Diseases are very common in animals. There is not a single animal in this world that is free from diseases. So, cats are not apart from that. As a cat parent, you must know about the diseases and treatments of your cat.
The veterinarian will do the treatments. Still, you should have minimum knowledge about the treatments to arrange the expenses of your kitty’s treatments. As you know that pet treatment is very much expensive.
In this article, I will discuss all the diseases with some sequences so that you can get the whole picture. So, keep reading.
Table of Contents
The most common diseases, their symptoms, and treatments of cats:
First, we’ll know about those diseases that are most seen and common in cats. Those are-
Diabetes in a cat: Type, symptom, and prevention.
Diabetes is common both in cats and humans. When the pancreas can’t produce enough insulin, it is very important to burn the sugar that comes from the food that cats consume, and the sugar is deposited in the blood- it is called Diabetes. The sugar is deposited in the blood instead of going to the brain, muscles, and other tissues that need the sugar for energy. So, staying in the wrong place must create problems.
The types of Diabetes: there are mainly 2 types of Diabetes-
Type-1 Diabetes: of cat
An auto-immune reaction causes this type of Diabetes. That means when the body attack itself by mistake- it is called an auto-immune reaction.
Type-2 Diabetes: of Cat
When the body can’t use the sugar, which is very important for getting energy, the sugar is deposited and affects all the organs.
There is another type of Diabetes that is called Gestational Diabetes. It occurs when female cats are in gestation periods, which is temporary.
The symptoms of Diabetes: in a cat
Weight gain, frequent urination, increased appetite and thrust, sudden change in behavior (mischievousness), skin irritation, and discomfort.
The reasons for Diabetes:
Diabetes occurs in older cats as older cats don’t play, run, and jump in the sunset years of their life. They become inactive and lethargic. Another reason is eating too much and without any feeding schedule.
The Prevention and Treatment of Diabetes:
When you suspect that your kitty is suffering from Diabetes, then take him to the veterinarian for a blood and urine test. The vet will give you the treatment for Diabetes. As Diabetes never recovers fully.
You can only control it by injecting insulin and maintaining food intake with a fixed schedule. You also have to engage your kitty to stay active and lose weight. But prevention is better than cure. So, keep your cat with a sleek body. To do this, never provide him extra food and must engage him in exercise from childhood.
Dental and gum problems of Cat
Another common problem in cats. As they like to eat and some cats have a big appetite, like Sphynx cats and Cornish Rex, dental and gum problems are normal for them. If a cat eats dry food more, it is more prone to periodontal problems because food stocks on its teeth and affects gums and teeth. As a result, your cat can feel a lot of pain. You may have suffered from gum and tooth pain. So, you know very well how painful this is. Swelling in gums is also a big problem.
So, as a prevention, brush your cat’s teeth daily and check his oral health weekly one time; provide him with a mixture of wet and dry food so that food can get fewer opportunities to affect the teeth and gum.
The treatment for teeth and gum problems:
Veterinarians will take all the possible initiatives to recover your cat’s periodontal problems, like wearing tooth caps, filling the tooth hole, extracting the affected teeth, and giving medicines for affected gums.
Digestive Disturbances of Cat
It is a foreign body. When bones consistently become lodged around the teeth, it is called Mucous Membrance. We often use needles and pins to perch it.
Cats sometimes swallow threads, it was found around the tongue. The presence of the foreign body often causes decay and covers the teeth. It can cause inflammation.
Symptoms of digestive disturbance
A white or brownish-red drool from the corners of the mouth. It is a thick syrupy substance. If the situation lasts several days, then it is a matter of worry that your cat may refuse food due to the condition. The cat may take water or milk.
The treatment of the problem
The only treatment is removing the foreign body from your cat’s teeth. It is a cavity. A warm solution of boric acid is required.
Vomiting problems of Cat
Vomiting is common and often happens in a cat’s life. Some cats are happy voters. They vomit after every 15 days to clean their stomach.
The reasons for vomiting:
If your cat is a happy vomit, you don’t need to worry, but if it is happening to any health problem, you need to be alert.
The causes for vomiting:
Hairballs, consuming any non-food item, indigestion because the cat has eaten food unfamiliar to him, swollen toxic elements, upset stomach, etc.
The vomit may consist of offending materials. The color may be whiter or yellowish due to liver problems.
If the case is severe, then the color of the vomit may be reddish brown, and blood may be found in the vomit. Constipation may be a reason for vomiting. In this case, cats can’t intake food, so you must give them liquid rather than solid food. The vets will also recommend you so.
Treatment of vomiting
The vet will prescribe some tablets to stop the vomiting as cats can’t take mouth tablets, so you can mix the tablet with water and give him to drink.
Taking food must be stopped for several hours as the stomach needs rest. The glycerin suppository can be used in this case. Milk of Magnesia can be given in teaspoon doses every 3 or 4 hours.
