Cats are beloved pets, but like any other living creature, they can get sick. It's important to be aware of common cat illnesses so you can recognize symptoms early and seek veterinary treatment if necessary.
Most common cat diseases
- Viral diseases:
- Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV): This virus attacks the immune system of cats, making them vulnerable to infections and other diseases. There is no cure for FIV, but medications and supportive care can help infected cats live for many years.
- Feline leukemia virus (FeLV): This virus causes a variety of health problems in cats, including anemia and cancer. There is no cure for FeLV, but medications and supportive care can help infected cats live for many years.
- Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR): This disease causes inflammation of the upper respiratory tract in cats, resulting in symptoms such as sneezing and a runny nose. FVR usually clears up on its own within a week or two, but medications can help relieve symptoms.
- Calicivirus: This virus causes inflammation of the mouth and upper respiratory tract in cats, leading to symptoms such as mouth ulcers and difficulty breathing. Calicivirus usually clears up on its own within a week or two, but medications can help relieve symptoms.
- Bacterial diseases:
- Respiratory infections: Bacteria can cause infections in the upper or lower respiratory tract of cats. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. Bacterial infections are usually treated with antibiotics.
- Urinary tract infections: Bacteria can cause urinary tract infections in cats. Symptoms include frequent urination, pain during urination, and blood in the urine. Urinary tract infections are usually treated with antibiotics.
- Skin infections: Bacteria can cause skin infections in cats. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and itching. Skin infections are usually treated with antibiotics or antifungal medications.
- Fungal diseases:
- Ringworm: This fungal disease causes hair loss and flaking skin in cats. Ringworm is usually treated with antifungal medications.
- Parasitic diseases:
- Intestinal worms: These parasites can cause a variety of health problems in cats, including diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. Intestinal worms are usually treated with antiparasitic medications.
- Fleas and ticks: These parasites can cause itching and skin irritation in cats and can transmit other diseases. Flea and tick infections are usually treated with topical or systemic medications.
- Other diseases:
- Diabetes: Cats can develop diabetes, a disease that affects how the body regulates blood sugar. Symptoms include increased thirst, urination, hunger, and weight loss. Diabetes is usually treated with insulin or other medications.
- Kidney disease: Cats can develop kidney disease, which can be acute or chronic. Symptoms include increased thirst and urination, loss of appetite, and vomiting. Kidney disease is usually treated with medication and dietary changes.
- Heart disease: Cats can develop heart disease, which can be congenital or acquired. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, fatigue, and coughing. Heart disease is usually treated with medication and dietary changes.
Symptoms of cat diseases
Symptoms of cat diseases can vary depending on the type of disease. However, some common symptoms include:
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
- vomiting or diarrhea
- sneezing or runny nose
- cough
- difficulty breathing
- laziness
- changes in behavior
- hair loss or peeling skin
Diagnosis and treatment of cat diseases
If you suspect your cat is sick, it's important to take it to Lana Veterinary Specialists as soon as possible. The veterinarian will examine your cat and may run some tests to determine the cause of its illness.
Once a diagnosis is determined, your veterinarian will recommend a treatment plan. Treatment may include medication, surgery, or dietary or lifestyle changes.
Tips for preventing cat diseases
There are some things you can do to help prevent cat diseases, including:
- Vaccinate your cat regularly
- Feeding your cat a healthy diet
- Keeping your cat clean
- Check your cat regularly for signs of illness.
- Take your cat to Lana Specialized Clinic for regular checkups.
Additional information
- If you would like to know more about cat diseases, you can talk to a doctor at Lana Veterinary Clinic.