Cats have a reputation as low-maintenance pets, but this is unfortunately not true. The truth is that rather than being self-sufficient, cats are simply very good at hiding signs of illness.
Here are some serious health problems that cat owners often miss:
- Obesity: although fat cats may look happy and cuddly, excess weight can severely shorten their lives, and contribute to the development of other serious diseases.
- Hyperthyroid: the overproduction of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland can increase your cat’s energy level, but at the expense of his or her long term health.
- Urinary tract infection: if your cat is missing his or her litter box, it may not be on purpose and could be a result of health issues.
- Dental disease: symptoms may not be as obvious with cats as with dogs, again because cats are so good at hiding signs of pain.
- Arthritis: even if the signs of aching joints are subtle, your older feline friend may be suffering from pain that can be treated.