Constipation Disease: Signs of Constipation of Cat
It is another common and irritating problem. When cats eat too much beef and are poor drinkers, constipation occurs. The food has no residue that can help in digestion. So, the result is too hard stools to be passed out.
Anyway, other reasons are poor digestion, improper food, and the presence of any foreign body.
The symptoms of constipation
Your cat gets languid and refuses food and vomits at last because the gastrointestinal problem occurs due to the deposited stool.
The treatment of constipation
You must keep a good eye on your cat to observe its gait. If their movement becomes hard, you should give him oil with food, or if your cat rejects food, give it with a teaspoon. Olive oil or mineral oil will be great.
If you see that the cat doesn’t have any movement in 24 hours, then the oil giving will be increased to 3 times.
A glycerine suppository should be used if the bowel is still not moving. Call the veterinarian immediately if the situation is still the same and the cat starts vomiting.
Diarrhoea of Cat: symptoms and prevention.
Another ridiculous problem among all animals. All of your taking care, maintaining hygiene, and cleanliness- all are defeated by diarrhoea. Sometimes, you can’t even understand why your adorable kitty has fallen into diarrhoea.
The reasons may be improper food (human food or milk of another species, salty food, dairy products, plants, and seed-based food.
The symptom is not needed to be mentioned. Your cat will discharge liquid stool and vomit a lot. When the situation worsens, the stool becomes a water-like liquid that may be life-threatening. Your cat also may have a fever and cold and watery discharge from the eyes and nose.
There is an infectious disease that can be spread by diarrhoea and vomiting. It is fatal and dangerous. Worms are often responsible for diarrhoea. Diarrhoea stool is black, but if the reason is the liver problem, the colour may be yellow.
The treatment of Diarrhoea
The treatment for diarrhoea is simple. Castor oil and several doses of milk of magnesia should be given instead of food. If diarrhoea doesn’t stop despite the substant cleansing of the bowel, then a subnitrate of bismuth should be given.
The dose will be five-grain with 2 or 4 hours of gap. Never allow diarrhoea to persist.
Hairballs Disease of Cat: Symptoms and Prevention.
Hairball problem is more common in longhaired cats than shorthaired cats, as you know that cats are self-groomers. They lick their body with great persistence. All cats lick their body, but longhaired cats are more prone to suffer from hairballs.
Long hairs shed more, and during licking, they go to the cat’s stomach and get deposited with a ball size. Hairballs get deposited either in the stomach or intestine. So, when it becomes beyond tolerance, it is thrown up from the stomach in a considerable size or as a stool.
If the accumulation of hairballs becomes large in size in the intestine, it may cause the bowels’ inflammation. The shocking truth is hairballs can remain in the stomach for years with any disturbance.
The symptoms of hairball
Well, there are no regular signs that indicate hairballs. The initial symptoms are inflammation in the bowels, vomiting, and diarrhea. The color of the stool is white if the reason is a hairball.
Constipation with vomiting is another sign. The cats’ appetite will decrease, and they will become lethargic.
The treatment for hairballs
I suggest that so many branded and commercial food in the market are specially designed for hairball problems. The hairballs will pass out with the stool very easily. You can collect those from any pet gallery or online pet store. But you must consult your vet before providing those.
Besides, 2 spoonfuls of castor oil can be given if the hairball is in the stomach. The hairball will be thrown up with vomiting. And if the hairball is located in the intestine, it can be removed by mineral oil. The dose should be repeated.
Hairballs should never be neglected. Otherwise, it will cause more serious health problems.
Mange Disease of Cat: symptoms and prevention.
The problem first appears in the head and ears areas of the cat’s body and spreads gradually toward the backside. It is a lesion that has a very thick crust of scales. The color is greyish-brown and becomes very much thick as it grows older.
Sometimes the disease spreads over a large portion of the body, and the treatment becomes difficult because the vets can’t understand where the treatment should be started.
However, at the initial stage, sulphur and lard can be used. I strongly recommend you consult your veterinarian. He can take the right initiative for your cat’s treatment.
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Diseases (FLUTD) of Cat
In easy language, when cats start to urinate outside the litterbox, the situation is called FLUTD. Older cats are prone to this problem. In old age, the kidney and bladder don’t work properly as they have worked a lot during the cat’s life.
Besides, poor-drinker cats are also prone to this problem as they don’t drink enough water to keep the body hydrated, so their kidneys become dry and fail to work.
Another reason for the problem is Diabetes and hyperthyroidism. Increased thirst is a common sign of diabetes and thyroid problems. So, kidneys are supposed to take more pressure in these cases, and they lose their workability.
Another reason for a kidney is cysts in the kidneys. This disease is called Polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Because of small cysts that grow in the kidneys, kidneys lose control over urination.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are also a problem in cats.
The symtoms of FLUTD and PKD
- Difficulties in urinating.
- Urinating and defecating outside the litter box.
- Inflammation in the urinary tract. (though your cat won’t let you understand that he is feeling pain.)
- Pain in kidney disease. (Though your cat won’t let you understand he is feeling pain.)
