Domestic Shorthair Cat: 8 Common Health Problems!

Affectionately referred to as "moggies" due to their mixed breed status, Domestic Shorthair cats were introduced to the United Kingdom in the 16th century for their rat-catching talents, particularly during the Bubonic Plague.

One of the most popular kinds of cats today, they require little attention and are pleasant companions for 12 to 14 years.

The Domestic Shorthair's hybrid ancestry makes it relatively immune to the most common health problems affecting cats.

The eight most prevalent health disorders affecting this breed are broken down into categories of severity in "Domestic Shorthair Cat: 8 Common Health Problems!" by BestForPets (bestforpets.org).

The 4 Minor Domestic Shorthair Cat Health Problems

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1. Skin Disorders

Skin diseases are among the most frequent health problems that can affect your Domestic Shorthair. Allergies, parasites, and infections are just a few of the many potential triggers. Overwashing your cat can cause itchy, flaky skin.

Itching, excessive grooming, and general restlessness are all signs of a skin disease in your Domestic Shorthair. Your cat may exhibit a wide range of symptoms related to their skin condition:

• Red or inflamed skin
• Scabs or lumps
• Scaly skin
• Bald spots
• Matted fur
• Rashes

Take your cat to the clinic immediately if you see any signs of a skin issue to prevent further damage.

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2. Upper Respiratory Infection

Viruses that cause upper respiratory infections are common in the Domestic Shorthair. Although while cats can’t transmit the common cold to people, felines get it just as bad.

Symptoms that are quite common include:

• Congestion
• Coughing
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Appetite loss
• Runny nose and eyes
• Sneezing
• Issues with breathing

The common cold seldom causes serious complications in cats. Even though they’re unpleasant, they normally disappear within a few days. Yet, in rare cases, a cold might develop into pneumonia or another severe respiratory condition. Consult your vet to find out what you can do to help your cat recover.

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3. Urinary System Disorders

Diseases of the urinary tract in cats are diverse, and many of them fall under the umbrella term “feline lower urinary tract disease” (FLUTD). Urinary tract infections, bladder stones, idiopathic cystitis in cats, and malignancy are all examples of such conditions.

FLUTD’s severity depends on factors including weight, food, and heredity, all of which might be present in your cat. The kind of urinary tract ailment your Domestic Shorthair has will also determine how you treat it. See your vet to rule out more serious problems and formulate a treatment strategy, as there are several syndromes that might explain this sickness.

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4. Vomiting

Your cat needs food, and it might cause gastrointestinal problems if it eats anything that doesn’t agree with it, regardless of the breed.

The digestive tract of your cat may experience stress if you have recently switched brands or varieties of food for it. When Domestic Shorthair cats get sick, it’s usually due to an upset stomach.

Although while it’s unpleasant for your cat and a pain to clean up after, most occurrences of vomiting and stomach distress resolve on their own without the need for veterinarian intervention.

But, you should still monitor your cat’s condition closely. When vomiting lasts longer than 24 hours, it’s time to call the vet in case there’s something more dangerous going on.

The 4 Major Domestic Shorthair Cat Health Problems

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5. Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus, or “sugar diabetes” in cats, is another name for this condition. In most cases, your cat’s blood glucose levels will be affected by diabetes rather than insulin production. Because to their propensity toward obesity, Domestic Shorthairs have a greater chance of acquiring diabetes.

If you and your vet pay attention to the warning symptoms, you may be able to catch your cat’s diabetes in its early stages. In addition to improving your cat’s quality of life, this will also help you treat and manage the condition more effectively.

Here are some of the signs:

• Fatigue
• Increased appetite and thirst
• Increased urination
• Weight loss

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6. Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a widespread endocrine disorder in cats. It may happen to cats at any age, but early detection is key to keeping the disease at bay.

The condition manifests itself in an increase in the production of hormones by the cat’s thyroid glands in the neck. Your cat’s metabolism may speed up due to these hormones, which can cause gastrointestinal distress, loss of body fat, and thirst. More serious conditions, including as heart or renal failure and blood clots, have been linked to hyperthyroidism.

Medications, operations, and radioiodine therapy can all be used to treat the disease.

The following are warning signs:

• Aggression
• Diarrhea
• Urinating often
• Hyperactivity
• Acute thirst and hunger
• Increased pulse rate
• Restlessness
• Vomiting
• Slimming down

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7. Kidney Disease

Kidney illness is a problem that affects all types of cats. Kidney illness can be either acute or chronic, and its symptoms can be easily mistaken for those of other diseases. In order to rule out other possible diseases, your vet can help.

Acute Renal Failure

Acute kidney illness progresses considerably more rapidly than chronic disorders, and it is more prevalent in younger cats. Clots in the blood, obstructions in the tubes carrying urine to and from the kidneys, and toxic exposure are common causes. Yet, if treated quickly enough, most cases may be healed.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Cats of a certain age seem to be more susceptible to developing chronic renal disease. Although there is currently no cure, your cat can still have a high quality of life with the aid of medication and care.

Among the many possible causes are:

• Tumors
• Infections
• Constant irritation
• Toxic exposure
• Biological Problems
• Injuries of the body

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8. Obesity

The vast majority of Domestic Shorthair cats never leave the house. Keeping them indoors will reduce the risk of accidents, but they will be more inclined to sleep through the day. Because of this idleness and overeating (either from large meals or frequent snacks), the breed is predisposed to weight gain.

Joint discomfort, organ issues, and even long-term conditions like diabetes have all been linked to feline obesity. Often, cats have these problems in their golden years.

The good news is that both the obesity itself and its effects may be treated, but prevention is always preferable. To keep your cat in tip-top form, it’s important to offer it a balanced diet in amounts according to its activity level.

Conclusion

When it comes to potential health problems, the Domestic Shorthair is a robust breed, earning its reputation as the “mutts” of the cat world. Although their mixed heritage makes them resistant to many common health problems, these cats are susceptible to a small number of conditions.

As recommended in “Domestic Shorthair Cat: 8 Common Health Problems!” by BestForPets (bestforpets.org), If your cat exhibits any unexplained behavioral changes or if the symptoms persist, it is important to contact your veterinarian. Even if these health issues are very minor, finding them early can allow you to provide your cat with the care it needs.