Most Common Cat Health Problems and Diseases

Kidney failure in cats

Kidney failure is one of the most common and serious cat diseases. Elderly cats are more vulnerable, that is why it is recommended that cats 7 years of age and older get regular checkups. Identifying chronic renal failure in a cat before the obvious symptoms appear is very important, because symptoms usually appear when 75 percent of kidney function is lost.

Types of kidney failure in cats:

Acute renal failure develops suddenly. Symptoms usually appear within a week to a month.

Chronic failure usually occurs over a long period of time; develops over months and even years.

The risk of kidney failure is higher in cats of certain breeds, such as Persian or angora.

Potential causes of kidney failure in cats

·         Reduced blood or urine flow to the kidneys

·         High blood pressure

·         Tumor

·         Obstruction, e.g. caused by kidney stones

·         Ingestion of toxic substances such as antifreeze, pesticides, medicines and cleaning chemicals

·         Advanced stage of dental disease

·         Age over seven years

·         Food containing a lot of phosphorus or increased protein content can accelerate the progression of the disease

·         Outdoor cats  have a higher risk of acute failure due to a higher risk of exposure to the toxins

Symptoms

Commonly occurring signs of kidney failure in cats can be difficult to detect because they are similar to the symptoms of other conditions such as diabetes and hyperthyroidism. Unfortunately, feline renal failure is a progressive disease and the symptoms may not be visible for a long time. If you notice one of the following symptoms, contact your vet.

·         Decreased appetite

·         Thirst

·         Frequent urination or non urination

·         Blood in urine or cloudy and/or very dilute urine

·         Vomiting

·         Bad, dry coat appearance (caused by dehydration)

·         Lethargy and depression

·         Weight loss

·         Bad breath that smells strongly of ammonia

·         Sore mouth or ulcers in mouth

·         Diarrhea or constipation

Diagnosis and Treatment

There are different ways to determine if your cat has kidney disease. Your veterinarian will perform a clinical examination and take blood and urine samples to check if your pet’s kidneys are working properly. Ultrasound, blood pressure measurement, X-rays or kidney biopsy can be performed as well.

The following treatments are possible:

·         Treatment of the underlying cause of renal failure (e.g. toxin)

·         Drugs that support urine production

·         Therapeutic diet

·         Electrolyte disturbance management

·         Fluid therapy

·         Correction of anemia

Special diet for your cat will not cure kidney disease, but proper food can alleviate symptoms and improve your pet’s overall health. You will find many veterinary diets on the market for cats with chronic kidney disease.

Remember that changes in your cat’s diet should not be made abruptly. Talk to your veterinarian about introducing your cat to new food.

Upper Respiratory Infections (URI)

Upper respiratory tract infections are very common in cats, especially kittens. Viruses are the most common causes of URIs in cats.

URI usually respond well to treatment, although some cats can become quite sick and severe cases can cause pneumonia.

Causes of respiratory infection in cats

Feline Herpesvirus Type-1, FVR
Feline Calicivirus (FCV)
Chlamydophila felis, a bacterium
Bordetella bronchiseptica, a bacterium that can also cause coughing in dogs
Mycoplasma spp, a type of bacterium
Most cases are due to viral infections with the Herpesvirus Type-1 and Calicivirus (account for 80 to 90 % of all contagious upper respiratory problems).

Kittens are most at risk, especially before vaccinations. URI most often occur in cats in shelters, catteries and multi-cat households.

Flat-faced cats such as Persians seem particularly susceptible to this infection .

How it spreads

These viruses can be transmitted from cat to cat through:

·         Sneezing and coughing,

·         Grooming

·         Sharing food and water bowls

·         By discharge from the nose and eyes, through direct contact with infected cats or by contact with objects such as dishes or bedding that have been contaminated by secretions from infected cats

Symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection in cats

· Fever

· Nasal discharge

· Sneezing

· Red eyes (conjunctivitis)

· Cough

· Hoarse or lost voice (caused by inflammation of the larynx /voice box)

· Sores in the mouth and / or nose

· Salivation

· Gagging and drooling,

· Fast breathing

· Loss of appetite

· Lethargy

Most cases resolve within a week to 10 days, although sometimes upper respiratory tract infections will persist for several weeks.

Treatment

For most cats, treatment is aimed at controlling the symptoms. Rest, isolation and support with fluids and nutritions.

