There are times when our pets just aren t feeling right, and that s when it is time to take them to the vet. No one wants to visit the vet, least of all the pets, but it is just something that has to be done from time to time. That being said, it s important to know when it s a good time to take your animal to the vet, even though regular checkups really are recommended.
Below are a few of the main reasons that a cat may need to visit the vet. Please keep in mind that if you see any of these symptoms you will need to act on them immediately. Do not let the problem fester, lest it become deadly for your furry companion!
Urinary Tract Disorder: This is one of the more severe ones, and the telltale sign is when your cat is experiencing pain while using the litter box. If you have ever experienced an infection like this, then you know precisely how painful it can be. The only difference is that you r cat doesn t know exactly what s happening. All they know is that they are in pain, and you are the one who is supposed to take care of them. Keep in mind that when you take ownership of an animal, that animal puts its life in your hands. It trusts you completely, so keep an eye out for any issues that may or may not be developing.
If the UTI case is mild, then it will clear up on its own. Chances are though that it is a more severe case and will require special attention from your veterinarian. In the event that the infection makes its way to the kidneys it could be time for a surgery.
Upper Respiratory Infection: This is like the common cold. For the most part your cat will not end up with this issue, at least if he or she is an indoor cat. Now outdoor cats are a completely different story because they can actually catch the illness from other cats. This means that you will need to take extra care if you have an outdoor cat. The telltale signs will be coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose.
Feline Distemper: This is a real problem, and you need to make sure that your cat has been vaccinated. Your cat could suffer from diarrhea, vomiting, refusal to eat, etc. this is hard to take care of, and your cat may very well die from it unless you catch the condition early on. In all honesty though, early vaccination may be your best vet to permitting your friend to survive.
Kidney Failure: This is common among older cats. While it is usually attributed to old age, it can sometimes be caused by tainted food. Some of the symptoms are loss of appetite, lethargy, among other things.
These are a few of the illnesses that cats tend to suffer from. It can get rather irritating running back and forth to the vet, no one is arguing this. But in the end it will be worth it. This is especially true when you take your cat to the vet and find out that there is a major illness at work. It s always better to be safe than sorry!
Author Resource:
Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who writes for a number of UK businesses. For Cat Insurance, he recommends Healthy Pets, a specialist pet insurer.:http://www.healthy-pets.co.uk/cat-insurance.htm