Feline Diseases

The following are the most common diseases in cats:

1. Feline herpes virus: It causes infection in the respiratory tract and leads to sneezing and discharge from the eyes.

2. Calicivirus: Another viral or respiratory virus, it leads to mouth ulcers and pneumonia.

3. Feline leukemia: It is a viral disease. It causes immunosuppression and cancerous cells in the body.

4. FIV: A lot similar to HIV for humans, it weakens the immune system so that cats are more prone to infections.

5. Kidney failure : it is a condition that is common among older cats; it is gradual failure of kidney function over a period of time.

6. Age related hyperthyroidism: It is a common endocrine disorder. In this disorder the metabolism rate increases resulting in sudden weight loss.

7. Diabetes: Body not able to utilize glucose completely resulting in high levels of blood sugar.

8. Mouth Disease: It includes gingivitis and other gum inflammation; it is common with tartar.

9. Cystitis and UTIs: It can lead to the bladder suffering an inflammation due to painful urination.

10. Increased weight: Most of the time it is a sign of several problems including excessive sugar concentration in the blood and joint issues.

With regular visits to the vets, these conditions or diseases can be easily contained and managed.

The Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a retro virus, unique to cats, which disables the immune system and enhances the susceptibility of the affected organism to infection and even cancer. In FeLV positive cats, anemia, lymphoma and various other health complications are common.

Routes of Transmission:

The feline leukemia transmission can be via:

1. Saliva: As a common practice, cats will share food or water bowls which leads to sharing the virus as well.

2. Bite Wounds: More vicious instances result in bite wounds that can transfer the virus.

3. Nasal Secretions: There is a risk of such through sneezing when a person is in close proximity to a feline that has been infected.

4. Mother to Kittens: At times, an infected mother is able to transmit the virus to her kittens during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Preventive measures entail keeping cats indoors, ensuring that any new cats are tested for FeLV before being introduced to the already existing ones, and vaccinating them from the virus in case of chances of being exposed to it. Regular veterinary visits are very important for management of FeLV.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) has to do with cats and deems them with serious immunosuppressive health problems, something that is common in humans suffering from HIV. This aids the virus in growing and eventually makes it easier for the depriving disease to exist within the immunity of the cat.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of FIV vary from individual to individual but most common are:

1. Chronic Infections: Uabating infections that may be recurring res​ulting in skin or dental infections.

2. Weight Loss: An untoward trend of weight loss even though you are eating normally.

3. Poor Coat Condition: Uncombed and nasty hair which stops looking beautiful.

4. Fever: Getting recurrent fevers without any specific reason.

5. Gum Disease: Redness of the gums along with teeth issues.

6. Behavior Changes: Normal behavior is disturbed and replaced with their aggressive side or they find it difficult to leave the house and interact with other beings.

7. Lethargy: Feeling tired and lack of energy.

Due to fighting tendencies, fiv is often spread from cat to cat with the help of saliva and is particularly dangerous for stray cats. If your cat is FIV positive, then sadly the disease cant be cured but is manageable with proper vaccines and veterinary care. There might be a vaccine but it is selectively used on cats who have been found and in particular areas where they are exposed to sick felines.

The early signs of kidney disease should not be ignored as they may require assistance in dealing with a problem that has been persisting. If you see such things like;

1. Increased Thirst and Urination: More frequent visits to the bathroom or increased urination episodes.

2. Decreased Appetite: Eating less than normal or not eating at all.

3. Weight Loss: Notable physical loss in weight where a normal intake of food is followed.

4. Vomiting: One can vomit on a very low rate, however, with the progression of the disease, the frequency increases.

5. Lethargy: Sleeping more often than waking up along side tiredness.

6. Poor Coat Condition: The fur looks messy and is in a dull state whilst often being brushed or groomed.

7. Bad Breath: Breath that contains ammonia in it and has a very strong pungent odor.

8. Mouth Ulcers: Grew due to constant exposure to toxins, one can find sores in the mouth region.

9. Pale Gums: One might notice their gums have a white hue rather than a pink one.

It is best to seek the help of a doctor if you begin to witness any of the symptoms as they will be able to assist you properly. Getting regular checkups is useful to help determine if there is an underlying kidney illness especially in elder cats.

