Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), a provider of health insurance for over one million pets across the country, recently released the top 10 reasons cats and dogs visit the vet, according to pet insurance claims received in 2007.
Other than for a routine exam, here’s why felines found themselves at the vet:
1. Lower urinary tract diseases—more common in male than female cats, this can include an infection or stones or crystals in the urine. Symptoms can include urinating more frequently; a straining to or an inability to urinate; urinating outside the box; and/or blood in the urine. Left untreated, this can be a life-threatening condition. Take your cat to the vet as soon as you notice anything unusual.
2. Stomach upsets/gastritis— symptoms can include vomiting and/or diarrhea; if either continues for more than 24-48 hours, you should get your cat to a vet, especially an older cat, as dehydration can occur and your cat may need fluids as well as something to calm her tummy. Causes can be as minor as a change in diet or something more serious, such as pancreatitis.
3. Renal failure—diminished kidney function is most commonly found in senior kitties and can require ongoing treatment, which includes testing blood regularly and administering fluids.
4. Intestinal inflammation/diarrhea—can be the result of eating something disagreeable or something more chronic and/or serious
5. Skin allergies—you may not realize it, but cats can have allergies too. Skin allergies can be caused by diet; environment factors, such as mold or pollen; or fleabites.
6. Diabetes—a common chronic condition of older kitties that needs monitoring and medicating
7. Colitis/constipation—this can range from your cat just feeling bloated and uncomfy, to a severe blockage needing surgery; if your cat is straining to “make a deposit” and/or is a few days past what is a “normal production cycle” for her, a vet visit is in order
8. Ear infections—can be caused by pesky mites, yeast, or bacteria. An ear infection can be related to a skin allergy in that your cat scratches more when she has a skin allergy and in doing so can introduce bacteria into her ears. The vet needs to take a look and perhaps prescribe some antibiotic eardrops.
9. Upper respiratory virus—symptoms can include coughing and heavier breathing
10. Hyperthyroidism—another chronic condition most commonly found in an older cat. If your cat is eating, eating, eating but losing weight, she may have hyperthyroidism. This can become life threatening if left untreated, and can cause high blood pressure and heart disease.
Other recent studies have shown that while the cat is the country’s number one household pet, there has been a decline in the number of overall vet visits for felines. The CATalyst Council is working to increase awareness among cat parents about the importance of routine vet visits for their kitties. Feline Pine created National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day, to take place every August 22nd, with the same goal in mind. If you take your cat for routine exams, it can help your vet catch the chronic items on the above list in their early stages. Whether you use a general veterinary practitioner, a cats-only vet, or you have a vet that makes house calls, if your cat hasn’t seen the vet in a while, why not make an appointment today?
Comments
Let me just say your cat is absolutely gorgeous.
How often do you comb her? and how do you check for skin allergies?
My cat might be coming down with something!! let me know if you are up for a cat playdate!?
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