Having a lazy cat can be very frustrating. But there are ways to treat your cat’s lazy behavior.
Lethargy
Whenever your cat seems lethargic, you should take it to the veterinarian immediately. Cats can be affected by many different illnesses. Depending on the cause, your vet will decide what type of treatment is appropriate.
Some common causes of lethargy in cats include arthritis, heart disease, and liver failure. Lethargy can also be a symptom of viral or bacterial infections. If your cat is suffering from a serious medical condition, it may need a special diet or supplemental treatment.
Cats naturally sleep for a large portion of the day. However, lethargy in cats can occur at any time of the day or night. They also sleep in unusual positions, which relieves pressure from a painful area.
In order to treat your cat’s lethargy, your veterinarian will conduct diagnostic tests. These tests may include a blood chemistry panel, fecal exam, and urinalysis. They may also recommend a steroid called prednisone.
Stress
Unlike our canine counterparts, cats are not prone to a lot of ado about nothing. This gives them an advantage in a number of areas. Cat owners can keep their pet’s kitty happy with quality food, plenty of exercise and a comfy bed. Fortunately, they are also fairly easy to get along with. They may even be more enamored of you than their humans!
There is more to a feline’s life than just food and shelter, though. For starters, cats are prone to stress related ailments. This includes the infamous feline lower urinary tract disease or LUTS for short. Also, a stressed cat may display a number of behavioral traits such as hypersexuality, hyperactiveness, or even aggression. In some cases, a stressed cat may display a more obnoxious behavior such as biting the hand of the owner, stealing food or toys, or destroying property.
Obesity
Having an obese cat is not for the faint of heart. Obesity is not only dangerous, it can also shorten a cat’s life. Overweight cats are also more likely to suffer from ailments like diabetes, arthritis and heart disease. The good news is that obesity in cats is treatable.
Obesity may be caused by lack of exercise or excessive feeding. Obesity can also lead to other health issues such as skin rashes and digestive issues. The best thing to do is consult with your veterinarian to determine whether or not your cat is at risk. If your cat is obese, you may need to make some lifestyle changes to help keep it fit. A healthy cat can enjoy many more years of good health and happiness.
The most important thing to remember is to find out what your cat is eating. Overfeeding your cat can be dangerous.
Urinary tract issues
Whether your cat is younger or older, urinary tract issues can cause serious discomfort and potentially even death. These problems can happen anywhere along the urinary tract, but they are especially common in cats that use an indoor litter box. In some cases, the problem can even lead to kidney failure.
One of the most common urinary problems in cats is urethral obstruction. The obstruction is caused by crystals and mucus that form a plug in the urethra. If left untreated, the obstruction can cause kidney failure and death.
Urinary tract issues in cats can also be caused by endocrine disease, a condition in which the body produces too little or too much of certain hormones. Other causes include a change in litter box habits or food.
When you notice that your cat is straining to urinate or urinating in the house, or if your cat has started urinating outside of the litter box, you should see your veterinarian right away. Your veterinarian can perform a urinalysis to look for bacteria and crystals. They may also order x-rays or ultrasound to determine the cause. If there is a problem, your veterinarian will probably prescribe antibiotics or fluid therapy.
COVID-19 pandemic
Getting a cat to sit still for long periods of time is akin to playing with fire, especially if the cat is one of those naughty little things. The same goes for cats in cages. It’s no wonder that the number of cats in a pet hospital has risen by roughly two per day. Hopefully, the solution to this problem can be found in the form of a cat centric health plan. While this solution isn’t likely to come in the form of a formalized policy, the benefits of an organized cat care program are likely to be well worth the wait. After all, the aforementioned cat is the reason for many a parent’s ire. A healthy cat will also be a happy cat. Besides, a cat can be a source of much-needed entertainment, which is all the more reason to make a good cat owner.
