Cat Diseases

There are many diseases, which are common to cats. If ignored some of these diseases may turn out to be fatal. But most of these diseases can be prevented by taking care of simple things. Firstly, keep your cat indoors. Secondly, get your cat vaccinated against some common cat diseases.




Some of the common cat diseases are:



Upper respiratory infections (URIs).

URIs are similar to the common cold in humans. Symptoms include sneezing, running nose and eyes, reddened eyes, fever, and decreased appetite. If left untreated URIs can be fatal. These airborne viruses are highly contagious; they can be transmitted to cats through human handling and through contact with other cats and with inanimate objects such as litter boxes, food bowls, and grooming tools.



Separate any new cat from your other cats for at least three weeks until you are sure that the newcomer doesn't have any symptoms of a URI.



Prevention is the best approach to URIs. Get your cat vaccinated. But if your cat exhibits URI symptoms contact your veterinarian immediately. The veterinarian will probably prescribe a dosage of antibiotics to prevent secondary infections and give you precise care instructions. Follow them carefully and make sure your cat eats and drinks sufficiently.



Rabies

Rabies is a fatal and one of the more common cat diseases. It is a viral illness that is transmitted through bite wounds from infected animals and attacks the nervous system. Prevent rabies through vaccination and by keeping your cat indoors.



Feline panleukopenia

Also known as feline distemper, this is a highly contagious viral disease that can be transmitted through contact with humans, infected cats, clothing, hair, paws, food bowls, and even cat carriers. The disease comes on suddenly with vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. Prevent this disease by getting your cat vaccinated against this virus.



Feline leukemia virus (FeLV).

FeLV is a fatal infectious virus that affects the immune system and can cause several forms of cancer and other associated diseases. It is transmitted through the saliva, urine, and faeces of infected cats.

Blood tests can diagnose this disease. The cat should be tested before being vaccinated. Prevention is the only cure for this disease. Get your cat vaccinated and keep it indoors.



Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)

FIV is similar to human acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) but the disease causing virus is different. This fatal virus attacks the immune system, causing a variety of symptoms. General symptoms include chronic, non-responding infections; respiratory problems; appetite loss; persistent diarrhoea; and severe oral infections. FIV is passed from cat to cat primarily through bites. There is currently no vaccination or cure for FIV. Keep your cat inside to prevent it from contacting FIV.



Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP).

FIP is deadly virus that is fatal to cats. This virus can take two forms, commonly referred to as wet (which involves fluid in the abdomen) and dry (which does not). Both forms of FIP may cause fever, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea, and loss of appetite.



There is no effective treatment for FIP. The best way to prevent this disease is to keep your cat indoors away from strange animals and remain up-to-date on vaccines.