Pet ownership is a big responsibility – you enjoy your cat’s company, friendship and cuddles, but in return you have to keep it warm and fed as well as happy and healthy. Recognising some of the common health problems cats encounter means you’ll know what to do when they occur, when the situation is serious, and when you can expect it to clear up by itself.
Cat Sick and Diarrhoea
Given that many cats are fiercely independent hunters and scavengers, upset stomachs, vomiting and diarrhoea are unpleasantly regular features of cat ownership.
Most of these issues clear up by themselves – in fact, vomiting is the solution to the problem, as it clears out their stomach! They can escalate, though, and if you find yourself worrying ‘my cat keeps throwing up’ for the third day in a row then you might have a more serious problem to deal with.
Sometimes extended vomiting can be a sign of a systemic health issue: kidney or liver damage or diabetes. Sometimes it can go on for longer even without an underlying cause, but it can still lead to serious problems. If your cat can’t hold down food or water they can quickly become dehydrated. If it goes on longer they can become hungry or even malnourished. If this is a worry for you, then you should certainly make an appointment at the vet, and in the meantime, make sure your cat has easy access to fresh, cool water.
Urinary Tract Infections
These are a surprisingly common problem for cats – and rather than being one condition, could be any one of a group of issues. The main – and most serious – symptom is difficulty urinating. Whatever the reason your cat can’t pass water, it’s a serious problem and you should get to the vet immediately!
Fleas
Perhaps the least pleasant affliction cats can suffer from is a flea infestation. Fleas are very common – cats can pick them up from other cats, and also from furniture or furnishings that are carrying flea eggs. If your cat is visiting somewhere where a flea infestation hasn’t been fully cleared away it might pick up some eggs – or larva, which can remain in suspended animation for two years – which will hatch and before long your cat will be carrying fleas of its own.
You can get flea medication from your vet, or over the counter at pet supply stores, but when you use it, don’t forget that your cat may have been spreading flea eggs around your home. Treat your furniture and carpets at the same time or you might find the fleas coming back!
