Top 10 Cat Health Questions
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AfSD™(ADVOCATE FOR SAVING DOGS™)
Top 10 Cat Health Questions
posted by Samantha, selected from Animal Planet Mar 15, 2011
By Colleen Cancio, Animal Planet
Cats are magnificent creatures. With grace,
refinement and a permanent look of haughty disdain on their faces,
their charms are impossible to resist. On the other hand, cats are also
quite mysterious, which is why taking care of them isn’t always easy.
refinement and a permanent look of haughty disdain on their faces,
their charms are impossible to resist. On the other hand, cats are also
quite mysterious, which is why taking care of them isn’t always easy.
What constitutes “normal” behavior for a cat? How do you know when to
take your cat to the veterinarian? How do cats cope with stress in
their environment, and what are some of the symptoms of serious illness
in a cat? Check out our list of the top 10 cat health questions to
learn about the domestic cat’s most common quirks and health concerns.
take your cat to the veterinarian? How do cats cope with stress in
their environment, and what are some of the symptoms of serious illness
in a cat? Check out our list of the top 10 cat health questions to
learn about the domestic cat’s most common quirks and health concerns.
10. Is it normal for cats to mark their territory?
Cats are some of the most territorial creatures on the planet. Every
time your cat rubs his cheeks against you, he’s marking you with his
scent. It’s his way of saying “back off — this one’s taken.”
time your cat rubs his cheeks against you, he’s marking you with his
scent. It’s his way of saying “back off — this one’s taken.”
When it comes to territory marking in house cats, the biggest problem
for owners is urine spraying, that unfortunate tomcat tendency to pee
on drapes, furniture and other household items. Spraying is different
from the elimination of urine for physiological reasons. When cats
spray, it’s meant to be a “keep out” sign for other animals.
for owners is urine spraying, that unfortunate tomcat tendency to pee
on drapes, furniture and other household items. Spraying is different
from the elimination of urine for physiological reasons. When cats
spray, it’s meant to be a “keep out” sign for other animals.
Spraying is common among felines that live in multi-cat households or
those that are experiencing stress. If your cat is spraying,
thoroughly clean the marked
with products designed to neutralize odor. You should also do your
best to create and maintain a stress-free environment for your feline
friend.
those that are experiencing stress. If your cat is spraying,
thoroughly clean the marked
area
with products designed to neutralize odor. You should also do your
best to create and maintain a stress-free environment for your feline
friend.
No. 1 Cleaning Tip
When cleaning cat spray with household products, avoid using those that
are ammonia-based. Ammonia smells like urine and may cause the cat to
spray more in order to cover it up.
When cleaning cat spray with household products, avoid using those that
are ammonia-based. Ammonia smells like urine and may cause the cat to
spray more in order to cover it up.
9. What are the recommended shots for cats?
Vaccines are very important for domestic cats, both indoor and
outdoor. But it may not always be clear which vaccines to give your
bewhiskered buddy. According to the Cornell University College of
Veterinary Medicine, the types of shots your cat needs depend on
several factors, including whether he goes outside and his age and
overall health.
outdoor. But it may not always be clear which vaccines to give your
bewhiskered buddy. According to the Cornell University College of
Veterinary Medicine, the types of shots your cat needs depend on
several factors, including whether he goes outside and his age and
overall health.
As a general rule, all cats should be vaccinated for feline
distemper, feline herpes virus and rabies. Outdoor cats require vaccines
for additional diseases, such as feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia
virus, the number one viral killer of cats. Each of these may be given
on a particular schedule, depending on the age of your pet. When
planning for your veterinary visit, be prepared to discuss your cat’s
environment, lifestyle and medical history, as these will factor into
the decisions about vaccination.
distemper, feline herpes virus and rabies. Outdoor cats require vaccines
for additional diseases, such as feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia
virus, the number one viral killer of cats. Each of these may be given
on a particular schedule, depending on the age of your pet. When
planning for your veterinary visit, be prepared to discuss your cat’s
environment, lifestyle and medical history, as these will factor into
the decisions about vaccination.
