Is your feline friend feeling under the weather? There's no need to be too worried; just learn how to nurse them back to health without visiting the vet.

Cats are not just pets; they're part of the family. And when these furry fellows fall ill, it becomes a cause of great concern and anxiety. 

While many cat diseases require prompt veterinary attention, several common complications can be effectively treated at home.

Here, we will unveil the secrets to treating these diseases with some handy tips and tricks to help your feline companion feel better in no time!

Let's get started!

Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs)

Upper respiratory infections are among the most common cat diseases, especially in multi-cat households or shelters.

URIs in felines are similar to the common cold in humans and can cause symptoms like:

  • Sneezing
  • Runny nose
  • Coughing

How to Treat Cat URIs at Home?

The home treatment tips for handling URIs are as follows:

Ensure Isolation: If you have multiple cats, it's wise to separate the sick cat to prevent the spread of the infection.

Maintain Humidity: Use a humidifier to keep the air moist, easing your cat's breathing difficulties.

Prepare a Steamy Bathroom:  Create a steamy environment for a few minutes by running a hot shower and allowing your cat to breathe in the warm, moist air.

Provide Watery Food: Ensure your cat stays hydrated and continues to eat. Cats with URIs often have reduced appetite, so offering wet food can be more enticing.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is also one of the common cat diseases that can be caused by various factors, including:

  • Dietary changes
  • Infections
  • Even stress

If this veterinary disease is left untreated, it can lead to dehydration and discomfort in felines.

Home Treatment Tips

Follow the tips below to treat feline diarrhea at home.

Ensure Fasting: For the first 12-24 hours, withhold food but provide plenty of fresh water to prevent dehydration.

Feed Bland Diet: After fasting, feed a bland diet like plain boiled chicken or rice in small, frequent meals.

Add Probiotics to Diet: Adding a feline-specific probiotic to your cat's food can help restore the balance of healthy gut bacteria.

Constipation

Constipation is common in felines, especially older cats or those with underlying health problems. 

This veterinary disease can cause discomfort and lead to more severe issues like obstipation.

Tips for Treating Feline Constipation at Home

Here's how you can treat your cat's constipation on your own.

Keep Your Cat Hydrated: Provide your cat with a clean and fresh water source at all times and ensure they drink enough water.

Add fibers: To help with bowel movements, add a small amount of canned pumpkin or a fiber supplement to your cat's food.

Ensure Regular Grooming: Regularly groom your cat to reduce the chances of ingesting excessive fur during self-cleaning, which can lead to constipation.

Fleas and Ticks

Fleas and ticks are common parasites that can infest your cat. These critters can transmit diseases and cause skin irritations, affecting felines' health overall. 

Home Treatment for Cats With Fleas and Ticks

Follow the tips below to treat your cat at home against fleas and ticks. 

Ensure Adequate Grooming: Brush your cat regularly to help detect and remove fleas and ticks. Use a fine-toothed comb to catch these pests.

Give Flea Baths: Use a cat-specific flea shampoo to bathe your feline friend. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product.

Create a Controlled Environmental: Vacuum your home frequently and wash your cat's bedding to prevent re-infestation. It's important to consider using flea collars or topical flea preventatives per your vet's recommendation.

Ear Infections

Resulting from an overgrowth of yeast or bacteria in the ear canal, ear infections can cause discomfort and irritation in cats.

Home Treatment Tips:

You can treat your cat at home by following the given instructions:

Ensure Gentle Cleaning: Gently clean your cat's ears with a cat-specific ear cleaner, ensuring you do not insert anything deep into the ear canal, which can cause further damage.

Provide Proper Medication: If your cat's ear infection is severe or doesn't improve with cleaning, your veterinarian may prescribe ear drops or antibiotics; provide them as per prescription. 

Stick to Preventive Measures: Keep your cat's ears dry and clean, especially if they are prone to ear infections. Plus, avoid exposing your cat to excessive moisture.

At the End: Healthy Cat, Happy Cat!

Being a responsible cat owner means taking proactive steps to care for your feline companion's health and well-being. 

With the proper care, your feline friend will be back to their playful, purring self in no time!

While home treatments can be effective for mild cat diseases, it's essential to consult your vet if your furry friend's condition worsens or doesn't improve within a reasonable timeframe. 

For absolute animal health solutions and guides on veterinary disease and treatments, you should visit Vet and Tech. This online veterinary educational platform features the latest insights about animal care.  

FAQs

Can I Use Over-the-counter Human Medications To Treat My Cat's Disease?

No, using human medications on your cat is unsafe without consulting a veterinarian. Cats have unique physiology, and many human drugs can be toxic to them. 

What Should I Do If My Cat Stops Eating Due to a Disease?

Cats can develop severe liver issues if they don't eat for an extended period. Consult your veterinarian promptly; they can recommend appetite stimulants or other treatments to address the underlying cause of appetite loss.