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Common Cat Ailments and Ways to Avoid Them

Cats can have a variety of health problems as they mature. Here are some common cat ailments and ways to avoid them.

Cats have this innate ability to self-groom. Observe any cat, from feline to lion and you will notice immediately after eating they lick their paws they gently "wash" their face. They groom themselves constantly and because they do, they swallow the hair that accumulates on their paws. As a result, fur balls are swallowed and this leads to vomiting. In order to avoid this from occurring, brushing the cat's coat frequently is recommended as well as keeping the cat hydrated.

Hydration also plays a vital role in bladder infections, which is another condition cats can develop. It is also advised to limit the food intake by not keeping a plate of food available, but choosing the time in which they are to be fed.

Another condition that can affect a cat is kidney problems. Usually attributed to older cats in cases wherein the kidney begins to malfunction, this can produce renal failure. You may notice that your cat is drinking more water than usual; losing weight; and vomiting. While this relatively common, you can prevent the onset of kidney failure by reducing the amount of protein and salt in their diet.

One of the most common problems affecting cats is an ear condition. This is caused by mites that can reside in the ear canal. If you notice your cat's ears are seeping a brownish discharge and they are scratching their ears constantly, they may be exhibiting symptoms of this condition. To avoid this condition, it is best to keep your cat indoors as these mites come from contact with other cats.

If you find that your cat is having a problem urinating, or the urine contains blood or mucus, this may be a sign that your cat has cystitis. Experts suggest that a one day fast will dissipate the condition.

While dogs can suffer from worm infestation, so can cats. They can develop tapeworms from eating rodents, for example. Tapeworms can be passed from cat to cat through the feces. Thus, it is important to check their stool to look for signs they are infected with these parasites. Visit a vet to determine course of treatment.

Just as humans develop allergies, cats also suffer from this condition as well. Fleas can cause a myriad of problems such as skin infections, tapeworms and anemia. The best course of action to avoid cats from obtaining fleas is to consult your vet to ascertain what type of flea deterrent is best suited for them.

As with any pet, noticing any diversion from their normal routine may signal there is a problem. Keeping a watchful eye on your cat's behavior and habits can alert you when something doesn't seem quite right. If your cat exhibits any sign that he or she is having a problem, it's time to intercede. What signs should you look for? If you notice vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, inability to urinate, sluggishness, scratching of the ears, eating problems, a drastic change in behavior and the development of any lumps or sores under its coat; it's time to visit the vet.

No one knows your pet better than you and keeping abreast of your cat's activities will allow for immediate treatment before the condition becomes serious.

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