Health Problems in Cats

Fleas

• In addition to being irritating and painful, fleas are responsible for many other conditions in cats. They can lead to anemia, skin infections and allergies. Cats may also get tapeworms from fleas because fleas consume tapeworm eggs, which reach maturity within the flea and are transmitted to the cat if a cat accidentally swallows the flea. Cats may develop a flea problem after being outside or in contact with other infested felines. Veterinarians can prescribe treatment or there are many over the counter products for this problem.

Tapeworms, Roundworms, Hookworms, and Whipworms

• Tapeworms live and reproduce in the intestine of your cat. Your cat may be infected with tapeworms if you notice moving segments on or around their anus or eggs in their feces. Tapeworms are rarely ever harmful to cats, and when they are, merely cause some weight loss. Roundworms, hookworms and whipworms, the most common intestinal parasites, cause diarrhea, weight loss, vomiting, poor hair coat, listlessness and anorexia. Bring your cat's feces to your veterinarian and she will conduct a microscopic study confirming the presence of worms. There are many different prescriptions as well as over the counter deworming medicines that will treat worm problems. Adequate flea control can also prevent it.

Coccidia

• Coccidia are one-celled organisms that live in many cats' intestines. Mature cats have developed a natural immunity to the organism and shed the infective cysts in their feces. Kittens are able to pick up the organism from their mothers when exposed to the mother's feces. Infected kittens experience diarrhea and sometimes vomiting, loss of appetite and death. Like worms, coccidia can be treated and identified by your vet conducting a microscopic study of the cat's feces.

Ear Mites

• Tiny crab-like parasite, ear mites live in the ear canal and are spread from contact with other infected animals. Cats with an infestation will shake their head and scratch their ears. More severe cases will lead to a build up of blood and tissue in the canal. There are many over-the-counter treatments for ear mites or you can try using mineral oil, applied using a droplet into the infested ear. If the infestation does not clear up in a few days then you schedule a visit to your vet. Make sure to use the medicine on other parts of the body that the mites have transferred to, such as the tail, which cats tend to wrap near their ears while sleeping.

Toxoplasma Gondii

• "Toxoplasma gondii" causes a condition known as toxoplasmosis, which in humans is serious and sometimes fatal, especially to unborn fetuses. Cats are able to pass toxoplasmosis to humans through feces and therefore pregnant women should avoid activities in which they come in contact with feline feces, such as changing a litter box. Fever, loss of appetite and depression are all signs of the condition in your cat. A blood test is the best means of diagnosis and the antibiotic Clindamycin or prescription drugs pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine are best for treatment.