- Restlessness
- Frequent vocalizing is not their normal behavior.
- Bloody urine
The treatment of FLUTD and PKD
The veterinarians must need a sample of urine and know the total history of your cat to treat him properly. Blood samples, X-Ray, and ultrasounds are also needed. Male cats have a narrower urethra. So, they have grits or stones which can block the urethra completely.
Anti-biotics, prescribed diet, and anti-spasmodic are the treatment of the problem and can ease urination. The vet also recommends a urinary catheter if needed. If the cat has recurring urinary problems, then surgery may be required.
Besides, some steps can reduce urinary issues. Keeping the litter box clean, weight management, quality cat food, and limited stress can keep your cat healthy.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) of cat: Symptoms and prevention.
The main functions of the kidneys are flushing out toxins, helping red blood cell production, and regulating our electrolytes. In old age, the functions of kidneys decrease, and kidney’s lost their ability to work.
As a result, increased thirst and urination, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and at the final stage, ulcers in the mouth and intestinal tract and neurological problems occur.
There is a test named SDMA; if it is conducted at the initial stage, then it can indeed detect the disease; the other initiatives are blood work, X-Ray, urinalysis, and ultrasound. If the condition is detected at an early stage, then it will help your cat to live longer. Kidney diseases are like Diabetes, never cured fully. Only you can manage it with supportive care and a proper diet.
Hyperthyroidism Disease of Cats: Symptoms and Prevention
The symptoms of thyroid problems are the same as Diabetes. The symptoms are weight loss or gain, increased thirst and appetite, frequent urination, restlessness, skin irritation, body inflammation, and vomiting.
It is an endocrine disease. The reason for hyperthyroidism is over-active thyroid. So, cats feel more thirsty and hungry. So, they eat more and gain weight. In some cases, weight loss also occurs.
Increased thirst results in frequent urination, and as a result, kidneys get affected. A hyperthyroid can also affect the heart rate, eyes, and blood pressure.
The thyroid problem is curable. Your cat needs proper medications, proper diet, irradiation of the thyroid, and surgery. Blood work and blood pressure checks are also necessary as a treatment. If left untreated, the disease will lead to heart and kidney failure and blindness.
Heart disease of cat: Symptoms and Prevention.
Hypertrophic Cardio Myopathy (HCM)
When heart walls get thick and make obstacles to generating blood and supply to the whole body, it is called HCM. Thickening changes the heart chambers but doesn’t change the heart’s whole size.
The symptoms of the disease are heart murmur, abnormal ECG, and high blood pressure. Sometimes heart murmurs can’t prove heart disease because there are other reasons for heart murmurs, such as problems in the valve and heartworms.
The signs of heart disease are shortness of breath, open-mouth breathing, increased respiratory efforts, and a change of gum colour. If you see those symptoms in your cat, please don’t make delay and take your kitty to the veterinarian for a diagnosis.
Heart disease can’t be cured fully. You only can manage it with weight control, blood pressure, and cardiac medications. The other ways of treatment are calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, and diuretics.
All are your vet’s job. You just control your cat’s weight and provide your cat with a healthy diet so that the heart keeps healthy; keep your cat’s teeth regularly clean because dirty teeth and bad oral health is a reason for heart disease.
Cancer Disease of Cat: Symptom and prevention.
Cancer is nothing but an unusual growth of any cell of the animal body. Any species can be attacked by cancer. The disease also invades surrounding tissues and spreads to the other part of the body. The disease is curable if diagnosed at the early stage, but if it reaches 3rd stage, then it is too late. A life-threatening is cancer.
Though any cat can be affected by cancer but older cats are more prone to get affected. The most interesting fact is certain breeds (Albino cats, Turkish Angora, and Turkish Van) and cats with white ears and heads are more susceptible to cancer.
The reasons for cancer:
It is a multi-factorial disease and has no particular reason. But the most common reasons are- environmental and hereditary causes. Squamous cell carcinoma of the air, eyelid, or nose is a skin cancer. The sun is the main cause of cancer, and cats are very much prone to squamous cell carcinoma.
Lymphoma or Lymphocarphoma (LSA) is another common disease among cats. 30% of cats are get affected by LSA. Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is related to LSA.
The Gastrointestinal form is the most common form of cancer. It can affect largely the stomach and intestine or diffuse infiltration throughout the intestinal tract. LSA is almost incurable, but other cancers are curable if treated at the proper time.
The symptoms of cancer in cat
Swelling, persistent sores, skin infections, bad breath, lumps (always need a veterinarian check-up), abnormal discharge from any part of the body, lethargy or listlessness, coughing, sudden lameness, weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting, red patches on the skin, disinterest in food, difficulties in breathing, urinating, and defecating, irritation and change in behavior.
How to diagnose cancer in cats?
Needle biopsy, radiographs, ultrasound, blood tests, and other diagnostic tests are required to diagnose cancer. The condition is very important if it is stable or has been spread already. Needle biopsy is very effective if a lump is present in the body.
