As a devoted cat parent, understanding the signs and symptoms of common feline illnesses is crucial for ensuring your furry companion receives timely veterinary care. This guide provides essential information about prevalent diseases and medical conditions that frequently affect cats, empowering you to be a more informed and proactive caregiver for your beloved pet.
Cancer in Cats
Cancer is a complex group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cells, which can invade surrounding tissues and spread to other parts of the body. Similar to humans, cats can be afflicted by various types of cancer, which may be localized (like a tumor) or generalized (spread throughout the body).
Causes of Cancer
Cancer in cats is considered a “multifactorial” disease, meaning it doesn’t have a single known cause. Both hereditary predispositions and environmental factors can contribute to its development. For instance, squamous cell carcinoma, a skin cancer affecting the ear, eyelid, or nose, is often linked to prolonged sun exposure, with white or lightly colored cats being more susceptible. Lymphosarcoma (LSA) is another prevalent cancer in cats, accounting for a significant percentage of reported feline cancers. Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is associated with most forms of LSA, except for the gastrointestinal (GI) form. FeLV is a transmittable retrovirus that can be passed from mother to kitten or through saliva and direct contact. While primarily affecting younger cats, FeLV may not always present immediate symptoms, making regular testing important for prevention and management. A vaccine for FeLV is available and can be discussed with your veterinarian based on your cat’s lifestyle and risk of exposure. The GI form of LSA can manifest as a large mass in the stomach or intestine or diffuse infiltration throughout the intestinal tract. Prompt veterinary attention is advised if any signs of disease are observed, as LSA, while not curable, often responds well to treatment.
Cancer Symptoms
Recognizing potential cancer symptoms is vital. These can include:
- Lumps or swelling (always worth veterinary examination, even if not malignant)
- Persistent sores or skin infections
- Abnormal discharge from any body part
- Bad breath
- Lethargy or marked changes in behavior
- Weight loss
- Sudden lameness
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Scaly or red skin patches
- Decreased appetite
- Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating
- Changes in behavior
Diagnosing and Treating Cancer
Diagnosis often begins with a needle biopsy for microscopic cell examination or surgical removal of a lump for pathological analysis. Radiographs, ultrasound, and blood tests can also aid in diagnosis and staging. Cancer is more common in older cats, and certain breeds have predispositions. Cats with white ears and heads are particularly vulnerable to skin cancer. Prevention strategies include keeping cats indoors to avoid sun exposure and spaying female cats before their first heat cycle to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy, depend on the cancer’s type and stage. Early detection significantly improves outcomes. If a cure is not possible, palliative care, focusing on pain relief and quality of life, should be considered. Consulting a veterinary oncologist may be beneficial for complex cases.
Diabetes Mellitus in Cats
Diabetes in cats is a complex endocrine disorder resulting from either insufficient insulin production or the body’s inability to effectively use insulin. Insulin is crucial for transporting glucose from the bloodstream into cells for energy. When this process is impaired, blood sugar levels rise, leading to hyperglycemia, which can cause numerous health complications if left untreated.
Understanding Feline Diabetes
Diabetes is generally classified into Type I (lack of insulin production) and Type II (impaired insulin production and/or inadequate response to insulin). Cats with Type II diabetes can progress to Type I, often requiring lifelong insulin therapy. Fortunately, diabetes is a manageable condition, and many diabetic cats can lead happy, healthy lives, with some even experiencing remission.
Symptoms and Causes
Key indicators of diabetes in cats include changes in appetite, weight loss, increased thirst and urination, and an unusually sweet breath. The exact cause remains unknown, but genetics, pancreatic disease, certain medications, and obesity are contributing factors. Obesity, male gender, and age are significant risk factors.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis involves a thorough veterinary assessment, including clinical signs, physical examination, blood work, and urinalysis. Treatment is highly individualized and may involve hospitalized care for stabilization, oral medications, dietary changes (high-fiber diets), or, most commonly, insulin injections. Consistent daily insulin administration, synchronized with regular meals, is crucial for managing blood glucose levels and preventing dangerous fluctuations. Home glucose monitoring may also be recommended.
