Common Cat Diseases
It might be difficult for pet parents to tell the difference between a small issue and a significant health condition because cats are fiercely independent and sometimes cryptic little creatures. That’s why it’s so important to know the signs and symptoms of the most common feline health issues, such as FIV, FeLV, diabetes, and others.
Continue reading to learn more about common feline ailments, including symptoms and treatment options. Remember to call your veterinarian if your cat is displaying any concerning signs. This material is solely for educational purposes and is not intended to assist in the diagnosis of disease.
KIDNEY PROBLEM
Kidneys filter waste and keep blood and water levels in check. Cats can develop acute renal failure or chronic kidney disease if their kidneys break down or deteriorate. Acute renal failure usually occurs fast and can be treated if caught early enough. Chronic renal illness cannot be cured, but with early detection and good care, the kitty can live a long and happy life.
Kidney illness can be present at birth in kittens, and as cats age, their kidneys can fail. Kidney problems can be caused by infections, trauma, obstructions, or poisoning. Kidney disease, if left untreated, can lead to a variety of other health issues.
• Urination on a regular basis
• Weight loss
• Lots of water
• A dry coat
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Bloody or cloudy urine
DENTAL ILLNESS
According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, between 50 and 90 percent of cats over the age of four have some form of dental disease. It is one of the most common cat diseases. Gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth resorption are the most prevalent feline dental illnesses, with various degrees of severity. Most occurrences of dental illness, on the other hand, can be avoided or managed with good care. Gum or tooth disease can cause considerable pain and suffering in certain cats, lowering their quality of life. Because of the pain, some cats may stop eating, resulting in malnutrition and other health issues.
The three most frequent feline dental problems are as follows:
Gingivitis: This is a condition in which the gums become inflamed and painful, usually as a result of plaque buildup.
Gums that are red, swollen, uncomfortable, or bleeding
Periodontitis: If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to periodontitis. This happens when the gums’ soft tissue or the bone that supports the teeth is damaged.
Symptoms include the inability to eat, halitosis, and drooling, which are similar to gingivitis.
When the internal structure of a tooth breaks down, this is known as tooth resorption. Tooth resorption is the most prevalent cause of tooth loss in cats and has unknown reasons.
Pain, drooling, moving head to the side when eating, or inability to eat are some of the symptoms.
Read This: 14 Beautiful Breeds
DIABETES
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, cats can develop diabetes if they are unable to manufacture insulin or have an inadequate insulin response. While diabetes in cats is a serious problem, it can be treated, and with careful treatment, some cats can even go into remission.
Genetics, pancreatic illness, and obesity can all contribute to feline diabetes. Diabetes in cats manifests itself in the following ways,
weight loss
Thirst and/or urination have increased.
Lethargy
Dehydration
Appetite changes
Breath that smells good
FELINE IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (FIV)
FIV, as the name implies, is a condition that weakens a cat’s immune system, making them more susceptible to infections and illnesses. FIV is most typically transmitted from cat to cat through bite wounds, so outdoor male cats who get into fights are at the most risk of contracting the virus.
FIV is detected with blood tests. Although there is no cure for FIV, afflicted cats can live normal lives if the disease is appropriately controlled. FIV is typically overlooked, and affected cats may not show symptoms for years after being infected. As the cat becomes older, the following symptoms may appear:
Gingivitis
Appetite loss.
Coat in poor condition
Fever
Infections that are chronic or recurrent
CANCER
Lymphoma is the most prevalent cancer in cats, however, there are many different types of cat diseases. While a tumor is frequently seen as a symptom of cancer, it is not the sole symptom, and not all tumors are cancerous. Because many cases of feline cancer go unreported, regular veterinary checks are critical for early discovery and better treatment outcomes.
The following are some of the signs and symptoms of feline lymphoma:
Anorexia is a condition in which a person loses weight.
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Cats infected with FIV or FeLV have a higher chance of acquiring cancer. Other risk factors include poor diet and exposure to secondhand smoke. Siamese cats are more likely than other breeds to acquire cancer, thus genetics may play a role.
OBESITY
Obesity is defined as a cat weighing 20 percent greater than its optimal weight. Obesity in cats reduces their longevity and makes them more prone to diseases and health problems, such as:
Diabetes can cause joint difficulties.
Cancer
Coronary artery disease
Contact your veterinarian if you suspect your cat is overweight. They’ll calculate an optimum weight goal for your cat based on their general health and suggest a new diet to help them lose weight. The above-mentioned cat diseases can be cured with these simple tips.
Cat Diseases: How to Keep Your Cat Healthy With These Tips
Your cat is a member of your family if you are a cat parent and an animal lover. We all want to keep our dogs in the best possible health and happiness. Some people believe that because cats are so self-sufficient, they don’t require any care. This is not the case if you want your cat to be as happy and healthy as possible. Here are the best cat health suggestions from Animal Medical Center! Not only for cat diseases, but these tips will help you keep any of your pets safe and healthy.
Visiting the veterinarian on a regular basis
You should take your pet to the veterinarian at least once a year for a check-up. You can expect immunizations and your vet to check for early indications of disease as well as routine cat health issues during these annual visits.
Your cat should be spayed or neutered
This not only prevents pregnancy but also provides a number of other health benefits. The operation can help your cat avoid cancers of the testicles or breasts, as well as urinary tract infections.
Make sure you’re up to date on your dental health
Many people believe that pets’ teeth do not need to be cleaned on a regular basis. WRONG! Our teeth work in the same way that feline teeth do! Consider what would happen if you didn’t clean your teeth for even two days. By the age of three, 85 percent of cats have a dental illness. Oral disease can lead to a variety of chronic disorders and even death. Brushing your cat is essential for his or her wellbeing.
Brush your cat on a regular basis
Using a suitable cat hair brush to brush your cat reduces mattes in their fur, which can be unpleasant to their skin. It also lowers the likelihood of hairballs causing stomach issues. Brushing your cat on a daily basis has the added benefit of relaxing him.
Feed your cat the proper kind of food in the right amount
Meat is required for cats to survive! Although most dry cat feeds contain genuine meat, wet cat food is the best option and should be included in your cat’s diet. Consult your veterinarian to choose the best diet to give your cat. It is one of the tested tips to keep your cat away from cat diseases.
It’s not difficult to keep your cat healthy and happy; all it takes is a few extra minutes of your time and annual veterinarian checkups. We hope you found these short and simple cat health advice helpful, and that your cat has a long and happy life!
