Did you know August 22nd is National Bring Your Cat to the Vet Day?
While August 22nd may be the official National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day, every day can be a "Take Your Cat the the Vet Day" because even though your cat may look healthy, there are some common health issues that aren’t always easy to see.
Most veterinarians recommend that indoor cats get check-ups at least once a year and if your cat lives primarily outdoors, it’s recommended they visit the vet twice a year.
Below is a list of common health issues among cats that may require a visit to the vet.
Vomiting is one of the most common health problems with cats. There are many causes for why this may be occurring, which include eating something poisonous, infection, urinary tract disease, diabetes, hairballs and many others. It’s important not to ignore this symptom because it can often be an underlying problem to something bigger. If you’re taking your cat to the vet, it’s helpful for them to have a sample so they can diagnose your cat accurately.
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)
An estimated 3% of cats seen by the vet have Feline Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD). Both male and female cats can contract the disease which often occurs in cats that eat primarily dry food and are overweight. Symptoms include straining to urinate, bloody urine, dehydration, lack of appetite, vomiting and licking around the urinary area.
One of the most common external feline health problems, fleas, are something you can easily treat as an owner with early diagnoses and vet supervision. Symptoms include constant scratching, frequent licking, red or irritated skin, hair loss, hot spots, or flea dirt which can look like tiny black dots. Fleas can live more than a year and if left untreated can give your cat anemia. Flea treatment includes oral medication, powders and topical medication.
There are many causes of diarrhea including spoiled food, allergies, infection, liver disease and even sometimes cancer. Depending on the cause it can last a day, a week or even months. If your cat has diarrhea, provide them with water because they could also be dehydrated. If you notice that your cat has diarrhea and additional symptoms like loss of appetite, bloody stools and vomiting, immediately take your pet to the vet.
Ear mites are microscopic parasites that can infect your cat’s ears. They tend to live in the warm and dark environment of the ear canal where they feed on skin debris. Symptoms include itching of ears, excessive scratching ears and around head, frequently shaking head, crusting and scale on the neck, and “coffee ground like” bumps in the ear canal. You need to take your cat to the vet who will likely prescribe eardrops. If your cat has recently been treated or currently being treated for ear mites, it’s best to clean the bedding and check other pets in the household.
Dental disease is more common in cats than you may think. Symptoms include difficulty eating, bad breath, swollen gums, excessive drooling and many others. If you think your cat may have a dental problem, it is best to make an appointment to see the vet. Good oral hygiene includes brushing your cat’s teeth with a specially-made-for-felines toothbrush or giving them a chew toy to exercise gums and remove tartar.
Visit the American Association of Feline Practitioners’ (AAFP) Cat2Vet resource page for additional information http://www.catvets.com/Cat2VetDay.