6 Common Cat Problems

1. Vomiting

1. Vomiting is easily one of the most common health issues with cats and if you are a cat owner you have probably dealt with this many times. Causes of vomiting include infection, ingesting something hazardous (poison or objects like string), diabetes and hairballs. 

2. The symptoms are very obvious and self explanatory. Also, vomiting can leave your cat extremely dehydrated and if the vomiting won’t stop on its own, you should contact your vet promptly. 

2. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)

1. FLUTD is somewhat common amongst cats, roughly 3% of all cats get it. The causes can be obesity, out of shape, eating dry food. Another common cause is high levels of stress and sudden changes, like moving. 

2. Some symptoms include

1. Drinking more

2. Trouble urinating

3. Crying while urinating

4. Dehydration

5. Vomiting 

3. If your cat (or any pet) is unable to urinate contact your vet immediately. 

3. Fleas

1. This one probably is a no brainer for most, but fleas are a huge issue for both dogs and cats. Fleas transfer easily between pets so make sure you are being careful if your cat is interacting with other cats. Some warning signs are skin rashes, hair loss, and excessive scratching of skin. 

2. Treatment is fairly straightforward, the two primary options are a topical solution that is applied directly to the skin or pills taken orally that can be purchased at your vet.  

4. Tapeworms

1. Another common cat health issue, tapeworms actually live inside of your cat in their lower intestines and can grow to be almost two feet long. Although, usually the tapeworms become segmented and it is unlikely to find a whole one intact. Fetch by WebMD says, “The easiest way to tell if your cat has tapeworms is to look at its feces, around its anus and in bedding.  Usually tapeworms come out of your cat's anus while it is sleeping or relaxed.  If you see small white worms or what look like grains of rice or sesame seeds, your cat likely has tapeworms.“ 

2. Treatment options are injection, topical or oral medication.  

5. Diarrhea 

1. Extremely common among cats and dogs. There are many possible causes but a few of them are allergies, liver disease, infection, parasite, and spoiled food.

2. The symptoms are very distinct, runny or watery stool. Diarrhea can last from only a few days or as up to many months. 

3. For treatment, start by making sure your kitty has plenty of fresh water to avoid dehydration. Next you can take away their food for a few hours, not longer than 10-12 hours. Finally, bring your cat to the vet if diarrhea lasts more than a day and immediately if your cat starts to vomit as well. 

6. Eye Problems 

1. Possible causes of eye issues are corneal ulcer, cataracts, trauma, glaucoma. conjunctivitis, and retinal disease.

2. Some of the symptoms are watery eyes, squinting, cloudiness, white or red eyelid linings, gunk in the corner of the eyes, or excessive pawing at the eyes. 

3. Unless you know what is causing the eye problems, then you might just have to go to your vet and see what they say. 

Works Cited

Flowers, Amy. “6 Most Common Cat Health Problems.” WebMD, WebMD, 22 Aug. 2020, pets.webmd.com/cats/6-most-common-cat-health-problems#1