Prevention and Management
Maintaining a proper diet and encouraging regular exercise are key to preventing feline diabetes by managing weight and reducing insulin resistance. If diabetes is suspected, immediate veterinary consultation is essential, as untreated cases can lead to severe complications like kidney disease and neurological disorders.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is a slow-acting retrovirus that severely weakens a cat’s immune system, making them highly susceptible to secondary infections. Infected cats may not show symptoms for years, but once they appear, the disease can progress steadily or manifest in cycles of illness and health.
FIV Symptoms and Transmission
Symptoms can include enlarged lymph nodes, fever, anemia, weight loss, poor coat condition, diarrhea, eye and gum inflammation, and non-healing wounds. FIV is primarily transmitted through deep bite wounds, common during aggressive outdoor fights. Less commonly, it can pass from mother to kitten. Casual contact like sharing food bowls or grooming does not typically spread the virus. Free-roaming, unneutered male cats are at the highest risk.
Prevention and Diagnosis
Keeping cats indoors is the most effective prevention strategy. Leash walking and ensuring all cats in a multi-cat environment are FIV-tested negative before introduction are also recommended. A veterinarian can discuss the FIV vaccine’s suitability. Diagnosis is usually made through blood tests that detect antibodies to the virus. However, kittens younger than six months may test positive due to maternal antibodies, requiring re-testing.
Treatment and Care
There is no specific antiviral treatment for FIV. Care focuses on managing secondary infections with medication, providing a healthy diet, fluid therapy, and immune-enhancing drugs. Keeping an FIV-infected cat indoors, monitoring for health changes, regular veterinary check-ups (at least twice yearly), and feeding a balanced diet are crucial. Raw food diets should be avoided due to the risk of bacteria and parasites. Spaying or neutering is also recommended.
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is a contagious RNA retrovirus that significantly compromises a cat’s immune system, making it one of the leading causes of disease and death in domestic cats. Early detection and management are crucial, especially for new cats entering a household or any sick feline.
FeLV Impact and Transmission
FeLV weakens the immune system, predisposing cats to infections, anemia, kidney disease, and lymphosarcoma. Kittens and cats under one year old are most vulnerable. High-risk cats include those living with an infected cat, outdoor cats exposed to bites, and kittens born to FeLV-positive mothers. The virus is shed in various bodily fluids (saliva, urine, feces, blood) and transmitted through direct contact, mutual grooming, and shared resources. Bites and scratches from infected cats are also a transmission route. Healthy, vaccinated cats over three months old have a low risk of contracting the virus.
Signs and Prevention
While some cats show no signs, common symptoms include appetite and weight loss, poor coat condition, fever, recurrent infections, diarrhea, vomiting, and neurological or reproductive issues. A vaccine is available for at-risk cats, though it’s not a 100% guarantee. Eliminating exposure sources through routine testing and keeping cats indoors are the most effective preventative measures.
Diagnosis and Care
Diagnosis typically involves ELISA blood tests, often confirmed with IFA or PCR tests. Currently, there is no cure for FeLV. Treatment focuses on supportive care, including a balanced diet free from raw ingredients, a quiet resting environment, and bi-annual veterinary check-ups. Introducing new, unvaccinated cats into a household with an FeLV-positive cat is not advisable, even if the new cat is vaccinated, due to the high risk of infection in close quarters. FeLV is contagious to other cats but not humans or other species. Chemotherapy may prolong life for cats with FeLV-related cancer, but the primary focus is on maintaining the best quality of life.
Heartworm Disease in Cats
Heartworm disease, spread by infected mosquitoes, is increasingly recognized as a significant health concern for domestic cats. Although cats are atypical hosts, the parasite can cause severe lung disease and other serious health issues.
