Cat Disease Symptoms

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease

• Changes in litter box behavior can indicate feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD). FLUTD is a blockage, such as stones or inflammation, in the urinary tract or bladder. FLUTD symptoms are commonly found in male cats as their urethras are smaller and thus easier obstructed or overweight cats as the extra weight places stress on their organs. Symptoms include litter box avoidance, straining in the litter box, small urine amounts, and blood in the urine. Other symptoms include mood changes such as excessive meowing or crying around the litter box, pacing and depression.

Chronic Renal Failure

• Over time the kidneys may undergo a degenerative process, in which they are no longer able to perform their filtering and detoxification roles. Chronic renal failure (CRF) may be sudden or slow, so symptoms may appear long after the onset of the disease. Kidney disease symptoms are common in older and overweight cats. Symptoms include poor appetite, increased thirst, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, bad breath and mouth ulcers. The poor appetite may go unnoticed but it will lead to weight loss, another symptom. Increased thirst will lead to large amounts of urine as the kidneys fail to concentrate the urine.

Gingivitis

• Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums and, if untreated, can lead to periodontal disease, which in turn can cause bacterial infections to spread from the teeth and jaws to the heart and kidney. Chronic gingivitis is known as stomatis. Dental symptoms can be found at any age, though primarily in young adults and older cats. Symptoms of gingivitis include red gums, receding gums, mouth lesions, increased dark tartar buildup, increased salivation, bad breath, loss of appetite and difficulty eating.

Upper Respiratory Infection

• Cats can suffer a common cold, which is mild and will pass quickly, or more serious upper respiratory infections. Respiratory symptoms can be found in any cat. Symptoms of both include sneezing, runny nose and eyes, red eyes, fever, and decreased appetite.

Rabies

• Rabies is a viral disease, transmitted through saliva and spread through biting. Rabies symptoms can be found in any cat, though more typically in free-roaming, outdoor cats, as they are more likely to come in contact with rabies-carriers. Symptoms include hydrophobia (fear of water), increased or unusual aggression, depression and agitation.

Feline Distemper

• Feline distemper is also known as feline panleukopenia, cat plague or cat fever. It is also a viral and highly infectious disease, as it can be transmitted through all secretions and excretions. Distemper symptoms are commonly found in free-roaming, outdoor cats, though any cat can be infected. Symptoms include fever, depression, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and convulsions.