List of Common Cat Illnesses & Their Symptoms

Cats will instinctually hide when they don't feel well, making it very challenging for even the most attentive pet parents to recognize when their feline friend is sick. In today's post, our La Pine vets share some common cat illnesses and their symptoms.

Your Cat's Health

Our feline friends are stoic creatures and extremely good at hiding signs of illness. In many cases, cats will actually hide when they feel unwell. This can make knowing when your cat is sick very challenging. That said, as a pet parent, it's important to monitor your pet's health and head to the vet for care if your kitty does begin to show signs of feeling unwell. Below are a few common illnesses seen in both indoor cats and outdoor cats.

Common Cat Illnesses

Some illnesses are more common than others when it comes to cats, and the illnesses and symptoms diagnosis in indoor cats aren't necessarily the same as those seen in outdoor cats. Nonetheless, there are a number of very common cat illnesses that all pet parents should be aware of. Here are some of the most common illnesses that our La Pine vets see in cats.

Upper Respiratory Infections (Cat Colds)

Viruses and bacteria such as feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus can cause your kitty to develop upper respiratory tract infections that affect their sinuses, nose, and throat.

These illnesses are easily transmitted among cats who live in multi-cat households, shelters, or who spend time outdoors where they may come into contact with other cats. Normal activities such as grooming, sharing a food or water bowl, or coughing and sneezing can spread feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus. Cats infected with the virus can easily spread the disease to other cats in the household or in the neighborhood. Upper respiratory illness in cats is characterized by the following symptoms:

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus or FIV as it is commonly called is most often seen in male outdoor cats with a tendency to fight. This potentially serious cat illness is often passed along through bites sustained during fights, although in rare cases it can be passed from a female cat to her kittens.

FIV is a slow-acting virus and in some cases, symptoms may not show up until years after the initial infection occurred. That said, FIV can severely weaken your cat's immune system once the disease takes hold making your feline friend susceptible to a number of serious secondary infections.

With appropriate treatment, infected cats that are kept in an indoor, stress-free environment can live comfortable lives for a number of months or years before the disease reaches its chronic stages.

If your cat has FIV, symptoms may not appear for months or years, or they may appear intermittently. If your cat exhibits any of the following symptoms, he or she may be suffering from Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and should seek veterinary care as soon as possible to help prevent symptoms from worsening.

Common symptoms of FIV include:

Diabetes

If your cat is unable to produce enough insulin to balance glucose levels or blood sugar it will develop diabetes mellitus. Left untreated, diabetes in cats can shorten their lifespan and lead to nerve disorders, numerous health issues, and severe emergency situations requiring immediate veterinary care. Treatment for diabetes in cats is focused on managing the disease rather than a cure and may include insulin injections. Signs of diabetes in cats include:

Cancer

There are a number of cancers that our vets commonly see in cats. Cancer first begins to grow within a cell, before attaching to the tissue underneath the skin and potentially spreading to other areas. If detected early, cancer in cats may be treatable. Symptoms of cancer in cats can include:

When it comes to treating cancer in cats, early detection is critical for good outcomes. Other factors that influence cancer treatment success include the type of cancer, the extent of its spread, and the location of the tumor. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation are all recommended treatments for cancer in cats.

What To Do If Your Cat Is Sick

If your cat exhibits any of the symptoms listed above, it is critical that you seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Many feline illnesses progress quickly and can become life-threatening.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

Do you think that your cat may be sick? Contact our La Pine vets at La Pine Animal Hospital today to book an examination for your kitty.