Common Cat Health Issues

Back when I was on my third week with Peanut, my cat, she was just a mess. She vomited at least twice a day. I noticed fleas on her body. She was just so helpless. I didn't know what I did nor what to do with her. I consulted my cat guru friend and she referred me to her vet. The vet advised me to learn the common cat health problems that Peanut could face. It's a must know for cat owners. I was ashamed cause it seemed like I didn't care about my cat.

After that vet visit, Peanut recovered from whatever she was on and I decided heed the vet's advice: to find out what the common health problems my cat could face and I could prevent. Cats are really self-maintenance but that doesn't mean it can prevent these common problems from occurring to them. I'm going to introduce to you common cat health problems today.

This is really common for Peanut and our cats. Vomiting is caused by a lot of factors. These include infection, eating something poisonous or inedible, hairballs (this), diarrhea or urinary tract infection.

Symptoms include abdominal heaving and drooling. When Peanut vomits she makes a weird sound so then and there I know she vomited (mostly hairballs). Vomiting can leave your cat dehydrated to be sure to rehydrate. Also if vomiting keeps happening and your cat becomes weak and ill, visit the vet right away.

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According to WebMD, as many as 3% of cats seen by vets have feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), which is actually a group of feline diseases with multiple causes.

If your cat is overweight, unfit or eats dry food, there is a high possibility that he/she can get FLUTD. And by he/she I mean female and male cats can get this disease. Addition factors that can increase your cat's risk of FLUTD include stress, more cats and sudden environment changes. According to WebMD, symptoms of FLUTD are:

• Straining to urinate
• Bloody urine
• Urinating in unusual places
• Crying when urinating
• Licking around the urinary area (often because of pain)
• Depression
• Dehydration
• Lack of appetite
• Vomiting

Contact your vet immediately if these symptoms occur. Here is a brief video about FLUTD:

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Fleas are very common external problems yet very easy to treat. Symptoms include flea dirt on skin, constant scratching, hair loss, frequent licking, infected or red skin. When I saw signs of fleas on Peanut I waited no more and bought a flea powder for her. Fleas can live up to a year and can cause anemia if the problem becomes serious so treat this immediately.

Other possible solutions for flea problem includes oral or topical medication, foams and powders. Talk to you vet about prevention and cure.

According to WebMD, many things can cause diarrhea in cats, including spoiled food, allergies, infection, liver disease, cancer, and more.

Symptoms of diarrhea are loose, watery, or liquid stool. Depending on its cause, diarrhea can last for a day, a week, or months. So offer plenty of fresh, clean water to your cat immediately to rehydrate her. Remove any leftover food from his/her food bowl after 12 to 24 hours. Take him/her immediately if symptoms persists or has gotten worse.

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Conjunctivitis, cataracts, glaucoma, trauma, viruses, inflammation, and retinal disease are common causes of cat eye problems. According to WebMD, a few symptoms include watery eyes, tear-stained fur, cloudiness, red or white eyelid linings, gunk in the corners of the eye, squinting, pawing at the eye, or a visible third eyelid. With a clean cotton ball clean out any gunk and consult your vet immediately.