Common Cat Diseases
From upper respiratory infections to skin allergies, there are many common cat diseases every cat owner should be aware of. Many, such as feline immunodeficiency virus, feline distemper and feline leukemia virus, are not easily treatable but are often preventable. On the other hand, some diseases such as skin allergies are more difficult to prevent but are (usually) easily treated. Symptoms of many common cat diseases are similar--if your cat displays any symptoms of illness or disease, take it to your veterinarian for a correct diagnosis.
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Types
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According to the Humane Society of the United States, contagious upper respiratory diseases are among the most common illnesses in cats. Other common contagious illnesses include feline distemper (Feline panleukopenia), feline leukemia virus (FeLV), and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). These are all serious illnesses. Less serious, but very common, is allergic dermatitis.
Causes
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Upper respiratory illnesses in cats are usually caused by viruses, such as feline herpes and calicivirus. These are all easily spread from cat to cat.
FIV is caused by a virus related to HIV--however, you cannot get HIV from your cat and vice versa. FIV is commonly spread cat to cat from infected saliva of another cat entering a bite wound. Like FIV, feline leukemia virus is also spread via saliva.
Feline distemper is exceptionally contagious. Cats acquire this easily from infected cats' droppings, vomit and other bodily fluids.
Allergic dermatitis is usually caused by fleas, mites, food allergies or inhalant allergies. -
Symptoms
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Upper respiratory infections cause sneezing, congestion, eye infections and sometimes mouth ulcers.
FIV symptoms include swollen glands, recurrent infections, general appearance of ill health and weight loss. Cats with feline leukemia virus may also develop swollen glands and experience weight loss and gastrointestinal symptoms, such as vomiting and changes in stool.
Feline distemper causes vomiting and diarrhea (which is often very watery).
Food allergies, flea allergies and other allergies often cause hair loss on a cat. These patches may be inflamed or scaly (though sometimes there is no redness or inflammation) and dry or moist.
Prevention/Solution
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Vaccinations help prevent many of the common cat diseases, including feline distemper, feline herpes, calicivirus, feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus. Note that not all vaccines may be suitable for all cats--discuss vaccinations with your veterinarian.
Another way to prevent many diseases is to keep cats indoors, away from other cats that may carry diseases. Good nutrition and parasite control will also help prevent many common diseases.
Treatment
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Treatment for upper respiratory diseases include treating any secondary bacterial infections--which can be common, though the initial disease is often caused by a virus. Vets may prescribe antibiotics and suggest any supportive care, such as vaporizers to help the cat breathe more easily. Cats with very bad infections may need to be hospitalized and put on an IV.
Treatment for feline leukemia virus--there is no cure--depends largely on the types of infections or cancers the virus causes.
Like feline leukemia, there is no cure for FIV. Treatment includes antibiotics for any infections and vitamins and other supplements to help the immune system.
Treatment for severe cases of feline distemper almost always includes hospitalization. Cats with this illness require antibiotics and intravenous fluids.
Skin allergy treatment includes steroid creams or injections, antibiotics for any secondary bacterial infections of the skin, and ridding the cat of any parasites (such as fleas) that may be causing allergic reactions.
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