Understanding Heartworm in Cats
Unlike in dogs, cats are not the natural hosts for Diarofilaria immitis, the heartworm parasite. Consequently, fewer and smaller worms typically survive, and many do not reach the heart. However, even these developing worms and the cat’s immune response to them can trigger severe inflammatory reactions and health problems, primarily affecting the lungs. Cats of any age or region can contract heartworm, but outdoor cats in mosquito-dense areas are at higher risk.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Signs of heartworm infection can include persistent coughing, breathing difficulties (panting, wheezing), depression, appetite loss, weight loss, vomiting, lethargy, and even sudden death. Breathing problems, sometimes misdiagnosed as asthma or bronchitis, are now understood as heartworm-associated respiratory disease (HARD). Diagnosis in cats is more challenging than in dogs and usually involves a combination of blood tests, radiography, echocardiography, and consideration of the cat’s history and physical examination.
Prevention and Treatment
While no FDA-approved treatments exist specifically for feline heartworm disease in the US, prevention is key. Several FDA-approved preventative medications are available, but screening cats for existing infection before starting preventative treatment is recommended. Limiting mosquito exposure and regular veterinary check-ups are also important. Many infected cats can clear the infection on their own, with monitoring and supportive care. If symptoms of lung disease are present, medications like cortisone can help manage inflammation and coughing. If left untreated, heartworm can lead to severe heart and lung damage, kidney and liver issues, and potentially fatal outcomes.
High-Rise Syndrome in Cats
High-Rise Syndrome refers to the injuries cats sustain when they fall from windows, balconies, or fire escapes. While cats possess remarkable agility, these falls can result in severe, life-threatening injuries.
Understanding the Risks
Cats have a natural inclination to explore high places and possess excellent balance. However, their attention can be easily captured by external stimuli like birds, leading to accidental falls. Unlike their ability to cling to tree bark, smooth surfaces like window ledges offer little grip. When falling, cats don’t always land perfectly upright; splayed limbs can cause head and pelvic injuries. Interestingly, shorter falls (one or two stories) can sometimes be more dangerous than higher ones, as they provide less time for the cat to adjust its posture. Falls from significant heights can also leave cats disoriented in unfamiliar and dangerous environments.
Prevention is Key
The most effective way to prevent High-Rise Syndrome is to ensure windows are securely screened. Adjustable screens must be tightly fitted, and owners should be aware that even “childproof” window guards may not be sufficient to prevent a cat from slipping through. Immediate veterinary attention is critical for any cat that has fallen, as a 90% survival rate is achievable with prompt and proper medical care.
Rabies in Cats
Rabies is a viral disease affecting the brain and spinal cord of mammals, including cats, dogs, and humans. It is preventable through vaccination but is nearly 100% fatal once symptoms appear.
Transmission and Risk Factors
Rabies is most commonly transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. Saliva from an infected animal can also enter the body through mucous membranes or open wounds. The risk is highest when cats interact with wild animals such as raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes. In the U.S., cats are more frequently reported with rabies than other domestic species. Unvaccinated, free-roaming cats are at the highest risk.
Prevention and Vaccination
Vaccination is the most critical preventive measure and is legally required in many areas. It protects both the cat and the public. While some cats may experience side effects, veterinarians and cat guardians must weigh the risks and benefits, especially for cats that spend time outdoors. Keeping cats indoors is strongly recommended by experts like the ASPCA.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms can vary widely and may take months to develop, including behavioral changes (aggression, lethargy), increased vocalization, appetite loss, weakness, disorientation, paralysis, seizures, and sudden death. There is no accurate test for rabies in live animals; diagnosis is confirmed post-mortem via a fluorescent antibody test. The virus can incubate for weeks to over a year, with infectiousness appearing shortly before or during the onset of clinical signs.
Post-Exposure Protocol
If a cat interacts with a potentially rabid animal, immediately contact your veterinarian. If the animal is still at large, alert local animal control officers. A vaccinated cat bitten by a potentially rabid animal should receive a booster vaccine and be observed for 45 days. If a human is bitten, seek immediate medical attention. Avoid handling or capturing wild animals exhibiting strange behavior; report them to animal control.
Ringworm in Cats
Ringworm, or dermatophytosis, is a highly contagious fungal infection that affects a cat’s skin, hair, and nails. It typically appears as patchy, circular areas of hair loss, often with a red ring-like appearance in the center.
