common-cat-illnesses

Common Cat Illnesses And Treatment

Last Updated:20 July 2020 | By Donna Huff

Cats, the furry friends are loved when they rub against our legs, knead our laps or look at us with love and purr. It is very heartbreaking to see your feline friend in any trouble or pain. Cats can get many health problems that disturb their eliminating as well as feeding routines.

It is essential to recognize the sign and symptoms of the illness of your cat, observe her routine to note any change or abnormality in the cat’s behavior. If you see any disturbance, immediately consult her veterinarian. If your cat is not happy or looking aggressive, it means that she has some issues related to her health.

When your cat refuses to use a perfectly clean litter box or streak through the house in midnight, it means that she is in any problem.

Cute litter box will discuss some common cat illnesses and treatments to solve the issues which a cat can face in her life.

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Some common cat health problems

Lower urinary tract disease

This disease encompasses several different conditions that affect the cat’s bladder and urethra. In this disease, the cat does not use the litter box or strain without urinating. Further symptoms of this disease are continuous licking of the genital area and blood in the urine. If you feel any of these signs in your cat, immediately visit her veterinarian. These signs can cause urethral blockage, which may be fatal for the cat.

How to treat LUTD

To treat this disease, first of all, identify the causes . Its treatment includes pain medication, antibiotics, and pushing or removing the blockage back into the bladder.

It is also recommended to change the diet and increase the water intake of your cat to prevent a future problem.

Infectious diseases

Most of the infections that cats adopt are related to respiratory functions; some of them can be cured by the vaccination. When a cat gets an infection in the upper respiratory, then it may be affected by a runny nose, teary eye, sneezing, cough, fevers, or sores in the mouth.

Treatment of upper respiratory infections

Most of the diseases related to the respiratory are viral, so there is no proper treatment that you can give to your cat. But it is essential to take your kitty to her veterinarian because these infections may be fetal.

Feline Panleukopenia 

There is another common infectious disease of cats known as feline panleukopenia; it is a highly contagious viral disease that is caused by the perviruses. 

Symptoms of this disease are fever, bloody diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, and dehydration. 

Treatment

There is no medication yet to treat the virus, so; the only treatment is to look after the cat and a lot of fluids until the cat fights off the infection on its own. Kitten, smaller than the age of 8 months, cannot survive with this disease. Therefore, vaccination for this disease is essential.

Cancer 

Lymphosarcoma is the type of most common cancer in cats that may be in the intestines or the chest. It is a cancer of the lymph system that is caused by the feline leukemia virus. Another disease is also common in cats known as squamous cell carcinoma.

Symptoms of this disease include lumps, swelling, skin infections, weight loss, diarrhea or vomiting, difficulty in breathing, and urinating.

Treatment of cancer

Treatment of this disease depends on its types and stages. Its treatment may include chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, and immunotherapy. Vets who have specialization in oncology can suggest the treatment of cancer.

Heartworm disease

Usually, cats are not hosting of heartworm; therefore, most of the cats do not show the symptoms of this disease. While some cats who show these symptoms may have coughed, vomiting, and respiratory problems. It is a fatal disease, and unfortunately, there is no proper treatment of this disease. Some cats can fight with this disease on their own. In some cases, Vat recommends surgery or medication to remove the heartworm, which is a risky procedure.

Fleas

Fleas are blood-sucking parasites, which feed on the pet’s blood. Cats that have fleas show some signs, including scratches, hair loss, and bald patches, where cat licks excessively.

Flees, Flea eggs, and their excretions can be seen in the pet’s fur.

Treatment

To prevent the cat from fleas, apply a flea treatment product that is specially made to kill the fleas, and prevents their egg development. Use a flea-control drug which is specially made for cats, not for dogs. Cats are sensitive to insecticides; a little misuse may be fetal for the cats.

Kidney disease

If you note that your cat is less urinating, it means that she has some kidney problems. Cats having kidney disease have reduced the ability to excrete waste through the urine; as a result, a dangerous build-up of toxic material in the blood takes place.

There are several factors which can cause kidney disease, including high blood pressure, exposure to toxins, infections, kidney stone, and cancer. It is a common disease in older cats and includes symptoms of loss of appetite, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.

Treatment

Treatment is started by pinpointing the disease and then treating this disease. In some cases, dialysis and kidney transplant may be required.

Dental disease

Cats are having dental disease show change chewing habits, difficulty in eating, and bad breath. Bad breath in cats indicates gum disease and digestive problems. Discolored, swollen, or reddish gums are also seen in this disease.

Treatment

To treat your cat’s dental disease, consult her Vat. Brush her teeth with the toothpaste, especially recommended for the felines, and give her a toy to chew for the exercise of the gums.

Fractures

Cats can get hurt when they jump from the first or 2nd story of the house. If your cat is limping or not moving, then she is suffering from a fracture. In this situation, immediately rush her to the nearby veterinarian or pet house.

Vomiting and diarrhea

If a cat is suffering from vomiting or diarrhea, it means that she has eaten any food or plant which does not agree with her stomach. It may be a sign of severe illness or infection.

It usually is not the thing to concern, but if your cat is continuously vomiting, then immediately take her to her Vat. 

Treatment

Treatment of diarrhea and vomiting includes giving fluids to prevent dehydration, not feeding the cat 12 to 24 hours. The Vat can also suggest some anti-vomiting medication.

Obesity

Obesity is a common health issue nowadays, which causes diabetes, joint weakness, and liver problems in cats. If you cannot feel the ribs and backbone of your cat, it means that your cat is obese.

Treatment

For preventing the cat from obesity, increase exercise to cut the calories of your cat.