Many people think of their pets as family members. When their pet gets sick they can feel just as helpless as if the illness is in a human family member. Managing chronic diseases in cats can be time-consuming and emotionally draining, but these ideas may help you help your feline friend.
No one wants to think about their pet becoming chronically ill. However, if you notice your cat isn’t acting quite like itself, you’ll want to get it in to see a veterinarian as soon as you can. Early diagnosis of a chronic illness is vital to enable your pet to have any type of quality of life.
Early symptoms of illnesses are often overlooked, not because you don’t care about your pets but because some illnesses begin slowly and develop over the course of time. You may not notice that your cat is having breathing difficulties because they’ve had problems with hairballs. Or they’ve coughed a time or two but not enough to make you worry.
Taking your cat to the vet for regular check-ups may be helpful in diagnosing a serious or chronic illness. Your veterinarian will be able to provide you with all the instruction you’ll need in how to care for your pet. They will also be able to describe any further symptoms which will need immediate medical attention. You can also expect them to support you by providing answers to questions, advice and possibly even a shoulder should you feel the need to cry.
One of the best things you can do when managing chronic diseases in cats is to get them on a routine. Ask your vet to help you set up a schedule for giving your cat its medications. Learn all you can about your pet’s particular disease so you can make any necessary changes to their diet or their day.
Older cats, like people, can develop arthritis – particularly if they are overweight. Your vet will help you determine the best diet for your cat to lose weight and become more active. They will be there with you each step of the way to give your pet the best quality of life possible.
Some older cats develop chronic renal failure where your cat will have difficulties urinating. Your cat will need regular testing to check its creatinine levels. Keeping your own stress levels low will keep you from sending negative emotions to your cat which may heighten their own behavior.
Feline diabetes is more prevalent in older, obese or male cats. Your cat will need to have their blood tested much the same way a person’s would. By working closely with your cat’s veterinarian, the two of you can develop a program of treatment and diet which will allow your pet to live longer.
Nutritional changes can go a long way in helping to manage your cat’s chronic disease. In the case of feline diabetes you may also have to give your cat insulin formulated for cats. Your veterinarian will be able to teach you how to check your cat’s blood sugar and administer any insulin necessary.
Pets can mean so much to those who own them. Having a cat with a chronic illness is going to be stressful, to say the least. However, with proper care and great veterinarian staff, you can rest assured that you are helping your cat live longer.