10 Important Cat Health Questions You Need to Ask

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Cats are an amazing animal.  Any of you out there who own a cat understands how wonderful an animal they can be.  But at the same time they are very complex animals and require a lot of patience and work.   Like humans they need attention, care, and support.  And when it comes to cat health, the better an understand you have, the healthier a cat you will have.   Discovery had come up with a great list of ten questions you should be asking about your cat and we want to share them with you today.  Keep on reading to see the questions….

Is it normal for cats to mark their territory?

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Absolutely.  Cats are one of the more territorial animals on the planet.   The biggest problem house owners face with cats is spraying.   Urine can get on the drapes, floor, or wherever a cat decides to mark their territory. If your cat is spraying, thoroughly clean the marked area with products designed to neutralize odor. You should also do your best to create and maintain a stress-free environment for your feline friend.

What are the recommended shots for cats?

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According to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, the types of shots your cat needs depend on several factors, including whether he goes outside and his age and overall health. As a general rule, all cats should be vaccinated for feline distemper, feline herpes virus and rabies. Outdoor cats require vaccines for additional diseases, such as feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia virus, the number one viral killer of cats.

What do you do when your cat has a runny nose?

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If your cat has discharge coming from only one nostril, there may be something in the nasal passage that’s irritating the lining and causing fluid to run out. For example, grass, dust or pollen may become stuck in your cat’s nose. If this is the cause, most often it will work itself out.  According to Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, discharge from one nostril in cats may also indicate a nasal tumor, especially if it is accompanied by blood. If you notice these symptoms, you should see your veterinarian as soon as possible.

What might cause hair loss in cats?

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Cat owners know that hair loss is quite common in cats, especially during specific seasons.  However if the hair loss is excessive and accompanied by patch skin there may be an issue.  Hair loss in cats is often caused by excessive scratching due to flea infestation, allergies or other skin irritants. Hyperthyroidism is another cause of hair loss in cats, especially older cats. Once these underlying conditions are treated, the hair loss should stop.  Sometimes excessive stress can be an issue too.  Talk to your vet if you think the hair loss is more than normal.

What if your cat is throwing up a lot?

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Seeing your cat vomit can be upsetting. But try not to worry because vomiting is quite common and usually inconsequential in cats.  It could be caused by hair balls or even foods that don’t agree with your cat.  More serious causes of vomiting include viral infections, intestinal obstructions, kidney disease, diseases of the digestive system and various types of cancer. In most cases, vomiting that lasts less than a few days doesn’t need to be treated, though you may want to withhold food for 24 hours.

Why does your cat refuse to eat or drink?

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keep in mind that cats are extremely finicky creatures. Changing their food or feeding routines can cause them to refuse food and water for a short time. Cats may also go on brief hunger strikes in response to environmental stressors, such as the presence of guests in your home. If this is the case, don’t worry.  However, if your cat does go without food for 48 hours or more then consult your vet.

What can cause weight loss in a cat?

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There are some cats that could use a weight loss program but then there are cats that might lose weight for unexplained factors and it might be cause for concern.   Common causes of weight loss in cats are intestinal parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms or tapeworms. Fortunately, these are relatively easy to treat — one or two doses of medication will usually do the trick. More serious potential causes of weight loss in cats include cancer, hyperthyroidism, kidney disease and dental infections.  Any unexplained weight loss should be brought up with a professional.

What if your cat has diarrhea?

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Despite its inherent unpleasantness, diarrhea serves a critical function in all animals, including cats. It is nature’s way of quickly getting rid of anything in the digestive tract that has the potential to do harm. It’s normal for cats to have occasional diarrhea, and it’s usually a short-lived problem.  However, if the condition persists for more than 48 hours it might be worth setting up an appointment.

How do you know if your cat is overweight?

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To find out if your feline is fit or not, ask yourself the following questions:

– Is there just a thin layer of fat over the bones of his rib cage and tail?

– Looking from above, does your cat’s waistline narrow behind the ribs?

– Looking at your cat from the side, does his abdomen tuck upward just behind the ribs?

If you answered “no” to one or more of these, there’s a good chance your cat is is overweightWhat if your cat has seizures?

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Seizures can be caused by many factors, including infections, hypoglycemia, kidney disease, tumors, exposure to toxins and epilepsy. If your cat is experiencing seizures, it is important to see your veterinarian as soon as possible. Once the vet determines the underlying cause of the seizures, they can often treat them successfully.