Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
Hair loss in cats can cause a lot of concern in pet owners. Illnesses that cause hair loss range from simple conditions to more serve conditions that will require serious treatments. Persistent hair loss can be a sign of serious problems and veterinarians will be able to diagnose and help treat any diseases causing problems in your cat.
A low white blood cell count, also called leukopenia, can indicate any number of diseases, conditions or even reactions to medications. Because the causes are so diverse, further testing is necessary to determine the root of the problem. If your cat has a low white blood cell count, your vet may need to test for infectious diseases, or perform an X-ray or ultrasound to identify causes such as cancer. A low white blood cell count often signifies that the body's ability to fight off disease and infection is compromised.
Due to over-population, spread of disease and genetic disorders, veterinarians, animal shelters and humane societies encourage people to have their cats spayed and neutered. Most breeders are aware of and have their cats tested for common diseases and genetic disorders prior to breeding. The Feline Advisory Bureau's (FAB) website lists most known disorders, including rare ones. A few of the rare disorders have been proven to be heredity as of 2010.
One of the best diagnostic tools vets have is blood work. A small blood sample can answer many questions about the state of your cat's health and will often point the vet toward the correct diagnosis. A complete blood count (CBC) counts every blood cell in a sample by type. Abnormal cell counts can indicate anything from infection to cancer, depending upon other readings. A low white blood cell count means that your cat is suffering from a virus, bone marrow disorder or a very severe infection.
Nasal congestion is a nuisance for any species, whether it be humans, dogs or cats. When a cat has congestion, it is important to know whether it is a simple cold or something more serious. Watching for the symptoms of nasal congestion can help a cat owner know what to do if his cat suddenly gets the sniffles.
Most diseases commonly found in cats can be easily prevented. Having a cat vaccinated on schedule and keeping him indoors will greatly reduce the risk of him contracting many cat-related illnesses. Once a cat does become sick, it is important to be able to describe his symptoms to a veterinarian.
Even the most pampered cat can get sick. Knowing the diseases and infections that can afflict your cat and being able to recognize their symptoms is integral to early detection and treatment. You can even save your cat's life since a number of ailments require rapid response and treatment.
The immune system is the body's first line of defense against harmful infections and disease. Autoimmune diseases cause the immune system to actually work against the body by attacking and damaging healthy cells. There are a number of different autoimmune diseases that a cat can suffer from, many of which can be prevented with regular vaccinations. Feline autoimmune diseases can be fatal if left untreated, so if your cat shows symptoms of having such a disease, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Like people, cats are affected by several types of allergies brought on by a host of environmental factors. These allergies affect different parts of the cat's anatomy, from the nose to the stomach. If you have a cat with allergies, its discomfort may be caused by one of these factors.
Part of being a responsible cat owner is ensuring that your pet receives essential vaccinations. Many of the vaccinations help ward off highly contagious and sometimes fatal cat viruses like feline immunodeficiency virus, feline leukemia virus and more. If your cat has not received these vaccinations, it is important to recognize the signs of these harmful conditions so that you can seek medical attention for your pet immediately.
Cats are susceptible to various conditions of the nose which can cause wheezing, sneezing, nasal discharge and even growths on the top of and around the nose. Nasal issues can be caused by viruses, smaller-than-normal nasal passages or diseases such as cancer.
Every cat owner is concerned about their cat's health and well-being. Just like any other animal, cats suffer from a set of common health problems, including parasites, viral or bacterial infection and chronic disorders or conditions. The following list contains 10 of the most common health problems for cats. This list should be used as an advisory; if your cat has the signs of a serious health problem he will likely require the examination and treatment of a trained veterinarian.
Like humans, cats can suffer from various genetic diseases, many of which are surprisingly common. Genetic diseases can affect any organ or tissue in the feline body, including the eyes, the heart and the immune system.
Cats can have episodes of sneezing for a variety of reasons. For instance, dust or pollen can get in a cat's nose, causing him to react. In most cases, sneezing is nothing to worry about.
Cats and kittens may be prone to several worm infestations. Worms may cause various health problems; therefore, it is recommended that cats be seen by a veterinarian any time the presence of worms is suspected.
Taking care of a cat is more than providing food and shelter. Common medical problems can happen even with indoor cats. Most of these problems are easily treatable and only become serious if left untreated.
Common diseases in house cats include parasites that infect kittens, physical lesions from cat fights, hyperthyroidism, kidney disease and diabetes from old age. Find out what health issues to expect from a domestic cat with help from a practicing veterinarian in this free video on pet care.
Cats can have nose problems, like any other animal. Nose problems are often signs of other health issues. Simple medication and treatment by a veterinarian can help eliminate the problem. The symptoms will usually help you figure out what the underlying cause is and how your veterinarian can treat it.
A house cat can contract a variety of diseases that can leave him with a chronic condition or even kill him. Most of the diseases can be prevented by keeping the cat up to date on his vaccinations and ensuring he does not come in contact with infected animals.
Cats are susceptible to diseases just like humans, but there are some diseases that strike only the feline. There are many diseases that can affect felines. Some are more serious than others. It is important to become familiar with these conditions so that your cat can receive prompt treatment if he becomes afflicted. Several health conditions can have similar symptoms, so proper diagnosis by a veterinarian is needed to ensure proper treatment.
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.
Cats are popular pets, with about 37 percent of all American households owning at least one (see "Additional Resources," below), and about 500 million cats as pets worldwide. Just as humans do, cats need good health care. There are some diseases they can contract that are also common to humans, such as diabetes, thyroid disease and leukemia. By keeping current with shots, vaccines and regular medical exams, owners can ensure their cats lead long, healthy lives. With the right care, the average cat lives to be around 14 years old, and some live as long as 26 years.
If you have a cat for a pet, then you know that there are certain illnesses that cats are prone to getting. Understand the symptoms your cat is experiencing so that you can notify your veterinarian before the illness progresses. If you know the course of treatment ahead of time, it can help you financially and emotionally.
