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Common conditions affecting house cats
Cats are beloved pets across the globe . In 2020 , there were roughly 53 million cats owned as pets in the United States and Canada combined .
Cats are admired for their can-do attitudes . They ’ re independent , quirky and often clever . While some people may describe cats as aloof , plenty of pet cats desire daily affection and cuddle sessions with their pet parents .
It ’ s important for cat owners to familiarize themselves with common feline behaviors and personality traits . That familiarity can help cat owners recognize when something may be “ off ” with their cats . While cats are good at self-care , there are times when owners must step in and offer assistance .
Here ’ s a look at common conditions that can affect pet cats :
• Tick-borne diseases : Cats may not
spend as much time outdoors as dogs , but they still can pick up ticks if they are let out from time to time or cohabitate in homes with dogs . Ticks can carry various illnesses , but bobcat fever ( cytauxzoonosis ) is one to be concerned about . It ’ s quite serious and often fatal .
• Feline immunodeficiency virus ( FIV ):
This slow-acting virus may not be noticeable until the disease makes the cat ill years after initial infection . A weakened immune system can open the cat up to a number of other illnesses and secondary infections . With good care , a cat could live months or years before the chronic stages of FIV .
• Vomiting : Cats groom themselves and can get fur stuck in their throats and digestive tracts , producing hairballs that are ultimately spit up . However , cats may vomit for other reasons , including ingesting something poisonous or dangerous , like string . Cats that are vomiting often can become dehydrated , which could lead to a medical emergency .
• Feline urinary tract diseases ( FLUTD ):
The pets division of WebMD indicates roughly 3 percent of cats visiting vets are diagnosed with FLUTD .
Cats can develop it for a variety of reasons , including stress in a household , eating dry food , and being overweight . It ’ s always an emergency if a cat can ’ t urinate or has pain doing so .
• Fleas : Cat owners may lament fleas , as they can be a problem and spread fast . A cat is at risk of developing anemia if it becomes infested with fleas . Topical treatments and oral medications can help prevent or eradicate fleas .
• Heartworm : The ASPCA warns that , like dogs , cats can get heartworm from the bites of mosquitoes . Despite its name , heartworm primarily causes lung disease in cats .
• High-rise syndrome : Cats that reside in urban areas in multistory homes may be susceptible to falls . Windows without screens or where screens are not well-secured can pose risks to curious cats who want to take in the sun and fresh air . Falls can cause serious injuries , even death . The problem has become so prevalent that vets gave the condition the name “ highrise syndrome .”
Cats are susceptible to various illnesses and injuries . Awareness of these conditions can help cat owners protect their cats more effectively . n
50 Spring 2023 | Thomasville Scene