Common Diseases and Itching in Cats
Common Diseases and Itching in Cats
On the world ranking
scale of beloved pets, cats are right at the top, adored by billions worldwide, and known for their playful, affectionate, and independent behavior. But, like
humans, they are vulnerable to a host of diseases that have the potential to
threaten their health and well-being. As pet parents, knowing common feline
diseases, their signs, and preventive measures are essential in helping your
feline live a long and happy life.
This article covers the
most common diseases that can affect your pet cats, including their causes,
symptoms, treatments, and prevention.
URIs ( Upper
Respiratory Tract Infections )
Overview
Upper respiratory
infections are common in cats, especially those in shelters or multi-cat homes.
These infections are often viral in nature, specifically caused by feline
herpesvirus (FHV) or calicivirus, which may be enhanced by bacterial
infections.
Symptoms
• Sneezing
• Nasal discharge
• Watery or red eyes
• Coughing
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
Treatment
• Antibiotics for
secondary bacterial infections
• Antivirals in acute
cases
• Comfort measures:
hydration, feeding, and a clean place to stay
Prevention
• Regular vaccinations
• Reducing stress and
practicing good hygiene
• Isolating infected
cats
Feline Infectious
Peritonitis (FIP)
Overview
FIP is a fatal and
syndromic disease that mutates from the feline coronavirus. It is most common
in young cats and cats with compromised immune systems.
Symptoms
• Weight loss
• Lethargy
• Febris invaccinabilis
• Swollen abdomen (wet
form)
• Neurological symptoms
(in some patients)
Treatment
FIP was believed to be
fatal until very recently, as GS-441524 and other new antiviral treatments have
improved the prognosis even for severe FIP.
Prevention
• Avoiding contact with
infected cats
• Keeping good hygiene
in multi-cat households
Feline Leukemia Virus
(FeLV)
Overview
FeLV is a retrovirus
that suppresses a cat’s immune system, rendering them more vulnerable to
infections and certain cancers.
Symptoms
• Persistent fever
• Poor coat condition
• Anemia
• Weight loss
• Recurrent infections
Treatment
FeLV is not curable,
though supportive care, regular veterinary examinations, and treatment of
secondary infections can prolong a cat’s life.
Prevention
• Vaccination against
FeLV
• Testing new cats
before placing them with residents
Feline Immunodeficiency
Virus (FIV)
Overview
FIV, sometimes seen as
the feline equivalent of the human HIV virus, compromises a cat’s immune
system, leaving them vulnerable to secondary infections. It is transmitted
mostly through bite wounds.
Symptoms
• Chronic infections
• Weight loss
• Poor appetite
• Swollen lymph nodes
Treatment
There is no cure, but
managing any infections and providing an environment with minimal stress can
help improve the quality of life for the cat.
Prevention
• Preventing fights by
keeping cats indoors
• Spay/neuter to
decrease aggressive behavior
Diabetes Mellitus
Overview
In cats, diabetes is
when the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin, resulting in hyperglycemia
(high blood sugar levels).
Symptoms
• Early signs include
increased thirst and urination
• Weight loss despite
increased appetite
• Lethargy
• Poor coat condition
Treatment
• Daily insulin
injections
• A low-carbohydrate
diet
• Regular blood sugar
monitoring
Prevention
• Keeping active and a
healthy weight
• Feeding a balanced
diet.
Chronic Kidney Disease
(CKD)
Overview
Chronic kidney disease
(CKD) is a common condition in older cats in which the kidneys slowly lose
their ability to work properly.
Symptoms
• Increase in thirst
and urination
• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Bad breath (sometimes
with an ammonia-like odor)
• Poor coat quality
Treatment
• Special renal diets
• Fluid therapy
• Medication to relieve
[his/her] symptoms
Prevention
CKD can't always be
avoided, but if it's caught early, regular vet visits will help you manage the
disease.
FLUTD Feline Lower
Urinary Tract Disease
Overview
FLUTD: A name for
several different urinary problems, including bladder inflammation, urinary
tract infections, and bladder stones.
Symptoms
• Straining to urinate
• Regular visits to the
litter box
• Blood in urine
• Not using the litter
box
Treatment
• Changes in diet that
dissolve bladder stones
• Pain and infection
medications
• Surgery in severe
cases
Prevention
• Always give them
clean water
• Providing a urinary
health-specific diet
Parasites
Overview
Internal and external
parasites like fleas, ticks, and worms can have a major impact on a cat's
health.
Symptoms
• Itching or biting at
the skin (fleas, ticks)
• worms visible in
feces or around the anus
• Vomiting or diarrhea
(intestinal worms)
Treatment
• Oral or topical flea
and tick medications
• Internal parasite
deworming treatments
Prevention
• Preventatives for
parasites given on a routine basis
• Keeping a tidy
household
Obesity
Overview
Obesity affects cats
frequently, causing diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and a variety of other
issues there.
Symptoms
• Excessive body fat
• Difficulty grooming
• Decreased activity
Treatment
• Governing diet with
portions
• Encouraging play and exercise
• Weight management
plan under the guidance of a veterinarian
Prevention
• Feeding a balanced
diet
• Regularly
participating in physical activity
Cancer
Overview
Like humans, cats can
also experience different types of cancer, including but not limited to
lymphoma, mastitis, skin tumors, etc.
Symptoms
• Lumps or bumps that
increase in size over time
• Unexplained weight loss
• Problems breathing or
swallowing
• Persistent sores
Treatment
• An operation,
chemotherapy, or radiotherapy
• Hospice care for
those in advanced stages
Prevention
• Spaying to reduce the
risk of mammary cancer in female cats
• Annual exams to
detect early signs
Dental Diseases
Overview
Oral health issues,
like gingivitis, periodontal disease, and tooth resorption, are common in cats.
Symptoms
• Bad breath
• Difficulty eating
• Drooling
• Swollen or bleeding
gums
Treatment
• Professional cleaning
by a dentist
• If needed, tooth
extractions
Prevention
• Regular brushing
using toothpaste for cats
• Offering dental chews
or toys
Hyperthyroidism
Overview
One condition that is
common in older cats is hyperthyroidism, caused by an overactive thyroid gland.
Symptoms
• Unintentional weight
loss despite increased appetite
• Hyperactivity
• Webbing of thirst and
peeing
• Vomiting
Treatment
• Medications that help
the thyroid function more normally
• Radioactive iodine
therapy
• Thyroid gland removal
surgery
Prevention
Although prevention is
not always feasible, regular health screenings assist with early diagnosis and
treatment.
Conclusion
The first step in
keeping a pet cat healthy and happy is knowing the diseases that can affect
them. Veterinary visits, balanced nutrition, grooming, and preventive care can
lower the risk of many of these diseases. Also, watching for early signs of
illness and treating them with an understanding of the calm/dangerous settings can
go a long way toward extending the life of your kitty.
A well-cared-for feline
friend will have a long, happy, and healthy life.
