If you have a cat, it’s vital to recognize the early warning signs and symptoms of common health issues. This awareness ensures you can promptly seek veterinary care for your furry companion when needed. Continue reading to learn about the diseases.
24 Common Cat Diseases
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
Think of FIV as similar to “cat HIV”—it weakens your cat’s immune system gradually as time pass. Imagine your cat’s body as a fortress, and FIV is the slow breakdown of the walls that keep it safe. Over time, this leaves your cat at risk to common infections and other illnesses. Watch for signs like swollen lymph nodes (small bumps under their jaw or elsewhere), intermittent fever, weight loss despite a steady appetite, behavior changes, or a dull, messy coat.
Their gums may look red and sore, and they could develop mouth ulcers. Some cats with FIV might also experience chronic diarrhea or eye issues. FIV can stay dormant for years, so regular vet check-ups are crucial.
This virus is like a stealthy invader that sneaks into your cat’s defense system. In the early stages, signs can be subtle—your cat may just seem a little off or extra tired. As FIV progresses, they might eat less, have pale gums, and develop recurrent fevers. Some cats might get yellowing in their eyes or gums (jaundice), struggle to breathe, or have infections that persist despite treatment. Swollen lymph nodes can feel like small marbles under their skin. A heartbreaking aspect is when affected cats lose interest in playing or cuddling. Regular testing and preventive care are especially crucial for kittens at risk.
Rabies
Rabies is a frightening disease that dramatically alters your cat’s behavior, almost like a horror movie unfolding in real life. In the initial stage, your cat might act nervous, hide more often, or develop a fever. Later, they may become aggressively unpredictable (“furious” form), even lashing out for no apparent reason.
Alternatively, they may enter the “dumb” form, showing confusion, excessive drooling, and difficulty swallowing. Cats may also produce unusual sounds or stagger as if dizzy. Once rabies symptoms appear, it’s unfortunately too late for treatment—hence, the rabies vaccine is critical for all cats.
Diabetes
Diabetes in cats can be thought of as their bodies struggling to process sugar, much like a car that can’t use fuel efficiently. Cats with diabetes often feel ravenously hungry and thirsty, sometimes drinking entire bowls of water in one sitting! You may find your cat urinating more frequently or even having accidents outside the litter box. Despite eating plenty, they may continue to lose weight. Their coat may start to look dull, and they might appear less groomed.
Some diabetic cats develop a distinctive crouched walk, particularly in their back legs. While they may sleep more and play less, proper treatment (like a special diet or insulin) can help many diabetic cats lead fulfilling lives.
Cancer
Cancer in cats can act like invasive weeds in a garden, emerging anywhere in the body and showing various symptoms depending on the location.
Watch for lumps that don’t go away, sores that don’t heal, unexpected weight loss, changes in appetite, or persistent vomiting or diarrhea. Breathing difficulties, coughing, or altered bathroom habits can also signal cancer. Some cats may withdraw or vocalize in discomfort when touched. Bad breath, particularly with mouth cancers, is also a red flag. Early detection is key, so any sudden changes should prompt a vet visit.
Fleas
Fleas are tiny pests that make life miserable for cats. A cat with fleas will likely scratch frequently, especially around the neck, tail base, and belly. Severe itching may lead some cats to pull out fur, leaving bald patches. Flea “dirt” (tiny black specks) is often visible in their fur and will turn reddish-brown on a wet paper towel.
Fleas can cause additional issues like pale gums due to blood loss or rice-like tapeworm segments in their fur. A quick flea treatment plan can offer much-needed relief for your cat.
Ringworm
Ringworm usually shows as round patches of hair loss, resembling small coin-sized circles. These areas may be red, crusty, or scaly, often appearing first on the face, ears, or front legs but spreading over time. While some cats experience itching, others carry the fungus without symptoms, making them “silent carriers.” This is especially important because ringworm can spread to humans, so careful handling is necessary.
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URI)
A URI is like a bad cold for cats, complete with sneezing, a runny nose, and watery eyes. Your cat might sound congested and, because they need to smell their food to eat, they might stop eating if their nose is blocked. They may drool more, have ulcers in their mouth, or experience bad breath. Cats with URI often feel sluggish, sleep more, or avoid play. Some may also develop a fever, adding to their discomfort. If your cat shows these symptoms, consider a vet visit to help them recover faster.
