| It may come as a surprise, if you're a new cat | | | | decreases the ability of the cat's immune system |
| owner, that many health problems may befall | | | | to fight infections. Cats with FIV may remain free |
| your feline friend. Some problems are easily | | | | of symptoms for years. It is when the cat |
| preventable, while others are | | | | contracts other illnesses in the chronic stage of |
| hereditary.HairballsHairballs are among the most | | | | FIV infection that FIV is first suspected. This long |
| common of cat health problems. Cats groom | | | | list of illnesses includes oral-cavity infections, |
| themselves almost constantly, and swallow the | | | | upper-respiratory infections, weight loss, ear |
| loose hair that comes off their tongues. | | | | infections, kidney disease, and many others. |
| Occasionally, the hair gathers into a ball and lodges | | | | Although there is, as yet, no vaccine, all cats |
| in the cat's digestive tract instead of passing on | | | | should be tested for the virus. The virus is |
| through the body. If your cat starts coughing and | | | | transmitted through saliva, usually when a cat is |
| hacking, he probably has a hairball. While the end | | | | bitten in a cat fight.Feline Leukemia VirusFLV was, |
| product is unpleasant for the owner, most cats | | | | until recently, the most common fatal disease of |
| don't have a problem dislodging hairballs.However, | | | | cats. But with a vaccine now available, the number |
| hairballs can occasionally pass into a cat's intestines | | | | of cases is dwindling. Although the name leukemia |
| and cause a blockage. This can be a | | | | means cancer of the white blood cells, this is only |
| life-threatening problem. There are a few signs to | | | | 1 of the many diseases associated with this virus, |
| look for to see if your cat's hairball is dangerous. | | | | such as other types of cancer, anemia, arthritis |
| If your cat is constipated, off his feed, or is | | | | and respiratory infections. FLV is preventable if |
| lethargic with a dull coat, then he could have a | | | | the cat is immunized before being exposed to the |
| serious blockage. A vet exam is definitely in | | | | virus. Although the disease is not always |
| order.To prevent hairballs, groom your cat | | | | immediately fatal, cats with FLV rarely have a |
| frequently to remove loose hair. In addition, feed | | | | long life expectancy. NEVER bring other cats into |
| your cat food that helps control | | | | your household when you have a cat with |
| hairballs.WormsFor many cats, worms are a | | | | FLV.Lyme DiseaseIf your cat spends time |
| recurring problem. Roundworms, tapeworms, and | | | | outdoors, you should check him regularly for ticks. |
| hookworms most commonly infect cats. Cats can | | | | If you find a tick on your cat's body and he has |
| occasionally develop heartworms, as well. If your | | | | been lethargic and acts as if he is in pain, ask your |
| cat seems unable to gain weight, is infested with | | | | vet to test for Lyme Disease. This disease is |
| fleas, or has white specks that look like grains of | | | | transmitted to people and animals by deer |
| rice in his stools, take him to the veterinarian for | | | | ticks.Some cats may show subtle symptoms |
| worm testing.Worms are easily cured with a few | | | | while others may show none -- symptoms are |
| doses of medication, but if left untreated, they | | | | hard to recognize and often may be confused |
| can be fatal.Urinary Tract InfectionsUrinary tract | | | | with other illnesses or old age. Be observant of |
| infections are another common health problem in | | | | your pet's behavior. It is the only way to know if |
| cats. This infection is particularly common in | | | | your pet has contracted Lyme disease if no tick |
| unneutered male cats, although female cats can | | | | was found. Some symptoms of Feline Lyme |
| also develop this problem. If your cat suddenly | | | | Disease include:(a) lethargy, |
| stops using the litter box, a urinary tract infection | | | | (b) reluctance to jump or climb stairs, |
| is suspect. If your cat's urine smells strong, again | | | | (c) limping, or reluctance to put weight on a paw, |
| a urinary tract infection may be the cause. These | | | | (d) loss of appetite.The key to dealing with Feline |
| infections need to be treated by a veterinarian. | | | | Lyme Disease is prevention and early diagnosis |
| Ask about cat foods that reduce the likelihood of | | | | and treatment. You should reduce the tick |
| another infection.Feline Infectious Peritonitis | | | | population around your home with simple |
| (FIP)FIP is caused by a mutation of the corona | | | | landscape changes and spraying.Good Health |
| virus. According to some experts, cats living in | | | | CareTaking your cat for a regular check-up with |
| multi-cat environments tend to test positive for | | | | the vet, and keeping all vaccinations on schedule |
| enteric corona virus. Cats can live with that virus | | | | will help assure your cat a long and healthy life. |
| remaining quietly in the intestines with no sign of | | | | Prevention is the first line of defense for most |
| disease for their entire lifetime. In other cases, | | | | feline illnesses.Many owners keep their cats |
| probably a genetic pre-disposition, the virus | | | | indoors to protect them from cars, from cat |
| mutates into FIP.Once a cat has contracted FIP, it | | | | fights which may expose them to deadly viruses, |
| will display symptoms of a mild upper respiratory | | | | from ticks, and other hazards.Outdoor cats will |
| infection: sneezing, watery eyes, and nasal | | | | enjoy greater freedom, but require a watchful |
| discharge. It may also have diarrhea, weight loss | | | | eye, loving attention to their health status, and |
| and lethargy. Most cats fully recover from this | | | | regular visits to the veterinarian.Visit New Cat to |
| primary infection, although some may become | | | | learn more. Copyright 2005 Ron King. Ron King is |
| virus carriers. A small percentage of exposed cats | | | | a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer. |
| develop lethal FIP weeks or even years after the | | | | This article may be reprinted if the resource box |
| primary infection.Feline Immunodeficiency | | | | is left intact. |
| VirusFIV, or cat AIDS, is not always fatal. FIV | | | | |