Cat Health Checkups: Preventing Common Feline Diseases

Annual cat health checkups are something you shouldn't overlook, because no cat parent wants their cat to get sick, and everyone wants their cat to live with them for as long as possible. But in reality, cats are living beings that go through the same cycle of birth, aging, illness, and death as humans. Some illnesses that occur in cats can be cured, while others cannot. So cat parents should learn about the main diseases commonly found in cats, so they can watch out for them.

Cat Health Checkups and Diseases to Watch Out for When Raising a Cat

1. Feline Heart Disease

Commonly found in breeds such as Persian, Maine Coon, Ragdoll, American Shorthair, and Siamese, among others. It can occur from a young age all the way to old age. Cats typically show symptoms such as fatigue, panting, pale or bluish gums/tongue, difficulty breathing, open-mouth breathing, or in some cases, this can lead to blood clots. We recommend a heart checkup at least once a year.

2. Feline Kidney Disease

This is a commonly found condition in cats, with several contributing causes, such as age-related degeneration, infection, kidney stones, or polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Symptoms vary depending on the cause, such as lethargy, vomiting, weight loss, difficulty urinating, drinking excessive water, unusually frequent urination, and oral inflammation. We recommend regular blood tests and ultrasounds.

3. Viral Infections

1. FIV (Feline AIDS) and FeLV (Feline Leukemia) -- if you're bringing a new cat into your home, you should always get a blood test to check for this group of viral diseases, or if your cat at home has outdoor access, they should regularly see a veterinarian for blood tests.

2. Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper) -- transmitted through ingestion of the virus. The virus has an incubation period and shows symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. So if you're bringing a new cat into your home, you should keep them separated for observation and get a stool test to screen for this disease.

All of the diseases mentioned above are just some of the most commonly found ones -- there are many more infectious and breed-specific conditions.

If you're just starting out with a cat, we recommend researching breed-specific conditions and bringing your cat to see a veterinarian for advice on care and regular checkups.

An Animal Clinic Open 24 Hours a Day

For pet owners who care about their pets and want round-the-clock consultation and care, with both online and onsite services available, we recommend Thonglor Pet Hospital. We offer a full range of specialized treatment centers, such as our dermatology and allergy center, feline and canine cardiology center. Most importantly, our team of veterinarians, nurses, and staff are always close by, 24 hours a day -- no matter when illness strikes, we're ready to care for your beloved pet at all times (please make an appointment in advance).

Pet owners need not worry, because Thonglor Pet Hospital has 1 international branch in Vietnam, plus over 19 branches nationwide covering every area, including Srinakarin, Tiwanon, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and many other branch locations. All branches use the same internal system for managing information.

In addition, our veterinary team, nurses, and hospital staff have all been thoroughly trained in understanding pet behavior, giving you confidence that your beloved pet will be happy and safe while you're away on a long trip. If you're interested in our pet boarding services or other offerings, please contact us using the details below.

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