The prevention of cancer:
- If your cat is white-skinned, especially if his ears and head are white, then it is better for him, you keep him indoors to save him from sunlight and sunburn, as you know that white skin cats are more prone to skin cancer.
- If you have a female cat, it is better to spay her to save her from breast cancer, as cats are prone to that kind of cancer.
The treatments of feline cancer:
- The first and foremost thing is- the treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer.
- If early detected, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and a combination of therapies are required.
- If you have decided not to give any therapy to your cat, then palliative care, including pain relief, is required. But, you must consider his life quality and then take the future decision.
- If you suspect that your cat is suffering from cancer, consult the veterinarian without delay because if the disease is diagnosed at an early stage, then the chances of survival are 80%.
Heartworm disease of Cat Symptom and prevention.
Heartworm is a disease in cats spread by mosquitos. Cats are the host of heartworms. This is also a lung disease. Cats living in densely populated areas with mosquitos are more prone to getting infected, which is a big concern for cat owners.
Many people think that only dogs are prone to heartworms. They are right because cats are not natural hosts of heartworms. Most heartworms can’t complete their life circle, and very few can reach the cat’s heart. Though the cat’s body is set up to kill the developing worms, the worms can cause severe health problems.
The causes and signs of heartworm disease:
The cause is the biting of mosquitoes. When the heartworm parasites and Dilofilaria Immites bite a cat, larvae get transmitted in the bloodstream. Then the larvae attack the heart over a time period of 4 to 6 months. During this time, they get mature and get settled into the heart, pulmonary arteries, and blood vessels of the lungs. Both domestic and outdoor cats are susceptible to heartworm.
The signs of heartworm are-
Coughing, breathing difficulties, depression, appetite and weight loss, vomiting, leatheriness, and sudden death. Breaching difficulties occur at the initial stage. Breathing difficulties are considered now as Heartworm Associated with Respiratory Disease (HARD).
Prevention is better than cure:
If you prevent any disease from its root, then it will be the better option for any disease. So, the preventions of heartworm are-
- USA Food And Drug Administration has approved some medications to prevent feline heartworm. But your cat must be screened for heartworm before giving him the medication. So, take your cat to the vet for checking and screening.
- Keeping your cat from the mosquito-populated area.
- Taking your kitty for a regular vet visit will help keep your cat safe from infections.
Diagonizing and treatment of heartworm:
The right cat diagnoses are blood tests, screening, radiography, and echocardiogram. There is still no appropriate medicine that has been discovered for heartworm treatment. If the infected cat shows the symptoms of lung disease, then courtesan-like medicines should be given to the cat.
High-rise Syndrome of cat
Cats like to watch the outer world from high-rise windows. Watching the scenery from the window during the summer is enjoyable, but sometimes it can be dangerous. But how? If a cat falls from high-rise windows, he may meet an accident like shattered jaws, punctured lungs, broken limbs and pelvis, and death.
The reasons for high-rise syndrome:
- Cats are intelligent and cautious animals. They usually don’t fall from the height and jump willingly from a risky height. But the accident is a different thing. Cats mostly fall from high windows, terraces, or fire escapes.
- Hunting behaviour is a very common trait in cats. When they see prey (birds or mice), they get very aggressive to catch the prey. They may get uncautious and fall from a height out of preying habit.
- When cats fall from a height, they don’t fall squarely on their feet. Their feet stay slightly sprayed apart. For this reason, their heads and pelvis get injured severely.
- There is a misconception among people that cats don’t get injured by falling from the 1st and 2nd floor of any building. It is a misconception. Though a cat’s body is very much soft and can endure beating, and they don’t get hurt falling from a low height, if its head is injured by falling, it could even be the reason for its death.
Prevention from high-rise syndrome
To provide your cat with both enjoying the outside world and safety from high-rise syndrome, you must take some initiative. Those are-
- The windows of your house must not be without a barrier. Install snug or sturdy screens.
- If the windows have adjustable screens, ensure they are tightly adjusted with the frame.
- A childproof window guard is unsafe for cats because they can slip from that window. So, don’t let your cat go to the place of your house where a childproof window guard exists.
Rabies Disease of Cat: Symptom and prevention.
Rabies is almost a fatal disease. All mammals, including humans, dogs, and felines, risk getting infected by rabies. It is a viral disease that affects the brain and spinal cord.
How rabies is transmitted
The routes of the rabies virus are-
- Bites of an infected animal.
- When the saliva of an infected- animal gets transmitted through a mucous membrane or a wound.
- The virus can be spread among wild animals such as raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes. It can be spread in a locality where there are many unvaccinated cats and dogs.
- Feral and unvaccinated domestic cats are also natural transmitters of rabies. So, if your cat is unvaccinated, vaccinate it as soon as possible.
The symptoms of rabies in cat
First of all, you need to know that rabies symptoms aren’t seen quickly. It takes a time of up to several months. The classic signs of rabies are:
- Change in behavior like lethargy, aggression, or restlessness.
