Like people, cats get sick too. Here are common diseases that may affect your feline friend:
Diarrhea - usually caused by an inappropriate diet (e.g. milk and other dairy products despite the myth that cats enjoy milk) although it can also be the result of bacterial infection, viruses and other parasites. In most cases, a 24-hour fast will return things to normal. If not, consult your vet.
Vomiting - an occasional bout of vomiting is normal as curious felines often ingest things they shouldn't. However, if vomiting is frequent, it may be a sign of hairballs, parasites or other serious problems. If vomiting is accompanied by other symptoms like diarrhea, listlessness or blood in the vomit, see your vet immediately.
Sneezing - this is usually a sign of "cat flu" or "snuffles", a disease of the upper respiratory tract. There is little you can do in terms of medication as the disease is viral and the cat's own immune system will combat it. This may take up to two weeks for complete recovery.
Make sure your cat is kept warm and drinking enough fluids. Having the cat in a steamy room once or twice a day may help clear the mucus from its chest. Use cotton wool moistened with warm water to gently clear any crustiness from its eyes and nose. Sneezing can also be a symptom of another disease so always check with your vet.
Eye and ear infections - if your cat has a runny discharge and a foul odor in its ears, consult a vet immediately.
Bad teeth - yellow or brown teeth, bleeding gums, drooling, bad breath and a refusal to eat are all signs that your cat has a problem. It may require general anesthetics while the vet cleans and treats its teeth and gums. As your cat gets older, regular dental check-ups are a good idea.
Are you losing your pets to accidents? Do they wander and never return? Show them that you care. Keep your pets safe from harm with the wireless cat fences. - 20761
Diarrhea - usually caused by an inappropriate diet (e.g. milk and other dairy products despite the myth that cats enjoy milk) although it can also be the result of bacterial infection, viruses and other parasites. In most cases, a 24-hour fast will return things to normal. If not, consult your vet.
Vomiting - an occasional bout of vomiting is normal as curious felines often ingest things they shouldn't. However, if vomiting is frequent, it may be a sign of hairballs, parasites or other serious problems. If vomiting is accompanied by other symptoms like diarrhea, listlessness or blood in the vomit, see your vet immediately.
Sneezing - this is usually a sign of "cat flu" or "snuffles", a disease of the upper respiratory tract. There is little you can do in terms of medication as the disease is viral and the cat's own immune system will combat it. This may take up to two weeks for complete recovery.
Make sure your cat is kept warm and drinking enough fluids. Having the cat in a steamy room once or twice a day may help clear the mucus from its chest. Use cotton wool moistened with warm water to gently clear any crustiness from its eyes and nose. Sneezing can also be a symptom of another disease so always check with your vet.
Eye and ear infections - if your cat has a runny discharge and a foul odor in its ears, consult a vet immediately.
Bad teeth - yellow or brown teeth, bleeding gums, drooling, bad breath and a refusal to eat are all signs that your cat has a problem. It may require general anesthetics while the vet cleans and treats its teeth and gums. As your cat gets older, regular dental check-ups are a good idea.
Are you losing your pets to accidents? Do they wander and never return? Show them that you care. Keep your pets safe from harm with the wireless cat fences. - 20761
About the Author:
Cheryl L. True is a Manila-based freelance writer who writes on a variety of topics.
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