Cat-scratch Disease
While cat-scratch disease usually affects humans more than cats, your cat can carry the bacteria without any symptoms. However, cats may occasionally show swollen lymph nodes or run a fever if they’ve been infected by another cat. For humans, a scratch or bite from an infected cat can result in a red bump, swollen lymph nodes, and general discomfort. To reduce risks, wash any scratches immediately and keep your cat’s nails trimmed.
Kidney Disease
Kidney disease affects your cat’s ability to filter toxins, like a clogged filter system. Early signs include excessive drinking and urination, noticeable from larger clumps in the litter box. As kidney disease progresses, cats may lose their appetite, lose weight, and have breath that smells unpleasant, sometimes like ammonia. Vomiting, constipation, and a scruffy-looking coat are also common. If you gently pinch their skin and it doesn’t snap back quickly, they may be dehydrated despite drinking more water. Kidney disease requires early intervention, so any such changes should be discussed with a vet.
Parasitic Worms
Worms are unwelcome residents in a cat’s belly, often showing as roundworms (like spaghetti) or tapeworms (rice-like segments). A “pot-bellied” appearance, especially in kittens, is common. Cats might scoot their bottoms along the floor due to itching or, in severe cases, throw up worms. Worms can lead to dull coats, weight loss, and digestive issues like diarrhea. Kittens are particularly at risk, so worming treatments are essential for keeping them healthy.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
FIP is a serious disease stemming from a common coronavirus that sometimes becomes dangerous. It appears in two forms: “wet” and “dry.” Wet FIP causes fluid buildup, making a cat’s belly look swollen. In dry FIP, symptoms might include eye issues, nervous system problems, or organ issues. Cats with FIP may have persistent fevers, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, and breathing difficulties. The good news is that recent treatments have improved outcomes for cats with FIP, giving hope where there was little before.
Heartworm
Heartworms may sound like horror movie villains, but they’re very real for cats, lurking in blood vessels near the heart. Unlike in dogs, where many worms need to be present to cause serious symptoms, just a couple of heartworms can wreak havoc on a cat’s health. Look out for coughing, breathing problems, or wheezing, which often resemble asthma symptoms.
Vomiting without a hairball, weight loss, and decreased interest in play are additional warning signs. In severe cases, sudden collapse or loss of back-leg mobility may occur, with the first sign sometimes being sudden death, underscoring the importance of preventive measures.
Tooth Problems
Just like us, cats are prone to dental troubles, including cavities, gum disease, and toothaches. The first hint is often red, swollen gums, whereas healthy gums should be a light pink. Bad breath with a rotten smell is another big clue.
Some cats may start drooling more, and if the drool looks bloody or brownish, it’s a likely sign of tooth pain. A change in eating habits, such as dropping food, chewing on only one side, or preferring soft food, often indicates oral discomfort. Yellow or brown tartar buildup on the teeth is a sign that dental attention may be needed to prevent more severe issues.
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)
Think of FLUTD as an unrelenting urinary tract infection that causes severe discomfort for cats. Frequent but minimal urination, straining, or vocalizing while in the litter box are typical signs. Some cats may also have blood in their urine or begin peeing outside the box, often on cool surfaces like the bathtub or sink. In male cats, a complete blockage can be life-threatening, so if your cat is straining to urinate with no results, it’s an immediate emergency. This condition requires a vet’s help to prevent dangerous complications.
Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV)
Often referred to as “feline distemper” or “cat parvo,” FPV is an aggressive virus causing severe symptoms. Infected cats usually stop eating and become lethargic, with bloody diarrhea and constant vomiting. The cat’s nose may feel hot and dry, and they may develop a high fever. Kittens are especially at risk, as dehydration from the virus progresses rapidly. When dehydrated, a cat’s skin remains tented when pinched, and their gums may feel tacky rather than moist. This painful illness requires prompt veterinary care and highlights the need for vaccination to protect against it.
