Health is directly related to nutrition. This is true for you and every animal under the sun. That old saying of garbage in, garbage out is so very true, that few people doubt it.

Lets have a look at a few reasons why cat health problems seem to abound:

1.  in the wild, cats live on freshly killed, raw prey, whereas in domesticity, cats who are fed commercial pet food have a diet of cooked food, often for long periods at high temperatures and pressures

2.  in the wild, cat‘s prey will be mostly quality muscle meat, little fat, a small amount of organ meat, little or no carbohydrates (stomach contents) and lots of bones to crunch up, whereas cats who are fed commercial pet food have a low quality meat meal or meat by-products, high fat content (its cheap), high levels of carbohydrates (to bulk it out) and no bones to crunch on

3.  a wild cats diet is always freshly killed, whereas a commercial brand of cat food is full of toxic preservatives, too toxic to be allowed into human food

4.  a wild cat’s diet is naturally high in nutritious content, whereas a commercial pet food has synthetic and isolated nutrients, of questionable absorbability, added

5.  a wild cat’s diet is pure, natural, organic, whereas many brands of pet food contain ‘meat’ from euthanased animals, including the chemical used to kill, and laboratory animals, including the tested drug which may have killed the animal

6.  in the wild a cat will only eat if the hunt was successful, which means they often go hungry, whereas a domestic cat often has food left out all the time. This can be the cause of digestive problems later in life, as it is not in keeping with how they evolved

7.  cat health problems are few and far between in the wild – we can see this as wild cats are highly successful at colonising a new area

I believe there are other reasons for cat health problems, but by far the major contributor is the diet. The food a cat eats every day means the potential for the toxins to build up gradually, giving the appearance that the diet is not to blame.  Most of us, cats included, can manage not to succumb to disease or health problems, even if we have an inadequate diet for a short time. If however, it continues, then chronic deficiencies start to appear.

It is a sad testament to our times that money talks. Many of the larger commercial brands of pet food now have a significant influence in most of the veterinary schools. So vets are taught that commercial brands of pet foods are the most healthy. Which explains why almost all veterinary clinics are now loaded with the top commercial brands of pet food.  I never ask people to believe me. I simply put what I consider to be valid arguments and leave you, fair reader, to make up your own mind.  Could your cat health problems be a result of the diet she is fed?

What feelings and thoughts do you have on this? Perhaps you need to do a little research yourself? Thorough and unbiased research will always lead you to the truth.  Once I opened up my mind to consider everything in my quest for the cause of cat health problems, the answers came flooding in. I was the barrier, with my pre-conceived ideas.

No matter what breed of cat and no matter how well you look after your cat, like us humans, they will suffer from common cat health problems during the course of their life. As a cat owner, you will need to be aware of the most common problems, some of which can be avoided with the right awareness and by taking basic precautions.

The most common cat health problems are colds, bite wounds, digestive problems, urinary problems and diarrhea, and
eye problems.

Cats are sensitive to many respiratory viruses and infections such as the common cold and like humans they can usually rely on their own immune system to deal with it. However, if your cat is off its food and appears listless and in some distress then you should consult your vet for appropriate medication.

Cats, particularly Tom cats do fight a lot. Often with other cats and sometimes with dogs and more dangerously with the dreaded fox. This can lead to various wounds which will need treatment from a vet to avoid infections setting in. Eyes are particularly vulnerable.

Fleas are also a common cat health problem, especially if your cat is outside a lot. Tapeworm and other parasites are common problems cat health problems too and often cause symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Your vet will have medication to deal with these issues.

Another common cat health problem, mainly associated with Tom cats that have not been neutered, is urinary tract infection. If your cat stops using the litter box, or the urine is particularly strong smelling then these are clear signs and your vet should be consulted without delay.

Although not normally a cat health problem on its own, hairballs or fur balls are very common and can lead to problems under certain circumstances. Cats naturally swallow fur from their constant grooming and although it will normally pass through the cats digestive system, there are times when it gathers into a fur ball and may become lodged in the digestive tract or intestine with serious consequences if not treated quickly. Symptoms are not eating properly, constipation and listlessness. Often a cat will cough up a fur ball if it gets caught in the throat. You can help prevent hairballs or fur balls occurring if you brush your cat regularly.

Feline leukemia used to be a very common cat health problem and was often fatal. These days, however, with modern vaccines available the disease can be prevented. Always have you cat vaccinated if there is a risk of infection because this is a highly contagious disease.

