Cats are just like us when they become ill, they are miserable and unhappy. It is our responsibility to spot cat illness and ensure that we try and keep our cats as healthy as possible. We can do this in several ways; firstly we should ensure that they have a health and nutritional diet.
These days cats again like humans are tending to live longer and this is in part due to the improvements in commercial cat foods. Previously many cats would live off of the scraps from the table and milk, neither of which was particularly healthy for a cat. Today by feeding your cat with any of the branded cat foods you can be assured they will be getting all the correct nutrients and vitamins.
Another great improvement in Cat health has been the introduction of inoculations and vaccinations against the more common cat illnesses. When you first get your kitten or cat you should book a visit to the vet to get it looked over. At the same time the vet can arrange for the cat to have the necessary jabs that it will need. Normally on a first visit your cat will also be weighed and some vets do this as a routine on subsequent visits just to check the animals’ general well being.
Cats cannot tell us when they are ill so it si up to us to spot cat illness. Observation is important when keeping a check on your cats health. Three problems that can occur are ear mites, worms and fleas. All of these can be spotted by visual examination. Unless they appear in large numbers ear mites are not a major problem and can be quickly cleared up by drops that the vet can prescribe. If you see your cat consistently scratching its ear this could be the cause.
In the case of worms there may be visible signs in the faces or your cat might start losing weight or suffering from diarrhoea. His will need a visit to the vet but a twice yearly check could be advisable as worms can be most unpleasant for the cat.
Fleas cause itching so if you see your cat scratching itself or even if you get bitten yourself it could be time to get some treatment. If you suspect your your cat has fleas and you brush your cat you may well find the evidence. Fortunately treatment is simple if you use Frontline. You simple open the applicator and put the frontline liquid onto the cats neck. It is very effective and many cat owners give their pets this treatment monthly to keep them flea free.
Cats cannot tell us when they are unwell and often only by having xrays or a blood test can an illness be correctly diagnosed. Such examinations and subsequent treatments can be costly so it is wise to take out pet insurance when you first get your cat. The younger the cat is when you insure them the less it will cost.
A healthy cat is a happy cat and a happy cat has a happy owner.
Cat Illnesses- The causes of cats itching

