Common Cat Health Problems
Cat Flu
Cat flu is like a human cold, often causing a runny nose and eyes, and a sore throat. Healthy, adult cats will usually not be seriously affected by cat flu, however kittens and cats with underlying health problems can be very seriously ill, with cat flu even causing fatalities in weaker animals. Veterinary advice must be sought for any cat or kitten with symptoms of cat flu, early treatment is key to avoiding long term damage.
What Causes Cat Flu?
Cat Flu is usually caused by one of two common viruses, and, on occasion, can also be of bacterial origin. Infected cats shed viral particles when they sneeze, and in saliva and eye discharge. Ill cats are the main culprits for spreading the infection, although healthy cats can sometimes be carriers of the virus. Particles can last for up to a week without a host, so infection is often spread by infected food bowls, bedding and cages.
Symptoms
Just as with human flu, cats and kittens with cat flu will usually have nasal discharge and sneeze regularly. Runny eyes are commonly seen in infected cats, and they may also suffer from sore throats, mouth ulcers, aches and pains, and fever.
Treatment
Antibiotics are usually given to cats and kittens suffering from cat flu, to avoid secondary bacterial infection in the delicate tissues damaged by the virus. It is important to ensure the cat continues to eat and drink water, as dehydration can be very dangerous. Offer smelly, tasty foods, as your cat may not feel like eating when they have a sore throat and a blocked nose. Kittens in particular may need to be hospitalised if they stop eating.
Encourage the cat to drink as much as possible, as fluids will help to loosen the thick catarrhal secretions, improving the cat's senses.
Take care with the pet's eyes to ensure they do not become crusted or closed, as eye ulcers can lead to serious infection and sometimes the loss of an eye. Discharge from the eyes and nose can be gently wiped away using warm saline solution.
Vet IQ Nuti-Vit Paste is an excellent dietary supplement, providing a high calorie, nutrient dense supplement in a tasty, easily digestible paste.
Vaccination
As different strains of the virus' which cause cat flu exist, vaccination is not possible against them all. However, your kitten should receive two doses of the cat flu vaccine at it's 8 and 12 week vaccines, and a yearly booster as an adult cat. Even vaccinated adult cats can be carriers of the cat flu virus. Vaccinating a cat or kitten who is already showing symptoms will not speed up the rate of recovery, but will prevent recurring infection.
Hairballs
Hairballs, or trichobezoars, result when cats swallow loose fur while grooming. This fur collects and hardens into a dense mass, causing digestive disturbances.
Most cats suffer from hairballs, particularly during shedding season, and although cats tend to vomit them up as an oblong mass, they’re usually quite harmless. However, in severe cases, hairballs can cause constipation or even block the digestive tract, necessitating surgery.
Treatment
The best strategies to prevent hairballs are regular brushing, implementing dietary changes and encouraging your cat to drink more water.
Long-haired cats are particularly susceptible to hairballs. Brushing a long-haired cat’s fur regularly removes all the loose hair that can otherwise lodge in the stomach, causing hairballs.
A food, such as Royal Canin Hairball Care, can be very effective in keeping hairballs at bay.
If you can entice your cat to drink more water, this will help to flush out hair before it has the chance to clump in the stomach. Putting bowls of water at various locations around the house will encourage your cat to drink more. Many cats don’t like to drink and eat in the same spot, and may consume more water if the food and water bowls are separated. It is also common for cats to prefer running water, so purchasing a Cat Water Fountain can be beneficial.
Hairball Treats and Hairball Remedy Pastes are an easy way to reduce both the amount and size of hairballs affecting your cat. Malt and Mineral Oils in these products work to prevent future hairballs and remove those already affecting your pet.