The main message here is to monitor you cat’s health, visit the vet regularly for check ups and take advice from your vet on suitable vaccinations.

By Richard G M Taylor

Like human beings, cats can suffer from a variety of health issues. But unlike humans, cats are unable to vocalize the problem. Therefore, an owner’s knowledge of warning signs must be depended upon so that a cat can receive treatment for health problems it may have.

Probably the number one problem with a cat’s health is the notorious hairball. Cats clean themselves incessantly by licking their coats. The hair that clings to their tongues is swallowed. This will eventually form in a ball, and in most instances, the cat will be able to expel it. If the hairball makes its way into the cat’s intestines, then this can cause serious complications and will need medical attention. A common symptom of this would be constipation.

Urinary tract infections (UTI’s) are another common cat health problem. Although this is most common with a male un-neutered feline, it can also affect the females. If your cat stops using the litter or his urine has a strong odor, a UTI should be highly suspected Cats can also develop stones in their urinary tract developing feline lower urinary tract disease.

Another common problem with cat health is worms. These would consist of tapeworms, round worms, and hook worms. This would occur in outdoor cats. The symptoms would be diarrhea and inability to gain weight. This is highly troublesome, since owners can get this from their pets. In addition, the outdoors cat can also be afflicted with fleas, parasites, or ticks. Ticks can give the cat Lyme Disease. If your cat is lethargic, has a fever and loss of appetite, he may need antibiotic treatment for this. So, it is important to check his coat often.

Digestive problems, such as vomiting and diarrhea, are also health problems in cats. If your cat is vomiting for more than 24 hours, then you should seek medical treatment. Initially, you should withhold food for a several hours and start by reintroducing water, in limited quantities, to see how it is tolerated. Remember, one of the most frequent causes of vomiting is the hairball, so make sure to brush his coat daily. Diarrhea lasting one to two days is normal, as long as the cat is eating well. Anything beyond this requires a visit to the vet.

There are several dangerous diseases a cat can contract in its lifetime. One is feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), which is a virus that is difficult to diagnose. There is no known treatment for this disease. Another is feline immunodeficiency virus, which is “cat aids.” This virus targets white blood cells. The last is feline leukemia virus (FLV), which can be avoided if the cat is immunized before contact with it. These diseases are more likely to be seen in outdoor cats.

Cats can also suffer from eye problems, because their eyes can get scratched during fights. They are also subject to abscesses, which result from bite wounds, anal gland problems, and cat allergies. There are also the occasional cold and respiratory infections.

There are many common health ailments that can affect cats. With proper attention, care and possible medical treatment, most need not be fatal. With your help, your cat can live a long, healthy, happy life.

By Matthew Hick

The last few years have seen a huge shift towards disease prevention in humans. Keep fit, eat sensibly, get regular check-ups etc. etc. and you’ll be healthier and less at risk from disease.Exactly the same is true for cat health. Taking a few simple steps to keep your kitty fit and well can help minimize vet visits and potentially save you a load of money and stress.

Here’s a suggested cat health timetable to help keep your adult cat in tip-top shape:

Once a year:

Take him to the vet for a general cat health check and for vaccinations against the potentially fatal cat flu and feline infectious enteritis. Depending on where you live and your circumstances, your cat may also need yearly vaccines against other diseases.Every three months:Worm him against roundworms (your vet should give you tablets for this at Kitty’s yearly check-up). Worms can cause damage to the cat’s intestine, liver and lungs if they really take hold.

Monthly:

Use a flea treatment. Cat fleas can cause severe skin irritation and they sometimes carry nasty diseases. Many good flea treatments are also effective against other parasites. Weekly:Groom your cat thoroughly. This reduces the risk of hairballs, which can cause vomiting, constipation and discomfort. In severe cases they may need surgical removal. Note:If your cat is long haired, or if he sheds a lot of hair, you should groom him daily.

Daily:

Play with your cat. This keeps him fit, stimulates him and helps to prevent stress.

Twice a day:

Feed him good quality food to keep him healthy and help him fight diseases.

Clean his litter box. Many cats won’t use a dirty litter box, so they’ll either pee elsewhere (e.g. on the carpet) or won’t pee at all until the box is cleaned. This can cause urine stagnation and infection.Overnight:Keep Kitty indoors. Cats are at much greater risk of getting injured, killed, lost or stolen when it’s dark.