Vaccination Malaise
Receiving vaccinations may cause your cat to retreat to a favorite
hiding spot for a day or two. This is normal. However, if he does not
return to his normal behavior within 48 hours, talk to your veterinarian
about the problem.
Receiving vaccinations may cause your cat to retreat to a favorite
hiding spot for a day or two. This is normal. However, if he does not
return to his normal behavior within 48 hours, talk to your veterinarian
about the problem.
8. What if your cat has a runny nose?
Cats are prone to runny noses for a variety of reasons, including
allergies, nasal mites, infections and the common cold, all of which
are treatable conditions. For each of these, there would be discharge
coming from both of your cat’s nostrils.
allergies, nasal mites, infections and the common cold, all of which
are treatable conditions. For each of these, there would be discharge
coming from both of your cat’s nostrils.
If your cat has discharge coming from only one nostril, there may be
something in the nasal passage that’s irritating the lining and causing
fluid to run out. For example, grass, dust or pollen may become stuck
in your cat’s nose. If this is the cause, most often it will work
itself out.
something in the nasal passage that’s irritating the lining and causing
fluid to run out. For example, grass, dust or pollen may become stuck
in your cat’s nose. If this is the cause, most often it will work
itself out.
According to Washington State University’s College of Veterinary
Medicine, discharge from one nostril in cats may also indicate a nasal
tumor, especially if it is accompanied by blood. If you notice these
symptoms, you should see your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Medicine, discharge from one nostril in cats may also indicate a nasal
tumor, especially if it is accompanied by blood. If you notice these
symptoms, you should see your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Spilled Milk
A cleft palate in kittens that are still nursing can result in milk
running through the nose. This condition is often treatable, especially
in cases of small clefts.
A cleft palate in kittens that are still nursing can result in milk
running through the nose. This condition is often treatable, especially
in cases of small clefts.
7. What causes hair loss in cats?
Seasoned cat owners know that a certain amount of hair loss in cats
is normal, and they have a house full of hair-covered furniture to
prove it. However, excessive or patchy hair loss in cats is not normal,
especially when accompanied by inflamed skin.
is normal, and they have a house full of hair-covered furniture to
prove it. However, excessive or patchy hair loss in cats is not normal,
especially when accompanied by inflamed skin.
Hair loss in cats is often caused by excessive scratching due to flea infestation,
allergies or other skin irritants. Hyperthyroidism is another cause of
hair loss in cats, especially older cats. Once these underlying
conditions are treated, the hair loss should stop.
allergies or other skin irritants. Hyperthyroidism is another cause of
hair loss in cats, especially older cats. Once these underlying
conditions are treated, the hair loss should stop.
In some cases, hair loss in cats coincides with a change in the
animal’s environment. Excessive grooming caused by stress can also cause
hair to fall out. No matter what the cause, if the problem persists,
talk to your veterinarian about the problem.
animal’s environment. Excessive grooming caused by stress can also cause
hair to fall out. No matter what the cause, if the problem persists,
talk to your veterinarian about the problem.
Valuable Vibrissae
Like fur, a cat’s whiskers periodically fall out and grow back. But you
should never cut them. Whiskers serve several important functions for
cats, including helping them to navigate through their environment.
Like fur, a cat’s whiskers periodically fall out and grow back. But you
should never cut them. Whiskers serve several important functions for
cats, including helping them to navigate through their environment.
6. What if your cat vomits a lot?
Seeing your cat vomit can be upsetting. But try not to worry —
vomiting is quite common and usually inconsequential in our feline
friends. These naturally inquisitive creatures often consume some
pretty unsavory “snacks,” and vomiting is nature’s way of getting rid
of the offending morsels. Vomiting may also be caused by hairballs,
which are normal byproducts of grooming.
vomiting is quite common and usually inconsequential in our feline
friends. These naturally inquisitive creatures often consume some
pretty unsavory “snacks,” and vomiting is nature’s way of getting rid
of the offending morsels. Vomiting may also be caused by hairballs,
which are normal byproducts of grooming.
