Urinary Tract Disease is a term used to describe a variety of conditions that affect the bladder and urethra of cats. The symptoms can include straining to urinate, urinating in unusual places, blood in the urine, and crying when urinating. FLUTD can be very painful for your cat and can become life-threatening if not addressed.
Prevention Tips:
- Maintain a Healthy Diet: Feed your cat a balanced diet that's suitable for their age, health status, and lifestyle. Sometimes, wet food can help maintain hydration and reduce the risk of FLUTD.
- Ensure Adequate Water Intake: Encourage your cat to drink more water by placing multiple water bowls around your home or using a cat fountain.
- Manage Stress: Stress can contribute to FLUTD, so try to keep your cat's environment calm and enriching.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is caused by a mutation of a virus within the body. The disease used to have a high fatality rate, and while new FIP treatments have helped to mitigate this, it is still dangerous and debilitating. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, and appetite loss.
Prevention Tips:
- Keep a Clean Environment: Regularly clean your cat’s living space and litter box to help prevent the spread of viruses.
- Isolate Sick Cats: If you have multiple cats, keep a new cat or a sick cat isolated until they’ve been checked and cleared by a vet.
- Avoid Overcrowding: FIP is more common in homes and shelters that have too many cats living in close proximity.
Obesity is a growing concern for cats, often due to overfeeding and lack of exercise. It can lead to serious health problems, including diabetes, liver disease, and joint pain.
Prevention Tips:
- Proper Feeding: Measure your cat's food portions to avoid overfeeding and consult your vet about the best type of food and amount for your cat’s specific needs.
- Regular Exercise: Engage your cat in regular play to help them stay active and burn calories. Even simple toys like a laser pointer or a feather wand can make for great activity.
- Regular Vet Check-ups: Regular check-ups can help monitor your cat’s weight and overall health.
Periodontal disease affects a cat’s gums and teeth and can lead to painful infections and tooth loss. Symptoms include bad breath, difficulty eating, and red or swollen gums.
Prevention Tips:
- Regular Dental Care: Brush your cat’s teeth regularly and consider dental treats and toys that help reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
- Veterinary Cleanings: Schedule regular dental cleanings with your vet to keep periodontal disease at bay.
Cat health issues are usually easier to manage when they're caught early. That is true for all of the conditions on this list, as well as many others. Keep an eye out for early signs of trouble, and make sure to keep up with your regular vet visits to make sure your furry friend stays in excellent health.
The cat version of asthma is similar to human asthma, where allergens can cause difficulty breathing. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, and labored breathing.
Prevention Tips:
- Reduce Allergens: Keep your home clean and free of dust, smoke, and strong odors that can trigger asthma attacks.
- Regular Vet Visits: If your cat shows symptoms of asthma, a vet can prescribe medications to help manage the condition and suggest lifestyle adjustments.