The Most Common Cat
Health Issues
Cats can suffer from different diseases
regardless of their age or breed. Treating cat conditions can require hundreds
or even thousands of dollars, which not all pet owners can afford. To avoid
this financial toll, watch out for early disease signs and take your cat to the
vet as soon as they appear. Pet insurance is also essential as it can cover some
of the costs associated with treating cat diseases. Learn more about the most
common cat conditions, their symptoms, and treatment costs.
What Are the Most Common Cat Conditions?
Digestive Problems
This is one of the most common types of
health problems affecting cats. There are many symptoms that accompany stomach
diseases, with vomiting and diarrhea topping the list. The problem is that the
cause is often difficult to pinpoint. It might be parasites, infections, food,
or another disease. Tests are often necessary to discover the root of the
problem, and they can be costly.
Gum and Dental Issues
Cats often develop gum diseases, which are
as unpleasant in these pets as they are in humans. Periodontitis is the most
common gum-related diagnosis. Some of the signs to watch out for include bad
breath, gums that start changing their color and turn pink or red, and yellow
teeth. Untreated, gum and dental problems can lead to more severe consequences
such as heart or kidney problems.
Kidney Diseases
Kidney problems are the fourth most common
condition in cats. Just like in humans, these diseases appear when the kidneys
stop working properly and are unable to filter the blood. They start building
up waste products, and as a result, the cat starts feeling sick. Frequent
urination, lack of appetite, and increased thirst might indicate that your cat
started developing kidney problems.
Heart Conditions
Cats can suffer from heart diseases too and
the symptoms are similar to those experienced by people, for example, breathing
difficulty or rapid breathing. They could also have blue gums or feel
lethargic. Fainting is another sign of heart disease. If your cat gets
diagnosed with a heart condition, there is some good news, namely, there are
different treatment types including pills.
Cancer
Cats can suffer from different types of
cancer. These usually start developing as the cat gets older and symptoms vary
depending on the affected organs. Some of the symptoms include weight loss,
lack of appetite, and digestive problems. These symptoms often accompany
lymphoma, one of the most frequent cancer types in cats. Mammary carcinoma and
squamous cell carcinoma are other cancer types cats frequently get diagnosed
with. There are multiple cancer treatment options for cats. The earlier you
take your cat to the vet, the higher the chances of successfully treating the
disease.
URI
Upper respiratory infections (URI) are also
common among cats, especially young ones, and are caused by different viruses.
The correlated symptoms include sneezing, wheezing, and coughing. Many cats
with URI also have eye and nose discharge.
Lower Urinary Tract Disease
This is another common disease that mostly
affects male cats. If your furry friend has blood in the urine, seems to be in
pain while urinating, or urinates very little despite going very often to the
litter box, you should see the vet as they might have a urinary blockage.
Other Common Health Problems Affecting Cats
Fleas and Ticks
Fleas and ticks can affect both indoor and
outdoor cats and lead to various consequences besides making pets feel
uncomfortable. Skin allergies and painful lesions are some of the consequences
of a more serious infestation. Infections or anemia can also be caused by these
common parasites.
Hyperthyroidism
A hyperactive thyroid in cats can cause
different problems such as weight loss, hyperactivity, and increased heart
rate. However, just like in humans, there are different therapies and medications
to keep the disease under control.
Intestinal Parasites
Intestinal parasites such as roundworms or
hookworms are quite common among cats of all ages and can cause vomiting and
diarrhea. It’s recommended to take your cat to the vet periodically for
deworming treatment. While these medical expenses are typically not included in
basic pet insurance, you can find them in wellness insurance plans.
Diabetes
This disease can occur at any age and lead
to serious complications if left undiagnosed and untreated, just like it often
happens in people. Some of the signs that might indicate the onset of diabetes are
increased appetite and thirst.
Cat Treatment Costs
Different cat conditions require
different treatments, so the costs also differ. For example, diabetes can cost
cat owners approximately $900 a year in treatment. Cats diagnosed with kidney diseases cost
their owners over $600 per year to treat. Cats’ stomach and digestive problems cost on
average almost $350 a year. Heart diseases can also prove costly with pills costing almost $70 for a 60 ml flacon.
The different tests required to
diagnose a disease can also cost a lot; X-rays are around $250-$500, CT scans
can cost over $1,000, and allergy tests are around $300. Surgery prices range
from $3,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the condition and surgery type.
How to Treat and Prevent Common Cat Health Issues
Cats need routine checkups to be able to steer clear of diseases.
Vaccinations are necessary, especially those in the first months of life when
the kitten is barely developing their immune system and is more prone to
complications if they catch a disease. Regular deworming and a healthy and
balanced diet are also important to prevent common illnesses.
If your cat gets diagnosed with a disease,
it’s essential to start treatment immediately to prevent it from worsening.
Because cat treatments can be costly, you might want to consider getting pet
insurance. An insurance plan will cover the medical expenses related to most
diseases and injuries. For decent monthly premiums (below $50 for a basic
plan), you can get reimbursed for medical expenses costing hundreds or even
thousands of dollars.
Conclusion
Cats can develop different conditions at
any age. To keep your cat healthy, take it to regular checkups, vaccinate it,
and administer suitable treatment as soon as the first signs of a disease start
showing. Pet insurance for cats can help you cover a large part of your cat’s
health care costs and provide you peace of mind knowing you won’t have to break
the bank to keep your furry friend healthy.
){kind=logo}
)
){kind=icon}
){kind=icon}
){kind=icon}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=logo}
)
)
){kind=logo}
)