Toyger Cat Problems

Toyger Cat Problems may come as a surprise, if you're a new toyger cat owner. Many problems may befall your feline friend. Some toyger cat problems are easily preventable, while others are hereditary.

Toyger Cat Problems 1: Hairballs

Hairballs are among the most common toyger cat problem. Toyger cats groom themselves almost constantly, and swallow the loose hair that comes off their tongues.

Occasionally, the hair gathers into a ball and lodges in the toyger cat's digestive tract instead of passing on through the body.

If your toyger cat starts coughing and hacking, it probably has a hairball. The end product is unpleasant for the owner. Most cats don't have a problem dislodging hairballs.

However, hairballs can occasionally pass into a cat's intestines and cause a blockage. This can be a life-threatening problem.

There are a few signs to look for to see if your cat's hairball is dangerous.

Your toyger cat is constipated, off his feed, or is lethargic with a dull coat. Then he could have a serious blockage. A vet exam is definitely in order.

To prevent hairballs, groom your toyger cat frequently to remove loose hair. In addition, feed your toyger cat food that helps control hairballs.

Toyger Cat Problems 2: Worms

For many toyger cats, worms are a recurring problem. Roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms most commonly infect cats.

Toyger cats can occasionally develop heartworms, as well. Your cat seems unable to gain weight. Or, it is infested with fleas. It has white specks that look like grains of rice in their stools. Take your toyger cat to the veterinarian for worm testing.

Worms are easily cured with a few doses of medication, but if left untreated, they can be fatal.

Toyger Cat Problems 3: Urinary Tract Problems

Urinary tract problems are another common problem in toyger cats. This problem is particularly common in unneutered male toyger cats. Although, female toyger cats can also develop this problem.

Your toyger cat suddenly stops using the litter box. A urinary tract problem is suspect. If your cat's urine smells strong, again a urinary tract problem may be the cause.

These toyger cat problems need to be treated by a veterinarian. Ask about cat foods that reduce the likelihood of another infection.

Toyger Cat Problems 4: Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

FIV, or toyger cat AIDS, is not always fatal. FIV decreases the ability of the toyger cat's immune system to fight infections.

Toyger cats with FIV may remain free of symptoms for years. It is when the cat contracts other illnesses in the chronic stage of FIV infection that FIV is first suspected.

This long list of toyger cat problems includes:

• oral-cavity problems
• upper-respiratory problems
• weight loss
• ear problems
• kidney disease, and many others.

Although there is, as yet, no vaccine, all toyger cats should be tested for the virus. The virus is transmitted through saliva, usually when a cat is bitten in a cat fight.

Toyger Cat Problems 5: Feline Leukemia Virus

FLV was, until recently, the most common fatal disease of toyger cats. But with a vaccine now available, the number of cases is dwindling.

Although the name leukemia means cancer of the white blood cells. This is only one of the many diseases associated with this virus. There are other types of cancer plus anemia, arthritis and respiratory problems.

FLV is preventable if the toyger cat is immunized before being exposed to the virus.

Although the disease is not always immediately fatal, toyger cats with FLV rarely have a long life expectancy. NEVER bring other cats into your household when you have a toyger cat with FLV.

Toyger Cat Problems 6: Lyme Disease

If your toyger cat spends time outdoors, you should check him regularly for ticks.

If you find a tick on your toyger cat's body and he has been lethargic and acts as if he is in pain, ask your vet to test for Lyme Disease.

This disease is transmitted to people and animals by deer ticks. Some toyger cats may show subtle symptoms while others may show none. Symptoms are hard to recognize and often may be confused with other illnesses or old age.

Be observant of your toyger cat's behavior.

It is the only way to know if your toyger cat has contracted Lyme disease if no tick was found.

Some symptoms of Feline Lyme Disease include: (a) lethargy, (b) reluctance to jump or climb stairs, (c) limping, or reluctance to put weight on a paw, (d) loss of appetite.

The key to dealing with Feline Lyme Disease is prevention and early diagnosis and treatment.

You should reduce the tick population around your home with simple landscape changes and spraying.

Good Toyger Cat Problem Care

Take your toyger cat for a regular check-up with the vet. And keep all vaccinations on schedule will help assure your toyger cat a long problem free life.

Prevention is the first line of defense for most toyger cat problems. Many owners keep their toyger cats indoors. This is to protect them from cars, cat fights, ticks and other hazards.

Outdoor toyger cats will enjoy greater freedom. But they will require a watchful eye, loving attention to any problems, and regular visits to the veterinarian.