Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Cat Health Problems

Cat Sneezing:

If your cat is sneezing often it may not be a serious problem.  Cats can be allergic to many household chemicals and detergents just like humans, and a simple visit to your veterinarian is the best way to diagnose and hopefully solve the problem.  Continuous sneezing can indicate a sign of an upper respiratory infection however so it should be always be checked out by your vet.  Fortunately cat sneezing is usually not a serious problem but should be monitored and looked into if it is happening too often.


Vaccinations:

You cam prevent many Cat Health Problems by getting your pet vaccinated. Getting your cat a vaccination will provide protection against many potentially fatal diseases and infections. Influenza (cat flu), feline enteritis are common problems that can be eliminated by getting your cat vaccinated while it is still a kitten. They should get the first injection when they are about eight or nine weeks old, and the second one when the reach twelve weeks old. To ensure the maximum protection, kittens need to be kept indoors and away from other cats for at least ten days after their last injection. Your veterinarian will recommend future injections because regular booster shots are necessary in order to maintain the original protection.  Discussing your cat’s needs with your veterinarian will keep you informed and advised about what is required to keep your cat healthy.

Worming:

You should start have your kitten treated for roundworms when they are around four to six weeks of age, and then about every two weeks until they reach four months old. If you have an outside Cat it will need to be treated for tapeworms and roundworms about every six months. More often if the hunt or get fleas.  You can use a proprietary wormer that is available from your veterinarian or the local pet store to help keep your cat worm free. It is necessary to follow the dosing instructions carefully.

Fleas:

You are far better off to take precautions and prevent fleas than to have to treat your pet for them. Routine treatments for fleas will help keep your cat flea free and without Cat Health Problems that can be caused from fleas. Many products for flea control are available. The liquid that can be dabbed on is considered less stressful for you and your cat.  Most shampoos that treat fleas should be avoided if possible unless they are prescribed by your veterinarian because they are considered less effective. After your pet has had fleas it will be necessary to treat your home for them. It will be necessary to remove all of the eggs to prevent new fleas from hatching. Floor and carpeting will need to be treated, and the cats bedding needs to be thoroughly cleaned or replaced.  Flea spray can be purchase at your local pet store.

Ear Mites:

Many cat health care problems are normal but still need to be treated.  Ear mites are a good example. They are common and many cats have them. You need to watch for them because usually there are no symptoms. They can irritate the inside of your cats ear however and cause a grey-brown matter to form inside. In some cases an infection can follow because the ear canal can become blocked.  Ear mites are not painful to your cat, but they are still irritating to them, and are easily passed on to other pets. They are common so you need to check often. If you find them in your cats ears than you should also carefully check your other pets ears. Other pets can often be the original source of the ear mites.  You should consider consulting your veterinarian if your cats ears appear dirty of full of a dark colored wax.

Grooming:

Pet grooming is as essential part of your cats health.  Make a habit of brushing your cat regularly.  Brushing will help you find any signs of ill health and keeps their fur and skin in good condition. They usually like the attention, and it helps bond the relationship between you and your pet. It is not necessary to routinely bathe your cat. There may be the occasion when you’re Veterinarian will recommend a shampoo to treat a specific skin condition, but otherwise a bath is usually not needed. You can actually cause distress to your cat and damage its coat with excessive bathing.  Follow your veterinarians advice carefully if using a prescription shampoo, and only use it as often as recommended.

Cats love to scratch and it is essential for their stress relief and exercise. A scratching post is a great gift for your cat.  Not only will your cat love it, it is much better than when they use your curtains or furniture. Older cats have specific health problems of their own, and can require a little more attention from you. Grooming your cat is an essential part of its health.

Discuss with your local veterinarian the special needs of older cats, and the cat health problems that affect them.  Cat hospitals like Portland Vets are recommended because they specialize in the health and care of cats.

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