Cats are wonderful pets, but they are quite moody, and it may be hard for some cat owners to gauge the mood or well-being of their feline companions. As cats become older, they become susceptible to developing certain ailments. The sad thing is it may be hard for cat owners to fathom the onset of such ailments. It is better if you learn about ailments that affect cats from professional pet grooming services . Then, you will be able to keep your furry companion in good shape for several years.
The silent killer of cats
It is said that cats have nine lives! But there are some ailments of cats that the doctors refer to as silent killers. It is necessary for cat owners to learn about these conditions. Early detection and treatment can save the life of your beloved cat beyond any doubt.
Chronic Kidney Disease-A number of cats fall prey to the menace called chronic kidney disease. Its signs are:
- Weight loss.
- Excessive urinating.
- Excessive drinking.
- Bad breath.
- Lethargy.
- Tendency to hide.
The good thing is with proper treatment, cats afflicted with CKD live without complications for several years. Chronic management includes a balanced diet, good water intake, and medications.
Hyperthyroidism-Yes, cats do suffer from excess thyroid gland secretion issues, much like humans. This happens to middle-aged cats. The main signs are:
- Weight loss.
- Vomiting/diarrhea.
- Increased water consumption.
- Excessive thirst.
- Racing heart rate.
- Severe hypertension.
There are medications for treating hypertension in cats, thankfully. In rare cases, surgical intervention is needed. The faster it is diagnosed, the better it is for any cat.
Diabetes Mellitus-Cats that are heavier are more susceptible to developing diabetes mellitus, much like humans. They, too, develop Type 1 and 2 Diabetes. When your cat is diabetic, you will see certain signs, including:
- Excessive urination and thirst.
- Decreased or ravenous appetite.
- Muscle wasting.
- Weight loss.
- Vomiting.
- Abnormal breath.
- Lethargy or weakness.
- Walking abnormally.
Treating your cat for diabetes is not cheap. Dietary changes are a must, and some cats may require insulin shots two times a day. You have to watch the cat’s blood glucose level. Undiagnosed DM in cats can be severe.
Cardiac disease-Heart disease in cats may be hard to detect. Unlike dogs, cats do not have prominent heartbeats. The signs of heart ailments in cats are:
- Racing heart rate.
- Abnormal heart rhythm.
- Collapse.
- Difficulty in breathing.
- Blue-tinged gums.
- Sudden pain.
- Acute, sudden paralysis.
- Sudden lameness.
Cardiac ailment treatment in cats may be expensive. The vet may recommend physical exams like echocardiogram and chest radiographs. There can be heart medications. However, such medications only stop the ailment from deteriorating and do not improve the condition much.
Cancer-Older cats often develop cancer. A lot of them are diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer. The main signs are:
- Vomiting.
- Weight loss.
- Not eating.
- Abdominal distension.
- Difficulty in breathing.
- Fever.
- Fatigue.
Early detection is synonymous with the prospect of longevity in this case.
Handy tips to ensure your cat stays in good health
You cannot prevent the onset of these ailments in your beloved cat. But, you can always watch out for the major symptoms. Additionally, you may adopt some steps to ensure the animal stays in good health.
- Opt for a half-yearly check-up with the vet. This way, hidden ailments in the cat’s body can be traced easily.
- Look for sudden changes in eating habits and weight changes. Taking help from professional Cat Training Mumbai services would be a wise decision.
- Ensure your home does not have any plants that can be toxic to the cat. Some lovely-looking indoor plants can be toxic to cats even though they pose no harm to other pets and kids.
