Feline Cat Disease Symptoms

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.

  1. Feline Panleukopenia

    • Feline panleukopenia is also referred to as feline distemper, a highly contagious viral disease that a cat may contract through exposure to other infected cats, humans, clothing, food bowls and virtually any surface they come into contact with. The symptoms of feline distemper include loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea.

    Feline Leukemia Virus

    • The feline leukemia virus (FeLV), a cancer that attacks white blood cells, is always fatal. Owners are alerted to the fact that their cat is ill as he begins to exhibit signs of physical weakness and listlessness. The cat will often stop grooming regularly, lose his appetite and experience a change in disposition. His eyes will look dull and he will likely drool. Feline leukemia can be prevented by giving your cat the FeLV vaccine and keeping him indoors.

    Rabies

    • Rabies is a viral illness contracted through bite wounds from infected animals. Rabies attacks the nervous system and is a fatal disease. Symptoms include loud meowing and biting at objects in the home, conjunctivitis and partial protrusion of the tongue, violent movements that result in self-injury, leg weakness that leads to uncoordinated movements and the inability to move.

    Feline Infectious Peritonitis

    • Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) can reveal itself in two forms: "wet" FIP involves fluid in the abdomen and "dry" does not. It is almost always a fatal condition. Symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and loss of appetite.

    Hookworms

    • Hookworms are intestinal parasites, so small that they are barely visible to the naked eye. There are four species of hookworms that infect cats, although they're not as common in cats as they are dogs. Symptoms include anemia and diarrhea. Stools might be bloody or dark, but this is uncommon. Hookworms can be fatal in young kittens.

    Ringworm

    • Contrary to its name, ringworm is not a worm at all but a fungal skin disease. It is highly contagious and is often found in overcrowded settings where cats mingle, like pet breeders and animal shelters. Symptoms include a skin infection that is scaly and flaky. The area is so itchy that a cat will constantly scratch at it. Humans should wear gloves as they treat the condition and quarantine the cat from other animals until the ringworm is gone.