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Common Illnesses In Cats - Get To Know What Ails Your Pet

Cats get sick too but not that often. They experience some common ailments that may disrupt their health for a short period of time. Usually, having a well balanced diet as well as a thorough grooming can help alleviate these ailments and sometimes prevent it from happening. If you notice your cat to change its normal routine, going for a check up with your local veterinarian is highly suggested. It is usually one of those normal cat sicknesses although sometimes, it may be something more.

Hair balls or knotty hair is a common ailment observed even among cats with somewhat short fur. Regular brushing could prevent or minimize the cause of such hairballs. With medium and long furred cats, it is a must; not only to prevent the problem of knotty hair but also in the prevention of many other common cat ailments. Another big problem it poses is the possible after effects of cats swallowing their own dead and broken hairs in the process of constant washing of their bodies that they very often engage in. Regular brushing can also help in keeping your cat looking well groomed and in poise.

To avoid the occurrence of hair balls, add a teaspoon of fish oil or cod liver oil to their food at least after a week. This allows the ingested hair to pass freely and easily through the gastrointestinal tract. Bran and canned pumpkin can also help. If you have a feral cat, he may be able to have a solution to hair balls and other ailments by chewing on grass and other plants.

Now let's discuss those creatures which readily instigate horrendous havoc with not only your cat's life but also yours. I am talking about none other then those infuriating fleas. These pests not only cause widespread itching but also tend to spread diseases. It is not uncommon for some cats to acquire specific physical allergies resulting from flea bites. Others may encounter either mental or emotional distress. As with controlling the hair ball, a routine of recurring grooming will severely reduce your cat's flea infestation. The commercially available flea collars readily aid in dealing with these obnoxious pests. You can also locate environmentally sound fur rubs which deter the fleas while affording your pet a pleasurable odor. Should your cat be incapable of coping with fleas, you should consult with your veterinarian regarding the possibilities of flea inoculations.

When your cat scratches the inside of their ears, other illnesses can be present such as ear mites. They can also have wax buildup which can irritate and annoy your cat. A good thing about this is that it is easily remedied. Whenever you visit the veterinarian, they will probably notice this condition with your cat and solve it easily. They can also provide you with the necessary medications to give to your cat. Ear mites should be treated as early as possible to prevent the loss of hearing of your cat a well as affect their health.

Mental and emotional distress in cats is fairly deep rooted than for instance in dogs. They are highly attached to their places of livelihood or territories and after moving to some distant location with their masters and mistresses, there are many authentic instances where cats have returned to their former abodes trekking hundreds of miles on foot (paws). Be aware that your cat too may not be far different from this norm for cats and respect their attachment to their territories or domains. Their territories need not be plainly visible or marked with easily identifiable objects or landmarks as ours. Like their higher felines such as lions and tigers, they too guard their territories with a very high fervor like humans although their boundaries are not easily visible to us being composed of markings from their urine and droppings.

Similar to humans, cats may also experience various types of afflictions that have very subtle symptoms. Bring your cat to the vet not only for their annual check up but whenever you detect a change in their behavior such as the time they eat and if they get preoccupied with a different task. Taking care of the health of your can, even from trivial things can ensure you at least 10 years of having a healthy furry companion with you.

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Author Marjorie Greer has some great suggestions for helping you with any cat related problems. For Cat Care Advice get her exciting new FREE e-course on cat care, cat food and cat health Click here to get your own unique version of this article.

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