Health Issues With Male & Female Cats

Being aware of some of the health issues that your cat may experience will allow you to look for early warning signs and address any problems before they become serious and potentially life threatening. While some cat health issues are specific to male or female cats, many common health issues can afflict cats of either sex. It is recommended that you have your cat examined by a veterinarian at least once a year to detect any potential health issues.

  1. Heartworms

    • Cats can become infected with heartworms if they are bitten by a mosquito carrying the parasite. Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease is caused by the immune system's reaction to dead heartworms, which begin to accumulate within a couple of years of the original infection. Heartworms can easily be prevented by administering heartworm medication to your cat at the prescribed intervals. If your cat has not been kept on a heartworm regime, looks for signs such as refusal to eat, difficulty breathing, coughing, vomiting and lethargy, as these may indicate your cat has heartworms.

    Obesity

    • Obesity is very unhealthy and may lead to serious health problems.

      Cat obesity significantly raises the risk factors for many other feline medical conditions, including diabetes. Like human obesity, it puts unnecessary amounts of strain on the organs and joints and can substantially reduce longevity. Cats are sedentary animals and typically spend most of the day sleeping or resting. If they consume more calories than they expend, they will gain weight. For this reason, inactive house cats are particularly prone to obesity. Cats also tend to gain weight as they age, so consult with your veterinarian to develop a healthy diet for your cat to ensure that they maintain a healthy weight. Setting aside daily playtime will help to keep your cat active and will have the added benefits of facilitating bonding and providing them with human interaction.

    Diabetes

    • According to the Feline Health Center at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, there are "four classical signs of diabetes mellitus: ravenous appetite, weight loss, increased urination, and increased water consumption," and it occurs most frequently in older, obese cats. If you notice any of these symptoms, have your cat examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible. This cluster of symptoms can also be indicative of other diseases, including hyperthyroidism. There are a variety of secondary conditions that may result from untreated diabetes. Although it occurs more commonly in male cats than in female cats, cats of both sexes may develop this disease.

    Dental Problems

    • Preventive dental care will reduce the likelihood of serious dental problems.

      According to the Feline Health Center at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, roughly 90 percent of cats will experience a dental problem during their lifetime, and "dental disease is extremely common in older cats and can hinder eating and cause significant pain." For these reasons, it is very important that your cat receives routine dental care to reduce the likelihood that he will be afflicted by dental disease and to catch any problems in the earliest stages when they are most treatable. Certain breeds, such as Siamese, Persians and Maine Coons, are more prone to dental disease. Daniel Carmichael, a veterinarian specializing in dentistry, states on the Cornell website that signs of dental problems include "bad breath, red and swollen gums, pawing at the mouth and refusal to eat hard food."