Feline friends bring joy, companionship, and endless entertainment into our lives. But just like any member of the family, our cats can sometimes fall ill. Recognizing the signs and knowing how to respond can make a world of difference in their health and well-being. This guide provides comprehensive information on common cat illnesses, helping you become a more informed and proactive pet parent.
Common Upper Respiratory Infections in Cats
Upper respiratory infections (URIs) are highly contagious ailments that affect a cat’s nose, throat, and sinuses. Think of it like a common cold in humans. These infections are frequently caused by viruses, but bacteria can also play a role.
Causes of URIs
- Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1): A prevalent virus that can cause lifelong, recurring infections.
- Feline Calicivirus (FCV): Another common virus, FCV can lead to oral ulcers and pneumonia in addition to respiratory symptoms.
- Chlamydophila felis: A bacterium that often causes conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eye).
- Bordetella bronchiseptica: This bacterium, also known as kennel cough in dogs, can affect cats, especially those in shelters or multi-cat households.
Symptoms to Watch For
Recognizing URI symptoms early can help you seek prompt veterinary care. Look out for:
- Sneezing: Frequent sneezing, often accompanied by nasal discharge.
- Nasal Congestion: Difficulty breathing through the nose.
- Eye Discharge: Watery or thick discharge from the eyes, potentially leading to squinting or closed eyelids.
- Coughing: A dry or moist cough, which may indicate a lower respiratory involvement.
- Lethargy: Reduced energy levels and a general lack of enthusiasm.
- Loss of Appetite: Decreased interest in food, potentially leading to weight loss.
- Fever: An elevated body temperature (normal cat temperature is 100.5-102.5°F).
Treatment Options
Treatment typically focuses on alleviating symptoms and supporting the cat’s immune system:
- Veterinary Consultation: A vet will perform an examination and may run tests to identify the specific cause.
- Antibiotics: Prescribed if a bacterial infection is suspected or confirmed.
- Antiviral Medications: In some cases, antiviral medications might be used, especially for FHV-1 infections.
- Supportive Care: This includes keeping the cat warm, providing palatable food, and clearing nasal discharge.
- Humidifier: Using a humidifier can help loosen congestion.
- Actionable Takeaway: If your cat is showing signs of a URI, consult your veterinarian promptly. Early intervention can prevent complications.
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)
FLUTD encompasses a variety of conditions that affect the bladder and urethra in cats. It’s a common and potentially serious health problem.
Common Causes of FLUTD
- Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC): The most common cause, FIC involves inflammation of the bladder for unknown reasons, often triggered by stress.
- Urinary Crystals or Stones: Minerals in the urine can form crystals or stones that irritate the bladder lining or block the urethra.
- Bacterial Infections: Less common, but bacteria can infect the urinary tract.
- Urethral Obstruction: A blockage of the urethra, more frequent in male cats, is a life-threatening emergency.
- Bladder Tumors: Rare, but can occur.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Early detection is key to successful treatment:
- Straining to Urinate: Spending excessive time in the litter box, but producing little to no urine.
- Frequent Urination: Urinating small amounts very frequently.
- Blood in Urine (Hematuria): Visible blood in the urine is a significant sign.
- Painful Urination (Dysuria): Vocalizing or showing signs of discomfort while urinating.
- Urinating Outside the Litter Box: A sudden change in litter box habits.
- Licking the Genital Area: Excessive grooming in the genital area.
Treatment and Prevention
Treatment will depend on the underlying cause:
- Veterinary Examination: A thorough examination, including urine analysis, is crucial.
- Pain Management: Pain relievers can help alleviate discomfort.
- Antibiotics: Used if a bacterial infection is present.
- Dietary Changes: Special diets can help dissolve crystals or stones and manage FIC. Prescription diets like Hill’s c/d or Royal Canin Urinary SO are often recommended.
- Increasing Water Intake: Encouraging your cat to drink more water can help dilute urine. Use water fountains or offer wet food.
- Stress Reduction: Minimizing stress in the cat’s environment can help manage FIC. Provide plenty of vertical space, scratching posts, and quiet retreats.
- Surgery: May be necessary to remove bladder stones or address urethral obstructions.
- Actionable Takeaway: If you suspect your cat has FLUTD, especially if he is straining to urinate, seek immediate veterinary attention. A blocked urethra can be fatal within 24-48 hours.
Kidney Disease in Cats (Chronic Renal Failure)
Kidney disease is a common ailment in older cats, where the kidneys gradually lose their ability to function properly.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Age: The primary risk factor; kidneys naturally decline with age.
- Genetics: Certain breeds, like Persians, are predisposed to kidney disease.
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Can damage the kidneys.
- Kidney Infections: Can lead to chronic kidney damage.
