List of Common Cat Diseases
Every cat will have a health problem eventually.
Some problems can be minor and temporary, others can be major and long-lasting. Some even fatal.
Typically, cats don’t have as many health problems as dogs do, but you will still likely encounter one or more during the life of your kitty.
Feline Leukemia
Leukemia is a dangerous disease among cats. It is characterized by the growth of tumors in the bone marrow.
Feline leukemia is diagnosed by an examination of a cat’s lymph nodes.
The bone marrow is where your kitty produces healthy white blood cells which allow him to combat disease, infection and injury.
Cats with leukemia can be more susceptible to developing an additional serious infection than an otherwise healthy kitty.
Respiratory Disease and Infection
Upper respiratory diseases are one of the most commonly known cat issues.
It’s not the most serious ailment, some vets will say it is similar to a human cold.
Feline upper respiratory infections occur when there is an explosive growth of bad bacteria and viral agents around the respiratory tract.
These infections can be bacterial or viral and can be transmitted through direct contact with the eyes or nose from an infected cat to another or through saliva from their mouths.
These bacteria and viruses normally stay in the throat or lungs, but can spread to other parts of the body, causing inflammation or other issues in other organs.
Cat Arthritis
Feline arthritis is a common disease.
The most common form of cat arthritis is called rheumatoid arthritis. It can eventually affect about 50% of all cats as they grow older.
This condition is caused by excessive production of cytokine, which is a protein, in the cat’s immune system.
Most cat owners can understand arthritis, as a version of it occurs in humans as well.
Skin Infections
Feline skin infections happen often.
They are usually limited to the skin surface, but they might spread to the throat or lungs, and can even cause pneumonia.
These infections are be transmitted to other cats in your household too. This is done through scratching or coughing.
Most owners don’t think about it, but it can be important to isolate your sick kitty from healthy ones.
Kidney Disease
Cat kidney disease is something that is common among aging cats. And it can affect cats of both sexes.
The condition develops as a cat kidney’s filtering system fails to do its job.
Cat kidney disease can be painful.
Symptoms can include difficulty in urinating, blood in the urine, changes in urination consistency or volume, abdominal pain, weight loss, swelling in the legs and feet, fever, difficulty in walking, vomiting or overall lethargy.
Yet it is hard to diagnose kidney disease just through observation until it has reached an advanced stage.
It can cause permanent damage to the kidneys and internal organs. It can eventually be fatal too.
Finding and treating this condition early is important. It can help reduce complications and allow for a longer and happier life.
Urinary Tract Infections
Cat urinary tract infections can occur. They often aren’t serious.
However, like a lot of other conditions, they should be checked out and your vet can decide whether or not treatment is necessary.
What To Do
Cat owners can often treat their pets themselves. There is a lot of information online that can help the owner with their situation.
But veterinarians know how to diagnose cat issues and treat them with diet or drugs.
Many drugs prescribed for and used by humans are not suitable for cats. They can have serious side effects.
Professional practitioners have experience working with medications and may prescribe the right product to prevent negative side effects.
They may also recommend over-the-counter products or prescription treatments.
There are medications to help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation or just make your kitty feel better if she has been infected by a virus or other issue.
Other products will help your cat get relief from inflammation, itching or help control pain or discomfort that occurs as a result of a viral infection.
Vets may also suggest dietary supplements to help slow a disease’s progression or reduce the symptoms and hopefully slow down a disease’s progress.
While many cat issues may seem minor at first, they can be serious and should not be simply ignored.
While it can be hard, your veterinarian should be able to diagnose the situation and help treat your cat. If left untreated, a disease can turn serious.
Your vet can suggest appropriate treatment and advise on what you should do to prevent your kitty from getting worse.
Once detected, many diseases can be treated effectively so she can continue to have a comfortable and healthy life.
If you are concerned about your cat’s health, talk to your veterinarian at once.
If you suspect that something is wrong with your cat or he might have an ailment, contact your veterinarian. Set up an appointment.
Follow your veterinarian’s advice as best you can. Help your cat have a longer and healthier life.
