Common Everyday Cat Illnesses
📝 Summary
Five common cat illnesses: URI (cough/sneeze/runny nose; warmth+nutrition); fleas (scratch, black specks; vet product); heartworm (vomiting/cough/wheeze; monthly prevention + mosquito control); periodontal disease (bad breath; brush); obesity (oval shape; measured meals + exercise) risking diabetes/urinary/arthritis.
1 Respiratory, Fleas, Heartworm
Upper respiratory infection: cough, sneeze, runny nose (yellow discharge warrants attention), triggered by cold or poor nutrition; prevent with warmth and better food. Fleas: scratching and black specks after a bath mean fleas—use a vet-recommended product fast before they infest the home.
Heartworm: intermittent vomiting, cough, wheezing/dyspnea, regurgitation, lethargy, appetite loss; prevent with monthly prevention. Mosquitoes are the intermediate host, so control fleas/mosquitoes, keep the environment clean, avoid mosquito spots, and refresh the water bowl often.
2 Dental and Weight
Periodontal disease comes from plaque on teeth (tartar, gingivitis, periodontitis): bad breath, drooling, only eating soft food; prevent with regular brushing and dental cleaning. Obesity: an oval loaf shape, a jiggling belly, and ribs you must press to feel; it drives diabetes, lower-urinary disease, arthritis, and fatty liver. Don’t free-feed—give small frequent meals and play daily.
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