Cats Health Blog

There is a multitude of products on the market to help keep your cat healthy. The best way to determine which of these products you should be using is by a visit to your local vet.

A good vet will be able to advise you on the best food for your cat as well as the right amount of food your cat should have daily. They can also check your cat for fleas and give it any shots it may need.

A veterinary clinic is not just a place to take you cat when it is sick. The clinic will more than likely have a great number of leaflets and information to help you with caring for your cat. You may also get some suggestion on where to pick up more information and books to help you.

You should not have to take your cat to the vet more than once a year unless it becomes sick or injured. For your peace of mind there are a few simple checks you can do at home to see if all is well with your baby. Observe you cat as it walks. Is it distributing its weight equally on all four legs? If it limps or avoids one foot there could be a problem with that foot or leg. As you look into your kittens eyes they should be clear and bright. If they are cloudy or if there is discharge around them it could be a problem. Clean any discharge away and recheck them the next day. If the problem still exists it could be an eye infection. You can also check your kittens nose and ears. They should be free of discharge and look healthy. One other thing you can check is your cats teeth to see if they are clean and white. A lot of discoloration may indicate an infection. You can also look at the inside of the mouth to assure it is pink and moist.

While petting your cat feel for lumps or bumps that may have appeared, finding unusual areas my indicate the need to visit the vet. Is your cats fur soft and healthy looking? Greasy or dull fur may indicate other problems such as poor nutrition. Frequently check your kitten for any new changes that may indicate a health problem.

Here’s a very helpful source for many cat supplies.

PETCO.com

Diarrhea in a cat is caused by a set of factors and a doctor is needed to assess the cause of this common cat health problem. The diagnosis will depend on the smell and consistency of the stool. You must understand this is a problem that must be treated as it can lead to dehydration and other issues in your cat.

If your cat has diarrhea for more than 24 hours you need to make that trip to the vet for help. It is a good idea to take a sample of your cats stool with you when you go to the vet. This will let the vet make a quicker diagnosis. It is important to note when the diarrhea started and if you made any change in the food you are feeding your cat. This too will assist the vet in making a diagnosis.

To provide a successful treatment any vet will tell you that an accurate diagnosis is the most important thing. A good diet will help with treatment. A vet will tell you if your cat has had diarrhea for less than 24 hours it is a good idea to stop feeding your cat for about 24 hours.

Another factor is treating your cat while it has diarrhea is to be sure it has plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Dehydration can lead to a loss of blood pressure and equally important electrolytes. Once again if the diarrhea lasts for more than 24 hours go to the vet.

What are some of the common causes of diarrhea in a cat?

Stress- This can happen for a variety of reasons in your cat. Something as insignificant as a change in environment can stress your cats system. Moving or someone new in the house can cause the cat to become stressed. As your cat adapts to the changes the diarrhea will usually disappear.

Diet- Eating things they shouldn’t will upset the cats health. Eating too much food can cause diarrhea. Humans are not the only species to eat too much. Cats overeat for a variety of reasons and we as owners need to establish good eating habits for our cats.

Certain brands of cat food may not set will with your cat. It is a good idea to feed your cat a quality food not only to prevent diarrhea but to assure it is getting sufficient nutrients. Often you find lesser quality foods have many more preservatives and chemicals which can upset your cats system.

There may be many more causes of diarrhea such as irritants or eating foreign objects or food you cat can’t process well. With the variety of causes this is why we need to get to the vet to assure a diagnosis and treatment to preserve our cats health.

Every year the ASPCA receives thousands of calls regarding poisoning of cats. These accidental poisoning are harmful to your cats health and even become deadly. Listed below in the order of frequency are the top five items related to poisoning.

1. Human Medications – Human medications are not made for pets and the strength is much more than medications for your pet. Your cats health can be seriously impaired and your cat may even die from taking your medications intentionally or accidentally. One extra strength acetaminphen can be deadly to a cat and 4 regular strength ibuprofen can cause kidney damage in your cat. You should store your medications out of the reach of your pet and in secure containers.

    

1. Insecticides – Thousands of cases are reported annually of poisonings pertaining to products used to control fleas, ticks and other insects. While the use of products for controlling fleas and ticks is safe for your cat, the directions for use should be followed precisely. Certain animals may be more sensitive to some products than other animals just as in humans some medications cause allergic reactions in different people.

    

1. Rodenticides – Depending on the type of rodenticide in use you may see a variety of effects on your cat should they ingest the product. You can see bleeding, seizures or severe damage to your cats internal organs. If you use rodenticides around your home be sure they are only place in areas not accessible by your cat.

1. Veterinary Medications – Many cases are seen annually where the pet has ingested non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, heartworm preventatives, dewormers, antibiotics, vaccines, and nutritional supplements. While these products are formulated for use on your cat you must follow the dosing instructions carefully to prevent overdosing.

1. Household cleaners – Several thousand cases of poisoning with household cleaners are seen annually as well. Bleaches, detergents and disinfectants all are dangerous to your cats health. While these products are used for cleaning a variety of surfaces n your home when used appropriately. However they can also cause gastric irritation if ingested or respiratory problems if inhaled by your pet. Always keep your cleaning products stored out of the reach of your pet and in secure containers. Keep you pet away from the product while you are using it. When washing your pets food bowl use a mild detergent and rinse it thoroughly when finished.

Protecting your cat’s health is a sure way to enjoy your pets company for many years to come.