- Abnormal vocalization
- Disinterest in food
- Weakness
- Paralysis
- Disorientation
- Seizures
- Sudden death
Prevention of rabies:
Always remember that prevention is better than cure. So, take the initiative of prevention that are-
- Vaccination- is the best prevention for any viral and infectious disease. Vaccination not only saves animals from getting infected but also keeps other animals safe from them.
- If a rabid animal bites someone, then a home quarantine of the animals is a must.
- You also should keep your cat indoors if rabies is very high in your locality.
Diagnosis of rabies:
In living animals, there is no accurate diagnosis of rabies. The symptoms can tell you about the disease.
What to do if your cat interacts with rabies animals:
As there is no accurate treatment for rabies so you have to take protection if your cat has got infected or interacts with rabies animals.
- Wear gloves while touching your rabies cat.
- Call your veterinarian as soon as possible.
- If there is a rabies animal in your locality, call the local animal control officer to remove the animal from your locality.
- Don’t try to handle or capture the wild and rabid animals in your locality. If the animal is nocturnal, then it is dangerous.
- If your cat is vaccinated and bitten by a rabies animal, he must take a booster dose.
Ringworm Disease of Cat: Symptom and prevention.
There is no worm caused by ringworm. There is a fungus that is responsible for ringworm. The nails, skin, and hair get affected by ringworm. The disease is common in cats and is also highly contiguous. It has another name-dermatophytosis. Humans are also at risk of ringworm.
The symptoms of ringworm are
- Skin lesions on the head, ears, and forelimbs.
- Flaky bald patches are red at the centre.
- Only dandruff and redness may be localized at the initial stage on the affected area. Still, it may spread all over the body if it worsens.
- Sometimes there are no symptoms visible.
Diagnosis method of ringworm
As you know, ringworm can spread all over the house, so you shouldn’t take it lightly. You must call the veterinarian and keep your cat in quarantine until the vet diagnoses your cat.
- Ringworms are rarely can be recognized only by seeing the skin. Some cats show a few, and some don’t show any symptoms.
- Ultraviolet light may be used to diagnose ringworm, and a cat’s skin samples can be taken for testing.
- Skin biopsy and microscope tests are also effective in tress the disease.
Treatments for Ringworm:
- The veterinarian may prescribe a special shampoo or ointment that contains the power to kill the germs.
- In severe cases, oral medications are required.
- The house and the cat’s environment should also be cleaned to stop the recurring disease.
- If your cat is affected by ringworms, they may advise you to keep other pets to keep them safe from ringworm. In that case, you must be prescribed a medical shampoo or rinse to bathe all pets.
- You must wash the infected animal’s bed, and toys that are also can spread the fungus.
- If an item can’t be disinfected fully, then remove that item, such as carpeted cat tree.
- Infected hairs and skin cells should be vacuumed from the house as they can spread the disease.
- Please wash your hand after you touch the infected cat.
Upper Respiratory Infection of Cat
Various bacteria and viruses can infect cat’s nose, throat, and sinus areas.
The causes of Upper Respiratory Infections:
- The main and most common cause is the virus (URI) in cats.
- Feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus are 80% to 90% responsible for Upper Respiratory Infections. The shelters, catteries, and multi-cattery households are responsible for spreading the disease.
- The disease can be spread by sharing food and water bowls with cats. Sneezing and coughing of a cat are also dangerous.
- Chlamydia and Bordetella are also 2 bacteria responsible for spreading the disease in shelters and areas with multiple cats.
- Stress is a very mentionable cause of Upper Respiratory Infections.
Symptoms of Upper Respiratory Infections:
Sneezing, coughing, runny nose, congestion, clear and coloured nasal discharge, fever, loss of appetite, gaggles or drooling, rapid or open mouth breathing, nasal or oral ulcers, rubbing eyes, and depression.
Prevention of Upper Respiratory Infections:
- Keeping cats indoors if you live in a jungle area.
- Keeping the infected cat isolated.
- The vaccination of your cat must be up to date.
- Practice good hygiene and wash your hands after handling cats.
- Take your cat to the vet for a regular check-up so that you can be aware of the disease.
- Keep your cat stress-free.
Diagonize the Upper Respiratory Infections:
- Cat’s physical conditions, age, and vaccination status are vital in Upper Respiratory Infections in cats.
- Cats living in multi-cattery households are more prone to the problem.
- The cat shelters are very much responsible for the outbreak of the disease. So, when you adopt a cat from a shelter, you must check it with the vet and vaccinate it.
- Some cats are flat-faced, like Persian cats. They’re more prone to get infected by the disease due to their facial structure.
- When you suspect your cat is suffering from Upper Respiratory Disease, immediately call the vet for a brief exam and determine the disease.
Treatment of the Upper Respiratory Infection:
It is a relief that Upper Respiratory Infection has a better treatment. You don’t need to worry. The veterinarian will prescribe you the treatments below:
- Medications
- Isolation of the affected cat
- Proper rest
- Support with fluids
- Nutritional supports
Never ignore the disease and leave it untreated because it may turn into Pneumonia and may cause your cat’s death.
