Any cat person knows that even the most pampered kitty likes to enforce their independence from time to time. While it’s important to respect their instinctual self-maintenance, it’s equally as important to know when and how you can support their wellbeing.
All cats are susceptible to common feline diseases, but some are more vulnerable than others. If your cat is sick, would you know what to look for?
Cat illnesses can pop up at any time, and knowing the beginning signs of illness can save their life.
Keep reading for the most common illnesses your cat could face and how to prevent them from getting serious.
Top Illnesses Affecting Your Cat
Many common cat illnesses are preventable if caught in their early stages. This can be difficult, as cats hide pain and illness incredibly well.
But despite their cool demeanor, there are still distinct cat illness symptoms you can look for in your kitty. Here are the top illnesses and diseases in cats that can put your furry friends in danger.
1. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Diseases
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Diseases (FLUTD) is a group of feline diseases affecting the bladder and urethra. FLUTD can be caused by a variety of factors, with the primary causes being obesity and dry cat food.
Other causes such as drastic changes in the environment, stress, and multi-cat households increase the likelihood of FLUTD. Both male and female cats are at risk for FLUTD and an overlooked urinary tract issue can turn out to be a silent killer.
Symptoms to watch out for include:
- Straining or crying while urinating
- Blood in the urine
- Dehydration
- Constant licking around the urinary area
- Vomiting
- Urinating outside of the litter box
If you notice your cat suffering from any of these symptoms, scheduling a trip to the vet could save their life. Untreated FLUTD could result in more serious conditions, such as kidney disease and kidney failure.
2. Feline Colitis
Feline Colitis is the inflammation of the large intestine. It can last for several days or several weeks depending on its severity.
While the cause of feline colitis is not certain, factors such as stress, parasites, and food allergies could be contributing factors to the illness.
Tell-all signs of feline colitis are severe gas, trouble excreting and other noticeable difficulties around bathroom behavior.
Find out more about feline colitis and your cat’s options for treatment if you suspect they might be suffering from this illness.
3. Cancer
Like humans, cats aren’t immune to cancer and they may suffer from varying types. While cancers typically present themselves in older cats, any cat could develop cancer.
There is no single cause for cancer, but research shows a cat’s genetics and environment sometimes contribute to the disease.
Cats are vulnerable to different forms of cancer, but some are more common than others.
Cats with white fur, especially around the head, are more prone to skin cancer if they have recurrent sun exposure. This type of cancer, called squamous cell carcinoma, is mostly present in these conditions.
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is the most common cancer found in cats. Almost all variations of lymphoma are in part due to the Feline Leukemia Virus (FelV), with the exception of the gastrointestinal form.
FelV can be transmitted to fetuses if an expecting cat contracts the virus. It is otherwise transmitted through saliva and other direct contacts between cats.
Young cats are most vulnerable to contracting FeLV. Fortunately, there is a vaccine for FelV and it is commonly administered to cats who test negative for the virus.
It’s important for your cat to be tested regularly, as symptoms in FelV-positive cats may not manifest until much later.
Symptoms of Cancer
While there is no way to know why cats develop cancer, knowing what to look for could catch it in the early stages. Symptoms of cancer in cats include:
- Lumps and abnormal growths
- Sudden and drastic weight loss
- Swelling with no apparent cause
- Abnormal discharge from any part of the body
- Wounds and abrasions that do not heal
- Apparent change in behavior
There is no sure way of diagnosing cancer in cats until a vet can take a look.
Lumps are subject to biopsies – the process of removing a small sample from the lump to examine the cells. Benign tumors or non-metastatic forms of cancer might be removed surgically.
Additionally, ultrasounds, radiographs, and blood tests can determine the development of cancer and if it is spreading.
Treatment Options
The specific type of treatment for cancer depends on the stage and aggressiveness of the disease. Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation are common options, and sometimes a combination of therapies can be used.
Some opt for palliative care, in which there is no treatment administered for the cancer. In these cases, accounting for a form of pain relief is ideal.
When making decisions for the wellbeing of your cat with cancer, consider the quality of life your cat will have based on the options you choose.
4. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
FIV may not present any symptoms in cats for years. Despite being one of the slower-acting cat diseases, the infection drastically weakens the immune system as it becomes more aggressive.
A cat with developed FIV will become more susceptible to other infections that damage the body.
Symptoms of FIV
The symptoms of FIV are very noticeable once the virus becomes more active. If your cat displays one or more of these symptoms, take them to the vet immediately:
- Drastic weight loss
- Anemia
- Inflammation of the eyes, gums, or mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Unhealthy coat
- Skin redness or hair loss
- Wounds that will not heal
Transmission
FIV can only be passed from cat to cat, not to humans. It is easily transmittable and often spreads from cat bites and from contact with the mucous membranes. A mother cat will pass FIV on to her kittens in utero, or later through contact with saliva if she contracts FIV after giving birth.
It is not proven that FIV can transfer through shared food bowls, litter boxes, or other casual contacts. However, it’s best to separate infected cats from non-infected cats.
Prevention
Vaccines for FIV are common and should be administered by a vet when appropriate. Testing your cat is important, and it is good to know if other cats in contact with your own have tested negative as well.
Keeping your cat indoors, or monitoring their time outdoors, is the best way to ensure your cat stays FIV negative.
Cats who are FIV positive can still live happy and healthy lives as indoor cats in low-stress environments. When maintained, the virus is not terminal for your feline friend.
Stop Cat Illnesses Before They Start
You want to ensure a long life for your cat. There are plenty of ways to prevent and treat common cat illnesses, and you shouldn’t be caught off guard by a terminally ill kitty.
You now know what to look for when you check up on your furry friend, and you can help them maintain a happy and healthy life.
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Thank you for this article. I found it very helpful!