Cat Health

E L asked:


We just moved and my 16-yr. old cat got her 3rd urinary tract infection (dropping blood). We went to a vet here and were told she has kidney failure; although, her BUN came back in the 70s and her creatinine, was considered good, absolutely normal.

I put her on a special food (for kidney failure) as the vet told me to. She is still drinking a lot of water. Since going on the food, she has begun throwing up brown liquid — A larger amount last night (about 10 inches altogether) compared to last week (then 4 spots).

I do not want her to be in pain. Is she? Should I be thinking about euthanizing her? We just had to put my daughter’s cat down. She was 15, had kidney failure and problems breathing, then the vet told us she also had thyroid failure and it was time–that she would never have a good quality of life again no matter what we did.

I don’t have a lot of money to spend on her, nor do I believe in that. I think when an animal is in pain, you let them go, then save another one from the humane society.

Any advice?

Jonah

Ann Kristin asked:


Just like humans, cats feel miserable when they are sick. As a pet owner, it is your primary responsibility to keep your feline friends healthy and happy. With proper care and nutrition you will have a friend for life in the form of your pet cat.

Here are some tips on how you can properly care for your cat’s health:

1. Feed them properly.

Every cat has a preference when it comes to food. There are several types of cat food available in the market. Try each one until you find out which variety your cat prefers.

However, you can still try to mix the variety of cat food you prepare so that your pet will have a nutritious and balanced diet.

Commercial cat foods have been well-researched so you do not need to worry about the nutritional value of what you are feeding your pet.

Also, supply your pet with a lot of clean water to drink. Having an ample supply of drinking water will lead to a healthier animal.

It does not matter if you serve dry, canned or moist cat food. Just make sure that you preserve the freshness of the food that they eat.

You would also want to opt for a healthy and natural cat food. Remember that it should be made of quality ingredients.

2. Remember that even domestic cats are natural hunters.

Mice can serve two purposes in your cat’s life: prey and dinner. Hunting for mice would preserve their natural abilities to hunt and seek prey.

If you decide that you do not like the idea of your cat regularly “hunting” for dinner, make sure that you provide them with a proper diet. This will result to your cat ending up just chasing and running after their prey for satisfying their natural hunting urges.

3. Watch out for unusual behavior.

If your pet is exhibiting unusual behavior, then the cat might not be at its best condition.

Try to look out for the following symptoms:

- being lethargic or less active than usual

- shedding of the fur or coat

- it has waxy ears

- looks poor and unhealthy

If you see these symptoms, you might want to change the food that you are serving your cat.

Better yet, consult a professional if you see your pet being less active than usual. Your pet might have a sickness or disease, and as a pet owner and cat lover, you would not want that to happen.



Carson