Parasitic problem in cat
Some intestinal parasites are known as worms in general. The intestinal parasites can cause a variety of symptoms. Sometimes cats don’t show symptoms, and the infestation remains untreated and reaches the last stage. It is also a hazard for humans.
The common types of worms are:
Outdoor cats and if your cat goes to a place where other animals defecate, and if your cat walks on wet soil, he is at a high risk of getting infected by intestinal parasites.
- Lungworms:
You can understand by hearing their name that they are the rodents of a cat’s lungs. Cats don’t show any symptoms in most cases. Some cats develop coughing and get infected after eating a bird or rodent that ate any host of Lungworms.
- Hookworm:
They are about 1 inch long and residents of small intestines. Hookworms can cause life-threatening anemia as animal blood is their food. Kittens are more at risk of being infected by hookworms. Hookworms are passed by stool, and skin contact is also responsible for getting infected.
- Roundworm:
The most common intestinal parasite. The adults are 3 to 4 inches long in size and resemble spaghetti. There are some shocking ways that roundworms can infect cats. The ways are drinking milk from an infected mother for kittens and adult cats if they ingest roundworm eggs from any affected cat’s feces.
- Tapeworm:
This type of parasite is 4 to 28 inches long, flat, and segmented. Fleas and rodents are intermediate hosts of tapeworms. So, if a cat ingests those hosts, he must be affected.
Tapeworms around a cat’s hind end look like rice grains.
The symptoms of parasites:
The symptoms depend on the types of parasites and the locations of infections. Some common signs are-
Diarrhea, bloody stool, worms visible in stools and near the anus, pot belly with the visible abdomen, bloating or round belly, vomiting, constipation, weight loss, anemia, and trouble breathing.
The prevention of parasites:
- Keep your cats indoors so they can’t get the touch of infected cats and can’t ingest affected cats’ feces, birds, or rodents.
- Keep your house flea-free.
- Practicing good hygiene, using gloves while handling affected cats, and disposal of cat stools.
- Consult your vet to make a prevention program or internal treatment program for parasites.
Treatments of parasites:
Note: never try to treat your cat yourself because it is not your job, and the treatment is different according to the types of worms.
- Your vet will examine your cat and give the best treatment and prescription for your cat’s treatment, and he will also determine the type of worm your cat is affected by. Not all dewormers are suitable for all worms. So, your vet is able to tell you whether the dewormer should be repeated or not and if it should be repeated, then when.
- There are some dewormers that are over the counter and are harmful if used improperly.
Is there any possibility that worms can be transmitted from cats to humans?
Cat’s stools are a host of roundworm eggs. If humans ingest such eggs somehow, they can develop serious health problems. Children are more at risk of getting affected by parasites. The problems can be blindness, encephalitis, or other organ damage. If worms are responsible for blindness, then surgery is a must.
Hookworms can be penetrated human skin and make lesions. If a human ingests an infected flea, then he can acquire a tapeworm, but it is rare.
The most common viral disease in cats:
Just like humans, cats are also prone to get sick by diseases that occur because of viruses. Viruses live such as normal cells and can multiply and produce themself. The cats get sick because of being mutated, killed, and damaged. Viruses can attack the liver, respiratory tract, or blood.
The treatment is effective when the immune system is ready to fight the virus. I will describe the most common diseases that are caused for viruses:
Feline Panleukopenia (FP):
The disease also has other names, such as-feline distemper or feline parvo. Feline Parvovirus is responsible for it, and it is highly contagious. The virus is available all around cats and kittens, and they get infected at the same stage of their life.
The Feline Parvovirus can infect any cat. Still, kittens, unvaccinated, and sick cats are more susceptible to the disease.
The virus attacks the intestine, bone marrow, and lymph nodes. The result is a deficiency of all white blood cells (Panleukopenia) and red blood cells (anemia).
The symptoms are- general depression, loss of appetite, high fever, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, nasal discharge, and dehydration. FP was a life-threatening disease in the past, but nowadays, effective vaccination is available. So, there is no life risk at all.
The treatment of FP:
The kittens at 8 weeks still have a life threat from Feline Parvovirus. Their survival chance is low. Older kittens and adult cats have a high chance of surviving. Early appropriate treatment is a must.
There are no medications that can kill the virus. Here is an important thing that cat’s body and immune system must be able to fight the virus, and then the medications and fluids can help the body recover.
Treatment hydrates the body, provides nutrients, and prevents secondary infections.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP):
It is a fatal disease because of the coronavirus. A very common problem in cats. The virus can be mutated in cats, and the mutated form is called FIP. Sometimes, mild and self-limiting diarrhea is seen as a symptom.
The problem is more seen in young cats, and the reason for the mutation of the virus isn’t exactly known.