More serious causes of vomiting include viral infections, intestinal
obstructions, kidney disease, diseases of the digestive system and
various types of cancer. In most cases, vomiting that lasts less than a
few days doesn’t need to be treated, though you may want to withhold
food for 24 hours. If your cat is vomiting for more than 48 hours, or if
the vomit contains blood, contact your veterinarian as soon as
possible.
obstructions, kidney disease, diseases of the digestive system and
various types of cancer. In most cases, vomiting that lasts less than a
few days doesn’t need to be treated, though you may want to withhold
food for 24 hours. If your cat is vomiting for more than 48 hours, or if
the vomit contains blood, contact your veterinarian as soon as
possible.
Help for Hairballs
To keep hair balls under control, try brushing your cat on a regular basis. It’ll keep the hairballs in check and
To keep hair balls under control, try brushing your cat on a regular basis. It’ll keep the hairballs in check and
foster bonding between you and your feline friend.
5. Why would a cat refuse to eat and drink?
Having a pet that refuses food and water can be pretty alarming, and
rightfully so, considering that not many creatures last long without
these basic staples. But keep in mind that cats are extremely finicky
creatures. Changing their food or feeding routines can cause them to
refuse food and water for a short time. Cats may also go on brief
hunger strikes in response to environmental stressors, such as the
presence of guests in your home. If this is the case, don’t worry. Your
furry friend will be grazing again in no time.
rightfully so, considering that not many creatures last long without
these basic staples. But keep in mind that cats are extremely finicky
creatures. Changing their food or feeding routines can cause them to
refuse food and water for a short time. Cats may also go on brief
hunger strikes in response to environmental stressors, such as the
presence of guests in your home. If this is the case, don’t worry. Your
furry friend will be grazing again in no time.
However, there are also many illnesses that can cause an animal to
refuse food and water, including dental infections and intestinal
disease. If your cat goes more than 48 hours without eating or drinking,
contact your veterinarian immediately.
refuse food and water, including dental infections and intestinal
disease. If your cat goes more than 48 hours without eating or drinking,
contact your veterinarian immediately.
4. What can cause weight loss in a cat?
There is no shortage of portly pets in the world these days, mainly due to the abundance of owners who overfeed
and under-exercise their four-legged friends. These animals could use a
good weight loss program. However, weight loss in an animal that is
not on a diet is generally a cause for concern.
and under-exercise their four-legged friends. These animals could use a
good weight loss program. However, weight loss in an animal that is
not on a diet is generally a cause for concern.
Some of the most common causes of weight loss in cats are intestinal
parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms or tapeworms. Fortunately,
these are relatively easy to treat — one or two doses of medication
will usually do the trick.
parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms or tapeworms. Fortunately,
these are relatively easy to treat — one or two doses of medication
will usually do the trick.
More serious potential causes of weight loss in cats include cancer,
hyperthyroidism, kidney disease and dental infections. No matter what
the cause, any unexplained weight loss in your cat should be brought to
the attention of your veterinarian as soon as possible.
hyperthyroidism, kidney disease and dental infections. No matter what
the cause, any unexplained weight loss in your cat should be brought to
the attention of your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Litter Box Basics
Intestinal parasites are very common in cats, with infection rates as
high as 45 percent, according to the Cornell University College of
Veterinary Medicine. The best way to avoid recurring infections is to
scoop feces from cat litter boxes daily and regularly clean them with a
bleach solution.
Intestinal parasites are very common in cats, with infection rates as
high as 45 percent, according to the Cornell University College of
Veterinary Medicine. The best way to avoid recurring infections is to
scoop feces from cat litter boxes daily and regularly clean them with a
bleach solution.
3. Should you be worried if your cat has diarrhea?
Despite its inherent unpleasantness, diarrhea serves a critical
function in all animals, including cats. It is nature’s way of quickly
getting rid of anything in the digestive tract that has the potential
to do harm. It’s normal for cats to have occasional diarrhea, and it’s
usually a short-lived problem.
function in all animals, including cats. It is nature’s way of quickly
getting rid of anything in the digestive tract that has the potential
to do harm. It’s normal for cats to have occasional diarrhea, and it’s
usually a short-lived problem.