The signs of hyperthyroidism displayed by cats are:

1. Increased Appetite: Some cats continue to eat larger portions and lose weight.

2. Weight Loss: Regardless of their greater hunger, they generally reduce a good amount of weight.

3. Increased Activity: Cats display restless behavior or hyperactive attitude.

4. Vomiting and Diarrhea: Such animals also show signs of vomiting or diarrhea which can be expected due to disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract.

5. Poor Coat Condition: The cat’s fur is matted, oily and scanty.

6. Increased Thirst and Urination: Cats find themselves drinking a sound amount of water and urinating often.

7. Behavioral Changes: One can see a greater level of irritability or anxiety.

It is essential to seek veterinary attention if some of the above mentioned symptoms are registered with the cat.

Just like in humans, diabetes is a common condition in cats which is more importantly viewed as high sugar level problem in the blood. It most comes as a result of not being enough insulin produced or there’s some resistance to insulin. Below are key points to know:

Is there Different Type of Diabetes?

1. Type 1 Diabetes: An Insulin Dependent Diabetes which is relatively rare in cats.

2. Type 2 Diabetes: This type of diabetes is very common in cat which is characterized as an insulin resistant mainly or exclusively then this is more common in cats.

So what are the signs of a feline diabetes?

- Being thirsty too much more referred as polydipsia

- Urinating more often than normal which can be referred as polyuria

- Having a voracious appetite more than before called as polyphagia

- Losing weight not or while you continue to eat

- Feeling weak and lethargic

- Decreasing coat condition which wraps a cat’s body.

How is it diagnosed?

It is done through taking blood samples and assessing the amounts of glucose present in urine by taking the urine sample.

How is it treated?

- The use of insulin injections: Because most cat's administer myself insulin regularly they require to be injected regularly.

- Diet supervision: Having a diet which is increased in protein but decreasing carbohydrates does help.

- Controlling weight: Avoiding overweight conditions is also an important point.

How to manage them?

Having daily visits and seeing a veterinary can be very effective to have smooth management.

What happens if it stays untreated?

Other than the warranto claim cat diabetes will entitle on default, hyperglycemia and insulin resistance are two different conditions, these are few that will remain untreated.

Work closely with your veterinarian if you believe that your cat suffers from diabetes – getting the tests and tailored treatment plans is the ideal solution.

Every cat lover knows that all pets are susceptible to parasites throughout their lives and unfortunately, they can be detrimental to the cat’s long term as well as immediate health and well-being. Following mentioned are the primary categories of those parasites that could be harmful to your cat along with their possible consequences:

**1. Internal Parasites**

- Roundworms: They can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and a bloated abdomen.
- Tapeworms: Weight loss occurs irrespective of a normal appetite. Segments may be seen in feces or around the anus.
- Hookworms: They can result in blood loss which may cause anemia, weakness and blood loss related gastrointestinal upsets.
- Whipworms: Diarrhea, weight loss, and general body weakness can be caused by them.

**2. External Parasites**

- Fleas: They can lead to itching, allergic reactions, and hair loss. They can transmit tapeworms too and in severe cases lead to anemia.
- Ticks: Skin irritation and transmission of Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis can result from them.
- Mites: Ear mites or other types of mites can cause itching, ear inflammation and ear related infections.

**3. Key Indicators to Check**

- Weakness.
- Vomiting or Diarrhea.
- Changes in weight.
- Alterations in appetite.
- Skin irritation or excessive scratching.

**4. Recommendations**

- Periodic vet appointments for parasites screening purposes.
- Follow your vet’s parasite screening advise and also for ticks and fleas treatment, followed by dewormers as required.

- Don't forget to regularly empty the litter boxes and keep sleeping areas tidy and in a good condition.

### Conclusion

It's vital that cat infestations are detected early and treated appropriately as this helps in promoting overall wellness of the cat. Never hesitate to contact your veterinarian for adequate diagnosis and treatment of cats if you see any signs of parasitism or strange behaviour.

