3 Common Cat Ailments and How to Deal With Them

Cats are susceptible to a range of health conditions, from accidental injuries to infectious and chronic diseases. This article focuses on three common and important conditions every cat owner should know about: abscesses, hairballs, and fleas.

1. Understanding and Treating Abscesses in Cats

An abscess is a painful, pus-filled swelling, usually caused by a bite from another cat. Cats with outdoor access, or those living in multi-cat households — particularly where territorial disputes occur — are most prone to abscesses. They typically appear on the face or around the rear end, depending on the nature of the fight. Cat bite wounds become infected quickly due to the bacteria present in their mouths.

Early veterinary attention is crucial. Although some abscesses may burst naturally, professional treatment with antibiotics and pain relief is necessary to prevent the infection spreading. Surgical drainage under sedation or anaesthesia may be required in some cases. The fur around the wound will be clipped to aid cleaning, and the wound will be left open or a drain placed to allow continued drainage.

Home care during your cat's recovery:

• Your cat may need to wear a buster collar to prevent them from interfering with the wound.
• Keep your cat indoors to minimise infection risks and prevent accidents caused by the collar or impaired vision.
• Follow your vet's instructions for wound cleaning; gentle bathing with warm salt water can support healing if the cat tolerates it.

Prompt and appropriate care generally results in a swift recovery, reducing stress and the risk of complications for your cat.

2. Hairballs: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

All cats groom themselves regularly and may swallow loose fur that normally passes through the digestive system without issue. However, excessive fur ingestion can form hairballs (trichobezoars) in the stomach, which the cat usually vomits up.

Long-haired cats and those with skin allergies that lead to excessive grooming are most prone to hairballs. Persistent vomiting, retching, loss of appetite, lethargy, and diarrhoea may indicate a problematic hairball or an intestinal blockage requiring urgent veterinary attention.

Managing hairballs at home:

• Regular brushing, regardless of coat length, removes loose fur before the cat can swallow it.
• If your cat grooms excessively, consult your vet to rule out underlying causes such as allergies or stress.
• Commercial lubricant supplements are available to help fur pass through the intestine, but be cautious of products containing high levels of vitamin A or laxatives, which are not suitable for long-term use.
• Increasing dietary fibre can be helpful, and if food allergies are suspected, a novel protein or carbohydrate diet may be recommended.

3. Fleas: Identification, Impact, and Safe Treatment Options

Fleas are common parasites that cause irritation and can trigger flea allergic dermatitis in cats. Severe infestations can cause anaemia, particularly in young or elderly cats, and fleas can also transmit tapeworms.

Fleas are difficult to spot on dark-coated cats, and a small number on your pet may conceal a much larger infestation in the home environment, including in carpets, soft furnishings, and outbuildings.

How to check for fleas: Use a fine-toothed flea comb and look for flea dirt — small reddish-brown specks that turn red when placed on damp white paper (due to digested blood). Flea eggs are tiny, pearly white, and do not cling to fur, so it is important to check the environment as well as the cat.

Effective flea control:

• Treat your cat with vet-recommended, species-appropriate flea products.
• At the same time, treat the home with pet-safe household insecticide sprays, taking care around fish tanks.
• Remember to treat any outbuildings your cat has access to, as fleas can survive there year-round.
• Regular flea prevention is recommended even for indoor cats due to environmental factors such as central heating.

Additional Considerations

Early recognition and treatment of these common conditions improves your cat's quality of life and recovery time. Regular veterinary check-ups help detect problems early and maintain feline health. Responsible ownership includes keeping cats indoors or supervised outdoors to reduce the risks of fights and infections, as well as ensuring up-to-date flea prevention, good grooming habits, and appropriate dietary management.

If your cat shows concerning symptoms such as persistent vomiting, changes in appetite or behaviour, swelling, or signs of pain, seek veterinary advice promptly for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.