Common Feline Diseases The following is an overview of common feline ailments, symptoms, and treatments. It is not meant to replace veterinary care. If your cat is sick, please take them to a professional.
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Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a genetic disease that affects Persian cats. This progressive and incurable disease is characterized by cysts on the kidneys. As the cysts grow they cause enlargement of the kidneys, and ultimately kidney failure. Symptoms include frequent urination and dehydration. PKD is diagnosed with an ultrasound, after ruling out kidney blockage and urinary crystals. This disease is not contagious, but there is a 50% chance of an affected cat passing it on to offspring. Owners should NOT breed PKD positive cats. Although there is no cure, comfort measures are available, including antibiotics and fluid therapy. Although the disease is most common in Persians, it is occasionally seen in other breeds. More and more breeders are beginning to have their cats tested, and this responsible breeding is helping to eliminate the disease. Chronic Renal Insufficiency is a serious and fatal disease of the kidneys. Healthy kidneys filter waste from the body, process electrolytes, and play a role in the regulation of blood pressure. In CRI kidney function is reduced, allowing toxins to build up in the body. Symptoms include, but are not limited to, excessive thirst, frequent urination, dehydration, and weight loss. It is a progressive and incurable disease, but measures can be taken to keep the cat comfortable to the end. Modifications in diet, medications, and hydration therapy are important to maintain quality life for as long as possible. This disease is more common in older cats, and senior cats should be tested annually. Conjunctivitis or pink eye, manifests as swollen, reddened eyes with a clear or thick discharge. Causes include environment, trauma, and immune diseases. Treatments include eye drops, ointments, pills and injections. If it does not respond to antibiotics a biopsy may be necessary. Ear Infections are uncomfortable for cats. Symptoms include swelling, foul odor, and green or black discharge. Treatment depends on what caused the infection. It could be yeast, ear mites, or any of several other conditions. Most cats get over ear infections quickly, provided they are correctly diagnosed and given the appropriate antibiotics. Chronic cases made need survey to remove infected tissue. Feline Asthma, or bronchitis manifests as coughing and/or respiratory distress. Causes include environment, parasites, and other health problems. Asthma is diagnosed with a chest x-ray. Symptoms can be controlled with medication, and in some cases the cat can be cured by removal of environmental irritants such as cigarette smoke or dusty cat litter. An asthmatic cat can have a good quality of life as long as symptoms are kept under control. Feline Cardiomyopathy is a disease characterized by thickening of the heart muscle. It is diagnosed with a chest x-ray and ultrasound. Symptoms include inactivity, respiratory distress and loss of appetite. Left untreated it can lead to blood clots, paralysis, and heart failure. Medications can help, depending on the severity of the case. The average survival is six months, but the earlier it is diagnosed the better. Feline Chlamydophila Disease is a contagious disease that causes inflammation of the inner eyelids. It can be treated with antibiotics and almost all cats have an easy recovery. There is a vaccine, but it is not 100% effective in preventing infection. Feline Diabetes is the inability of the pancreas to produce enough insulin. Insulin is needed by the body to metabolize glucose, or blood sugar. Without adequate insulin, glucose can build to toxic levels. Symptoms of diabetes include excessive thirst, frequent urination, increased appetite, and weight loss. Treatment is complicated, and it is a lifelong commitment. Changes must be made in diet, for example, lower sugar and higher fiber. Oral drugs and/or insulin will need to be administered daily, while continuously monitoring glucose levels in the blood and urine. A diabetic cat can be costly and time-consuming, but a loving owner can ensure many happy, healthy years. Feline Hepatic Lipidosis, or fatty liver disease is a build up of fats in the liver tissue. Obese cats are especially at risk. Symptoms include loss of appetite, vomiting, weight loss, or a yellow tint in the whites of the eyes (jaundice). It is a serious illness and requires a lot of care and close veterinary supervision. Some cats may need a feeding tube to restore electrolytes and hydration. Other treatments include prescription diets, anti-anxiety and anti-nausea drugs. The vet will need to do routine blood work to check the status of the disease, as well as monitor hydration and weight loss. Recovery may take several weeks, and it is very important to reduce the cat's stress as much as possible during this time. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is another scary disease, similar to FeLV in that it is incurable and it is spread amongst cats through bodily fluids. It works much the same as HIV does in humans, that is, it reduces the immune system. The immune system is vital; when a cat's immunity is compromised it becomes impossible to fight off viruses and bacteria, and the simplest illness can become deadly. Any symptom or illness that does not get better with repeated treatment could be an indication of an FIV infection. Once a cat is diagnosed with FIV it is imperative that every precaution be taken to avoid a potentially deadly secondary infection. Although not approved for use in cats, some vets have prescribed human HIV drugs such as AZT and Interferon. These drugs may help to stabilize the cat, but do nothing to reverse the infection. There is currently no vaccine to prevent FIV, and Bailey recommends that all cats be kept safely indoors. Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is caused by the feline Caronavirus, a contagious viral infection. It is a terrible and fatal disease characterized by the wasting of organs. There can be a wide range of symptoms depending on which organs are affected. In its effusive form the virus manifests as excess fluid in the abdomen or chest, which makes it difficult to breath, while the "dry form" of the disease affects organ tissue. A vaccine exists but its use has been very controversial. FIP is diagnosed through a biopsy of the infected organ. Prognosis is poor and disease progression is rapid. Research into this terrible disease in ongoing. Feline Leukemia (FeLV) is an incurable viral disease that affects as many as 1 in 10 cats. It is contagious among cats and is spread through bodily fluids, including sharing of food dishes and litter pans. The FeLV virus will weaken the immune system and leave the cat vulnerable to infections including respiratory problems, sores that won't heal, stomach and mouth troubles and more. All cats should be tested for FeLV. A vaccine is available and is recommended for outdoor cats, or any cat that is at risk of exposure. There are several possible outcomes for infected cats. About a third of those infected build up an immunity. Another third may suppress the disease in the bones marrow, not becoming infected until another illness weakens the immune system. The final third will suffer from a full-blown infection which can include a myriad of symptoms. It is important to talk to your vet about how to prevent this terrible disease. The good news is that cats who are infected later in life (after kittenhood) often have a good chance of maintaining their quality of life. There are treatments available, however, an infected cat should be kept indoors and isolated from other cats in the household, and it's recommended to vaccinate the other FeLV negative cats. Feline Panleukopenia or distemper is a viral disease characterized by the loss of white blood cells. It is caused by the Parvovirus and is spread through bodily fluids. Symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. Most cats recover fully from the disease, however, it is very easy to prevent. A vaccine with a yearly booster is readily available and highly effective. Hyperthyroidism is an excess of thyroid hormone most often found in middle-aged and senior cats. Symptoms include changes in diet, irregular heartbeat, changes in bowel/bladder habits, restlessness, or a lump in the neck area (goiter). If left untreated it can cause heart failure and death. There are three options for treatment, each with pros and cons. The first option is medication. Drugs like methimazole are used to control thyroid levels, however, it is a lifelong regimen and routine blood tests are necessary. The second option is surgery to remove the affected tissue. However there are risks, and the condition could return. The third option is radioactive iodine (I-131) treatment, which is very successful in curing hyperthyroidism. The problem is that it can't be used in cats with kidney problems. The good news is that with all these options a cat with hyperthyroidism has a good chance as long as it is caught early. Don't forget your cats's yearly vet exam and be sure you pet your cat often so you can detect any unusual growths. Inflammatory Bowel Disease refers to several gastrointestinal disorders. These are recognized by symptoms such as recurrent vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss. IBD is diagnosed through intestinal biopsy, after ruling out other illnesses. Treatments include steroids, anti-nausea drugs and, in more severe cases, surgery. Adjustments in diet are sometimes necessary to avoid further GI upset. Megacolon is a disease where the colon will not contract properly, leading to constipation. There are many causes including hairball's, foreign body obstruction and spinal cord injury. Remedies include stool softeners, laxatives, and fiber. Severe cases may require surgery. The non-functioning part of the colon is removed and in most cases the cat makes a full recovery. Upper Respiratory Infections (URI) are several conditions that cause cold symptoms in cats. Most cats recovery completely with no complications. Some URI's are more severe viruses including: Feline Rhinotracheitis, Feline Calcivirus, and Bordetella, or "kennel cough." Symptoms of these viruses include fever, ulcers, and anorexia. These can be prevented with vaccinations. Urinary Tract Infections (UTI's) occur commonly in cats. They can be caused by bacteria, urinary stones, and urethral obstructions. Common symptoms include pain upon urination, decreased urinary output, and litter box avoidance. UTI's are treated by your vet with antibiotics. Urinary problems are common in cats, it is important to provide a good diet, no table scraps, and plenty of clean, fresh water. A great way to encourage your cat to drink more is to leave a faucet dripping, or provide a drinking fountain. Running water is more appealing to cats, and it will make them want to drink more. Uroliths or bladder stones are mineral build-up in the bladder. Uroliths can also happen in the kidneys and gallbladder. Symptoms include difficulty urinating and blood in the urine. Diagnosis is made by x-ray or ultrasound. Treatments include surgical removal and dissolution by dietary adjustments. Prognosis is good and a full recovery is common.
Zoonotic diseases are diseases that humans can catch from animals. Cat Scratch Disease (CSD) is a bacterial disease transmitted by cat bites and scratches. Symptoms include swelling, fever, headache, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Remember to wash cat bites/scratches with soap and water, don't let a cat lick an open wound, and seek medical attention if you exhibit any of the above symptoms. Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the brain. It is nearly always fatal. There are three stages of rabies. The first stage, or prodromal stage, is characterized by agitation, drooling or foaming, and dilated pupils. Symptoms of the second stage, or excitatory stage, include aggressiveness, pica (eating non-edible objects like sticks or paper), and seizures. The third stage, or dumb stage, manifests in depression and paralysis. Rabies is transmitted by saliva. If you are bitten by any animal that could possibly have rabies you should immediately wash the wound and seek medical attention. Rabies vaccines are available for your cat and are HIGHLY recommended. Booster shots are every one or every three years, depending on the vaccine. Most states require pets to be vaccinated by law. Toxoplasmosis is a disease your cat can obtain from small prey animals like birds or mice, or from other cats. Small prey animals pass along the disease when they are eaten. Cats pass along the disease in their feces. As a precaution, pregnant women or people with weakened immune systems should not scoop a litter box without some rubber gloves and a face mask. Better yet, have someone else do it. Symptoms are flu-like and are diagnosed with a blood test. Bailey would like to add that if you keep your cat indoors you don't have to worry about it contracting this disease in the first place.
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