Hyperthyroidism
When a cat’s thyroid gland goes into overdrive, it leads to hyperthyroidism, causing weight loss despite an insatiable appetite. Hyperthyroid cats may seem constantly active, often vocalizing and restless, particularly at night. They might drink and urinate more frequently, and their coat may look scruffy or patchy.
Physical symptoms include a fast heart rate and increased respiration, with some cats experiencing behavioral shifts such as irritability. If untreated, hyperthyroidism can strain the heart and other organs, so a vet visit is essential.
Intestinal Parasite Infections
Beyond worms, cats can contract single-celled parasites that upset their digestive system. Diarrhea, which may be watery or contain mucus, is the primary symptom.
Some cats have an urgent need to use the litter box or may even have accidents due to lack of control. Weight loss and a poor appetite often accompany these infections as they prevent nutrient absorption. Cats with severe infections may become dehydrated, with sunken eyes and dry gums. Because some of these parasites are contagious, early treatment and sanitation are crucial.
Giardiasis
This microscopic parasite targets the cat’s intestines, leading to persistent, foul-smelling diarrhea. The stools may appear greasy or frothy with a notably bad odor. Cats with giardiasis may lose weight even while eating, and their coat might lose its luster. Some may experience gas and sensitivity around the abdomen. What’s tricky about giardia is that some cats show no signs while still carrying and potentially spreading the parasite, making regular vet checks beneficial.
Toxoplasmosis
Often silent in healthy adult cats, toxoplasmosis can become problematic in kittens or sick cats. Signs include fever, lack of appetite, respiratory issues, and jaundice. Some cats may experience eye problems, with uneven pupils or vision loss, and in severe cases, they may develop neurological symptoms like difficulty walking or seizures.
Cats can carry this parasite without symptoms, but it’s particularly risky for pregnant women due to its impact on unborn babies, so they should avoid litter box duties.
Cat Flu (Feline Upper Respiratory Disease)
Cat flu is like a severe cold for felines, causing a runny or blocked nose with thick yellow-green discharge. Eye issues, including watery, goopy eyes, are common, sometimes crusting shut. Frequent sneezing, snorting, and mouth breathing indicate respiratory discomfort, and many cats lose their appetite due to a diminished sense of smell. Cats with cat flu may drool more and experience painful mouth ulcers. They often become lethargic, avoiding food and socializing, and may need extra care to stay hydrated and comfortable.
Cryptosporidiosis
A gut parasite that triggers sporadic diarrhea, cryptosporidiosis can cause some cats to lose interest in food, vomit, and shed pounds even while eating. Their coat may appear scruffy, and their belly may be sensitive. Kittens and immunocompromised cats are most vulnerable. This infection is challenging to detect because some cats can carry it without showing symptoms, so regular vet visits are essential to ensure they aren’t spreading it to other pets or humans.
Feline Acne
Cats can develop acne too, usually on their chin. Look for small black specks resembling dirt that don’t brush off easily—these are blackheads. Inflammation can turn into red, painful bumps that may ooze and scab. Severe cases might lead to fur loss and swelling in the chin area, sometimes causing discomfort significant enough for cats to rub or scratch their face.
Though mild cases are typically harmless, infections can develop and may require veterinary treatment.
Feline Herpesvirus
Similar to human cold sores, feline herpesvirus causes recurring respiratory symptoms, especially during stressful times. Sneezing fits, nasal discharge, and eye crusting are common, with some cats developing ulcers on their eyes.
They may drool more, lose interest in food, and become feverish. Often triggered by stress, herpes flare-ups require supportive care and symptom management. Cats might need extra comfort and isolation from other pets to avoid spreading the virus.
Diarreah
Diarrhea is a condition characterized by frequent, loose, and watery bowel movements. It often occurs when the digestive system becomes irritated or infected, causing food and liquids to pass through the intestines too quickly. Symptoms include abdominal cramps, bloating, nausea, and an urgent need to go to the bathroom. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which may cause dizziness, dry mouth, and fatigue. Diarrhea is commonly triggered by infections, food intolerances, stress, or medications and usually resolves on its own, though persistent cases may require medical attention.
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