Even though cats are not as prone to get Heartworm Disease as Dogs, it is a very serious and life threatening disease. In a concise way, here are the important facts regarding it:

### 1. It is transmittable via mosquitoes

- Heartworm disease is transmitted by the parasite known as Dirofilaria immitis that is passed on through heartworm infected mosquitoes.

### 2. Mosquitoes are carriers

- Heartworm transmission occurs to cats when they get bitten by a female mosquito that is infected, thereby transferring heartworm larvae into the bloodstream of the cat.

### 3. Breathing problems and cough are the signs

- Some of the main symptoms include shortness of breathing, neck expansion, fainting, excessive fatigue, drastic weight loss and vomiting.

- Advanced versions of the disease only become noticeable in some cats as the disease progresses.

### 4. The issue is the complexity of the diagnosis

- As has been noted, heartworm disease is confusing to diagnose in cats because the amount of heartworms is usually lower than in dogs and their immune systems behave differently.

- X-rays and blood tests among other forms of medical imaging also help to identify the signs of heartworm infection as well.

### 5. Cardiovascular proxy, ironies in presence of adult and severe lung damage

- Adult heartworm parasites can induce hard as it is known and also enough cardiovascular problems as well as damage organs such as lungs too.

- Having heartworm parasites can be a big issue for cats as they can affect the lungs of the infected cats as well.

### 6. Effective medications against heartworm infection are recommended for a whole year

- There are heartworm infections for men about these that they can be given every year.

### 7. Treatment Issues

- Most cats with heartworms do not get treated because they do not have an approved treatment. Unlike dogs, cats do not have an approved treatment for heartworm disease.

- Supportive care is the name of the game as far as treatment is concerned, so the focus shifts to boosting the general health of the cat rather than removing the worms.

### Conclusions

Despite being relatively less common than in dogs, heartworm disease constitutes a major threat to a cat’s overall health and body. A thorough understanding of prevention techniques and quick administration of medical intervention are paramount for shielding cats against this lethal parasite. Regular check-ups can help address any forward-looking problems.

Feline upper respiratory infections are also known URIs. They can be managed by being informed of the signs, the reasons, and the management that is needed for cats that are infected. Here is a brief note for your reference.

### Upper Respiratory Infections Recognition

#### Common Symptoms:

1. Sneezing: A major sign that is often the first to be noticed is frequent sneezing.

2. Nasal Discharge: Any kind of discharge from cat’s nose, either clear or colored.

3. Coughing: The process of coughing might accompany other signs as well.

4. Watery Eyes: The watery discharge or swelling of the eyes that could lead to conjunctivitis.

5. Loss of Appetite: Affected cats may have difficulty in smelling and thus eating.

6. Lethargy: A decrease in the amount of energy and activity in a feline

7. Fever: Presence of increased temperature of the body.

#### Causes:

- Being infected by viruses (such as feline herpes virus or a calicivirus).

- Bacterial infections which are a common result of a viral infections.

- Environmental factors including stress, allergens, and lack of hygiene.

### Management of Upper Respiratory Infections

#### Home management:

1. Hydration: Lack of water can lead to cat dehydration which could worsen the symptoms, therefore provide them enough water.

2. Humidifier: Utilize a humidifier or take steam in a bathroom as it helps with breathing problems.

3. Nutrition: Providing food that is appealing also helps, microwaving a little bit of food can encourage a cat to eat.

#### Veterinary Care:

1. Consultation: If things do not improve and the symptoms worsen within a few days, consider making an appointment with a vet.

2. Medications:

- For viral infections Antivirals could be recommended

- If there is a bacterial component , or secondary infection then Antibiotics are prescribed.

- Decongestants and anti-inflammatory agents may decrease mucosal swelling in nasal passages.

3. Supportive Care:

- In very severe cases, it may be required to get hospitalized to get fluids and monitoring.

### Prevention

- Update your vaccinations (particularly for viral outbreaks).

- Observe appropriate sanitation in the area where he lives (changing the litter box, bed).

- Eliminate all stressors that would impair your cat’s immune system.

