Feline Ailments

 Your cat, especially of the outdoor variety, is capable of getting into a lot more trouble than we sometimes realize. They are busy exploring, hunting and getting into a few scuffles with other cats and critters. They can sometimes sustain bite wounds, which can quickly lead to infection and swelling at the affected site of the injury. As the white blood cells aggressively overtake the infected area and begin killing the bacteria, an abscess forms. Left to drain on its own, the wound heals and the cat feels better. Howver, some infection remains inside, causing the abscess to appear again. At this point, a surgical procedure is required to remedy the injury. If a bite wound is detected in time, antibiotics are the preferred method of treatment and the cat fully recovers fairly quickly.

It is not uncommon for cats to become ill from a variety of respiratory viruses, which are generally easily treatable. However, lower urinary tract disease is another matter, since it can be potentially fatal. Proper pH balance is an early essential, derived from a diet low in magnesium to discourage the formation of stones in the urinary tract. Keeping the litter box clean and providing a dry outdoor location for his digging are both beneficial for your furry friend.

A disease that impacts the lives of many cats, whatever their age, is diabetes mellitus. It is more prevalent in cats 10 years of age or older, especially males who have become obese. Even in their advanced years, their outlook for recovery is good, with careful management. This is critical in order to avoid other serious health issues. It is important to note the classic symptoms that signal the onset of diabetes in an older cat: polydipsia (excessive thirst), polyuria (frequent urination), and lethargy. There is increased appetite with weight loss at the same time.

If the diabetic condition advances to a more serious level, especially in the senior member of your family, feline neuropathy can result, characterized by weakness in the rear legs. If the condition’s consistently high blood sugars go unchecked for an extended period, then ketoacidosis begins. Ketoacidosis is the buildup of toxic byproducts created when fat is broken down. The blood then becomes too acidic. The body tries to get rid of the byproducts in the urine, causing the trademark frequent urination and extreme thirst. There are other symptoms too: loss of appetite, dehydration, diarrhea, and lethargy, along with breathing difficulties and vomiting.

Also associated with an unmanaged diabetic condition is kidney disease, which can be quite common in cats 10 years of age and older. This is potentially life-threatening, but also treatable. A number of alternative medicines have come to the forefront in recent years, resulting in many success stories.

Treatment and recouperation takes time; sometimes activity level will slow down and the cat’s mobility can be affected. During this period, ill and recovering cats can benefit from stairs and ramps that allow them to take refuge in their favorite high spots. Our Puppy Stairs  can keep all of his lives active and healthy!