Learn about nine common cat diseases caused by colder weather!
The weather is getting colder and colder. Has the cat done a good job of preventing winter diseases?
9 common cat diseases in cold weather we should know about:
- Upper respiratory tract infection
When the temperature changes during the changing seasons, due to the large temperature difference between day and night, the resistance of cats is reduced, and common respiratory infectious diseases in cats are prone to outbreaks. Common symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and increased eye discharge are especially severe for kittens.
During this time, it is necessary to keep the cat warm as much as possible. In the area that is too dry, the air temperature of the primary circuit can also be appropriate to ensure that the cat’s vaccine antibody is sufficient, improve the cat’s own immunity, and reduce the things that easily cause the cat’s stress.
2. Idiopathic cystitis
It is a relatively common urinary tract problem in cats and a high-incidence disease in winter. Most of them are caused by cats that do not like to drink water because the water is too cold, accompanied by frequent access to the cat toilet, oliguria, no urine, frequent licking of the genitals, and other symptoms. In severe cases, there will be listlessness, dehydration, and vomiting.
For cats with the above conditions, the owner should increase the cat’s moisture through wet food or continued provision of warm water.
3. Acute gastroenteritis
In autumn and winter, cats are prone to vomiting and diarrhea. Changing food, catching a cold, bacteria, viruses, etc., may cause vomiting and diarrhea, which is the performance of acute gastroenteritis.
This disease can cause dehydration in cats in a short period of time, especially for kittens, and new owners should not be careless. When the cat comes forward with persistent severe vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and watery stool, it must seek medical attention immediately.
4. Asthma
Yes, cats can also have asthma, especially chronic bronchitis, a cough caused by bronchial asthma. It is prone to high incidence in the cold season, mainly caused by allergies, of which dust is the main allergen.
In winter, it is cold and dry. The owner should try to avoid using perfume, and dusty cat litter, clean it frequently and open the window for ventilation while keeping the room temperature.
5. Obesity
With less sunshine and cooler temperatures, cats instinctively eat more to generate enough heat to fight off the coming winter. But eating more and less exercise can make cats overweight in winter.
Obesity in cats is an increasingly serious problem. It can lead to serious health problems, including diabetes, liver disease, joint disease, etc. It will not increase surgery and anesthesia. Owners must pay attention to maintaining a healthy weight for cats.
6. Arthritis problems
Older cats, especially those with arthritic joint pain, can get sicker in the winter, making them especially uncomfortable. Owners should keep cats warm this season by providing them with a comfortable resting area to relieve joint pain.
In addition, the owner needs to help the cat maintain a healthy weight as much as possible to reduce the pressure on the joints.
7. Paw pads and dry skin
Cold, dry climates and excessive heating can have an effect on your cat’s skin. Dry air can deplete and dehydrate your cat’s skin, causing the skin and paw pads to appear chapped and sensitive, making them uncomfortable.
In addition to combing the cats more to promote their oil secretion, you can massage the paw pads with natural oils such as olive oil and fish oil, provide a nutritious diet and adequate moisture, and increase the temperature of the air through a humidifier.
8. Feline distemper and other severe infectious diseases
Because various common diseases in winter will lead to cats’ immunity, the resistance will decline, allowing all kinds of severe infectious diseases to enter, resulting in a big outbreak. The owner should vaccinate the cat in advance, ensure sufficient antibodies, minimize unnecessary outings in the cold season, and keep warm when going out.
9. Low-temperature burns
Many owners will use various heating equipment in the cold season to keep cats warm. Cats will be very happy, but at the same time, they should be vigilant to prevent cats from craving warmth and causing low-temperature burns. Before using heating equipment, prevent scalding and isolation, and use electricity safely.
