Common cat illnesses include:
– Feline Infectious Peritonitis, Feline Leukemia, Feline Infectious Anemia, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, Feline Infectious Bronchitis,Feline Infectious Peritonitis is a disease of the intestines that can be caused by a number of different microbes including: – Salmonella, Pasteurella, Pasteurella multocida, Myc
These illnesses can be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, and environmental factors. If left untreated, these illnesses can lead to serious health problems for your cat. You need to be observant and prepared to visit the vet if needed in order to keep your cat healthy and happy.
Upper Respiratory Infections
Upper respiratory infections (URI) are a complex of easily transmissible bacteria and viruses that can affect the upper respiratory system, eyes, and spread to the lower respiratory system causing pneumonia.
Signs of a URI include green or yellow discharge from the eyes and nose, sneezing, decreased appetite, lethargy, squinting, and difficulty breathing.
Oftentimes, these infections in cats require antibiotics, eye medications, nebulization, and/or antiviral medications.
Lysine is an amino acid that can help reduce the symptoms of a herpes virus flare-up. Your vet can help you to find the right product to help your cat.
Viruses and bacteria can cause infections in your cat’s upper respiratory tract, sinuses, nose, and throat.
This illness is seen commonly in multi-cat households and shelters, cats can develop feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus by sharing food and water bowls, coughing, sneezing, and grooming each other. Once one cat contracts the virus, it won’t be long before others can become infected too.
Cats may experience symptoms of upper respiratory infection, such as fever, sneezing, coughing, gagging, decreased appetite and congestion or drooling.
Upper respiratory infections in cats can be caused by a variety of viruses and bacteria.
Treatment involves antibiotics to kill the virus or bacteria causing the infection and supportive care to help your cat recover from the illness.
Cancer
Cancer can affect a wide range of cells and organs in cats’ bodies.
Symptoms of cancer may include: unexplained bleeding, sores that don’t heal, odor from the mouth, chronic weight loss, marked increase or decrease in appetite, difficulty urinating or defecating, discharge from the cat’s mouth lumps or bumps that change in size or shape.
Cancer is often caused by factors such as toxins in the environment (Leukemia Virus), but can also be due to genetic abnormalities. If detected early during a physical exam your cat has a better chance for successful treatment with surgery radiation or chemotherapy
Common Diseases in Adult Cats
Kittens are susceptible to common diseases that adult cats can get, such as parasites, viruses, and urinary tract disease.
Adult cats may develop additional issues such as diabetes, cancers, CKD, hyperthyroidism, or HCM.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer for taking care of your cat; however, recognizing the signs and symptoms of common diseases in kittens can help you take better care of them.
Diabetes in Cats
Diabetes is a disease that can often be prevented through weight management.
Obese cats are at greater risk of developing diabetes.
Diabetes is diagnosed through blood work, including a blood glucose curve and fructosamine tests.
Management is via diet, weight management, and insulin injections.
This disease can increase the frequency of urinary tract infections as excess sugar in the blood tends to spill over into the urine.
Diabetes in cats can lead to a wide variety of serious symptoms, including:
* Dehydration
* Vomiting
* Increased appetite or loss of appetite
* Motor function problems
Diabetics require frequent monitoring and treatment to maintain their health.
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease
FLUTD is a disease that refers to urinary tract infections, as well as urinary tract inflammation and inappropriate elimination.
Causes of FLUTD are many and can be difficult to diagnose.
Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder that often occurs due to stress.
UTI can also be induced from stress, but is more commonly caused by narrow urethras, poor grooming habits in obese cats, and grit or stones in the bladder or urine.
Male cats are more prone to blockage as they have a longer, narrower urethra.
Blockages can require antibiotics, prescription diets, anti-spasmotics to help ease urination, or passing a urinary catheter.
Weight management, feeding quality cat food , keeping litter boxes clean and easily accessible, limiting stress, and using pheromone plug-ins, collars, or sprays such as Nature’s Miracle can help reduce the incidence of urinary issues.
