Cats are like any living being and they may have health issues and illnesses that come up over the course of their lifetime. It is important as a pet parent that you’re able to identify the signs and symptoms and figure out what’s going on. If nothing else, you should be able to know when it’s time to see a vet so that you can get your cat back to good health as quickly as possible.
From basic health issues to serious diseases, there are some things that you should be aware of as a cat owner. Keep reading to find out which diseases most commonly affect cats and what you can do to help keep your furry friend healthy and happy for as long as possible.
FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus)
FIV is one of the most common diseases in cats and kittens and it is almost always fatal. In kittens, it almost always ends in death or requires humane euthanasia. This condition could remain dormant for up to a year after the initial infection and even though the virus acts slowly, the immune system is seriously impacted. The cat will not be able to fight off other infections and they will eventually end up in a chronic state where their bodies are shutting down. This could happen quickly, or it could take years, depending on the cat and the condition.
Cancer
Cats and dogs alike are highly prone to cancer. Cancer is an entire class of diseases that are caused by uncontrollable cell growth that invades surrounding tissues. This can spread throughout the body and there are several different types out there. Just like with people, cats can get cancer in one area and have it spread, or it can be confined and easily removed with surgery. Some cases will be treatable while others may be terminal.
Diabetes
Although this condition is relatively manageable for humans today, it can still be quite fatal to cats. Diabetes is a lot more complex for cats and their digestive system can’t always figure out how to process sugars properly. This can lead to hyper or hypoglycemia, and that can cause even more issues if it isn’t properly diagnosed and treated. Although this condition is relatively manageable for humans today, it can still be quite fatal to cats. Diabetes is a lot more complex for cats and their digestive system can’t always figure out how to process sugars properly. This can lead to hyper or hypoglycemia, and that can cause even more issues if it isn’t properly diagnosed and treated.
Heartworm
Heartworm is another common disease that many pet owners have heard of. It is usually spread by mosquitoes, causing many health problems in cats that are infected. Although cats are not a typical host, the presence of heartworms could result in lung disease. Dogs are far more likely to get this condition because they spend more time outdoors, but cats are certainly not immune. If you live in an area with a lot of mosquitos, talk to your vet about prevention.
High-Rise Syndrome
Although the name sounds a bit misleading, this is a condition that cats face. It is so common that it was given a name in the first place. This refers to cats who fall out of unscreened windows, which is a lot more common than you might realize. Opening the windows can be a great way to get fresh air, but it leads to thousands of cat injuries each year, including broken bones, punctured lungs, and even death in serious cases. Always use caution when opening windows and install screens for optimal security.
Respiratory Infections
Cats are also prone to upper respiratory infections. Because of the structure of the nose and sinuses, it can be easy for cats to catch bacteria and viruses that lead to colds, sniffles, and a general feeling of unwellness. If left untreated, some serious infections could cause further damage. However, most resolve on their own and may require antibiotics, at most, to assist in eradicating the germs.
Rabies
Rabies is a condition that is common in all kinds of animals. Dogs and cats that are domesticated and kept as pets are required to have rabies shots, according to most state and local laws regarding pet ownership. Rabies shots will ensure that they don’t get the disease, which can cause a variety of physical and mental symptoms and is almost always fatal.
Worms
Worms are not something that are a big deal for most cats. Almost all cats have worms at least once in their lives, usually as kittens. Of course, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be prepared for them just the same. Have regular check-ups, make sure that your cat doesn’t eat anything they shouldn’t if they go outside, and keep them updated on vaccines to prevent major issues. Deworming is standard in house cats as a part of their routine care.
Feline Leukemia
Feline Leukemia was discovered in the 1960s and transmits through the RNA in cats. It results in symptoms similar to leukemia in humans, but in cats, it is almost always fatal. The disease is among the most commonly diagnosed diseases and causes of death for house cats. Plus, it may not show up right away, which means more cats are at risk when they enter a new environment. Testing is recommended any time cats go into a new home or space. It’s highly-transmissible and it’s not something that you want to spread.
Talk to Your Vet
To be the best cat owner possible, you need to take the time to talk to your vet and make sure that you are prepared for all of the things that could come up with your cat. This includes knowing how to keep them healthy and use preventive care to stave off the biggest and worst conditions.
You’ll also want to take the time to make any changes in your cat’s lifestyle and eating habits to help improve their health and reduce their chances of developing these conditions. There is a lot that you can do if you are prepared. Now that you know better what to expect, it should be easy for you to help keep your cat healthy and get them through the tough times when they fall ill.