Cat Illnesses: Common Health Problems and Natural Remedies For Cats

Cats can have the same health problems people do, including allergies. If your cat is rubbing his or her face or itching, or has runny eyes or nose, it may be from allergies. Then it's a matter of finding out what the cat is reacting to.

The cat could be sensitve to pollens or other airborne things, or it could be from their food, insects or other causes. It may take some trial and error to determine what your pet is allergic to. Sometimes the cause can be fairly easy to figure out. If you have recently changed your cat's diet, that could be the cause. Otherwise you might try removing something from the environment you think could be triggering the symptoms. It could even be certain household cleaners or laundry detergent.

If the problem is difficult to solve your vet can give you antihistamines. Medication may have to be a last resort, if its an airborne problem such as pollen there isn't much else you can do.

Favorite Cat by Brunhilde Reinig

Normally a cat does not eat or drink more than they need unless there is a good reason for it. Drinking a lot of water can be an indication the cat has chronic kidney failure. This is particularly something to watch for as a cat ages. If your cat is showing this behavior it's best to take them to a vet.

On the other hand, if the cat refuses to eat or drink it's important he or she sees a vet quickly. Cats will get dehydrated in a short time, and their usual instinct is to drink and drink when they are hungry or thirsty, so they will need help right away.

If your cat drinks out of the toilet bowl, it may be because he or she likes the cold water. The cat's water dish should be changed often so the water is fresh. The easiest way to avoid this problem is keep the toilet seat down, or keep the bathroom door closed.

Cat by Anna Cervova

If your cat is urinating outside the litter box, it could be a symptom of urinary tract infection or blockage, which requires urgent care from a vet. . It will be painful for him or her to empty the bladder. They will associate the pain with the box, which is why they would stop using it. Cats are normally very clean and once trained, don't stop using their litter box without a good reason.

Only a vet can determine whether or not there is a health problem causing the inappropriate elimination. . If urinary or bladder problems have been ruled out, you can work on other problems to solve it. One reason can be using scented litter, as cats don't always like the smell. Using an unscented brand may help.

In addition, of the cat has been under a lot of stress, for example, a recent move, it could cause the inappropriate urinating.

Cats like privacy, and the litter box should be in a place where he or she can eliminate when no one else is around. They like their box to be clean as well. Think of having to use a dirty bathroom yourself, and you can understand why a cat would object to a messy litter box.

One of the most common reasons for a cat to vomit is hairballs, which can largely be avoided as I mentioned earlier. Sometimes the pet may vomit undigested food. This often is a result of eating too fast. If the cat seems fine after, it likely is nothing to be too concerned about. Persistant vomiting, however, will likely require a trip to the vet. Cats get dehyrated quickly, so the cause needed to be found and treated.

Cat Looking by Vera Kratochvil

I came across this article about vaccines for cats. If you are wondering if vaccination helps your cat, or if there are any side effects, this is an important article to read. I've got an excerpt here, click on the link to read the rest.

Remember that humans are vaccinated only a few times in their lives, (although we can certainly see that Big Pharma is trying their best to see to it that this changes) whereas animals are so treated once or twice a year for their entire life. Most people with chronically ill animals believe the animals were already sick when they got them, but often we can trace their problems to the time of vaccination (or to their parents having been vaccinated). It's true that vaccinosis (a condition which refers to a chronic disease pattern occurring after vaccination) does not afflict all vaccinated animals; some are lucky enough to have very strong immune systems. But if you or your animals have ever been affected by it, you'll never forget it. You take a risk every time you allow your animals, your children, or yourself to be vaccinated unnecessarily. Remember, it's your decision, unless the laws in your state complicate your freedom of choice.

Red More About Pet Vaccines

Cat Ginger Looking by PHIL DOWNS

Hairballs are very common for cats to get. Of course, long haired cats have more of a problem with this than short haired. It's caused by the cat swallowing hair when they groom themselves.

Normally the hairball is passed in their stool, but once in awhile if the hairball is larger the cat's only way of getting rid of it is to vomit it up. Sometimes the cat will wretch for awhile without being able to get rid of the hairball. Usually the cat will eventually be able to vomit the hairball out, but on rare occassions it can become stuck, and this would require surgical removal so it doesn't result in an obstruction.

Hairball problems can be reduced by regularly brushing the cat, and by feeding him or her certain brands, such as Iams, that have a hairball formula. In addition pet shops and vets have lubricants you can give the pet. Put a small amount on your finger and the cat should lick it off. There also are some cat treats specifically to aid with hairball elimination. Cats usually love them.

I Should Smile Tabby Cat by Kim Newberg

If you have just moved, or plan to do so, you should know it's normal for your cat to be anxious and upset for a day or so. They may hide under the bed or act differently until they adjust to the new home. Other changes, such as a new baby or someone being away for a long period, may make the pet act differently than normal for a short time.

However, if your cat's behavior is unusual for no apparent reason, it could be an indication something is wrong with them. If the pet is listless, seems uninterested in toys or other things not normal for him or her it probably is wise to have a vet check them out.

Cat Portrait by Vera Kratochvil