Kitty Care.

Cat Care, Cat Mews May 17, 2016

Cats might act tough, but they can get sick just like you. Make sure you know how to look for signs that your cat is more than just being grumpy, so you can pounce on the problem before things get hairy. Here are some common kitty conditions you might want to look out for.

Feline Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)

Feline urinary tract disease, or FLUTD, often occurs in cats who eat dry food, are overweight or are stressed. The condition encompasses a group of urinary tract diseases and as many as 3% of all cats seen by vets have one. If you think your cat has a FLUTD, make sure you bring them to a vet immediately. Symptoms include:

• Unusual urine color
• Licking around urinary area
• Lack of appetite
• Vomiting
• Avoiding cat litter

Allergies

Some unfortunate humans are allergic to cats, but did you know that cats can have allergies too? Like most mammals, cats are prone to dust, pollen, chemical and microorganism allergens. If you notice your cat is irritated repeatedly under the same conditions and doesn’t just want you to let them into your room, it may be an allergy.

Look for symptoms like excessive itching, weepy eyes, and mucus production and talk to your vet to help establish a cause. There is no cure for allergies, but you can take preventive steps to keep your cat as comfortable as possible. One way to decrease the amount of potential irritants in your cat’s life is by switching to Fresh & Light Fragrance-Free or Ultimate Care Hypoallergenic litters. These offer all of the performance benefits, without all of the dust and perfumes.

Fleas

We’ve all heard about fleas. These high-flying miniature circus performers are a common feline health problem. Outdoor cats are especially prone to getting fleas, but any cat is at risk. If you have an outdoor cat, talk to your vet about preventative treatments. Symptoms of fleas include:

• Tiny black dots on skin
• Constant scratching or licking
• Red or irritated skin
• Loss of hair


If you notice that your cat seems especially itchy, do a quick symptom check and talk to your vet about treatment options.