### Conclusion

In most cases, veterinarians recognize upper respiratory infections in correcting and supportive true management at a very early stage. Please consult with a veterinarian in case of worrying signs and symptoms and if you don't see a change in your cat’s condition with the home care advice provided.

It is worth noting some common symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases in cats such as:

1. Vomiting: Frequent vomiting which could be in the form of food, bile or hairballs.

2. Diarrhea: The frequent occurrence of loose or watery stools and the frequent need to pass a stool.

3. Loss of Appetite: Reduced eating habits, or refusal to eat altogether.

4. Weight Loss: Skeletal or emaciated appearance as a result of not absorbing sufficient nutrients and he or she will lose weight.

5. Abdominal Pain: Quick flinching when the abdomen is touched which might give signs of sensitivity or will hide.

6. Lethargy: Constant fatigue, less activity, and sleeping more.

7. Changes in Behavior: Changes in the pattern due to illness as irritation, more aggression or hiding.

8. Flatulence: Increased farting which has some form of discomfort and causes bloating.

In such cases, the best thing to do is to contact the nearest veterinarian at the earliest for a comprehensive treatment evaluation.

It is true that indoor cats also face the risk of getting treated infected, however, the risk is lower when compared to outdoor cats. Here are factors and some common infectious disease which are classified along the set of a few strategies:

### Common Infectious Disesase

1. Feline herpes virus Type 1 (also known as feline viral rhinotracheitis): It is a viral infection and a type of a feline disease.

2. Feline calicivirus: It is another strain of viral which leads to respiratory infection.

3. Feline leukemia virus (FeLV): The virus’s main characteristic is the destruction of the immune system.

4. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV): The structure of the virus is a type which in time destroys the immunizes cells.

5. Fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms: These parasites also come under the region of skin and other variations of worms.

### Prevention Strategies:

1. FVR,FCV, FeLV and rabies are all vaccination which your pet needs to get timely in a regular way.

2. Mandatory increase your efforts yearly or every new season to consult a veterinary for examinations.

3. When you proceed to cover any parasitic infestations ensure you use flea ticks and worm repellents as per suggested by your veterinarian.

4. If at all there is intention into adopting animals it is advised to have a introduction with care to stop the spreading of infection.

5. Clean pest infested areas within your house like litter boxes to keep home space as friendly.

6. For socialization and expansion of healthy habits create toys and introduce other activities for improved and less stressed lifestyle.

The threat of viral infections for indoor cats can be lowered substantially if such precautions are followed.

Yes, certain cats of a particular breed tend to have some underlying genetic disorders. This can be explained by the term “breed-specific diseases.’’

### 1. Sphynx Cats & Burmese Cats

- Respiratory Issues: This problem results from their elongated facial structure and is particularly common in Sphynx cats and Burmese cats.

- Dental Problems: These breeds also have a higher incidence of dental disease.

### 2. British Shorthairs

- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): This is a hereditary condition that causes kidney cysts which breed potential kidney failures.

- Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome: A distinct class of respiratory disorders that hinders normal breathing activities due to flat faces.

### 3. Munchkin

- Hypertropic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): Leading cause of heart failure in Canada and other countries, particularly thickened heart muscle.

- Hip Dysplasia: Distorted joints and abnormal gaits primarily due to a larger body structure.

### 4. Manx & Exotic Shorthair

- Hypertropic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): Its cats have humpback like hearts affecting their lifespan by several years.

### 5. Kitty Dwarfism & Stillbirths

- Heart Conditions: Several cardiac issues and complications are the leading cause of stillbirth occurrences.

### 6. Japanese Bobtail

- Hypertropic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): Also affected by enlarged heart conditions caused by excessive potassium consumption.

- Liver Conditions: Due to an increased build up of lipids, liver issues increase leading to obesity.

### 7. Scottish Fold

- Osteochondrodysplasia: This disorder mainly impacts the cartilage and bone structure. Moreover, individuals with this disorder may also have conspicuous features like wry eyes affecting their hip joint.

### Prevention and Management

- Routine check-ups with a veterinary practitioner may assist in controlling these conditions.

- If you own a specific breed of poodle, it is best to check with your veterinarian for information on genetic diseases that could be passed on from the sample.

