Pampering Your Cat

Cats are great pets and can bring so much joy into a home but they can also bring a lot of sadness if they get sick. It is therefore extremely important if you own a cat that you keep a watchful eye over them and take them straight to a vet if you notice any of unusual symptoms.

Most cats suffer from the same types of illness and we are now going to take a look at a few signs that you can watch  for and what you can do to help your pet if you think that they are ill.

If you think that your cat has feline diarrhea, it is important to observe your cat’s condition if their overall health seems ok and they only have one or two episodes of lose stools then it is safe for you to keep an eye on them. If their overall condition is still ok but they are still having problems with infrequent bouts of diarrhea then it might be worth talking to your vet about changing their diet as they may be suffering from a type of food intolerance.

If your cat has continued diarrhea that does not improve with a change of diet, or if your cat seems listless and not themselves then take them to see a vet as soon as you can.

Another common health issue for cats is diabetes. This is not just a condition that is suffered by humans, cats can get it too. A vet will usually diagnose your cat as suffering from diabetes and often will prescribe a course of drugs and regular monitoring to keep your cat in good condition.

Early warning signs of diabetes are the need to urinate more often than would seem normal and excessive drinking.  If you notice any of these signs in your pet then take them to a vet for tests.

Vomiting can also affect cats and cats can often vomit without it being a cause for concern. If your cat vomits on a regular basis after eating then it is advisable to take them to be checked out as it may be a sign of a food allergy or an underlying serious issue.

Vomiting can also be as a result of hairballs, so if you regularly groom your cat the chances of hairballs decrease.  The main thing to watch out for when a cat is throwing up is that he/she does not become dehydrated so it is therefore important to keep offering them plenty of fluids.

FIV, Feline immunodeficiency virus is a cat condition that is closely linked to HIV and is very serious for your pet. Cats are often vaccinated against this disease as a matter of routine nowadays, but to be safe it is best to keep your pet away from cats that you think may not have had the vaccination.

As always if you are in any doubt about any of the conditions that your pet is suffering from then always seek the advice of a professional.