There are quite a few cat owners who panic whenever their precious kitties become ill.
Since tackling cat health problems is common among pet owners, knowledge of the causes and symptoms of these diseases can be immensely helpful.
In fact, knowledge about some of these diseases can also help you decide on a particular breed as some of these ailments are breed specific.
Let us start with genetic diseases that would be more common in specific breeds.
No matter how cute Abyssinian and Persian cats may look, they are prone to various genetic diseases.
While Abyssinian cats can suffer from retinal dystrophy, progressive retinal atrophy and familial amyloidosis, Persian cats are known to be vulnerable to Chediak-Higashi syndrome, dystocia, progressive retinal atrophy and corneal sequestrum.
Again, Burmese cats are known to suffer from diabetes, glaucoma and hypokalaemic myopathy.
However, there are certain other ailments that bother almost every cat.
Cats are known to suffer from urinary tract infections.
Many cats also have kidney problems.
There are certain skin diseases that can affect your cuddly kitty.
These kidney and skin diseases can even spoil the beautiful coat of your cat.
The primary skin diseases that can affect your cat are mange, ringworm, favus, and eczema.
Favus is caused by the fungus anchorion.
This disease can cause a more severe infection than ringworms.
It can affect the cat's ears, head, face, and paws by growing honeycombed crusts.
You can use iodine to control this disease.
An unhealthy diet and too much bathing might also cause dandruff in a cat.
Sometimes, cats can also go bald, and this situation is known as alopecia.
The reason behind this disease includes parasites, kidney problems and thyroid imbalance.
If your cat vomits or suffers from continuous diarrhea, you can rest assured that it is suffering from some kind of illness.
Throwing up and loose motion are not cat health problems, but symptoms that often signal some more complex health problems.
Try to observe your cat's skin and ears while grooming, and keep an eye on its behavior.
Irritation, weakness, and loss of coordination might mean anemia or hip dysplasia and other illnesses.
Knowing the symptoms of potential cat health problems as well as the factors that cause them will help you keep your pet safe and healthy.
Remember to visit a vet whenever you require guidance or spot early symptoms of an ailment.
Good luck and enjoy the company of your pet!