- Ensuring a ‘sick-free’ future for all cats can be done with these additional precautions while breeding cats.

Farther, you comprehension of these issues enables you to take better care of your poodles as per their breed requirements.

Cats are known to be rather sensitive creatures, as a result, excessive stress can have a negative impact on their overall health. The following are some of the ways how stress can be a problem for cats:

### 1. Weakened Immune System

- In the long run, increased stress can cause suppressed immune system. Cats become easily affected by viruses and diseases.
### 2. Changes in Personality and Mood

- Due to stress, a cat's personality can change quite a lot, they might show signs of more aggression, or flat out refuse to engage and instead look for the litter box outside for urinating.

### 3. Gastrointestinal Problems

- Stress can sometimes lead to problems with gut motility and gut microflora, resulting in vomiting, diarrhea, or inflammation in the intestines.
### 4. Urinary Tract Issues

- Feline interstitial cystitis, also known as FIC, ultimately leads to inflammation in the bladder and painful urination which is caused by a lot of stress.

### 5. Skin Conditions

- Stressed out cats have anxiety induced behavioral problems, leading them to excessively groom themselves causing skin issues or even hair loss.

### 6. Changes in Weight

- Loss of appetite and overeating are both caused by stress and can result in weight loss or weight gain which can have negative health effects.

### 7. Chronic Conditions Exacerbation

- Stress can worsen any underlying disease such as hyperthyroidism or diabetes.

### Management Strategies:

- Ensure safety: Make sure your cat has access to a secluded area where it can relax during stressful times.

- Regularity: Set specific times for feeding and playing with your kitty, and stick to the schedule.

- Enrichment: Provide your cat with interesting toys or play with them during quiet times to break the monotony

- Calming products: Ask your vet about diffusers or supplements that could help calm your kitty after their appointment.

- Stay in touch with the vet: Assure frequent examinations of the kitten to look for even the slightest signs of stress-related health issues.

It's worth mentioning that being able to see any signs of stress on your pet’s behalf and using the right techniques to mitigate it will help your cat maintain a decent level of health.

Sustaining older cats that have chronic illness can be a lot of work and can involve learning new routines as well as regular vet checkups. Consider some of the following:

### 1. Regular Vet Visits

- Set an appointment with your vet in order to get checkups to see the progress of the treatment in case it needs to be altered.

- If there is any change in your cat’s behaviour, you can mention this to your vet.

### 2. Managing Medication

- Ensure that your pet receives the prescription at the right time and in the right dosage.

- Use Pill pops to allow your cat to take the medication with more ease as they might be more palatable for the cat.

### 3. Changing Diet

- Find the right diet for your pet by talking to your vet in terms of whatever issues your cat may be having. Such as if they have kidney issues then a renal diet can be prescribed.

- Make sure that your pet has water available to it around the clock, you can also feed them dark meat to increase the water intake of your pet.

### 4. Controlled weight

- Control the weight of your pet by taking care of the food portions given since obesity can make a lot of primary conditions worse.

### 5. Changing the Environment

- Ensure that the cat has sufficient access to food, water, litter, and other necessities in a single room so that they do not need to exert excess energy.

- If they have difficulties with sleeping, try to give them a soft pillow and if necessary you can get rid of the stairs as well.

### 6. Making sure they are Hydrated

- Increase the number of water vessels that you wish to give to your pet around the house or using a fountain.

- You may also add hydrating feeding options into their dishes so that they get hydrated.

### 7. Training Exercises and Activities

- Provide your cat with some brief gentle exercises that suit it's energy level.

- Encourage the cat's involvement with toys, puzzles or interactive games.

### 8. Report Symptoms

- Make a note of relevant events such as your cat’s feeding, yawning, behavior as well as litter practices.

- Inform your veterinarian about any changes without delay.

### 9. Pain Management for Pet

- If your cat does not want to exercise, then talk to your vet for effective pain management options.

### 10. Alternative Therapies for Pet

- Ask the Vets permission for other kinder treatments such as acupuncture or physical therapy.

These methods coupled with constant veterinarian help will enable you to care for cats suffering from chronic diseases and improve their way of life.