CAT CARE: SYMPTOMS THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

When we experience pain in our bodies, we can easily tell others something's wrong. That person will bring us to the hospital, getting needed help. Pets cannot do that, but we can try to understand them by paying attention to their behavior. Pet owners should practice cat care and be aware of the symptoms. 

Here are a few diseases you should watch out for and their symptoms.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is the most feared disease and is the leading cause of death among cats. It's caused by coronavirus infection. The worse part is that the symptoms are very common with other ailments, making them hard to recognize. 

There is also the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), similar to HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). It is a lifelong infection that progresses slowly and kills the cat like the human version.  

Cats can also be infected by Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). It is a retrovirus that causes fatal cancerous and non-cancerous diseases. Fortunately, it can be treated with household detergents, bleach, warmth, and drying. It is transmitted through the saliva, tears, urine, and feces of infected cats. Unlike the other two, it cannot survive that long in the environment. It's only contagious when the infected cat stays with another cat for an extended period.  

Worms are another threat to cats, caused by a fungal infection spread through the spores. Since it is a self-limiting disease, you don't do anything to make it go away. It will eventually clear up, but it may take a few months. 

If your cat is overweight, chances are it already has feline diabetes. The symptoms of this disease include excessive urination, thirst, and weight loss or gain. Vets are unsure what causes feline diabetes, but a few research studies have shown a link between pancreatic disease, hormonal imbalance, and certain medications. 

The symptoms of most of the diseases mentioned are very similar. These include diarrhea, vomiting, lameness lasting for more than 5 days in one leg, decreased vision, excessive panting, seizures, blood in the stool or urine, hair loss, persistent coughing or gagging, and breathing heavily or rapidly at rest. To find the answer, your cat will have to undergo some tests. 

The vet will take blood, urine, and feces samples. Any input you have observed and given will also be helpful. When the tests come, proper treatment will be administered. Each case varies, and what worked for one cat may not have the same positive effect on yours. 

Your cat can stay healthy if you give it constant attention. This can be obtained by feeding it high-quality food, giving it freshwater, allowing it to exercise, proper grooming, ensuring it stays indoors and taking it regularly to the vet. 

If you have missed any of these simple steps, something wrong is bound to happen. You will soon notice a change in the feline's behavior, and doing nothing about it is going to make matters worse. Make sure to observe proper cat care tips and look out for symptoms.