subject: Health Care for Cats [print this page] Health care for cat isjust as important as health care is to humans. You will need to be observant to your pet as they go about their daily routines. By doing this you may help live a longer and more healthlier life. The topics this article will cover are:
Administering medication
Common ailments in cats
Reaction to a vaccine
Pet care after surgery
Vomiting frequently
Administering Medication To Your Cat
This can be difficult especially if you don't know how. So, let's make this chore a lot easier for you. It will be difficult to deceive your cat because most pills cannot be hidden in a bite of cat food. Also, cats are curious and suspicious, so they will nose around any new food item.
The most effective way to do this is to place the cat on your lap with its back to you so that he cannot get away. Grasp the teeth of the upper jaw and tilt the head backwards gently. Hold the pill between your thumb and index finger of the other hand, use the other hand to gently pry the cats mouth open. Drop the tablet down the throat. You may need to give is a little push. While you are doing this, talk soothingly to your cat during the process and reward your cat when you are finished.
Your cat may not like this at first. Just remind yourself that you are doing this for her own good.
Common Ailments In Cats
This section will cover some common ailments found in cats. Cats can develop a variety of health conditions. Prevention is a huge part of staying healthy. Always watch for general signs of health conditions and contact your veterinarian when you notice a problem that is out of the ordinary. Call your veterinarian if your cat is weak, listless or refuses to take any liquids.
Cat Allergies
The most common allergy among cats is flea allergy. As they get older, they become more sensitive to flea bites. Food allergies can manifest themselves as dermatitis and severe itching, or vomiting and diarrhea. Look out for these signs.
Diarrhea
If your cat has persistent diarrhea for more then two days take your cat to the veterinarian along with a stool sample.
Diabetes
Signs of diabetes may include excessive thirst and urination, loss of weight or obesity. Diabetic cats should remain indoors to avoid accidental feeding that could elevate their blood sugar.
Upper Respiratory Conditions
These conditions can manifest themselves in your cat by a cold or flu-like signs, such as a runny nose and sneezing combined with reddened or runny eyes. Be observant for these warning signs.
Reaction To A Vaccine
Your cat's reaction to a vaccine shot is not uncommon. Keep an eye on your pet's condition and behavior as you may observe symptoms such as pain, redness and swelling at the injection site, a low fever or loss of appetite. These are generally mild reactions and not a cause for alarm.
However, serious reactions are unusual. If your pet has a seizure, exhibits unrelenting vomiting or diarrhea, or shows signs of acute distress, take him to the veterinarian immediately. He could be having a severe allergic reaction called anaphylactic shock. Quick action by you may save your pets life.
Pet Care After Surgery
After your pet has an operation, you will need to keep an eye on him. Rest and relaxation will be what he needs. Keep your pet away from other pets while his incisions heal. Watch for signs of infection at the incision site oozing, swelling and redness are warning signs.
After surgery pets are in a weakened state, and will be less able to feed themselves or resume normal bathroom habits. Cats should remain indoors for several weeks after surgery. Observe during this time if your cat's appetite and activity level steadily improve, if not, contact your veterinarian.
Vomits Frequently
Cats normally cough up a hairball and hairballs and are not particularly dangerous to them. This can sometimes cover or mask other problems. When a cat vomits or coughs frequently, hairballs are usually to blame, when something else more serious might be happening. A vomiting cat may have eaten a coin, a button or tassel. If you suspect your cat swallowing something unusual, take him to the veterinarian for an x-ray. Take your cat in for a check-up if he should be sick to his stomach more than once a week, losing weight, or is vomiting food and not just saliva or an occasional hairball.
By being observant and watching for these signs, you can be ready and provide the best health care for your pet.
