Furbabies
Cat Care Site

Common Health Problems


Abscesses  |  Appetite - Decreased  |  Appetite- Increased

Coughing  |  Diarrhoea  |  Fever  |  Lumps and Bumps

Obesity  |  Thirst - Increased  |  Urination - Increased

Urination - Straining, Pain  |  Vomiting  |  Weight Loss

Furbabies Cat Care Site

Abscesses

An abscess is a deep infection in a pocket of tissue just under the skin. Bacteria are deposited under the skin by a cat bite or scratch, the skin then closes over the open wound, trapping the bacteria. The cat will show no signs of an external wound but is listless, off its food and not acting normally. You may be able to feel a lump under the skin. Your cat may need to visit the vet to have the abscess drained. An untreated abscess can lead to blood poisoning.

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Coughing

Coughing may be caused by a respiratory infection, inhaled irritants (smoke or chemicals), foreign objects (grass seeds, food particles), pressure from tight collars, growths in the air passages or an allergy.

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Decreased Appetite

Loss of appetite or decreased appetite may be caused by fear, hairballs, diabetes, constipation, diarrhoea (diarrhea), colitis, over activity, overweight, heart disease, urinary tract conditions and arthritis.

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Diarrhoea (Diarrhea)

Diarrhoea (diarrhea) is the passage of loose unformed stools. Occasional diarrhoea (diarrhea) may be caused by stress, a sudden change in diet, too much milk in the diet. Overfeeding and allergies are also common causes.

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Fever (Pyrexia)

A cat feeling listless, not eating or drinking or dehydrated may have a high temperature. The cat may feel hot if you pat it. A cat with a fever needs to see the vet. Don't give aspirin or other human drugs - they can be fatal to cats.

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Increased Appetite (Polyphagia)

Increased appetite is normal in a pregnant or nursing cat. Outdoor cats may have an increased appetite in winter.

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Increased Thirst (Polydipsia)

Increased thirst may be normal in hot weather.

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Increased Urination (Polyuria)

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Lumps And Bumps

There are many causes of lumps and bumps. Abscesses (discussed above) are one of the most common causes in outdoor cats. A Haematoma (hematoma) looks like an abscess but is a large blood blister on the cats ear. It is caused by trauma (a cat fight or excessive scratching) to the ear which ruptures the blood vessels in the ear flap. Various types of tumours (tumors) will also cause lumps.

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Obesity

Obesity is an increasing problem in the cat world. Indoor cats receive less exercise than outdoor cats and are also more likely to eat due to boredom. Fats cats are more likely than lean cats to become diabetic, have skin problems or develop lameness. Extra weight puts strain on a cats heart, lungs and joints. Obesity also increases risks during surgery and anaesthesia (anesthesia).

What You Can Do:

When To See The Vet:

For more information, see the Obesity page.


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Straining, Painful Urination

A cat that strains in a squatting position or has blood in its urine may have a blockage in its urinary tract and requires immediate veterinary attention.

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Vomiting

Vomiting is one of the most common non-specific signs of illness. There are a number of causes including overeating or eating too fast, poisons (antifreeze or aspirin). If a cat vomits once or twice but appears perfectly normal before and after, the problem is not too serious.

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Weight Loss

Cats may have increased demands for energy during or after illness, during and after pregnancy or after going missing. A cat whose diet does not meet its energy requirements will lose weight. Loss of weight or body condition is a key indicator of illness.

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References

Carlson DG & Giffin JM, Cat Owners Home Veterinary Handbook, New York: Howell Book House, 1995

Fogle B, Natural Cat Care, London: Dorling Kindersley, 1999

Gair A, Caring For Your Cat, London: Harper Collins, 1997

Page S, The Complete Cat Owners Manual, Australia: Readers Digest, 1997


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