Common Medical Conditions in Cats

Taking care of a cat is more than providing food and shelter. Common medical problems can happen even with indoor cats. Most of these problems are easily treatable and only become serious if left untreated.

  1. Hairballs

    • Hairballs are caused by a cat grooming himself and the hair forming a ball that gets stuck in the digestive tract. Assisting your cat by regular brushing can prevent this problem that will cause your cat to cough, vomit and possibly become constipated.

    Fleas

    • When a cat gets fleas it will scratch. If fleas are left untreated, sores can develop from scratching. Fleas can be avoided by using a vet recommended flea treatment.

    Worms

    • Tapeworms, roundworms and hookworms, all of which are treatable, are common in cats. Signs of worms are an inability to gain weight, flea problems and white specks in the stool.

    Urinary tract infections

    • Urinary tract infections are more common in male cats that are not neutered; however, urinary tract infections also happen in female cats. Signs of this treatable condition include strong smelling urine and an inability to pass urine.

    Preventable diseases

    • Two common medical conditions that are fatal to cats are rabies and feline leukemia. Vaccines should be given to young cats to prevent these conditions.