Adopting A Long-Haired Cat? Three Health Risks To Watch Out For
Getting ready to adopt a new kitty can be quite exciting, but each cat is an individual. Long-haired cats can suffer from some serious health risks that are due to their long coats and genetics. Here are some potential health hazards that you should be aware of and keep your eyes open for before adopting a long-haired cat.
Gastrointestinal Blockages
One of the biggest risks for a long-haired cat is simply having hairballs. While hairballs can start out as simple vomiting episodes, an excess of consumed fur can quickly lead to a more serious issue called a gastrointestinal blockage. This is when the fur doesn't make it back out of the body and turns into a clump in the intestines. This can keep your cat from eating or pooping as they should. Always monitor your cat for a loss of appetite, vomiting, or straining in the litter box. If you see any of these symptoms, get your cat to a vet right away.
Fur Mats
Fur mats, or fur matting, can start out as a mild issue and quickly become serious without care. Long hair tends to get tangled, and the same is true of the long fur that cats have.
When a hair mat gets big enough, it can cause permanent strain on your cat's skin, yanking on it and causing pain. If it becomes severe enough, fur matting can actually damage your cat's skin and even potentially keep them from moving around easily if the mats form over their limbs.
If you want a long-haired cat, you should be prepared for the upkeep. Preventing blockages and hair mats can be done with regular grooming. If you're not up to it, talk to your vet to set up a recurring grooming service at their office for your cat.
Purebred Health Problems
Finally, depending upon the breed of your cat, they could experience some unique health issues.
For example, persian cats have long beautiful coats, but often have breathing difficulties. This is because the breed tends to have a shortened snout. Other long-haired breeds, like certain types of Scottish Folds can also experience a genetic condition if they're carrying two of the recessive genes necessary to achieve the folded ear look. A reputable breeder should never breed two recessive Scottish Folds together, but it's a good idea to talk to your veterinarian about your cat's personal health concerns based upon their breed. Your vet will help you figure out what potential hazards could lie in the future and how to prevent them.
Long-haired cats are beautiful and can brighten up your home and life. With a little extra care, they can live happy, healthy lives with you for many years to come. Work with an animal hospital if you have concerns.
Share