Cat Diseases

During the course of your cat's life, he will most likely experience various health problems. Even if you took every possible precaution, your feline may still contract a disease. Often, cat health problems are related to diet, so it's important to watch what your cat eats.

If you're unsure of what to do, your best bet would be to contact your veterinarian. Your vet can answer questions about your cat's health and treat any existing conditions

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)
Feline lower urinary tract disease, or FLUTD, is a general term, which is associated with a syndrome of diseases affecting the lower urinary tract of the domestic cat. FLUTD affects males and female cats equally. An estimated one percent of the cat population suffers from FLUTD, and yet ten percent of the cats treated by veterinarians are treated for FLUTD.

FLUTD can be caused by anatomical defects in the urinary system, the presence of bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, tumors, urethral plugs, stones or crystals (uroliths), or any combination of these factors.

Look for these symptoms:

• frequent visits to the litter box, often only passing a few drops of urine in each trip

• urinating in places other than his litter box, often on hard, cool surfaces, such as the bathtub, shower, or kitchen floor

• difficult or painful urination, accompanied by crying or yowling when straining to urinate (which may be confused with constipation)

• blood in the urine

• excessive licking of the genital area

• depression, dehydration, lack of appetite, and sometimes vomiting.

In past years, dietary factors have received a great deal of attention as both a cause and cure of urinary problems in cats. If your cat has already suffered a bout of FLUTD, follow your veterinarian's advice closely. A special diet may be necessary.

To prevent the occurrence or recurrence of FLUTD:

• Provide fresh, clean water at all times. Use a non-tip bowl. Be certain that your cat is drinking the water, not playing with it.

• If you suspect that your tap water contain chemicals such as chlorine that can cause urinary problems, consider giving her distilled water.

• Do not feed table scraps and limit the number of treats.

• Keep the litter box clean and easily accessible to your cat.

• Encourage your cat to exercise or play.

• Maintain your cat's proper weight.

• Minimize stress factors such as sudden changes in environment, exposure to harsh weather conditions and emotional upsets.

• Schedule regular veterinary checkups.

• Follow the veterinarian's dietary recommendations.

Observe your cat for any unusual behaviors or sounds of pain. Report abnormalities to your veterinarian at once.

The Fat Cat
Although some cat breeds are naturally round and chubby-looking, no cat is naturally fat. Some owners believe that their cat is cuter when fatter, but obesity can become a serious problem for your cat, and an invitation to health problems.

Use your own judgment when feeding your cat. If your cat is gaining weight then cut back on its food. Drastic changes could also be risky, so decrease rations in small increments.

Should your cat's eating problems continue, see your veterinarian, since obesity may also be an indication of an underlying medical problem.

How You Can Tell Your Cat's Overweight
Look for signs of feline obesity by asking yourself these questions:

• Does Felix have difficulty grooming himself?

• Are his ribs covered by a fat pad so thick that you can't feel them?

• Has he stopped exercising and/or grooming himself because of his size?

• Is his physical appearance deteriorating?

To treat your cat's obesity:

• Cut down on his between-meal snacks and handouts from your table.

• Don't offer finicky eaters a wide assortment of foods. Most cats will eat more than they should from each offering.

• To prevent continuous snacking, leave your cat's meal ration out for no longer than twenty minutes.

• Avoid using milk as a substitute for water.

• Keep your cat active and play with him often.

• Consider purchasing dietetic cat food that is lower in calories if your vet recommends it