Although most cases are caused by viruses, antibiotics may be prescribed to combat bacterial infections, which often occur as secondary to viral infection.

Most respiratory infections can be treated at home, but in cases where cats do not eat, drink or have severe breathing problems, hospitalization may be necessary.

After the symptoms have resolved, cats infected with Herpesviruses become life-long carriers of the virus. In many cats this causes no problems, and they do not continue to shed virus.

Cats infected with Calicivirus carry (and may spread) the virus for a long time, sometimes throughout their lives.

Vaccines against Herpes virus and Calicivirus are part of a routine vaccination protocol that your veterinarian will recommend. They can be given by injection or directly into the nose.

Worms

Worms are a general name for internal parasites . They are a common problem in domestic cats. Prevention and quick response to the first symptoms of worms in a cat will protect your pet against ailments and diseases that are a consequence of infestation.

The most common internal parasites in cats are roundworms (extremely common in kittens) and tapeworms (more often in older cats)

Symptoms of worms in cats

Symptoms are often unspecific – they may very well be symptoms of other diseases or ailments.

·         The obvious signal that a cat has worms is the presence of parasites in the feces or vomit of the animal (worms are usually white),

·          Cats drag their bottoms along the carpet

·         Chronic diarrhea

·         Frequent vomiting

·         Appetite disorders (lack of appetite or excessive appetite caused by the cat’s increased demand for nutrients, “stolen” by the parasite in the intestine),

·         Weight loss, despite eating a normal amount

·         Blood in the faeces

·         Apathy, depiction

·         Protrusion of the third eyelid prolapsed

·         Deterioration of coat condition (matte, rough, thinning fur)

·         Anemia – in case of severe parasite infestation or in kittens for whom infestation is particularly dangerous

·          Shortness of breath – in case of roundworm, which can travel through the respiratory tract

How do cats get worms?

·         By contact with contaminated water or soil.

·         When drinking rainwater,

·         During physical contact with other cats,

·         Eating spoiled meat and other products from the trash,

·         Smelling feces,

·          Eating mice and common house fly

Treatment and Prevention

The best way to get rid of worms in a cat is by regularly worming the animal. Adult cats should be wormed once every 3 months. It is worth remembering that worming a cat does not prevent new parasites from entering the body. Small kittens must be wormed more often because their body is less resistant to the harmful effects of parasites (every two weeks until twelve weeks of age, then monthly until six months of age).

The risk of infection with parasites can be reduced by routine worming treatment, using flea preparations, not giving the cat raw meat, keeping your cat inside, and by regularly cleaning cat droppings.

Avoid self-diagnosis, it is better to seek the advice of your vet on which treatment is best suited for your requirements.

Obesity

Vets estimate that more than half of cats are overweight, and 13% is obese.

·         Overweight -10% increase in body weight above optimal value,  

·         Obesity – by 20 or 30%

How to determine if your cat is obese?

The easiest way to determine if a cat is overweight is to examine. Run your hands along your cat’s ribs. If you can’t easily feel the ribs, it’s a sign that the kitty is obese. A healthy cat should have a visible waist and its stomach should not hang freely.

Obesity in a cat is most often the result of an inactive animal’s lifestyle and dietary errors.

Risk factors

Obesity more often affects males than females. Some cats are most at risk from developing obesity:

·         Older cats as their metabolism and activity levels slow down

·         Indoor cats, especially if they are alone for a long time

·          carbohydrate-rich food

·         Neutered cats

·         Stress and depression  (food is a substitute source of pleasure)

Consequences of obesity

Obesity has a negative impact on the quality of life of a cat, leads to numerous changes in the body and significantly reduces the comfort and life expectancy of the animal. The whole immune system is less efficient than in a healthy animal, which means that a fat cat may more often contract infectious diseases. It can also lead to many serious diseases. These include primarily:

·         diabetes

·         heart and circulatory system diseases

·         kidney failure

·         fatty liver, liver failure

·         musculoskeletal disorders, especially joint degeneration, as well as spinal discopathy.

In addition to physical problems, obesity also leads to mental disorders of the cat. Obese cats feel more stressed, because in an emergency they are unable to escape, jump to a safe height and it is more difficult for them to hide. Often this leads to a vicious circle in which an upset cat relieves stress by eating, which leads to further weight gain.