The reasons for FIP:
Inadequate immune response, move, neutralization surgery, vaccination, and concurrent disease. There are no clinical signs that can determine the disease.
There is a classic sign of the disease, and that is a yellowish fluid in the abdominal cavity or thoracic cavity.
The treatment of FIP:
There is no appropriate treatment for FIP once the fatal signs appear. It is almost incurable, and the treatment only can alleviate the symptoms. The treatment is based on anti-inflammatory drugs and stimulating the appetite.
Feline Respiratory Disease Complex:
It is one kind of cat flu and can be chronic. The environment with many cats, such as kennels, cat shelters, catteries, and even feral cat communities, is very much responsible for spreading the virus, and domestic cats may also come into contact with this.
The kittens, old cats, unvaccinated cats, and immunosuppressed for any reason are more prone to cat flu. There is also a disease called feline influenza. It is due to secondary infections, and the causes are bacteria, lack of food, and dehydration.
The symptoms of Feline Respiratory Disease Complex:
The symptoms of feline influenza are responsible for feline herpesvirus (feline rhinotracheitis virus) and feline calicivirus. Sneezing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, eye discharge, loss of appetite, fever, and depression. There are 2 more symptoms occasionally seen in cat flue: an ulcer in the cornea and drooling.
The treatment of cat flu:
There are no actual medications for cat flu available. If the animal is ready to fight the virus, then the treatment only can support the animal. Antibiotics are used to treat the disease to fight against secondary infections. Other medications can stop the nasal discharge so the cat can breathe easily.
The cats have dehydration problems in cat flu; in that case, intravenous fluid therapy through the catheter is required to hydrate the cat’s body. As heavy discharge from a cat’s eyes and nose is very much common so taking good care of those organs is required. Use a wet cotton swab to clean their eyes and nose. The cats should also be kept warm and comfortable during the disease.
Feline Virul Rhinotracheitis (FVR):
FVR is a highly contagious and common respiratory disease. There are 2 main viruses responsible for the disease- Feline Herpesvirus and Feline Calicivirus. It is a serious complication created by the virus and, if not treated properly, can leave a long-term effect and even lead to death.
The virus is spread by secretion, which means tears, nasal discharge, and sneezing in the affected cat.
The symptoms of FVR are:
Fever, mouth ulcer, sinus congestion can be permanent, nasal discharge, lacrimation, chronic eye infection, and loss of appetite.
Consult your vet immediately if you see the symptoms of FVR so that the vet can take the right initiative. There are some rules for the treatment of feline Rhinotracheitis.
The treatment of FVR:
Viruses all are the same; there is no proper treatment for viruses. Only prevention is the best way to get rid of those. So, vaccinate your cat with an upgradation. Keeping your cat hydrated is most important in this case. So, food with proper nourishment, enough water, and proper nasal and ocular cleansing are necessary.
If the case is severe, then fluid therapy is very much important. Good health maintenance, treatment of secondary bacterial infections, and minimizing the clinical sign are the way of treatment.
Some medications can control the symptoms of FVR- those are eye drops, nebulizations, etc.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV):
The disease is common in stray cats. The disease is fatal, and the symptoms resemble Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). AIDS is caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infections (HIV).
However, any Immunodeficiency Virus is species-based, such as HIV is for humans and FIV is for felines.
These Immunodeficiency Viruses attack the immune system and destroy or damage them. Blood cells and Leukocytes reside in the immune system. So, they also get destroyed by these viruses.
At the initial stage, cats look completely healthy because no signs are visible initially. The signs started to appear after 1 year. The virus weakens the immune system. So, the cats lose the ability to fight against other diseases, secondary infections, and viruses. A fatal matter indeed.
The disease has so many forms that the clinical signs are also different. The virus spreads more by biting. So the unneutered cats are more at risk of getting infected. When a pet cat goes to contact with an outdoor, feral, or street cat, he gets infected because they are the carrier of FIV.
The treatment of FIV:
Immunoidefecinecy has no cures to date. The only prevention is a way to get rid of this fatal disease. The affected cats are being treated to stabilize and maintain a full life.
Moreover, some anti-virus drugs used for HIV patients got applied on cats, and a positive result came out. However, those drugs are not recommended for felines. The drug is Azydothymadine, AZT.
The treatment for secondary infections in FIV positives cats is essential. Prolonged antibiotic treatment is essential for that immunosuppressed cat.
The stray cat diseases:
Well, stray means boundless. So, a stray cat means a cat without shelter or owners. Street cats are also stray cats.
Why do stray cats contract diseases more easily?
As stray cats don’t have a home to stay, they spend their life outdoors and go to unsafe places with a high risk of viruses and diseases. Besides, they don’t get health support; their diseases are undiagnosed and untreated. So, they become risky for other animals and come into contact with diseases more easily.
The diseases of stray cats are-
Toxoplasmosis:
The disease is related to Protozoa. It can affect by eating infected rodents and birds. Many mammals and birds are more susceptible to the virus. The most interesting thing is protozoa are responsible for losing rodents’ fear of cats. For this reason, stray animals get infected by eating those rodents.
