Monitoring your cat’s health is essential for their well-being and overall happiness. While there are many common health issues that cats may experience, there are proactive steps you can take to keep them in good health. Let’s discuss some of these common health issues and preventive care for your cat.
Dental Diseases
Dental diseases are common among cats and can affect their teeth and gums. Gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth resorption are the most common diseases and can cause cats pain and discomfort that may lead to trouble eating. Bad breath is one of the biggest signs to look out for that may imply dental issues.
Dental diseases are preventable, often just by regular and consistent teeth cleaning. It’s important to monitor cats’ oral health and take them to the vet for cleaning every one to two years. This allows for professionals to remove plaque and check for any issues below the gum line that you may not be able to see. Some cats may need more frequent cleaning depending on the type of dental issue they are dealing with.
Obesity
Obesity is another common health issue among cats and is becoming a growing concern. If a cat weighs more than 20% above its ideal body weight, it is considered obese. Many health risks are associated with obesity, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and joint issues.
A healthy and consistent diet is crucial in maintaining a healthy weight. Controlling portions and scheduling mealtimes will help prevent your cat from overeating. Consistent playtime and physical activity are also important in establishing healthy habits in your cat’s life.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Urinary issues can often be mistaken for behavioral problems rather than medical problems. Some signs that your cat is dealing with a UTI could be accidents around the house, blood in their urine, or frequent urination. If your cat is experiencing these signs, you should take them to the vet to see how to best manage their infection.
UTIs are caused by bacterial infections. Luckily, there are ways to reduce the chances of this infection. This includes regular checkups with the vet, proper grooming and hygiene, specialized diets, and making sure they always have access to fresh water.
Parasites
Parasites can be external, such as fleas and ticks, or internal, like worms. Some symptoms and signs to look out for with internal parasites are diarrhea, weight loss, coughing, and vomiting. Some signs of external parasites include excessive itching, hair loss, or skin irritation. Ticks might be apparent in the form of small bumps, or you’ll notice little bugs on the skin or fur.
The best way to prevent parasites is to keep your cat in a clean environment. Disinfecting surfaces and cleaning the litter box daily will help maintain cleanliness. Avoid feeding your cat raw or undercooked meats, and try to prevent your cat from hunting animals such as rodents or mice.
Respiratory Infections
Upper Respiratory infections are a common illness in cats caused by viruses or bacteria that affect the nose, throat, and sinuses. Symptoms resemble a cold and may include sneezing, congestion, runny nose, cough, or fever. Kittens, older cats, and cats with weak immune systems are more likely to get infections.
Keeping your cat up to date on vaccinations is important for keeping them healthy and reducing the severity of sickness or infections. Consult with your vet to find out which vaccinations they recommend.
Staying informed about common health issues and preventive care for cats is essential to their well-being. By understanding the signs and symptoms of potential health issues, pet owners can take proactive steps to maintain their cats’ health. Regular veterinary checkups, a balanced diet, proper hygiene, and a clean living environment all contribute to a cat’s overall wellness. With proper care and attention, cats can live long, healthy, and happy lives.
Our experts at Cascade Kennels want to make sure your pets are receiving all the proper care and attention. Contact us today to make a boarding reservation or schedule a grooming appointment.
