There is a saying that cats have nine lives, but just as any other animal they may be prone to several diseases. It is true that felines may be quite stoic in hiding their pain so for this reason, anytime your cat is not acting right it is best to have your veterinarian do a thourough check up to rule out any major ailments or diseases. Below you will find some major feline diseases and their symptoms.
-Infectious diseases-
Panleukopenia
This is a leading cause of death in baby kittens. Many times the kitten or cat may die before even the owner notices the symptoms. Owners therefore, may think their cat was poisoned. Also known as feline distemper, panleukopenia is a disease you want to prevent by having your cat vaccinated against it. This infectious disease is very contagious and all it takes for it to be transmitted, is contact with contaminated food bowls, litter boxes and even shoes or clothing of sombody that has dealth with an infected animal. The virus is very hardy as it may survive a good year. Symptoms of this disease are as follows: inappetence, lethargy, fever, vomiting yellow bile, diarrhea, yellow stools sometimes streaked with blood, pain in the abdomen and crouched up posture. Treatment varies and chances of recovery are higher if the disease is detected early.
Calicivirus/Rhinotracheitits
Symptoms generally begin around 2 to 17 days post exposure. An affected cat will sneeze frequently and exhibit a watery discharge from the eyes and nose. The eyes in particular, may be affected by conjunctivitis. Days later, the cat will appear feverish and lethargic. The appetite is lost and the secretions turn from watery to sticky resembling pus. Calicivirus and rhinotracheitis may share similar symptoms, but cats with rhinotracheitis generally develop a cough and in severe cases corneal ulcers, while cats affected by calicivirus develop ulcers in their mouths. Both diseases are curable but complications may arise.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis
This disease is transmitted via secretions and is most common in outdoor cats. The disease may present in two forms: the wet form and the dry form. In the wet form the cat will become inappetent, lethargic and listless. Fluids will accumulate in the body causing abored breathing and the abdomen may swell (ascites). There may be fever, vomiting and diarrhea. The disease may turn fatal once the fluids reach the heart sac. The dry form presents the same initial symptoms as the wet form without the accumulation of fluids. Various organs may be affected. Because both forms are fatal, all cats that stay outdoors and in contact with other cats should be vaccinated.
Feline Leukemia
This is a very contagious disease known to cause many deaths in outdoor cats. Because the virus is spread from saliva, tom cats that are in frequent fights with other cats are very susceptible. Other methods of transmission occur by sharing water bowls, food bowls and grooming. Kittens may aquire the disease in utero or through ingestion of infected milk. Symptoms generally are: fever, lethargy, inapettence, vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss. Cancer may develop due to a lowered immune system. There is yet no treatment, only relief may be given before the pet ultimately succumbs to the disease.
Feline AIDS (FIV)
Even though this disease shares the name with a human disease, feline AIDS is species specific, meaning it cannot be transmitted to humans. This disease affects mostly outdoor cats, especially tom cats involved in cat fights. Typical symptoms are: diarrhea, anemia and skin infections. There may be a following period with no symptoms even for up to three years and afterward signs of the disease will reappear. Such signs may be gradual but persistent. Cats may lose their appetite, get diarrhea, fever, respiratory infections, urinary tract infectons and other signs of a weakened immune system. There is no treatment at this time.
Rabies
While this disease is decreasing, most states are required by law that all pets be current on their Rabies vaccination. Transmission occurs mainly through a bite from an affected animal. Rabid animals are subject to abrupt personality changes and as the disease progreeses they may become withdrawn and stare at nothing. They tend to avoid light so they will seek dark places. Cats may become aggressive as the disease progresses and may exhibit neurological disorderes such as tremors, incoordination and uncontrollable muscle twitching. Death occurs from respiratory arrest. Because there is no treatment, ALL cats must be vaccinated.
Other non-infectious diseases-
Hyperthyroidism
This disease is mostly seen in geriatric cats. Affected cats develop an over active thyroid gland that produces excessive thyroid hormones. Affected cats become restless and overactive, become very hungry yet will lose weight and exhibit vomiting and an increased volume of feces. Many times the disease goes undetected because the cat appears bright and alert and eats well. Treatment consists of lifelong thyroid pills, surgery or one time radioactive iodine treatment.
Diabetes
As in humans, feline diabetes is caused by elevated blood sugar levels. Affected cats will urinate more because their kidneys are trying to get rid of the excess sugar. When this happens cats may become dehydrated and therefore will drink more. Cats may eat more but yet they will exhibit an unexplained weight loss. As the disease progresses cats may become lethargic, vomit, refuse food, develop an acetone breath and eventually drift into coma. Treatment consists of diet changes and insulin injections.
There are definetly many other diseases affecting cats. Vaccinating your cat at an early age may prevent most of the major infectious diseases listed above. Many other disease may be prevented by keeping your cat on a healthy diet, ensuring a good level of exercise, and by having regular check ups performed by your veterinarian. With your effort as an attentive caring owner, you may help your cat live happily all his nine lives!