A Brief Guide To Cat Health Care

The care of your cat can be easy if you educate yourself about cat health. The better you are educated about cat health, the better you will be able to care for your cat and prevent illness.

There are many different facets of feline health that fall under the umbrella of veterinary medicine. The study of cat health has resulted in some very important discoveries. For example, we now know that obesity is associated with chronic renal failure. We also know that obesity is one of the leading causes of cancer in cats. This, of course, means that keeping your pet on a healthy diet will prevent the development of these illnesses.

Parasites are a major component of feline diseases. A recent study indicates that more than half of all feline infections are due to parasites. The five most common parasites are leptocercosis, giardia, hookworms, ticks and fleas. In addition, there are a variety of other microscopic parasites that can cause disease in your cat. These include bacteria, yeast, mites and protozoa. Keeping your pet free of infectious diseases is one of the most important aspects of good pet health.

Another facet of feline health is the function of the intestinal tract. Cats that are properly fed are usually free of intestinal worms and do not suffer from a wide variety of other intestinal conditions. However, when a cat is improperly fed, it can be subjected to a wide range of disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers and a weakening of the intestinal lining. Again, proper diagnosis is the key to identifying the underlying problem. If you suspect that your cat is suffering from an improper diet or if you notice a deficiency in its bowel function, it's imperative that you take it to the veterinarian for proper diagnosis.

Another facet of feline health concerns the role of cat food in contributing to a cat's overall health and longevity. Nutritionists have been warning for years that commercially prepared cat foods contain higher levels of fat, higher amounts of sodium and lower amounts of nutrients than the raw foods eaten by cats. While it is true that these types of foods can provide some calories and vitamin E for a cat, they are also packed with undesirable elements such as taurine and iodine. Taurine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that serves a number of functions in the body. It is found in the kidneys, liver and heart and it has been linked to cardiovascular disease and cataracts. Additionally, it can cause enlargement of the thyroid gland and can contribute to the formation of kidney stones.

There is also much debate as to whether or not cats who receive regular dental care are healthier pets. Recent studies have suggested that cats who receive regular dental care may live longer and experience fewer incidences of illness and disease, as well as experiencing fewer ear infections and cataracts. This all comes back to good dental care and regular checkups for your cat. If you do not have veterinarian dental insurance, or if your veterinarian does not offer it, your veterinarian may be able to provide you with a referral to a reputable and affordable dental care program.

Cats who remain young and healthy throughout their lives may be at less risk for several types of disease and illnesses. Therefore, you should work to help your cat maintain a long, happy and healthy life by ensuring that it receives the necessary vaccinations on a regular basis. Some of the most common vaccinations offered today are rabies, distemper combo, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, ticks, mites, and fleas. Make sure your veterinarian notes these vaccinations on your pet's application so that you will be aware should your cat need any of them in the future.

If you think that your cat might have a disease or ailment and you would like to take him or her to the vet for an inspection and/or vaccinations, be sure to bring along the necessary paperwork and vaccines for your cat. Ask your veterinarian which vaccinations should be given first in order to get the best results. Remember, age does make a difference when it comes to immunity, so older cats are more likely to be able to resist diseases and infections. Be sure to have your cat checked regularly by his or her veterinarian, just as you would for your dogs.