Common Symptoms of Cat Diseases

Many different diseases and medical conditions affect cats. Knowing which symptoms to watch out for can help you catch potentially life-threatening diseases in their early stages, which often means a better prognosis for your cat. Certain common symptoms of cat disease can also be normal cat behavior, so it's important to know the frequency of each symptom. Some diseases have multiple symptoms, so make a note of all symptoms before you visit the veterinarian for diagnosis.

  1. Vomiting

    • All cats vomit occasionally, some more frequently than others. While occasional vomiting of hairballs is considered normal feline behavior, more frequent vomiting could suggest an underlying condition. According to the Vet Info website, possible causes of frequent vomiting in cats include food allergies, diet change, salmonella, Giardia, hookworm, roundworm, tapeworm, whipworm and poison.

    Diarrhea

    • Occasional diarrhea in cats can occur because of slight dehydration or a change in food, says veterinarian Holly Nash from Pet Education. More serious causes include intestinal parasites such as roundworms and hookworms; bacterial infections such as salmonella and E. coli; viral infections such as distemper, feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus; cancers such as lymphoma; or stomach problems such as inflammatory bowel disease.

    Difficulty Urinating

    • Difficulty urinating is a common cat disease symptom with many possible causes. If your cat suddenly starts urinating outside the litter box or appears to be straining during urination, there could be a problem. Common causes of feline house soiling and difficulty urinating include lower urinary tract disease, incontinence, bladder stones, cystitis, diabetes or kidney disease, according to Mar Vista Animal Medical Center.

    Lack of Appetite

    • Cats are more finicky eaters than dogs, but something may be wrong when your cat suddenly loses its appetite. A lack of appetite could mean your cat has a mouth ulcer or dental problem that makes chewing painful. It could mean that your cat is suffering from stress, especially if the loss of appetite is coupled with the introduction of a new pet or a move to a new home. Finally, a lack of appetite could suggest your cat is suffering from intestinal disease or kidney failure.

    Respiratory Distress

    • Respiratory distress, or dyspnea, can occur at any time during the breathing process and prevents your cat from getting enough oxygen to its tissues. Common causes of respiratory distress in cats include heart disease, lung disease, lung tumors or cancer, pneumonia, trauma and internal bleeding into the lungs or chest, according to veterinarians at Pet Place.