There are many articles and information on how to take care of a dog but there are other pets that need our attention just as much like cats. Cats have similar illnesses and conditions that occur just like dogs and there are common medicines that our vets prescribe that can help our pets to get back to feeling like their old self.
Common Feline Health Problems
Cats have a tendency to develop complications from diabetes, hyperthyroidism, Urinary tract infections, heart conditions, constipation, ringworm and other parasites, and upper respiratory problems. It is best to try and deal with these conditions as soon as signs occur like changes in eating habits, sneezing, coughing, gagging or difficulty breathing and excessive scratching.
Medicines Used
Diabetes and Thyroid conditions are slowly becoming fairly common in older male cats and the best form of treatment for this is insulin, initially human NPH insulin is used and sometimes PZI insulin is used which is preferred by some vets. There is also Glagine (Lantus) which seems to work the best out of all the insulin treatments. Thyroid conditions are treated with radioactive iodine which removes the part of the thyroid that is causing the problem. This is used in some severe cases of the disease. Then there is Tapazole or Methimazole that can also be prescribed by many vets.
Urinary problems and parasites are fairly common among pets in general. With cats most urinary problems can be cured with a change in diet and exercise but in some cases an antibiotic may be administered. With parasites like worms a vet may prescribe Tartrate, Praziquantol, or Epsipratal to kill the worms. Fleas can be controlled with medicated shampoos or oral medication. These medications can be administered in a suspension or pill form. Some of the pills administered can be Program Tablets, Proban tablets or Capstar to name a few.
Heart problems and upper respiratory issues are fairly common place in kittens and older felines. These ailments are usually treated by medicines like Vasotec and Norvasc for the heart conditions and Zithromax, Lysine, Baytril and Orbax for the Upper Respiratory problems.
Prevention
Leading a healthy well rounded life can decrease some of these ailments and conditions. By making sure your cat is eating healthy foods , drinking fresh water , has minimal vaccines and is exposed to fewer chemicals your cat will be in a better position to avoid the extreme cases of the above conditions. Many owners wait too long to bring their cats to the vet and the condition at this point has developed into the serious stages. The best medicine is to try and feed your cat the healthiest food with a combination of soft and hard foods, plenty of fresh water, lots of exercise and regular check ups to the vet.