Treatment

Treatment of overweight cat is a gradual process that can take several months. If your cat is a bit overweight, correcting eating habits and providing the cat with the right amount of movement may be enough.

Leading the cat out of obesity, however, should be under the guidance of a veterinarian, preferably specializing in dietetics, or animal nutritionist.

Fleas

Cat flea is a small, wingless insect with strong legs that allow him to perform long jumps – a flea can jump 12 inches high.

The flea feeds on its host’s blood and lays eggs in its fur. These, however, are not able to stay on the cat – they fall to the ground and are present in the animal’s environment. The eggs then transform into larvae, then pupae, then adults, starting the cycle all over again.

Finding fleas in cat’s fur is not easy, especially if the invasion is not severe. It is easier to see fleas in light-colored cats, as well as in those that do not have a dense undercoat.

Flea symptoms

·         A warning signal are flea droppings, literally falling from cat’s hair like finely ground pepper. Flea droppings are black, and when crushed, they stain dark red (consist of dried blood).

·         The attacked cat gets nervous, often scratching and licking.

·         Slight inflammation on the skin appear

Biting fleas introduce antigens into the animal’s blood causing severe itching. In addition, fleas can also transmit many diseases and some internal parasites. The most common disease transmitted by fleas is tapeworm.

In kittens, a strong invasion can lead to anemia .

Treatment and Prevention

How to get rid of cat fleas?

·         Bath in anti-flea shampoo

·         A cat flea collar

·         Spot-on anti-flea drops

·         Powders

·         Sprays

·         Internal treatments

·         Orally through tablets and liquids

·         Injections combined with topical treatment

Prevent the eggs from developing! The fight against flea infestation is not limited to killing parasites feeding on the cat. There are flea eggs and larvae around the cat, as well as adult insects that jump off the animal

Wash the cat’s bed and any blankets or bedspreads on which the cat rests at the highest temperature allowed. Vacuum the apartment often – a vacuum cleaner will help get rid of eggs, larvae and pupae. Small areas, e.g. armchairs or chairs, on which the cat sits, can be additionally treated with a roller to collect hair – parasites will stick to it.

Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV)

FeLV  is highly contagious and an incurable disease that almost always leads to the death of the animal (within three years of diagnosis). It is one of the few most common and dangerous feline infectious diseases. It occurs all over the world.
It is not a form of cancer at all, but it can cause cancer. The disease is harmless to other animal species, as well as to humans.
How Feline Leukemia Virus Is Transmitted

How is the virus transmitted ?

FeLV virus spreads through saliva, urine, feces, blood, milk and other body fluids of sick and/or asymptomatic cats. Infection occurs during prolonged contact with an infected animal. Social behaviors as sharing food and water, mutual grooming, cat-fight bites, as well as the use of one litter box can also cause transmission of the virus. The virus lives outside animal body only for few hours.

Risk Factors

Most often, infection occurs in young kittens, who up to 4 months of age have much lower immunity,. The risk decreases significantly in older cats as the animal’s immunity increases with age.

The most vulnerable to infection are animals living in large clusters – in shelters, farms, outdoor or wild cats, as well as with weakened immunity and under stress.

The age of the cat at the time of contact with the virus is the most important factor determining the sensitivity to infection. Cats with a well-functioning immune system are able to suppress virus replication and fight it within a few months. The animal recovers and gains immunity for the next few years of life. This happens in about 1/3 of infected cats.

Symptoms:

·        Sudden weight loss

·        Lost of appetite

·        Excessive lethargy and weakness

·        Reluctance to play

·        Frequent sneezing and coughing

·        Vomiting or diarrhea

·        Fever

Diagnose and Treatment

The key is to recognize the infection as early as possible.  The most popular and simplest test confirming leukemia infection is the ELISA test.

FeLV is an incurable disease; however proper home management and veterinary care can improve the animal’s quality of life. The goal of therapy will be to strengthen the immune system and eliminate secondary infections. Antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, appetite and well-balanced diet (good-quality wet food)

The only effective action to protect a cat against leukemia is vaccination, keeping your cat indoors and away from infected cats is a sure way to prevent him from contracting FeLV. However, before vaccination, you should always test your cat for FeLV – even if your cat has no clinical signs of the disease.

