| If feline urinary infection sounds bad, it's somehow | | | | 4. Cat flu - It is unconfirmed whether cats truly have |
| comforting to know that this is not a common | | | | nine lives, but vaccination from cat flu can save you |
| disease, only causing 10% of vet visits. Male cats are | | | | the pain of losing your cat to this sickness in the long |
| more prone to feline urinary infection, but aside from | | | | run. The symptoms are very similar to what we |
| this condition, cat owners have to contend with | | | | humans manifest when we're down with the flu. For |
| more common diseases that their precious pet might | | | | cats, this is a respiratory illness that's very contagious |
| develop. | | | | and has not direct treatment available. The |
| As responsible cat owners, we need to be aware of | | | | symptoms are sneezing, coughing, noisy breathing, |
| common illnesses among cats. Part of our | | | | runny eyes, loss of appetite and fever. |
| responsibility is to be aware of these diseases for | | | | 5. Skin problems (ringworms) - If you notice that |
| prevention or early detection. Although vet visits may | | | | your cat is developing dry skin on its ear and eye |
| be unpleasant to both pet and owner, it's best to go | | | | areas, and these dry spots develop into red lesions, |
| to the vet if you notice certain behaviours or | | | | your cat might have ringworms. This is highly |
| manifestations that your cat is sick. | | | | contagious, and can be transferred to humans. |
| Here are some of the more common illnesses among | | | | 6. Feline distemper - Also called Feline Infectious |
| cats to watch out for: | | | | Enteritis. This is a potentially fatal disease, and kittens |
| | | | are the most prone to this viral infection. Protect |
| 1. Worms - If this goes unchecked, it can lead to | | | | your kitty by vaccination. |
| malnutrition and cause complications. Be sure to take | | | | 7. Feline infectious peritonitis - Sounds complicated, |
| your cat for de-worming, your vet would know | | | | and it actually is. A virus causes abdomen |
| when to administer treatment or prevention. | | | | inflammation; the symptoms include loss of appetite, |
| 2. Food poisoning - It's true: Curiosity can kill a cat. | | | | swollen abdomen, weight loss, and fever. This is |
| Sometimes, cats with high hunting drives especially | | | | more prone among households with more than 2 |
| those who are let loose outdoors come across | | | | cats. Kittens and elderly cats are more prone to this |
| smaller animals or 'prey.' These unfortunate creatures | | | | disease, and it is almost always fatal. |
| may carry a slew of disease which may be | | | | It seems that you don't just have to watch out for |
| transmitted to your animal. Be observant. And it | | | | feline urinary infection. The list above shows how big |
| would be better to keep your cat indoors if you | | | | the responsibility is of taking care of a cat. And this |
| know that it's got a habit of hunting successfully. | | | | holds true for all pets. With tender loving care, your |
| 3. Abscess - When cats get into fights, things can | | | | cat will live a long happy life with you. Regular visits |
| get bloody. If your pet gets into a scuffle with | | | | to the vet for check ups are a must, and we must |
| another feline (or another creature for that matter), | | | | be truly concerned of our cat's health. Fat cats are |
| check for wounds or bruises. When wounds get | | | | not necessarily healthy cats, and they're not just |
| worse, this can lead to infection. Your cat might be | | | | cute cuddly creatures that you feed and play with |
| feverish, and there would be noticeable swelling in the | | | | sometimes. They're wonderful animals that make |
| affected area. Take your cat to the vet to see what | | | | good companions, all with their own individual |
| kind of medication it would need to fast-track healing. | | | | character and charm. |