Cats can suffer from a variety of health problems from digestive upset, urinary problems, skin disease, respiratory infections, ear infections, and dental and gum problems. Cats are known to mask illness and disease very well, and they don't often show any symptoms until they are very ill. If your pet has a change in energy level, appetite, behavior, or increase in discomfort, it is probably best to take your cat in for a full physical examination, and possible diagnostic workup.
1. Tapeworms
Tapeworms are very common in cats, and usually come from ingesting fleas from a current or prior flea infestation. In some cases ingesting stools of other animals may also lead to a tapeworm infection. In heavy infestations, tapeworms may cause pets to be bloated, with occasional vomiting or diarrhea, as well as anal itching and irritation. Often feline guardians will find unsightly tapeworms crawling out of the anus or near the tail of their feline companions. Many times flat, rice like segments are found in the stool samples. Unhealthy tapeworms can be gotten rid of with over-the-counter HomeoPet Wrm Clear. It is effective and easy to give.
Other prescription products such as Drontal may also be used in some cases. It is important to treat tapeworms in cats because unfortunately the family, especially the children can become infected. Aggressive flea control with products such as Frontline Plus, Advantage II, or Revolution, which also prevents heartworm disease are also important, since fleas commonly carry tapeworms and are the source of many infestations.
2. Itching and hair loss
The number one cause of hair loss in cats is fleas. Just one flea bite can cause an allergic reaction, which leads to itching, over-grooming, and hair loss. Use Advantage II or Frontline Plus to prevent fleas before they become a problem. Oral Comfortis has been recently approved for flea control in cats, and has been very successful in treating and preventing flea infestations in dogs. The broad spectrum topical product called Revolution has also been a favorite prescription of many veterinarians. To quickly decrease inflammation and itching, Yucca Intensive can be used topically and orally. Antihistamines such as Chlorpheniramine at a dose of 2 mg twice daily often eases allergic reactions. Long term oral fatty acids added to the diet, including Be Well for Cats, or Missing Link for Cats may also help many itchy pets when used long-term.
3. Raw spots and hot spots
Underlying inhalants/contact allergies, food allergies, and flea allergies may cause cats to develop secondary raw spots and hot spots. These type of allergies often lead to secondary yeast or bacterial infections. Parasites including mange mites and ringworm may also cause raw spots and hot spots to develop. In any pet with chronic raw or hot spots, a full veterinary evaluation for underlying causes is recommended so that the best course of treatment can be instituted.
4. Excessive shedding
Excessive shedding can be unhealthy, cause pain and discomfort, and lead to skin problems. Excessive shedding can be due to poor diet or dietary allergies, as well as internal metabolic illness and disease. Any pet who chronically sheds should receive a full medical exam and evaluation. Shed Terminator Chews for Cats helps to reduce or eliminate unwanted shedding with a unique blend of vitamins and minerals to restore your pet's vibrant coat. Hairball control from reduced shedding helps prevent unwanted digestive upsets. Excellent natural diets including Nature's Variety Cat Food and Halo often help eliminate excessive shedding in some cats. Fatty acid supplements including Missing Link for Cats and Be Well for Cats are also wonderful products for enhancing coat quality and reducing shedding.
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