Special kidney-friendly prescription food to reduce waste buildup
- Fluids administered under the skin to avoid dehydration
- Phosphate binders and other medications to balance electrolytes
- Anti-nausea medication if vomiting is an issue
While kidney disease is chronic and irreversible, with proper treatment and care, cats can live happily for months or even years after diagnosis. You'll need to make frequent vet visits for checkups and blood tests to monitor your cat's condition and adjust treatment as needed. It's a big responsibility, but with love and dedication, you can keep your feline companion comfortable even as their kidneys start to fail.
Diabetes Mellitus: When Cats Have Trouble Regulating Blood Sugar
Diabetes mellitus is a common disease in cats where their body has trouble regulating blood sugar. If left untreated, diabetes can cause serious health issues for your feline friend.
Symptoms to Watch For
There are a few signs that could indicate your cat has diabetes. Increased thirst, frequent urination, and increased appetite are common symptoms as the body tries to flush out excess sugar. Weight loss despite a good appetite can also occur. If your cat shows lethargy, weakness or behavioral changes, it’s best to have them checked out by a vet.
Early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing diabetes and avoiding complications. Your vet will test your cat’s blood sugar levels and may do other blood work or urinalysis to determine if diabetes is present. If diagnosed, your vet will determine the best course of treatment which typically includes:
- Special diet: A high-protein, low-carb diet can help keep blood sugar stable.
- Insulin injections: Most diabetic cats require insulin shots to regulate their blood sugar. You will need to give your cat injections at the same time every day.
- Glucose monitoring: Blood sugar levels will need to be monitored regularly, especially when first starting treatment. Your vet will show you how to use a blood glucose meter to check your cat’s levels at home.
- Lifestyle changes: Sticking to a routine feeding and exercise schedule is important. Providing environmental enrichment to keep your cat stimulated can also help.
By following the recommended treatment plan from your vet, most diabetic cats can live comfortably for many years. However, diabetes is a lifelong condition so ongoing monitoring and care are required. With time and experience, caring for a diabetic feline can become second nature. The most important thing is keeping your cat happy and healthy despite this disease.
Hyperthyroidism: An Overactive Thyroid Gland
Hyperthyroidism refers to an overactive thyroid gland that produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. This can speed up your cat's metabolism and cause a variety of problems. If left untreated, hyperthyroidism can be life-threatening, so it's important to recognize the signs.
Some common symptoms of an overactive thyroid in cats include:
- Increased appetite and thirst. Your cat may act hungry all the time and drink more water.
- Vomiting and diarrhea. An overactive thyroid can irritate the stomach and intestines.
- Weight loss. Despite eating more, your cat may lose weight due to the increased metabolism.
- Hyperactivity and restlessness. Your cat may seem overly energetic and unable to settle down.
- Poor coat condition. The coat may become dull, dry and flaky.
- Increased heart rate. The heart has to work harder to keep up with the increased metabolism, which can lead to high blood pressure and heart disease if left untreated.
Blood tests can check your cat's thyroid hormone levels to confirm a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. Treatment options include medication such as methimazole, surgical removal of part of the thyroid gland, or radioactive iodine therapy to destroy overactive thyroid cells. With treatment and monitoring, most cats with hyperthyroidism can live comfortably for many more years.
Early detection and treatment of this common condition are key to managing it and avoiding complications. By understanding the signs of hyperthyroidism and taking your cat for regular vet checkups, especially as they get older, you'll be doing your part to keep them as happy and healthy as possible for life.
Dental Disease: Taking Care of Your Cat's Teeth
As a cat owner, one of the most important things you can do to keep your feline friend healthy is to take good care of their teeth. Dental disease is extremely common in cats and can lead to pain, infections, and even tooth loss if left untreated.
Brushing their teeth
The best way to prevent dental disease is to brush your cat's teeth regularly using cat toothpaste and a pet toothbrush. Start brushing as early as possible to get your cat accustomed to it. Brush their teeth 2-3 times a week to remove tartar buildup and plaque. If brushing is not possible, you can ask your vet about dental wipes, rinses and chews that can help prevent dental disease.
Watch for warning signs
Be on the lookout for symptoms of dental disease in your cat like bad breath, loose or missing teeth, excessive drooling or difficulty eating. Take your cat to the vet right away if you notice any of these signs. Early detection of dental disease is critical to minimize damage and discomfort for your cat.
Professional dental cleanings
Even with diligent at-home care, most cats will need periodic professional dental cleanings performed by a vet to remove built-up tartar. A veterinary dental cleaning is very similar to a human dental cleaning. Your cat will be put under anesthesia so the teeth can be thoroughly cleaned above and below the gum line. Any loose, damaged or infected teeth will also be addressed during the procedure.
Dental health is such an important part of your cat's overall well-being. By brushing their teeth regularly, watching for warning signs of dental disease and scheduling routine dental cleanings with your vet, you'll help ensure your cat lives a long, happy and pain-free life. Your cat's teeth and gums will thank you for it!
Conclusion
So there you have it, the top things to watch out for with your feline friend. Being aware of the common health issues in cats will help ensure your cat lives a long, happy life. Take your cat in for regular vet checkups, pay attention to any changes in behavior or appetite, and don't hesitate to call the vet if you notice any worrying symptoms. Prevention and early detection are key. Give your cat plenty of love, the best care, and a safe environment. Do that, and you'll likely have many more years of purrs, snuggles, and playtime together. Meow!