Sometimes, however, diarrhea indicates a more serious condition in
cats, such as intestinal infections or tumors. If your cat’s diarrhea
persists for more than 48 hours, contains blood or is accompanied by
vomiting or fever, make an appointment to see your veterinarian
immediately. You should also see your veterinarian if your cat shows
signs of dehydration, which include sunken eyes, lethargy, and a dry
mouth and nose.
cats, such as intestinal infections or tumors. If your cat’s diarrhea
persists for more than 48 hours, contains blood or is accompanied by
vomiting or fever, make an appointment to see your veterinarian
immediately. You should also see your veterinarian if your cat shows
signs of dehydration, which include sunken eyes, lethargy, and a dry
mouth and nose.
Hydration Helps
A cat that has diarrhea may also refuse to eat or drink during the
episode. However, dehydration is a serious concern for cats. If your pet
is experiencing diarrhea, encourage him to drink at least small
amounts of water.
A cat that has diarrhea may also refuse to eat or drink during the
episode. However, dehydration is a serious concern for cats. If your pet
is experiencing diarrhea, encourage him to drink at least small
amounts of water.
2. How do you know if your cat is too fat?
To find out if your feline is fit or fat, ask yourself the following questions:
Is there just a thin layer of fat over the bones of his rib cage and tail?
Looking from above,
does your cat’s waistline narrow behind the ribs?
Looking at your cat from the side, does his abdomen
tuck upward just behind the ribs?
If you answered “no” to one or more of these, there’s a good chance
your cat is fat. To maintain a healthy weight in your pet, offer him a
food that is appropriate for his stage of life and for his particular
health concerns. You should also be sure to feed him according to your
vet’s instructions. Overfeeding is the main cause of feline obesity,
which can shorten your cat’s lifespan.
your cat is fat. To maintain a healthy weight in your pet, offer him a
food that is appropriate for his stage of life and for his particular
health concerns. You should also be sure to feed him according to your
vet’s instructions. Overfeeding is the main cause of feline obesity,
which can shorten your cat’s lifespan.
Indoor Exercise
A great way to help your cat shed unwanted pounds is to play with him in the house. But don’t worry about buying
A great way to help your cat shed unwanted pounds is to play with him in the house. But don’t worry about buying
fancy cat toys
— a crumpled up piece of paper tossed playfully across the room is all your pudgy pet needs to getmoving.
1. What if your cat has seizures?
The word seizure refers to a sudden uncontrollable firing of nerves
in the brain. In mild cases, a seizure may cause your cat to simply
pause for a moment with a far-away look in his eyes. In more severe
cases, a seizure can cause a cat to fall to the ground, twitching,
convulsing, and urinating or defecating uncontrollably. These episodes
may last a minute or more, and are usually followed by a period of
disorientation. They are among the most difficult health issues a cat
owner can face.
in the brain. In mild cases, a seizure may cause your cat to simply
pause for a moment with a far-away look in his eyes. In more severe
cases, a seizure can cause a cat to fall to the ground, twitching,
convulsing, and urinating or defecating uncontrollably. These episodes
may last a minute or more, and are usually followed by a period of
disorientation. They are among the most difficult health issues a cat
owner can face.
Seizures can be caused by many factors, including infections,
hypoglycemia, kidney disease, tumors, exposure to toxins and epilepsy.
If your cat is experiencing seizures, it is important to see your
veterinarian as soon as possible. Once the vet determines the underlying
cause of the seizures, they can often treat them successfully.
hypoglycemia, kidney disease, tumors, exposure to toxins and epilepsy.
If your cat is experiencing seizures, it is important to see your
veterinarian as soon as possible. Once the vet determines the underlying
cause of the seizures, they can often treat them successfully.
Holding cats during seizures
There is no need to pick up your cat or move him during a seizure unless
he is in danger of hitting a wall or other hard object. Just stay with
him and speak to him in a reassuring voice. He’ll need you to comfort
him when it’s over.
There is no need to pick up your cat or move him during a seizure unless
he is in danger of hitting a wall or other hard object. Just stay with
him and speak to him in a reassuring voice. He’ll need you to comfort
him when it’s over.
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