Ringworm

It is a disease of the skin, hair and claws caused by fungi (affects the top layer of the skin) also known as dermatophytosis. Despite the name, it doesn’t involve any worms. In most cases it is caused by the microspore fungus Microsporum canis. It is called microsporosis.

It is a zoonotic disease, which means it can spread from an animal to a human. It manifests as scaly, bright red skin lesions that usually occur on the face, arms and shoulders. Of course, mycosis is curable in cats and humans.

Transmission

It spreads very quickly and easily in places where more cats are kept, i.e. in shelters, larger farms. The sources of infection are sick or asymptomatic cats that do not suffer from the disease, but are carriers of this pathogenic fungus.

Cats can catch it through direct contact with other animals, but also through contaminated objects such as toys, blankets, transporters and more. Also, parasites such as fleas can carry skin mycosis.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of ringworm is a small, round spot (or ring) of hairless skin most often found on the cat’s head, ears or tails.

When ringworm infects a cat’s face, the naked lobes are usually not round, but they spread over the animal’s chin, lips or nose and resemble other skin conditions.

Sometimes the whole body of the cat is affected by ringworm, which makes the coat look oily or flaky.

In other cases, the first sign that a cat has ringworm is when it throws excessively or develops distorted nails.

Diagnose  

Your veterinarian can use one of many tests to diagnose cat’s mycosis. One of them is to place the cat under Wood’s lamp and see the skin under a special black light that causes the fungus to glow a yellowish-green. This test may or may not detect the presence of ringworm, because not all breeding fungi are fluorescent under a Wood lamp.

Very accurate but most invasive way to detect the fungus is biopsy .

Treatment

In mild cases of ringworm in short-haired cats, treatment will likely require the use of an antifungal cream.

In more severe cases, oral medications can supplement topical creams, as well as special drops in sulfur.

If your cat is long-haired, it may be necessary to shave it for local therapy to be fully effective.

Once you start treatment for your cat, it will still be contagious for about three weeks, and the length of time it is contagious depends on how closely you follow the treatment plan prescribed by the vet.

The fungal spores may live in bedding or carpet for over one year! Wash and disinfect cat bedding with a bleach and water solution and discard all chew toys or other items that cannot be washed and disinfected.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

FIV, or acquired immunodeficiency virus, is a viral infection, feline strain of human HIV. It means that the animal, like a person suffering from AIDS, has an immunodeficiency – life threatening condition.

How do cats catch FIV?

The FIV is present in the physiological secretions of sick cats: in their saliva, urine, blood, milk and semen. This means that it passes to other animals through contact with these body fluids. That is why this disease occurs more often in free-roaming, outdoor unneutered male cats that fight.

FIV infection is only transmitted between cats – humans, dogs and other animals are not at risk.

Symptoms

Often cat with the disease doesn’t show any symptoms for many years, whilst their immune system declines. This can result in developing variety of common diseases, mouth inflammation, chronic respiratory infections and skin problems.

An FIV infected cat goes through five stages of disease.

·         After about 2 weeks from contact with a sick animal, your pet may suffer from high temperature, diarrhea, vomiting and enlarged lymph nodes. More resistant animals can pass it asymptomatically.

·         The third stage of feline AIDS infection is the return of enlarged lymph nodes and deterioration of well-being.

·         In the fourth phase, the FIV virus attacks the cat’s gums, respiratory tract and skin. The animal loses weight and appetite.

·         The fifth phase of FIV is the last stage of the disease. Unfortunately, its sharp course often means the death of an animal. The kidneys, liver and heart refuse to obey, there is general destruction of the body by the FIV virus.

Diagnose and Treatment for FIV

The most popular test for FIV is called Elisa and it is performed with small sample of cat’s blood. Just to be sure that your pet has the disease it is recommended to perform the ELISA test twice.

A sick cat requires constant vet care, prevention (vaccination, anti-parasite treatments) and a good diet that will strengthen their weakened body.

Doctors also recommend giving the animal supplements that strengthen the immune system: e.g. fish oil, vitamins, lysine, beta-glucan.

Cat owners should remember to create the best and most peaceful living conditions for their sick pets.

A sick pet should not have a companion at home unless the other cat is also sick with FIV.

Do not let your cat out of the house, because contact with other cats may cause infections.

Perform tests for each subsequent kitten you want to adopt.

Wash bowls and litter trays frequently in high temperature- the FIV virus dies at 60 °C.