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Your Cat Health Questions



Common cat health questions that Cat Lovers Only readers have asked, or that I've seen being asked around the Internet are addressed here.

I've included just some of the questions that are on my list to give us a start, and then I'll open it up to your questions and answers. Below, you can ask your own questions (or answer those of others).






General Questions


Q. My cat won't use the litter box, what should I do?

A. The answers to this are many and varied, depending upon the type of problem and the cause. The first step is to rule out a physical cause by taking your cat to the vet. Then, you can work through any emotional issues. See my cat litter box problems guide for more help.

Q. I think my cat might have worms. How do I tell?

A. Your cat should be tested for worms once per year by your veterinarian. Keep in mind that worms can be present whether you see them or not, and an infected cat may not show any signs or symptoms. Here are some common types of cat worms and how to spot them.

Q. My cat is coughing. What does it mean?

A. Your cat may exhibit various hacking and coughing behaviors when trying to deal with fur balls. An actual cough, however, is relatively rare in cats and warrant a call to your veterinarian for guidance.






Cat Health Questions Regarding Food


Q. My cat likes to eat dog food. Is this healthy?

A. No. Cats and dogs have different nutritional requirements. For example, cats require that an amino acid called taurine be in their diet in sufficient quantities. Without it, your cat may go blind. If your cat is eating too much dog food and therefore not getting enough of what a cat needs, that is a problem.

Q. Can chocolate kill cats?

A. Yes. Chocolate poisoning is more common in dogs, but many animals may have reactions to it, including cats. While small quantities may not kill your cat, chocolate should be off-limits for kitty.

I've put this one on here because I've seen elsewhere on the Web where people have asked this question and the answer was given as "no" so I wanted to make sure that cat owners are informed.

Q. Should I feed my cat table scraps?

A. Cats are obligate carnivores so they can't get all the nutrition they need from a plant-based diet. Feeding scraps of meat (without spices or sugary sauces) is probably OK in moderation, but if your cat's diet becomes unbalanced, she may become malnourished.

According to Dr. Al Sears, M.D. (no, he's not a vet), the most complete source of protein for your cat is eggs. Next to that, grass fed beef, fish, and poultry are your choices.

Also, the meat you feed your cat should be from animals that are not fed hormones. So, free range chickens and grass fed beef is the way to go. Unless you want a beggar, don't feed directly from the table or the stove/oven. Prepare the food and feed your cat at a later time.






Poisons and Your Cat


Q. I want to keep my cat away from my plants, my garden, and other areas of my house. I've heard that I can use mothballs as a cat repellent. Someone said I shouldn't because they're poisonous.

A. Yes, the 2 different substances that mothballs are made of are both poisonous to cats. If you feel you must use mothballs as a cat repellent, then put them in a glass jar with a metal lid. Punch small holes in the metal lid so that the fumes can escape. The smell should keep your cat away.

Q. I've heard that many household items, including common cleaners, contain chemicals that may be poisonous to cats. Is this true? Where can I get a list of these items?

A. New products are put on the market all the time. Check with the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for the latest on poisoning issues.

Q. Can I give my cat aspirin or other over the counter drugs?

A. No. A small amount of Tylenol can kill a cat, and aspirin takes your cat's body about 3 days to metabolize. Never try to treat your cat with drugs for humans, unless instructed by your veterinarian to do so.






Books that Address Cat Health Questions


Cat Talk: What Your Cat Is Trying to Tell You by Carole C. Wilbourn. This book focuses a lot on cat behavior, but gets into the connection between emotional problems in cats and cat illnesses.

The Encyclopedia of the Cat contains information on cat health, first aid, parasites, and home nursing kittens.






Get Answers From Veterinarians


There are many question and answer type sites popping up on the Internet. Beware when getting any answers to cat health questions on the Internet.

While even different authoritative sources can have conflicting information, most of the question and answer sites are filled with misinformation, rumor, and innuendo.

Your veterinarian is your best source for health information regarding your cat.

That having been said, JustAnswer.com has expert advice and immediate answers to specific questions from trained veterinarians and cat experts.

Simply type your question into the box below, and for a nominal fee, you'll get an expert answer.



JustAnswer.com


Now, let's tap into the collective wisdom of our readers below...






Ask Your Questions and Answer Others

What's Your Most Important Cat Health Question? (Ex... What's the Best Flea Treatment You've Used?)

Do you have a nagging question on cat health that you want the Cat Lovers Only readers to answer? Do you have an answer to a question you once had that you feel would help other cat owners? Share it!

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This will better help us all to learn about cat health.

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