Common Cat Health Problems and How to Treat Them

Published February 25, 2021

Cats make wonderful companions for humans. In some families they play a crucial part of the family unit and support members of the family in the same way people do.

So, it can be distressing when your cat gets sick or starts to behave in an unusual way. This article will take a look at some of the most common issues cats have and how you can care for your companion without it causing too much strain on either of you.

Excessive Scratching

If your cat seems to be scratching more than usual or has inflamed skin, or loss of fur in areas that they are scratching or rubbing it could be a number of issues. One of the most common is a flea infestation and while not life threatening, can be incredibly uncomfortable for your cat. If you suspect it could be fleas, it’s important to treat them effectively to prevent them from becoming dislodged, especially if you have other furry pets they could transfer to.

One of the best treatments is spot on medication. Once applied to correct does, fleas will be eliminated without causing harm to your pet. Once the treatment course is done, consider brushing your cat outside or in an empty bath, to dislodge the remnants and dead hair.

Vomiting

This can be serious to your pets health, but can also be entirely harmless. First of all, analyse when it is happening. If it’s during or after mealtimes, it may be due to excessive or fast eating, in which case can be treated by reducing the amount of food given, or by using a specialist bowl to prevent the amount your pet is eating in one go.

If the vomiting isn’t around mealtimes and you’re also noticing weight loss, it could be due to tapeworms. A common problem in cats that almost always caused by fleas. It’s important to make sure you follow the flea treatment steps above first, then introduce your cat to a tapeworm treatment once that course has finished. Inspect your cat’s anus or bedding for small white worms, around the size of a grain of rice. These are expelled when your cat is relaxed and if found, you’ll then know that tapeworms could be causing the symptoms and can treat them effectively.

Hair balls

Often mistaken for vomiting, hair balls look worse than they are, but are certainly an unpleasant experience for your pet! While they often can’t be entirely prevented, regular brushing can limit the amount of hair your cat is swallowing each time.

These are just a few of the most common issues cats regularly face. To make sure your kitty first aid kit is well stocked, try getting hold of the following: