Cat Diseases: The 10 Most Common Ones You Should Know About

Hello, Waggyfriends. Understanding the health of our feline friends is one of the greatest displays of affection we can offer them. While cats are known for their independence, they are also susceptible to various diseases. Knowing the most common ones allows us to be alert to any signs and respond promptly.

In this blog, we offer an informative guide on some of the diseases that can affect cats, their possible symptoms, causes, and the most commonly recommended care. It's important to remember that this content is for guidance only and in no way replaces the diagnosis and advice of a veterinarian.

What are the most common diseases in cats?

Below is a list of some of the most common conditions in cats:

1. Rage

• Symptoms: Behavioral changes (aggression or withdrawal), fever, excessive salivation, difficulty swallowing, paralysis, and seizures.

• Causes: It is a viral disease transmitted primarily through the bite of an infected animal. It affects the central nervous system.

• Treatment: Once symptoms appear, there is no cure for rabies, so prevention through vaccination is essential and mandatory in many countries.

2. Diabetes

• Symptoms: Increased thirst and urination, increased appetite, weight loss, lethargy, and dull coat.

• Causes: It may be due to insufficient insulin production or an inadequate response of the body to this hormone. Obesity is a major risk factor.

• Treatment: Managing feline diabetes often involves a special diet, regular exercise, and, in many cases, insulin administration. Proper management should always be done under veterinary supervision to ensure the cat's well-being.

3. Scabies

• Symptoms: Intense scratching, hair loss, skin redness, crusting and thickened skin, especially on the ears and face.

• Causes: It is caused by mites that lodge in the cat's skin. There are different types of mange, some of which can be contagious to other animals or even humans.

• Treatment: Treatment usually includes antiparasitic medications, which can be topical or systemic, prescribed by a veterinarian.

4. Conjunctivitis

• Symptoms: Red, swollen eyes with excessive tearing and discharge that may be clear or purulent. The cat may blink frequently or keep its eyes closed.

• Causes: It can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, allergies, environmental irritants, or eye injuries.

• Treatment: Treatment will depend on the cause and may include eye cleansing, eye drops, or eye ointments prescribed by a professional.

5. Otitis

• Symptoms: Ear scratching, head shaking, dark or foul-smelling discharge from the ear canal, redness and swelling of the ear.

• Causes: Causes may include ear mites, bacterial or fungal infections, allergies, or foreign bodies in the ear canal.

• Treatment: Your veterinarian will determine the cause and prescribe the appropriate treatment, which may include ear cleanings and specific medications.

6. Respiratory diseases

• Symptoms: Sneezing, runny nose and eyes, cough, difficulty breathing, lethargy, and loss of appetite.

• Causes: They are commonly caused by viruses such as feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus, although they can also be of bacterial origin.

• Treatment: Treatment is supportive and may include keeping the cat hydrated, facilitating breathing with vaporizers, and, if there is a secondary bacterial infection, the use of prescription antibiotics.

7. Gastrointestinal problems

• Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, blood in stool, and abdominal pain.

• Causes: They may be the result of dietary changes, food intolerances, intestinal parasites, infections, or the ingestion of foreign bodies.

• Treatment: This will depend on the cause. In mild cases, your veterinarian may recommend a soft diet temporarily. However, a thorough evaluation is essential to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

8. Feline Infectious Peritonitis

• Symptoms: Fever that doesn't respond to antibiotics, lethargy, loss of appetite, and weight loss. A "wet" form with fluid accumulation in the abdomen or chest, or a "dry" form with lesions in various organs, may occur.

• Causes: It is caused by a mutation of the feline coronavirus. Not all cats infected with feline coronavirus develop FIP.

• Treatment: Historically considered a disease with a very reserved prognosis, new treatments have emerged that have shown promising results in some cases, although they are still under evaluation or are not widely available in all countries.

9. Obesity

• Symptoms: Excessive accumulation of body fat, difficulty palpating the ribs, loss of "waist" and decreased physical activity.

• Causes: It is usually the result of an imbalance between calorie intake and energy expenditure, often related to overeating and lack of exercise.

• Treatment: Management focuses on a veterinary-supervised weight-loss plan, which includes a calorie-controlled diet and a gradual increase in physical activity.

10. Dental diseases

• Symptoms: Bad breath, red or bleeding gums, tartar buildup, difficulty eating, and excessive drooling.

• Causes: The accumulation of bacterial plaque that turns into tartar, leading to gingivitis and periodontal disease.

• Treatment: Treatment can range from professional dental cleanings to extractions in advanced cases. Prevention through tooth brushing is important.

Fatal diseases in cats

There are some diseases that, due to their severity, can seriously endanger a cat's life. Early detection and veterinary management are key.

• Cancer: Like humans, cats can develop various types of cancer, with symptoms varying depending on the organ affected.

• Chronic Kidney Failure: This is a gradual loss of kidney function, common in older cats.

• Feline Leukemia (FeLV): A virus that weakens a cat's immune system, making it vulnerable to other infections and diseases.

• Feline Panleukopenia: A highly contagious and often fatal viral disease, especially in kittens. Vaccination is highly effective in preventing it.

• Feline Rhinotracheitis: Caused by a herpesvirus, it can be severe in kittens and cats with compromised immune systems.

• Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV): Similar to HIV in humans, this virus attacks the cat's immune system. It is not contagious to humans.

How do I know what type of disease my cat has?

Observing your cat is the first step to detecting if something isn't right. Pay attention to the following points:

• If your usually sociable cat hides, or if a calm cat becomes irritable.

• Eating or drinking much more or much less than normal.

• An unkempt coat or, conversely, excessive grooming in one area.

• Urinating or defecating outside the box, or showing difficulty in doing so.

• Lethargy, apathy, or a noticeable decrease in the desire to play.

• Vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, sneezing, discharge, lumps, or wounds.

If you experience any of these signs, the most prudent thing to do is to contact your veterinarian.

Prevention and care to avoid diseases

• Prevention is the best tool to keep your cat healthy and happy.

• Regular checkups can detect health problems in their early stages.

• Follow the vaccination and deworming schedule recommended by your veterinarian to protect your pet from serious diseases.

• A balanced diet appropriate for your age, weight, and activity level is essential for your overall health.

• Gradually accustoming your cat to tooth brushing can help prevent periodontal disease. This process may require patience and training, especially if they haven't been used to it since they were young.

• Avoid access to toxic plants, cleaning products, human medications, dangerous foods (such as onions, garlic, or chocolate), and small objects that could be ingested.

You may be interested: Can cats eat chocolate ?

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Conclusion

The health of our cats is a huge responsibility. Being informed about the most common diseases makes us more proactive caregivers and allows us to offer them the best possible quality of life. Remember that the fundamental pillars for your feline's well-being are love, good nutrition, preventative care, and, of course, the support of a trusted veterinarian. At Waggy's, we care about the well-being of your best friend.