Health problems in cats

Important things to be aware of include your cat’s appetite or thirst (increase or decrease), constipation or diarrhea, vomiting, coughing, lumps or bumps, sneezing or nasal discharge, urination problems, weakness and weight loss. When you seek veterinary care, be prepared to provide a history of these problems. You should be able to answer these questions:

How long has the problem been present?
Is the problem getting worse or staying the same?
Have any home treatments been tried and what are they?
Be as thorough and concise as possible when telling your vet about the problem. To have the best outcome possible, follow your veterinarian’s treatment recommendations closely. If you are unable to administer the prescribed medications or treatments, report this immediately so that an alternative can be prescribed. Remember, if the treatment is not given, your cat will not improve.

Good cat nutrition
Good nutrition is the foundation for a long and healthy life. Choosing a type of food for your cat can be confusing, since there are so many brands. All cat foods are not created equal. Premium brands are usually better than store or “generic” brands, but as with anything else, the adage “you get what you pay for” is generally true about cat foods. For advice on choosing a diet for your cat, consult with your veterinarian. Should you choose wet or dry? Some cats prefer one or both. You should know, though, that feeding your cat only dry food doesn’t guarantee that your cat won’t need regular dental care.