That cats are self-sufficient is a well-known fact. They’re also experts at hiding signs of minor illnesses from their owners. As a cat parent you need to watch out for certain telltale signs that indicate your cat’s discomfort. It’s also important to know whether you need to make a visit to the vet or a quick home remedy would suffice.
Here are some tried and tested home remedies for some of the most common cat illnesses that will set your cat right as rain!
Stomach upset and other gastro issues
An occasional stomach upset or two is not unusual in animals. It could be a small change in their cat food, something they ate while outside, a virus, or an infection.
Signs to watch out for: vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and tiredness.
What can you do?
If it’s a minor issue a home remedy should set them right within a day. Start a brief fast and avoid giving them food for a few hours. Sustain their energy by giving them a few spoons of water every half an hour. Reintroduce solids by giving them some bland, easily digestible food.
In most cases they should be busy at their scratching posts by the next day!
Bee stings
Cats getting stung by bees is quite a common occurrence. When this happens, it usually shows up in a swollen face or paw and they will experience some pain and irritation, which usually goes away in some time.
Signs to watch out for: scratching or pawing at the sore spot, clear signs of distress, crying and yowling, limping, swelling
What can you do?
Immediate first-aid usually works. Try to find and remove the stinger if possible. If you manage to do so, put an ice pack (or other items like a bag of frozen peas) to cool down the heated area for about ten minutes. Always wrap the ice pack in a towel to control the cold. Alternatively, wipe the area with a towel dipped in cold water.
Keep your cat under close observation for the next few hours to ensure that no other symptoms develop. Some cats are allergic to bee stings and this can manifest in breathlessness and weakness. If you see any such signs it’s time to call the vet.
Respiratory infections
Just like us, a cat with a cold is constantly sneezing, has a runny nose and is generally uncomfortable. It’s easy enough to catch a virus if your cat has been outdoors but even cats who spend most of their time indoors are susceptible. Cat colds are usually an upper respiratory infection and are easily spread among cats.
Signs to watch out for: sniffles, watery eyes, mild fever, runny nose, sneezing, lethargy, and sometimes, lack of appetite
What can you do?
Wipe their nose and eyes with a soft cloth. They might be feeling slightly cold and a warm blanket with some lukewarm water in their bowl will help them feel comfortable. If it’s a severe cold they might lose their appetite but give them some warm food to make it more appealing.
In most cases, colds disappear in about a week or so. Always speak to the vet before you give any medication or if the cold seems to get worse.
Hairball issues
Another common sight that cat parents are familiar with is your cat trying to expel a hairball stuck in the throat. It’s agonizing to watch them struggle! However, hairballs are an inevitable part of a cat’s life as the finicky felines constantly lick and clean themselves.
Signs to watch out for: vomiting, gagging, lack of appetite, diarrhea or constipation
What can you do?
Give them a mild laxative approved by the vet to help them pass the hairball naturally through their digestive tract. A tablespoon of olive oil, fish oil, butter, or small pumpkin pieces added to their food will ease their digestion and also relieve them of stomach aches caused by hairballs.
Don’t forget to groom your cat fastidiously and frequently to remove all the loose fur to reduce the frequency of the hairball occurrence.
If the symptoms seem severe with your cat being unable to breathe or dry heaving it’s best to call the vet.
Home remedies and first-aid measures are lifesavers but sometimes you just might need a little more. Watch your cat carefully for abnormal behavior, prolonged symptoms, and other persistent signs of distress and contact the vet immediately to ensure your pet’s safety and your peace of mind.
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