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What are the most common cat health problems?
It depends on the age of the cat and the general status of the cat. Indoor cats versus outdoor cats, vaccinated cats versus unvaccinated cats, shelter cats versus pet cats. Each has different problems more common to them.
In general, upper respiratory diseases are some of the most common diseases you would see in cats. Other common health problems include viral disease such as panleukopenia [feline distemper] in unvaccinated cats or kittens. Internal parasites like roundworm, hookworm and tapeworms are a problem, especially for young cats. External parasites like ticks and ear mites are also very common.
In older cats, kidney disease and hyperthyroidism are common, and there is a fair amount of cancer in cats as they get older. Also, obesity is a huge problem in cats. We see diabetes, arthritis, and other problems in obese cats.
What vaccines should cats have?
Number one has to be rabies, because it's a fatal disease for cats and for people. All cats should also get the FVRCP vaccine, which protects against feline rhinotracheitis [an upper respiratory disease] calicivirus, and panleukopenia. All of those diseases are still present in cat populations and are very contagious. Other vaccines are optional depending on the cat's risk. We recommend the feline leukemia vaccine if cats go outside. FIV is a controversial vaccine at this time, and is not recommended for most cats. (For more detailed information on cat vaccinations go to this Paw Nation story.)
What should pet owners do to keep aging cats healthy?
Elderly cats should see a vet twice a year for a physical exam and bloodwork. Cats can hide signs of illness really well. We want to detect diseases early in cats, diseases that people may not be able to detect at home.
How can someone tell if their cat is too fat?
Healthy weight for an individual cat might be anywhere from 7 to 14 pounds, depending on the cat's build. Owners should be able to run their hands down the cat's side and feel the ribs easily without having to push through a layer of fat. When they look down at the cat, the cat should have a waist, a slight indentation. The cat shouldn't look like a basketball.
When it comes to wet food and dry food, is one better than the other?
There are certain instances where wet food is preferred, such as for cats with lower urinary tract disease or diabetes. Whether all cats do better on canned food, we're not sure. Portion control, however, is really important for all cats.
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I have Cats! and am happy about it.
Gina - I have a BEAUTIFUL 11 year old Siamese and she was losing hair on her back near her tail. We are using Revolution now 1X/month and all her hair is growing back! Also her ears were stinky and since Revolution they are fine.
Hello! I've rescued a tiny (runt) kitten who was tossed out. His siblings are almost 3x his size. I'm not sure how old he is, but was fed with a bottle for a short time. Now he scampers all over the apt. He is a perfect miniature cat with beautiful blue eyes. When he walks across my keyboard, it doesn't type anything. I call him Max. I'm bringing him to a clinic on Fri. Will he grow, catch-up with other cats sizewise? He eats well and has a wonderful playful disposition. I'm delighted with the sweet boy. Wendy
I have two rescue cats! Ajax and Spook are the light of my life right now! I am a responsible cat owner. My kitties do not go outside unsupervised, they are vaccinated, and they are kept on healthy foods. Ajax is a flame point siamese cat and Spook is just the most lovely black cat you've ever seen! Uncertain parentage, but I love him just the same.
Cat owners, please don't let your cats wander outside. Contrary to popular belief, cats don't NEED to roam outdoors. There are too many dangers out there for kitties. You know, cars, trucks, motorcycles, and crazy grey haired women who put them in rubbish bins!
i have a cat that is 13yrs. old and she has gotten very skinny and shes loosing her hair any idea of what might be wrong
Cathy,
Your kitty may be hyperthyroid. A simple blood test can provide the answer.
Please taqke your cat to the vet to have checked. Period!!!
PLEASE, take your cat to the vet. It could be hundreds of things. Blood work isn't that expensive at all and you'll be able to put your mind at ease and probably add years onto your furrever friend's life. Hair loss/Weight loss can be as simple as stress all the way through life threatening!! DO NOT GUESS and DO NOT ASK ON HERE! ASK YOUR VET RIGHT AWAY! Blessings to you and your purr kid.
could be renel also,,,(kidneys) get her to the vet for a blood test
older cats tend to lose weight, and sometimes eat more due to kidney failure.. take the cat to the vet to be sure
Please, PLEASE, PLEASE take your cat to the vet. Don't ask anyone on here, it could be a MILLION different things, many of which may be very dangerous to her health.
I had a cat that was 14 years old and was always a healthy weight ( ok maybe a little fat haha) but about a week before she died she lost a ton of weight. I mean like she got super skinny. So please take your kitty to the vet!!! don't wait like we did or the poor thing might not be around much longer :(
yes,she has a tyroid problem...take her to the vet and get blood tests...there are pills to regulate her thyoid but they made my cat sick.....I opted for the thyroid shot which they have to be in the hospital for 5 days because they shed radio active material for awhile ....no big deal...It was worth it because it completely cures them....However,your cat could be having other problems,please take her.
Hi. : ) I have rescued cats for many years and have had five of my own live to be 16-19 years old.
It could be that your dear senior friend is having trouble chewing, if he/she eats dry food. Watch him while he's eating, or just switch to a moist or wet food for a couple of weeks to see if he gains any weight. Leave some of the dry out as well in case he's finicky and resists the change, so he doesn't lose more weight...also, it will help him transition gradually, so the change is not rough on his digestive system. Good luck!
Forgot to add this in my last comment above...hair loss could be a sign of poor nourishment, which also would go along with him not eating properly.
If the weight loss was gradual, this could be the problem...but if it has happened quickly, yes, you should see his vet. Best of luck!
Your kitty is most likely hyperthyroid.....just get her to the vet to check it out....you can give her medication for this but the best thing is an iodine treatment that is 99% effective....it's costly but, in the long run, less expensive than the medicine....there are clinics that do the treatment all over the country...let me know if you need more info....C
Cathy
Have your cat's thyroid checked. My cat Chessie started losing weight and hair and I discovered it was her thyroid.
Debbie
my cat had the same problem unfortunately at the age of 16 yrs we had to put him down it was a hyperthyroid :( i hope this helps
Cathy, my note should have been to you, and not Gina. My cat's hair is growing back now with Revolution which we use once a month.
Cathy, my note should have been to you, and not Gina. My cat's hair is growing back now with Revolution which we use once a month.