Kitten Care: Common Cat Health Issues

While dogs are usually recognised as the more injury-prone pets, cats have their own health issues for their owners to contend with – expensive health issues at that! The first step in protecting your cat’s health is by taking out a pet insurance policy, which can assist in covering the cost of vet visits, treatments, and medications. Read on for some of the top health issues your cat may experience in its nine lives and what you can do about it with pet insurance footing the bill.

High-Rise Syndrome

If curiosity killed the cat, it’s only because there was an open window nearby. Many pet owners, particularly those living in flats on upper floors, tend to leave their cats unattended around open windows. These unscreened windows pose a real danger to many cats, since they are prone to falling out of them. This occurrence is so common, in fact, that the veterinarian profession had to give it a name: High-Rise Syndrome. Apart from losing one of their nine lives, without pet insurance, you could lose a lot of money to your vet as a result of one of these fateful falls. Despite a cat’s reputation for landing on their feet, these falls often result in shattered jaws, punctured lungs, broken limbs and pelvises, and death.

Diabetes

It’s not just humans that suffer from an insulin malfunction – many cats, dogs and other pets are vulnerable to this disease. Although everyone loves a fat cat, diabetes is linked with obesity in animals too, so keep an eye on your cat’s weight. A cat with diabetes would have a ravenous appetite since their bodies cannot use the fuel from their diet. The danger lies in complications that arise as a result of hyperglycaemia. The first step in treating this cat health issue is to change their diet as well as starting insulin treatment. There may also be some further oral medications, but those tend to have more side-effects and are a last-resort if regular insulin treatment doesn’t do the trick.

Eye Problems

Cats are prone to a number of eye problems like conjunctivitis, corneal ulcer, cataracts, glaucoma, trauma, viruses, inflammation, and retinal disease. If you see any of the following symptoms, call your pet insurance and your vet:
• Watery eyes
• Tear-stained fur
• Cloudiness
• Red or white eyelid linings
• Gunk in the corners of the eye
• Squinting
• Pawing at the eye
• A visible third eyelid

Unless you know what else could be causing these symptoms, there isn’t much else you can do but take your cat in to the vet. Eye problems are considered an emergency to best to make that appointment as soon as you can.

Tapeworms

This parasite is a common pest for most of our four-legged friends. However, it’s unfortunately one of those that can spread to the rest of the family, so it’s one of those things you’ll want to nip in the bud. Tapeworms make themselves at home in your kitten’s small intestine and cause vomiting and weight loss. Speak to your vet about how to treat this cat health issue, and while you’re at it, ask about how to deworm your family.

Cancer

Sad as it is, your fur baby is as much at risk of developing cancer as any human. As your cat grows older, they can fall victim to all types of cancer including lymphoma, melanoma, breast cancer, and prostate cancer. You could seek treatment for your cat, but this is an expensive endeavour that many South Africans cannot afford. That’s where par insurance comes in handy – by paying an affordable monthly premium each month, you can be prepared for any vet visits and health issues your dear kitten may experience.

 

Whether your kitty is still young or simply young at heart, you can afford to keep them happy and healthy with a comprehensive pet insurance policy. You can get pet insurance for your cat from as young as 2 weeks to as old as 8 years. With Pet Insure you can find pet insurance prices that you can afford. Apply for a quote today and give your cat a long life you can both enjoy.