GoGoKitty’s Cat Secrets

One of the most serious threats to cat health care at present is obesity. More cats than ever before are obese and the result is increased incidence of serious cat health care problems. Unfortunately, once a cat becomes obese it all too often enters a vicious circle: its weight prevents it being physically active and in turn it gains more weight.

This common cat health care problem is easier to spot than most others: all it takes is a careful look at the cat. If it is a healthy weight, a cat will have a clearly visible waist when viewed from above, just in front of its back legs and if it is a short hair breed its ribs should be easily felt but not seen.

The vet will confirm the cat is obese by weighing him or her and will then offer advice on how to get the cat to lose weight. Cat health care problems such as arthritis, heart disease, diabetes and breathing difficulties are likely to follow if the obesity is not treated. Ultimately, obesity may kill the cat.

Pet shops and vet surgeries stock reduced calorie cat foods. Owners should remember that cat treats are included in the daily calorie allowance for their pet. Leftovers from human meals and titbits can also add to the calorific content of a cat’s diet. One thing that a lot of cat owners don’t realise is that their pet is often being fed by well meaning neighbours who see the cat in their garden. It is a good idea to mention the cat health care problem and politely request others do not feed your cat.

It is an important part of an owner’s responsibility for cat health care to ensure that their cat exercises and is physically active, but this is more difficult with cats than it is with dogs. You should try to encourage your cat to go outside everyday so that it can go for a stroll or even a run. You could also try engaging your cat in play more often. Toys like balls encourage cats to chase, which will boost their weight loss.

About the most prevalent cat health care problems which our cat friends experience in this country is feline flu. The main reason it is so problematic is that it can be complicated by secondary infections and can be life-threatening. Ironically, despite its potential for serious harm, it really is easily preventable. Cat health care is jeopardised by cat flu as there are two types of the disease: viral feline flu as well as bacterial cat flu. Felines can pick up either or both, with bacterial cat flu as a frequent secondary infection in kittens and cats with viral flu. As happens with humans getting the common cold and flu, it’s most often and most quickly transmitted among kittens and cats who’re kept in big groups, like those in catteries or cat rescue organisations. This is one of the major reasons why cattery owners insist your furry friend is vaccinated before its visit.

A few of the very typical signs or symptoms of feline flu to look out for are sneezing and coughing, a clear discharge coming from the nose and eyes, excessive salivation, depression, low appetite, lameness and ulcers on the tongue, nose or top of the mouth. If your cat acquires a secondary infection then the discharge from the nose and eyes can become thicker and yellow in colour. These types of symptoms are all indications of a cat health care problem and therefore the pet should be taken to see the veterinarian. In these situations, intensive care by a vet is the afflicted cat’s best possibility for survival. The cat health care veterinarian will be able to treat bacterial feline flu with antibiotics but there’s sadly no particular treatment for viral cat flu.

Due to the fact that there’s no treatment for life threatening feline flu, cat health care experts are always keen to underline that vaccination as a kitten with ongoing booster jabs is of utmost importance. Vaccination is the only established means of protecting against feline flu.