All the time:

Ensure your cat has a constant supply of fresh water to drink.Make your home safe for your cat. Keep poisonous chemicals and houseplants out of his reach. Check he’s not stuck or locked in somewhere. Make sure he’s not sitting in the washing machine or under the car before you use them etc.Some cat health problems are unavoidable, but by taking these preventative measures, you should be able to increase your cat’s chances of staying healthy and happy.

By Liz Allan

Cat Health threats fall into two major categories. Bodily harm from fighting, accidents, or cruel humans is one category. Common illnesses, parasites, and known system weaknesses is the other.
An indoor cat has a huge advantage against the bodily harm threats. A cat that lives outdoors (or ventures out often) is subject to many physical threats. It does depend on the environment, busy suburban areas and rural areas are probably the worst. Quiet neighborhoods, with little traffic and few predators have much less risk.
The same factors have a bearing on the second category too. If a cat is not exposed to other animals or parasites, and receives proper feeding and care the risk for illness and disease is greatly reduced. There still are some natural causes, like kidney problems, that are unavoidable.
Cats are tough little critters. The common tale of a cat having 9 lives is a result of the ability of a cat to survive under the most adverse conditions. A cat’s natural agility, suspicion of everything, and quick reflexes offer a huge advantage against many physical threats. Cats seem to possess a high survival instinct that serves them well too.
Almost any cat owner can tell a story or two of a harrowing escape by their pet from almost certain disaster. And if you’ve ever tried to rescue a feral Tom Cat that didn’t want to be rescued, you are certainly aware of their ability to defend against or escape capture.
I know from experience that some cats (especially rescued cats) want to go outside. And they will make your life miserable if you don’t concede. One solution I’ve found is to make an outdoor shelter of some kind (like a portable dog kennel – but make sure it has a top of some type) or enclosed area. That way the cat gets to go outside but you’ve protected them from most threats. I’ve even seen people put a cat on a leash but none of my cats would ever allow that to happen.
The number one cat health threat to an indoor cat is getting over weight. The more excess weight, the greater the risk for all types of health issues (just like in people). Controlling the amount and type of food is important to your cat’s health. Some dry food (helps keep their teeth clean too), some high protein soft food, and a few table scraps are all OK. It’s when you give them unlimited amounts of all three that the problems start.
Playing with your cat can be important when it comes to weight issues. Don’t let your cat become a couch potato, try to keep them active. A great simple toy such as a stick with a feature tied to a string at the end can provide lots of exercise. Anything that rolls around is a good toy too since most cats will chase it around.
Vaccinations are important and yearly checkups at the Vet can alert you to problems before they become life threatening. Watching your cat for unusual behavior (like not eating or drinking as normal) is important too. Catching any health problems before they become critical can save you lots of frustration and money at the Vet.

Urinary and Kidney infections are common in cats. The most common cause appears to be absorbing too much ash elements from prepared cat food, especially the wet variety. Always check the label on any cat food to check for ash content. I don’t know what levels are acceptable, so I avoid any brands with ash.
Another common cause of urinary and kidney problems are minerals that build up and block the urethra tube. I had a cat that constantly had blockage problems until we changed his food and went to filtered water. A simple filter on your faucet can help both you and you’re cats from too many minerals in your water. Speaking of water, you should always allow access to clean water, hydration is important to keeping your cat healthy.
It’s also recommended that you feed multiple small meals or free feed (cat has 24 hour access to food) than feed one big meal a day. This is true of most animals and people. Small meals are easier to digest and also increase the body’s caloric burn rate, which can help with the weight problems too.
Hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms are common parasites that present severe health threats to cats. Hookworms are the worst since they live in the intestines and suck blood from the host. Hookworms can cause death from creating severe anemia in very short periods of time. Roundworms will steal nutrients and make the host more susceptible to many illnesses. Tapeworms will consume nutrients and cause rapid weight loss.
Parasites can be visible in fecal matter or be found with blood tests by your Vet. That’s why it’s good to try and makes sure your cat gets an annual checkup. Or if you notice your cat eating more but not gaining any weight, or becoming listless, you should immediately have your Vet do some fecal and blood tests.
If you’d like to learn more about common cat health issues, you can find more information at our website listed below. We haven’t got all the answers but we are starting to get some good input about many cat health problems.

By John Dow