Top 10 Cat Health Questions

By Colleen Cancio, Animal Planet

Cats are magnificent creatures. With grace, refinement and a permanent look of haughty disdain on their faces, their charms are impossible to resist. On the other hand, cats are also quite mysterious, which is why taking care of them isn’t always easy.

What constitutes “normal” behavior for a cat? How do you know when to take your cat to the veterinarian? How do cats cope with stress in their environment, and what are some of the symptoms of serious illness in a cat? Check out our list of the top 10 cat health questions to learn about the domestic cat’s most common quirks and health concerns.

10. Is it normal for cats to mark their territory?

Cats are some of the most territorial creatures on the planet. Every time your cat rubs his cheeks against you, he’s marking you with his scent. It’s his way of saying “back off — this one’s taken.”

When it comes to territory marking in house cats, the biggest problem for owners is urine spraying, that unfortunate tomcat tendency to pee on drapes, furniture and other household items. Spraying is different from the elimination of urine for physiological reasons. When cats spray, it’s meant to be a “keep out” sign for other animals.

Spraying is common among felines that live in multi-cat households or those that are experiencing stress. If your cat is spraying, thoroughly clean the marked area with products designed to neutralize odor. You should also do your best to create and maintain a stress-free environment for your feline friend.

No. 1 Cleaning Tip
When cleaning cat spray with household products, avoid using those that are ammonia-based. Ammonia smells like urine and may cause the cat to spray more in order to cover it up.

9. What are the recommended shots for cats?

Vaccines are very important for domestic cats, both indoor and outdoor. But it may not always be clear which vaccines to give your bewhiskered buddy. According to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, the types of shots your cat needs depend on several factors, including whether he goes outside and his age and overall health.

As a general rule, all cats should be vaccinated for feline distemper, feline herpes virus and rabies. Outdoor cats require vaccines for additional diseases, such as feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia virus, the number one viral killer of cats. Each of these may be given on a particular schedule, depending on the age of your pet. When planning for your veterinary visit, be prepared to discuss your cat’s environment, lifestyle and medical history, as these will factor into the decisions about vaccination.

Vaccination Malaise
Receiving vaccinations may cause your cat to retreat to a favorite hiding spot for a day or two. This is normal. However, if he does not return to his normal behavior within 48 hours, talk to your veterinarian about the problem.

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Read more: Cats, Do Good, Everyday Pet Care, Pets, pet health

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Gabriela B.

4:37PM PDT on May 18, 2013

Thanks for the good advice !!

May 18
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Valentina R.

4:13AM PDT on Jun 9, 2012

Very useful article, thanks for posting.

June 9
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Sa R.

4:20PM PDT on Mar 29, 2012

Thanks

March 29
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Elisabeth T.

7:14AM PDT on Mar 15, 2012

Great information, thanks so much...

March 15
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Rosemary R P.

10:31PM PDT on Oct 12, 2011

Samantha thank you for this information. Our Kismet, aka Kizzy is 14 already and he knows the 'drills' for cutting his nails, and brushing his thick beautiful Persian fur to avoid fur balls... that only happens in my dreams! Seriously though, he is showing signs of problems such as severe weight loss even though he is eating and drinking albeit much less these days.
When we adopted him we were told he was found abandoned in a field, and if cats have memories like humans do, then it would stand to reason that fear was his early experience and remains to this day. He panics when I get him ready to go to the vet. All comforts mean nothing. And now, I just worry that this may be his last trip::( If you have any advice please do not hesitate to send me a message. Thanks again Samantha and Care2 feline loving friends .

October 12
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Beverly G.

2:45PM PDT on Sep 14, 2011

MY CAT SEEMS TO EAT GRASS ALOT. I KNOW ITS TO TRY AND BRING A FURBALL UP, I WAS TOLD, OR THAT ITS THEIR MEDICINE. DUZ ANYBODY KNOW THE REASON ?

September 14
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Ria T.

8:21AM PDT on Sep 12, 2011

This is the article I wish I'd had upon adopting my first cat 35 years ago. Great information! The "when to worry" part and when not to worry, is the best! Thank you.

September 12
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Sharon P.

1:08AM PDT on Sep 4, 2011

Thanks, good information.

September 4
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Edith B.

9:58PM PDT on Aug 21, 2011

I seem to have had all these symptoms in my multi cat household. The vomiting ended when I changed their food.

August 21
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Katy H.

7:47PM PDT on Aug 19, 2011

Here is a question for you. I have heard that cat boxes can transmit an illness to humans - dont know if its viral or bacteria - that can actually affect the brain, causing more risk taking. Mice who contacted this lost their fear and were therefore easier prey for cats. Any truth to this and do you know what it is called or where to get info?