Health and Behavior in Cats
By Franny Syufy, About.com Guide to Cats
Most of the "help!" emails I receive are about either health or behavior problems in cats. Readers are often surprised that sometimes there is a connection between the two. Learn more here about the factors related to cats' health as well as how to troubleshoot and manage typical feline behavioral problems in cats.
- Common Preventable Diseases
- Factors That Contribute to Feline Disease
- Managing Chronic Disease in Cats
Common Preventable Diseases
The sad fact is that every year thousands of cats die from communicable diseases that could have been prevented, either by vaccines or by keeping them away from other cats that are potential sources of these infections. Learn more about the most virulent of these infectious diseases.
A glossary of feline terms is included to help you understand more about feline health matters.
- Glossary of Feline Terms
- Giardia
- Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper)
- Bartonella henselae
- FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
Factors That Contribute to Feline Disease
Aside from letting cats roam free, other factors are present that can either cause or exacerbate the possibility of your cat acquiring a serious disease or condition. Diet is a large factor, as are heredity, aging, and contact with other cats. To learn more, read further.
- Diseases That Target Senior Cats
- Stress: In Cats and Their Humans
- Letting Cats Roam Outdoors Freely
- When to Call the Vet
- Cat Health FAQs
Managing Chronic Disease in Cats
While infectious diseases can usually be cured with antibiotics, chronic diseases in cats require long-term teamwork with your veterinarian. Much of the management of conditions will fall to you. Although daunting at first, you will find with training from your veterinary staff and a little practice, you'll soon be giving insulin injections or administering subcutaneous fluids like an expert.
Other Potentially Serious Conditions
Probably the most potentially serious condition is FLUTD, often caused by acidic urine. The very first thing your vet will check for suspected urinary tract problems is your cat's urine pH.
While fleas or hairballs may be considered only an annoyance by some cat owners, the reality is that both of them have the potential for causing painful and serious problems. Other conditions such as constipation, anal gland impaction, and dental disease have equally potential for serious results.
Read on to learn more about these conditions, what causes them, and what you can do to help your cat avoid them.
Veterinary Care & Pet Health Insurance
Your cat will need veterinary care a number of times during the course of his life, from his initial kitten exam and shots, to spaying/neutering, to routine care as he ages. Accidents and serious illness also require veterinary attention, sometimes in a vet E/R setting. As your cat ages he will encounter those diseases and conditions that go along with advancing years.
How will you pay for all this? Since most people do not have unlimited funds, you could consider either starting a special savings account, or invest in pet health insurance. The bottom line is that you cats' health should be a priority.
- Know When to Call the Vet
- Help in Selecting a New Veterinarian
- Before You Buy Pet Health Insurance
- Pet Heath Insurance: 16 Tips and Questions To Ask
- Pet Health Insurance Company Interview: Petsecure
- Pet Health Insurance Company Interview: VPI
- Veterinary Reference Books
Behavior & Training
I have always maintained that there is no such thing as a "bad" cat. Cats rarely, if ever, commit breaches of good behavior without reason. Once undesirable habits are ingrained in a cat, behavioral modification is possible. It takes some detective work on your part, patience, and a great deal of love, but you can help your cat if you try.
