Cats are very popular pets in Indonesia. While they are often considered independent and resilient creatures, cats can also suffer from various ailments requiring medical attention. In this article, we will discuss some common cat diseases and how to treat them.
Cat Flu
Cat flu is an infectious disease similar to human flu. Common symptoms include nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, and fever. The disease can spread quickly between cats living together. Treatment involves administering medications to reduce symptoms, such as antibiotics and painkillers.
Dental and Gum Problems
Common dental and gum diseases in cats are often caused by plaque and tartar. Cats suffering from tooth and gum problems may experience symptoms such as bad breath, difficulty eating, and behavioral changes. Treatment involves dental cleaning by a veterinarian and feeding special foods that support dental health.
Diabetes
Diabetes is one of the most common cat diseases, especially for obese cats. Feline diabetes is generally seen as the inability to naturally produce sufficient insulin levels in the body to balance blood sugar levels. Feline diabetes can be observed through feline symptoms and ailments such as frequent thirst and urination, rapid weight loss, and vomiting. A veterinarian can recommend blood and urine tests to determine if your cat has diabetes, and plan a special diet that is low in carbohydrates and high in protein. Oral medications and insulin therapy are also effective in treating diabetes but should be done only if your veterinarian advises.
Tapeworms and Roundworms
Tapeworms and roundworms are common intestinal parasites found in cats. Symptoms of worm infections include vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. Treatment usually involves deworming medication prescribed by a veterinarian. Prevention is important with routine deworming.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) – Feline HIV
FIV is a virus that resembles HIV in humans. It weakens a cat’s immune system, making it susceptible to other infections. Symptoms of FIV include weight loss, respiratory distress and gum disease. Currently, there is no cure for FIV, but infected cats can live comfortably with good care.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease is a common problem in older cats. Symptoms include vomiting, decreased appetite, and frequent urination. Treatment involves dietary management, good hydration, and medications prescribed by a veterinarian.
Stressed Cats
Stress can affect a cat’s physical and mental health. Changes in environment, introduction to other pets or unstable situations can cause cat stress. Understanding and changing the environment to minimize stress can help prevent behavioral and health problems.
Given that cats are animals that tend to hide symptoms of illness, regular monitoring and proper medical care are essential. Make sure to visit the vet regularly and pay special attention to your cat’s health. In addition, providing good nutrition, a safe environment, and enough love and attention is the best way to keep your cat healthy and happy.