by: MarjorieGreer
Although all forms of felines are generally known to live long and healthy lives, the domesticated cats suffer from minor health disorders from time to time that can be easily overcome with preventive and timely treatment. Keep an eye open for any changes in your cat's usual behavioral patterns which may be an indication of some common cat ailment it is afflicted with.
Unlike other species of animals, hair balls embody the most common disorder found in cats. It does not matter if you possess a short or a long haired feline, the hair ball still finds its way into your pet. Although more prominent in the medium to long hairs species of cat, the hairball dilemma can be diminished by combing and brushing your cat regularly. Not only does this practice generate an attractive cat but it eliminates loose hair which would otherwise end up in your "kitty's" stomach.
Another popular remedy to combat hair balls is to place a single teaspoon of medically safe fish oil mixed with your cat's food on a weekly basis. This will permit any loose hair which your cat has ingested to effectively pass through its digestive tract. In addition, you may wish to undertake feeding your feline a teaspoon of canned pumpkin or bran each day. Feral cats tend to chew upon the grass in your yard or other such plants in order to manage this common cat ailment.
Another problem that causes a lot of hassle for your cat is the presence of fleas. They are carriers of several diseases and most importantly, they are very itchy. Because of this problem some develop an allergic reaction to fleas and some are even traumatized causing mental and emotional distress. Regular grooming can detect this problem and keep it contained. You can also use flea collars to treat this condition. You can try some fur rubs that are environmentally friendly which work to prevent flea infestation as well make your cat smell good. Flea inoculations can also be done especially if the intolerance of fleas is quite high.
A cat scratching badly inside its ears is a positive indication of a large scale presence of ear mites or a heavy buildup of wax inside the ears, both of which can cause much pain and agony to your cat. A veterinarian may easily spot these in his examination of the cat and prescribe medicines that could be easily administered to greatly relieve the cat of its agony and pain. Early detection and prompt treatment for mites and wax is very important to prevent long term damage to its health including the impairment of its hearing.
Cats are also affected with mental and emotional distress, usually created by trauma from a change such as moving or relocating. It may be hard for your adult cat to adapt to the new surroundings. There are even cases of cats traveling back to their original homes by foot regardless of its distance. One thing you have to understand about cats is that they take their territory seriously and will fully protect their property. Humans do not recognize the fences that they build to protect their territory. It is only cats who can tell from their markings of urine and fecal matter.
Like humans, some of their major ailments too start with minor symptoms and could be easily averted through alertness and prompt treatment at the early stages itself. Therefore a visit to your veterinarian would be well worth your trouble at the slightest visible signs of departure from your cat's normal behavioral patterns such as for instance brooding, vomiting, loss of appetite or changed patters in eating habits and eating times, so as to save your cat from much pain, agony and sometimes death itself.
About the Author
About the author: Marjorie Greer can help you with any cat related problems. For Cat Care Advice get her exciting new FREE e-course on cat care, cat food and cat health
