Pet Health Month: Focus on Cats
What We Can Learn from Research Can Save Lives
Prevention and early detection of disease can improve a cat’s outlook. At Grady Veterinary Hospital, we team up with you to help your cat live their longest, happiest and healthiest life. Our focus on cats during Pet Health Month will supply you with valuable information and recent research.
Top 10 Reasons Cats Visit the Vet
Nationwide, the country’s largest provider of pet insurance, analyzed the 1.35 million insurance claims made in 2021 to determine the most common reasons pets visit the vet. Here are the top 10 for cats:
- Bladder/urinary tract disease
- Chronic kidney disease
- Vomiting/upset stomach
- Dental disease
- Diarrhea/intestinal upset
- Excessive thyroid hormone
- Diabetes
- Ear infection
- Upper respiratory infection
- Skin allergies
Knowing the most common medical complaints empowers you to take charge of your cat’s health. Let’s take a look at some of the symptoms to be aware of, so you can help your cat live their best life.
Urinary Tract Disease in Cats
The urinary tract consists of four parts: kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder and urethra. Disease of this body system accounts for the top two reasons cats visit the vet.
In the Nationwide study, customers submitted 16,000 insurance claims for treating bladder and urinary tract disease in cats. The top veterinary expense for a single cat was more than $19,000. Fortunately, that is an unusually high number.
There are several diseases that affect a cat’s urinary tract, and many of them share symptoms. Pay attention for these signs:
- Drinking more than usual
- Passing a higher or lower volume of urine
- Urinating more often
- Straining in urination
- Not able to urinate (call your veterinarian right away)
- Urine with blood or a foul smell
- Back pain, where the kidneys are
- Not using the litterbox to urinate
- Vomiting
- Bad breath
- Fatigue
- Dehydration
- Loss of appetite
- Unexpected weight loss
Dental Disease in Cats
Adult cats have 30 teeth, and all of them are important for your cat’s digestion and well-being. Annual examination, X-rays and cleaning can help prevent dental disease or catch it early.
Know these symptoms of dental disease in cats:
- Bad breath
- Painful mouth
- Refusing to eat
- Chewing on one side of the mouth
- Dropping food
- Tartar buildup
- Overly red gums
- Significant drooling
- Grinding teeth
Upper Respiratory Disease in Cats
Research by Morris Animal Foundation found that upper respiratory disease is the most common cause of illness in shelter cats. Sadly, it’s a main cause for shelter cat euthanasia. Fortunately, they also identified how to successfully reduce cases:
“Researchers found infection in shelter cats can be dramatically decreased by doubling cage sizes and providing cats with two compartments instead of one. ‘Shelters can take immediate practical action based on the results of this study,’ said Dr. Kelly Diehl, Senior Scientific Programs and Communications Adviser at Morris Animal Foundation. ‘These changes can improve cats’ well-being and ultimately save lives, important goals for both shelters and Morris Animal Foundation.'”
Here are some symptoms to look out for:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Discharge from nose or eyes
- Fever causing a lack of appetite
- Hoarse meow
- Ulcers in the mouth or on the nose
More Cat Health Resources
We’re focusing on cat health this month to help you understand your cat. Take a look at these resources to learn more:
- Diabetes in Dogs and Cats: An Introduction
- Annual Blood Work: an Essential Element of Your Senior Dog or Cat’s Health
- When Your Pet Has a Seizure: What to Do
- 7 Cat Behaviors De-Mystified
Our cats are beloved members of our families, and they deserve all the love and care we can give them. Contact us if you’re concerned about any health issues.