Cat Diseases & Worm Infestations

According to Purdue University's 4-H Companion "Learning more about cat diseases and their prevention and treatment is one of the best investments a cat owner can make for the pet's health, comfort, and well being." Talk to your veterinarian about the best course of prevention for your cat against disease and worm infestation.

  1. Distemper

    • Feline distemper is a very contagious cat disease that can be transmitted by any exchange of bodily fluids. Insects such as ticks, fleas and mosquitoes can also transmit the disease. Also known as cat plague, cat fever and feline panleukopenia this cat disease's first symptoms begin with a fever that can run high enough to be fatal. The fever is followed by vomiting and diarrhea which can lead to serious dehydration. Although relatively short lived, the course of the feline distemper virus has a mortality rate approaching 100 percent. Domesticated felines should be vaccinated.

    Rabies

    • Rabies is another cat disease caused by a virus. It can be transmitted by the bites or scratches of an infected animal. Rabies infects the brain and central nervous system. Once symptoms appear, rabies cannot be treated. Active cases of rabies have a 100 percent mortality rate, therefore all domesticated felines should be vaccinated against the virus regularly. State law usually requires rabies vaccination of pet-owners. Kittens should be vaccinated during the first three months of life and given boosters every three years to prevent infection.

    Leukemia

    • Feline leukemia is a retrovirus spread to a cat or kitten through contact with the body fluids of an infected cat. Domesticated felines should be vaccinated against this cat disease in the first few months of life. According to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, "Feline leukemia virus adversely affects the cat's body in many ways. It is the most common cause of cancer in cats, it may cause various blood disorders, and it may lead to a state of immune deficiency that hinders the cat's ability to protect itself against other infections."

    Heartworm

    • Cats are considered a resistant host of the heart worm because the parasite does not thrive in cats as well as in other domestic animals such as dogs. Exposure to the blood of an infected animal, including through the bite of a mosquito, can cause heartworm infection. Although many cats recover from a heartworm infection without ever showing signs or symptoms other cats can die quite suddenly from the worm infestation. If exposure to an infected animal is suspected your veterinarian can perform a blood test for heartworm. Several preventative medications are available.

    Intestinal Worms

    • The most common cat worm infestations are intestinal in nature. Roundworm and tapeworms are usually the culprit and can cause weight loss, failure to thrive in kittens and may be visibly present in the cat's feces. Roundworms can be contracted by contact with the feces of an infected cat or through the milk of an infected mother to her kitten. Tapeworms are often transmitted by fleas or eating the meat of an infected animal. Diagnosis will require a fecal sample and effective treatments are available for cat worm infestation of the intestines.