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There are many surprises to new cat owners, including that of the numerous health problems that are very common among most cats.

No matter what breed of cat you own, cat health is one of the major topics you will have to know about.  Some problems can be expected in any breed. Even though some are easily prevented, others are hereditary. Worms are a very commomn and recurring problem no matter what breed of cat it may be.

Tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms are among the most common that infect cats. You should contact your vet and have your cat tested for worms if he or she has problems gaining weight, fleas, or if you see white spots in his or her stool. Although they can be treated with medicine, worms can prove to be fatal if they are left untreated.

Hairballs are the most common health problem for cats. Cats clean themselves every day, and they swallow the hair that they shed. Loose hair, on occasion, will gather into a ball and become lodged in the digestive tract instead of passing through in your cats stool. When your cat starts to cough and hack, he is normally coughing up a hairball - as a popular cat owner manual confirmed recently. Although it is kind of gross, cats can usually get rid of the hairballs without difficulty. In rare cases, a hairball can pass through to a cats intestine, creating a blockage.

Blockages are very serious problems, and can be life threatening if they arent treated. A change in appetite, constipation and a dull coat could be an indication that your cat has a blockage. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should take him to the vet immediately.

By brushing your cat several times a week removes excess hair preventing hairballs and blockages. Urinary tract infection and hairballs are common ailments in cats. You can purchase food specifically designed to control hairballs.

Urinary tract infection is more common with male cats that havent been neutered, although females can suffer from this problem as well. When a cat suddenly stops going to his litter box, this problem is normally the cause. If a cat's urine smells unusually strong, the cat may have a urinary tract infection and should be taken to the vet. Your vet can treat the problem with medicine, and make recommendations to help avoid this problem in the future.

Feline leukemia was the biggest cause of death in cats in the past, however, these days, vaccines are available that can treat the disease. To treat the disease, your cat will need to be given the shot before he or she is exposed. Even though death doesnt happen immediately, cats that are exposed to feline leukemia normally don't have a long life span. If you know your cat has feline leukemia, you should never allow other cats around him, as the virus is highly contagious.

To protect your cat, you should always make sure that you take him to the vet for his regular check ups. If you keep him up to date on his vaccinations, he should lead a healthy and productive life. Although some health problems can't be avoided, most of them can. If you take cat care seriously, take him to the vet and keep him healthy he will be your companion for years to come.

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