Cat owners know that taking on the responsibility of caring for a cat lasts the feline’s lifespan. It involves providing a nutritious diet, a safe home, and care during illness. Unfortunately, cats can prove expensive pets for vet care, especially if they are prone to illness or other medical conditions. Even over-the-counter medications are pricey, and the expenses keep piling up.
Fortunately, this is unnecessary as many home remedies for common cat ailments work effectively without costing a fortune and requiring a trip to the veterinarian.
Here are some typical issues cats experience and how to treat them at home:
Obesity
Some cats gain weight despite their owners’ best efforts to minimize how much they eat. Feline obesity poses real health challenges that could shorten your cat’s lifespan. Overweight cats struggle with joint pain, increased difficulty grooming, and a raised likelihood of developing heart disease and kidney problems. The latter can arise in any cat, even those that retain a healthy weight. Vets recommend a natural renal liquid for cats to maintain optimal kidney function.
The first and best way to tackle feline weight problems is by adjusting your cat’s diet. Start by changing its cat food to a low-calorie brand that includes increased protein levels that promotes a sense of fullness.
Ensure that your preferred brand contains high fluid levels to keep your cat’s liquid intake sufficient to support its kidneys. Create a set feeding routine, giving your cat 20-30 minutes to finish eating. Exercise your feline frequently by instituting regular play sessions to keep them active.
Itchy skin
Cats with allergies will experience frequent bouts of dry, itchy skin. Another cause of this condition is insufficient omega-3 fatty acids and zinc in your feline’s diet. Cat grooming is essential for maintaining healthy skin as it spreads natural skin oils. As felines gain weight or age, grooming becomes more challenging for them.
Supplement your cat’s diet with omega-3 by mixing fish oil into its food. Visit a pet store to find a fish oil supplement for pets, perfect for addressing a deficiency. Alternatives to consider include flaxseed or hemp seed oil. Consistent brushing sessions will assist cats struggling to self-groom. Your kitty might not welcome these efforts, but it is essential to keep their skin healthy.
Chamomile tea is soothing for dry, itchy skin. Make a pot of tea, allow it to cool, and put it in a spray bottle that you keep in the fridge. Spray the mixture generously on any red, itchy patches. Remove dry, flaky skin by washing your feline in a mild vinegar solution, such as one or two teaspoons of vinegar for every gallon of water.
Fur problems
Cats develop hairballs from ingesting hair while they groom. The hair does not digest, forming a clump in a feline’s digestive tract. The cat will eventually egest a hairball by vomiting it out. It can be distressing for felines and owners alike. In extreme cases, cats must undergo expensive surgery to have furballs removed.
The best treatments for hairballs are preventative, requiring owners to ensure that these obstructions do not develop in the first instance. Furballs are often caused by excessive hair loss caused by food allergies and stress. Cat owners should experiment with different foods as determining the nature of an allergy often comes down to a process of elimination. Try pet CBD oil for anxious cats that might be shedding due to stress.
Regular brushing removes excess fur that a cat would otherwise ingest during self-grooming. Daily brushing gets rid of matting or tangles, reduces how much hair a cat ingests, and keeps the skin and coat healthy, reducing the chances of extreme hair loss.
Constipation
Like humans, cats may experience bouts of constipation. In most cases, constipation occurs due to improper food digestion or a lack of water. Many cats do not consume enough water as they do not drink from a water bowl as often as dogs do. Avoid this by feeding the feline food that contains a lot of fluid, such as wet cat food. Owners should provide their cats with a few drinking stations, refilling the bowls daily.
A high-fiber diet is another solution to constipation problems. Check your current cat food to ascertain its fiber content. Most brands have enough fiber, but your kitty might need some extra. Consider adding mashed pumpkin, beet pulp, or grains to the cat food.
Diarrhea
The opposite of constipation, diarrhea also has its roots in diet, although it might be caused by a fungal or bacterial infection. Before assuming the worst, treat feline diarrhea at home by increasing the cat’s fiber intake, using the suggestions above. Add some probiotics to your cat’s food to boost gut flora levels, the bacteria that aid in digestion.
Should diarrhea persist for more than two or three days, visit your vet. Chronic diarrhea poses the risk of dehydration, which could be fatal if not treated in time.
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