- Toxins: Exposure to certain toxins, such as antifreeze.
Signs and Symptoms
- Increased Thirst (Polydipsia): Drinking much more water than usual.
- Increased Urination (Polyuria): Producing large amounts of urine.
- Weight Loss: Despite a normal or increased appetite.
- Loss of Appetite: Eventually, appetite may decrease.
- Lethargy: Reduced energy levels.
- Vomiting: Especially in later stages.
- Dehydration: Due to increased fluid loss.
- Poor Coat Quality: A dull or unkempt coat.
Management and Treatment
Kidney disease is usually managed, not cured:
- Veterinary Diagnosis: Blood tests (BUN, creatinine) and urine analysis are essential for diagnosis and staging.
- Dietary Management: A low-protein, low-phosphorus diet is crucial. Prescription diets like Hill’s k/d or Royal Canin Renal are commonly used.
- Fluid Therapy: Subcutaneous (under the skin) fluids can help combat dehydration and flush out toxins. Your vet can teach you how to administer fluids at home.
- Medications:
Phosphate Binders: Help control phosphorus levels.
Anti-nausea Medications: To reduce vomiting.
Erythropoietin: To stimulate red blood cell production if anemia develops.
Antihypertensives: To manage high blood pressure.
- Monitoring: Regular blood and urine tests are necessary to monitor kidney function and adjust treatment as needed.
- Actionable Takeaway: If you notice your cat is drinking and urinating excessively, consult your veterinarian. Early diagnosis and management can significantly improve your cat’s quality of life and prolong their survival.
Parasites in Cats: Internal and External
Parasites can significantly impact your cat’s health, both internally and externally.
Internal Parasites
- Roundworms: Very common in kittens, transmitted through the mother’s milk or ingestion of contaminated material.
- Hookworms: Can cause anemia, especially in kittens, by feeding on blood in the intestines.
- Tapeworms: Often transmitted through fleas or by eating infected rodents.
- Heartworms: Transmitted by mosquitoes; can cause serious heart and lung damage.
- Coccidia and Giardia: Protozoan parasites that cause diarrhea.
#### Symptoms of Internal Parasites
- Diarrhea: Especially with coccidia or Giardia.
- Vomiting: Can occur with roundworms.
- Weight Loss: Despite a normal or increased appetite.
- Pot-Bellied Appearance: Common in kittens with roundworm infestations.
- Anemia: Weakness and pale gums, especially with hookworms.
- Coughing or Difficulty Breathing: Can be a sign of heartworms.
- Seeing Worms in Stool or Vomit: Segments of tapeworms look like grains of rice.
#### Treatment and Prevention of Internal Parasites
- Deworming Medications: Your veterinarian can prescribe appropriate dewormers based on the parasite identified.
- Fecal Exams: Regular fecal exams help detect parasites early.
- Heartworm Prevention: Monthly heartworm preventatives are essential in endemic areas. Products like Revolution and Advantage Multi also protect against fleas and ear mites.
- Good Hygiene: Clean litter boxes regularly to prevent re-infection.
External Parasites
- Fleas: Cause itching, skin irritation, and can transmit tapeworms.
- Ticks: Can transmit diseases like Lyme disease (rare in cats, but possible).
- Ear Mites: Cause intense itching and a dark, crusty discharge in the ears.
- Mange Mites: Cause severe skin irritation and hair loss.
#### Symptoms of External Parasites
- Excessive Scratching: A primary sign of fleas, ear mites, or mange.
- Hair Loss: Can be caused by fleas, mange mites, or allergic reactions to flea bites.
- Skin Irritation: Redness, bumps, or sores on the skin.
- Visible Fleas or Ticks: Finding parasites on your cat’s fur.
- Dark Discharge in Ears: A hallmark of ear mite infestations.
#### Treatment and Prevention of External Parasites
- Flea and Tick Preventatives: Topical or oral medications can prevent and treat flea and tick infestations. Popular options include Frontline, Advantage, Revolution, and Bravecto.
- Ear Mite Treatment: Ear cleaning and medication to kill the mites.
- Mange Treatment: Specific medications prescribed by your veterinarian.
- Environmental Control: Treat your home and yard for fleas to prevent re-infestation.
- Actionable Takeaway: Regular parasite prevention is crucial for your cat’s health. Consult your veterinarian about the best preventative measures for your cat’s lifestyle and geographic location.
Conclusion
Understanding common cat illnesses empowers you to be a more vigilant and effective caregiver. By recognizing the signs and symptoms of these conditions early, you can seek timely veterinary care and ensure your feline companion lives a long, healthy, and happy life. Remember, preventative care, regular check-ups, and a keen awareness of your cat’s behavior are the cornerstones of responsible pet ownership. Always consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment of any health concerns.