Symptoms and Transmission
Ringworm lesions commonly appear on the head, ears, and forelimbs. While some cases show mild redness or dandruff, severe infections can spread across the body. Cats can also be asymptomatic carriers. The fungus spreads through direct contact with infected animals or indirectly via contaminated environments, including bedding and food bowls. Ringworm spores are notoriously resilient and can survive for over a year. Kittens, geriatric cats, long-haired cats, and immunocompromised individuals are more susceptible.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Because ringworm can spread easily, prompt veterinary diagnosis and isolation of the affected cat are crucial. Diagnosis often involves a veterinarian examining the skin, using an ultraviolet light, or performing a fungal culture. Skin biopsies may also be used. Treatment depends on severity and may include medicated shampoos, ointments, or oral medications, often requiring several months of therapy. Thorough environmental decontamination, including washing bedding, toys, and frequently vacuuming, is essential to prevent recurrence and spread to other pets and humans.
Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs) in Cats
Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs) affect a cat’s nose, throat, and sinuses, commonly caused by viruses and bacteria. These infections are prevalent, especially in multi-cat environments like shelters and catteries.
Causes and Transmission
Viruses, primarily feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus, are the most common culprits, responsible for 80-90% of contagious URIs. These viruses spread through sneezing, coughing, grooming, and shared food/water bowls. Infected cats can become lifelong carriers, potentially transmitting the virus even without showing symptoms. Bacterial infections, such as Chlamydia and Bordetella, can also occur, sometimes secondary to viral infections. Stress and overcrowding can exacerbate these conditions.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms vary but often include sneezing, nasal discharge (clear to colored), coughing, congestion, fever, decreased appetite, and eye or mouth inflammation. Certain breeds, like Persians, are predisposed due to their facial structure. Diagnosis involves a veterinary examination to assess the cat’s condition, determine if medication or isolation is needed, and rule out other serious issues.
Prevention and Treatment
Preventative measures include keeping cats indoors, isolating infected individuals, minimizing stress, and maintaining up-to-date vaccinations as recommended by a veterinarian. While vaccines may not prevent infection entirely, they can reduce disease severity. Good hygiene, such as handwashing after handling multiple cats, is also important. Treatment prescribed by a veterinarian may include medications, fluids, nutritional support, rest, and isolation. Untreated URIs can lead to serious complications like pneumonia or blindness.
Worms (Intestinal Parasites) in Cats
Cats are susceptible to various intestinal parasites, commonly known as worms, which can cause a range of symptoms, sometimes subtle, and pose risks to human health as well.
Common Types and Transmission
Outdoor cats and those not receiving regular preventative care are most at risk.
- Roundworms are the most common, transmitted from mother to kitten or through ingestion of eggs from infected feces.
- Hookworms, which feed on blood, can cause severe anemia, especially in kittens. Cats become infected through ingestion or skin contact with larvae.
- Tapeworms are acquired by ingesting intermediate hosts like infected fleas or rodents. Segments may be visible near the cat’s anus.
- Lungworms reside in the lungs, potentially causing coughing. Cats typically get them by eating infected intermediate hosts like snails or slugs.
Ingesting feces from infected felines is a primary route of transmission for many worm types.
Prevention and Symptoms
Preventing worms involves keeping cats indoors, maintaining a flea-free environment, practicing good hygiene (wearing gloves when handling feces), and adhering to a veterinarian-recommended parasite prevention program. Symptoms can include diarrhea, visible worms in stool or near the anus, bloating, vomiting, weight loss, anemia, and respiratory issues.
Treatment and Zoonotic Risk
Veterinary diagnosis is crucial, as not all dewormers are effective against all worm types, and some over-the-counter products can be harmful. It is vital to use prescribed treatments, as self-treating can be dangerous. Some worms, like roundworms and hookworms, can be transmitted to humans, potentially causing serious health problems, particularly in children. Therefore, prompt treatment and meticulous hygiene are essential for both the cat’s health and public safety.
