Most common problems in cats.
A cat is much more than just a pet. It's a fluffy family member, a grumpy companion, and the occasional mischievous little rascal who jokingly pushes things off the counter. Yet, our whiskered companions can't always let us know when they're feeling under the weather. That's why it's crucial to be familiar with the most common cat ailments.
Kidney problems
This is one of the most common conditions in older cats, often due to kidney wear and tear. Symptoms: Excessive drinking/urination, weight loss, vomiting. Prevention: Switch to a high-quality, low-phosphorus, high-protein diet such as BF® Senior Cat, plus extra omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) to reduce and/or support inflammation. Supplements: Phosphate binders (ask your veterinarian) if the cat is not eating the complete diet, and omega-3 supplements (BF® Scottish Salmon Oil).
Overweight/obesity
Many domestic cats don't exercise enough and eat too much, leading to diabetes, joint problems, and heart disease. Prevention: Choose a high-protein, low-calorie diet with L-carnitine (which helps burn fat) such as BF® Control Cat. Portion control is key; weigh food. Supplements: Consider adding an L-carnitine supplement. Combine this with more playtime and exercise for best results.
Urinary tract problems (bladder grit/stones )
Especially in neutered male cats: crystals in urine, constipation, and painful urination. Struvite or oxalate stones are common. Prevention: Avoid stress, ensure plenty of water , and feed wet food , such as BIOFOOD® Bio Beef Menu wet cat food. Increased fluid intake can help regulate mineral balance (low magnesium for struvite). Use a urinary tract diet that acidifies/dilutes urine, such as BF® Control Urinary Cat. Your veterinarian can recommend a special diet from a brand they have a contract with (usually expensive). Oxalate stones usually require surgery, and we recommend BF® Senior Cat. Supplements: D-mannose or cranberry extract prevent bacterial adhesion during infections; glucosamine/chondroitin for the bladder lining. In short: provide plenty of fresh water and wet food to dilute urine and avoid stress for cats (multiple litter boxes, hiding places, and a quiet environment).
Gastrointestinal problems (vomiting, diarrhea, Crohn's disease)
Often due to food intolerances, hairballs or chronic intestinal inflammation. Prevention: Hypoallergenic, sensitive food with a single protein source such as BF® Sensitive cat (hypoallergenic and salmon-based) or BF® Adult cat (hypoallergenic and chicken-based). Highly digestible and high in fiber to combat hairballs (BF® Hairball with psyllium fiber as a supplement). Supplements: BF® Probiotic tablet with psyllium fiber restores intestinal flora and helps with constipation or diarrhea. For IBD (e.g. Crohn's) sometimes BF® Scottish Salmon Oil with omega-3 or prebiotics (part of BF® probiotic tablet, which contains pro- + prebiotics).
Dental problems (e.g. plaque)
Almost all cats over 3 years old have dental issues, which can lead to pain, food refusal, and infection. Prevention: Dental diet with a special kibble texture that cleans teeth. Wet food is less effective. Supplements: Seaweed powder or dental gels with enzymes reduce plaque; BF® Scottish salmon oil with omega-3 inhibits inflammation. Daily brushing is ideal, but supplements help preventatively – combine with an annual dental checkup at the vet.
Skin and coat problems
For skin and coat problems in cats (itching, dandruff, bald patches, dull coat), it is especially important to determine the cause, usually through a veterinarian (allergy, stress, hormones, deficiencies) or through an elimination diet. Prevention: Provide high-quality hypoallergenic food with sufficient animal protein and omega-3/6 (fish oil, salmon oil) and avoid grains. For example, choose BF® Sensitive cat (hypoallergenic salmon-based) or BF® Adult cat (hypoallergenic chicken-based). We also recommend hypoallergenic wet food, e.g., BIOFOOD® Organic Chicken Menu cat or BIOFOOD® Organic 100% beef. Supplements: BF® Scottish Salmon Oil (1-2 ml/day), brewer's yeast (for itching), BF® probiotic tablet (for intestinal and skin discomfort). Do not bathe the cat too often; only use cat shampoo if it is greasy. Reduce stress: rest, BF® Probiotic tablet, BF® Relax tablet, scratching post.
Parasites (fleas, ticks, mites, scabies)
Parasite nutrition: extra omega-3, e.g., BF® Scottish Salmon Oil and zinc (for faster skin healing). For fleas and ticks, there are two options: chemical products (via a vet/prescription) or natural ingredients, e.g., garlic tablets. Wash everything, vacuum. Ear mites: ear cleaner + drops (via a vet/prescription). Scabies/mites: only from a vet. Prevention: monthly chemical pipette (via a vet) or daily natural products. No product can 100% prevent fleas. Some people use both a chemical and a natural product. In case of scabies, consult a vet. [ Due to the strict European Claims Regulation, we are only allowed to provide very limited information about the effectiveness of our natural herbal products, including our garlic tablets.]
For more information, email info@bfpetfood.nl or use the contact page.