The faeces of infected animals can spread toxoplasmosis. If your cat is left untreated by toxoplasmosis, then your family members can be affected.
Cat scratch disease:
The biting or scratching of a cat can be dangerous. It can spread Bartonelli hensalae bacteria. If fleas and ticks infect your feline, it can transmit the infections.
Cats with fever, headache, and swollen glands are susceptible to scratch disease. If your immune system is weak, you’ll need medications to eliminate the disease.
Feline Leukemia Virus (Fel V):
This virus is the same as the Feline Immunodeficiency virus and is from the same group. It has immunosuppressive effects. The virus spreads from open-mouth wounds. So, a place with multiple cats is dangerous for the disease.
Besides, if an affected catfights with another cat, the virus spreads from one cat to another. Feline leukemia has been considered a life-threatening virus for a long time. Still, at present, it is not so fatal. Preventive steps have decreased the death rate.
The good news for humans is it is not transmitted to humans.
Other stray cat diseases have already been discussed in the article. Those diseases are- Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR), Parasites, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), Ringworm, and Rabies.
Common skin problems in cats:
Cats are very much prone to get skin-related problems. The problems are- itching, swelling, inflammation, redness, heat, and loss of normal functions-all are called together Dermatitis.
What are the causes of skin problems?
There are so many causes work behind skin diseases. The causes are
Food allergy, atopy, flea bites, insect bites, ear, and other mites, bacterial infections, and fungal infections (Ringworm).
5 symptoms of skin problems in cats:
Itchy skin, redness or sore-looking area, bald patches, scabs, and dandruff.
How do veterinarians diagnose skin problems in cats?
Veterinarians diagnose skin diseases by taking the following steps such as-.
By physical examinations-visual identification.
Wood lamp examination-examination by ultraviolet rays.
Skin scraping and hair plucks- a skin scraping is taken, and a hair will be plucked for examination.
Dietary trial- a specila hypoallergenic diet from the veterinarian.
Reviewing environmental irritants-identifying if there is an environmental irritant such as dust and pollens.
Skin biopsy- microscope test of skin samples.
Trial treatment- an injection of corticosteroids.
The references of a specialist- your vet may recommend you to go to a feline dermatologist to diagnose the problem.
The treatments of skin disease in cats:
Well, skin treatments depend on the reason for the disease, such as-
- Food allergy and intolerance:
A special diet is required that is free from allergic reactions.
- Fleas:
The environment is needed to be free from fleas, and the flea eggs should be destroyed.
- Atopy:
Atopy means house-dust mites and pollen allergies. Long-term anti-inflammatory medications are needed in this case and should be given at a particular time of the year.
- Insects bite:
Keep your cat aloof and from contact with insects, and provide them with anti-inflammatory medications.
- Ear and other mites:
Mites are parasites. There is special treatment needed to get rid of mites. To settle down the itchiness, anti-inflammatory medications are required.
- Bacterial skin infections (feline acne):
Antibiotics are topical treatments.
- Fungal infections (Ringworm):
The treatment method has been discussed in this article earlier.
Routine health care of cats:
If you maintain a healthy routine and health care for your cat, then your cat will stay healthy and less prone to diseases. I will discuss the routine health care method step by step:
- Vet-check up:
The kittens must be taken to the veterinarian every ¾ weeks until they become 8 months old, young cats after every 12 months and old cats after 6 months.
- Recognize the signs of illness:
You must be able to recognize the signs of illness. If you can’t recognize or ignore the signs, the disease may become more critical and hard to treat.
- Medications:
Medications must be vet-prescribed, but giving them to your cat depends on you. Follow the prescription for the well-being of your cat.
- Vaccination:
Always update your furry friend about the vaccination because viral diseases don’t have proper treatments. So, vaccination is the best way to not only save your cat but also save others.
- Controlling the parasites:
It is a very much important thing that you should do for your cat. Vaccination comes here again. Most of the parasites can be controlled by vaccinating your cat. Besides, regular checking of your cat’s ears, eyes, and furs can keep your cat free from parasites.
Dental care for cat
Periodontal diseases (dental and gum) are very much common in cats. So, daily cat tooth brushing, weekly checking of their teeth and gums, and a vet check-up are required for healthy oral health.
- Grooming:
Grooming means coat-brushing, coats and nail-trimming, and bathing your cat. Cleanliness can keep the diseases aloof from your cat. So, regular grooming of your cat is a must.
- Household hazards:
We use so many household hazards such as chemicals, pesticides, cleaning goods, antifreeze, electrical cords, alcohols, paints, and house plants that are toxic for your pets. So, stop ingesting them as they are toxic. Keep your cat safe.
- Spaying and neutering your cats:
There are so many sexually transmitted diseases, and some are responsible for biting and scratching. So, if you spay (female) and neuter (male) your cat, they become calm and quiet and won’t be tempted to fight with other animals.
