vetinfo4cats.com


6 Common Female Cat Problems

also see Cat Problems

also see Cat Flea Control

There are 6 problems common female cat problems. Male cats also have their own unique difficulties but this article will discuss those unique to females. Females can develop reproductive problems and problems associated with spaying. Urine marking is another problem encountered with female cats.

1. Spaying

It is important to spay the female cat in order to keep the population of cats under control. However, there are some problems that accompany this major surgery. To get spayed, a cat has to go under general anesthesia which can lead to complications. Some cats develop urinary tract infections more frequently after spaying.

2. False Pregnancies

False pregnancies are amongst the most common reproductive problems a female cat can face. The act of mating itself causes an intact female cat to ovulate. But sometimes no live kittens are conceived. Progesterone is still released. The female cat goes through changes that would indicate she is pregnant, yet she is not. Her teats become more red and swell but milk does not get produced. Fat deposits cause the abdomen to enlarge which also mimics enlargement from fetuses. For a breeder, a false pregnancy is a problematic event that lasts from 3 to 7 weeks. The female cat, or queen, then shows signs of being in heat, so it's obvious she's not pregnant.

3. Absorption and Re-absorption of Kittens

Another common reproductive problem happens during pregnancy. It is so common, in fact, that it is often not considered a reproductive problem. If a fetus is not viable, the mother cat will reabsorb the fetus back into her own body. Sometimes partially reabsorbed pieces of placenta or a non-viable fetus are passed at the birthing of the healthy kittens. A queen may reabsorb her litter if she has the FeLV virus or if she is exposed the the pheromones of a new intact male cat.

4. Chronic Endometritis

This is a fairly common reproductive problem that can lead to repeated births of dead kittens. The queen's hormones create a uterine environment that is a perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria. In mild cases, the queen can breed again whereas in more severe cases, this may not be possible.

5. Uterine Cysts

Female cats as well as males tend to develop cysts in the body. When cysts attach to the uterus or ovaries, the cat can develop hormonal imbalances and problems with carrying kittens to term.

6. Urine Marking by Female Cats

Urine marking is a way that the intact cat attracts a mate. Most female cats mark outside but some will find a vertical object and leave a small amount of urine on it. It's a hard behavior to eliminate but decreasing stress and anxiety can make a difference. Sometimes the behavior increases during times of transition.

also see Tips for Effective Feline Weight Loss

also see Dog Birth Control Options

also see Saving Money on Cat Health Problems

also see 8 Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Cat

also see Cat Toilet Training Made Easy

also see Feline Immunodeficiency Virus or FIV

also see Spleen Problems in Cats

also see Hyperthyroidism in Cats