Most common problems in cats.
A cat is much more than just a pet. It is a furry family member, a purring companion and occasionally a little rascal that playfully knocks things off the kitchen counter. Yet our whiskered companions cannot always let us know when they are feeling unwell. That is why it is crucial to be well aware of the most common ailments in cats.
Kidney problems
This is one of the most common conditions in older cats, often caused by wear and tear on the kidneys. Symptoms: drinking/urinating excessively, weight loss, vomiting. Prevention: Switch to a high-quality low-phosphorus and low-protein diet such as BF® Senior cat, plus extra omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) to reduce inflammation and/or provide support. Supplements: phosphate binders (ask your vet) if the cat does not eat the full diet, and omega-3 supplements (BF® Scottish Salmon Oil). Kidney problems in dogs and cats: recognise the signs – BF Petfood
Overweight/obesity
Many domestic cats do not exercise enough and eat too much, leading to diabetes, joint problems and heart issues. Prevention: Choose a high-protein, low-calorie diet with L-carnitine (helps burn fat) such as BF® Control cat. Portion control is key; weigh out the food. Supplements: optionally add a supplement with L-Carnitine. Combine with more play and exercise for the best results. Overweight in dogs and cats: recognise the signs – BF Petfood
Urinary tract problems (bladder stones/crystals)
Especially in neutered male cats: crystals in the urine, blockages, pain when urinating. Struvite or oxalate stones are common. Prevention: Avoid stress, ensure plenty of drinking, and feed wet food, e.g. BIOFOOD® Bio beef menu cat wet food. Increased fluid intake can alter the mineral balance (low magnesium for struvite). Use cat food that acidifies/dilutes the urine, such as BF® Control Urinary cat. This food contains a low level of magnesium and has urine-acidifying properties. The food is developed to keep the urine pH under control (towards <6.5) and provides support by reducing the number of minerals that form struvite, thereby promoting the prevention of struvite stone formation. This food promotes the undersaturation of the urine with respect to struvite.
For cats with very sensitive bladder stones, your vet may recommend a special diet from a brand with which he/she has a contract. However, these are quite expensive, although they are recommended in extreme cases. For oxalate stones, surgery is usually required, and we recommend BF® Senior cat. Supplements: D-mannose or cranberry extract prevent bacteria from adhering during infections; glucosamine/chondroitin for the bladder wall. In short: above all, ensure plenty of fresh water and wet food to dilute the urine, and avoid stress in cats (multiple bowls, hiding places, a calm environment). Please note: bladder stones can never be 100% (guaranteed) prevented. Not even with a special diet. Bladder stones in dogs and cats: recognise the signs – BF Petfood
Gastrointestinal problems (vomiting, diarrhoea, Crohn's)
Often caused by 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 fibre to combat hairballs (BF® Hairball with psyllium fibre as a supplement). Supplements: BF® Probiotics tablet with psyllium fibre restores gut flora and helps with constipation or diarrhoea. For IBD (e.g. Crohn's), sometimes BF® Scottish Salmon Oil with omega-3 or prebiotics (part of the BF® probiotics tablet, which contains pro- + prebiotics). Abdominal pain in dogs: recognise the signs – BF Petfood
Dental problems (e.g. plaque)
Almost all cats over the age of 3 have dental issues; leading to pain, refusal to eat and infections. Prevention: Dental diet with a special kibble structure that cleans the teeth. Wet food is less effective. Supplements: Seaweed powder or tooth gels with enzymes reduce plaque; BF® Scottish Salmon Oil with omega-3 inhibits inflammation. Daily tooth brushing is ideal, but supplements help prevent problems – combine with an annual dental check by the vet.
Skin and coat problems
For skin and coat problems in cats (itching, flakes, bald patches, dull coat), it is especially important to determine the cause, usually via the vet (allergy, stress, hormones, deficiencies) or through an elimination diet. Prevention: Give high-quality hypoallergenic food with enough animal protein and omega-3/6 (fish oil, salmon oil) and avoid grains. Choose, for example, BF® Sensitive cat (hypoallergenic and salmon-based) or BF® Adult cat (hypoallergenic and chicken-based). We also recommend hypoallergenic wet food, e.g. BIOFOOD® Bio chicken menu cat or BIOFOOD® Bio 100% beef. Supplements: BF® Scottish Salmon Oil (1-2 ml/day), brewer's yeast (against itching), BF® probiotics tablet (for gut-skin discomfort). Do not wash the cat too often; use cat shampoo only for greasiness. Reduce stress: rest, BF® Probiotics tablet, BF® Relax tablet, scratching post. Coat problems in dogs and cats: recognise the signs – BF Petfood
Parasites (fleas, ticks, mites, mange)
Diet for parasites: extra omega-3, e.g. BF® Scottish Salmon Oil, and zinc (for faster skin healing). For fleas and ticks, there are 2 options: chemical products (via the vet/prescription) or products based on natural ingredients, e.g. Garlic tablets. Wash everything and vacuum. Ear mites: ear cleaner + drops (via the vet/prescription). Mange/mites: only via the vet. Prevention: monthly chemical pipette (via the vet) or daily natural products. No single product can 100% prevent fleas. Some people use both a chemical product and a natural product. For mange, ask the vet for advice. [Due to the strict European Claims Regulation, we are only allowed to provide very limited information about the effects of our natural products containing herbs, including our garlic tablets.] Fleas and ticks in dogs and cats: recognise the signs – BF Petfood
For more information, email: info@bfpetfood.nl or use the contact page.
