Cat Autoimmune Diseases

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.

  1. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

    • Feline immunodeficiency virus is a retrovirus that is one of the most commonly seen cat autoimmune diseases. According to the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University, up to 3 percent of all healthy cats are infected with the disease. The virus is spread primarily through bite wounds, though in rare cases a mother may pass the disease to her offspring during birth or through infected milk. Cats infected with feline immunodeficiency virus can appear healthy for years before the symptoms of the disease become apparent. Symptoms of the virus include swollen lymph nodes, loss of appetite and persistent diarrhea.

    Feline Leukemia Virus

    • Feline leukemia virus is a retrovirus that affects approximately 2-3 percent of cats in the United States. Feline leukemia virus is spread through bodily secretions, including saliva, feces, urine and even milk in lactating females. The virus can also be spread through bite wounds and, in rare cases, through shared food dishes and litter boxes. Cats infected with feline leukemia virus are at a higher risk for developing cancer and numerous blood disorders. Secondary infections caused by bacteria and viruses pose a severe risk to cats suffering from the leukemia virus. Symptoms of feline leukemia virus include loss of appetite, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes and persistent diarrhea and fever.

    Feline Panleukopenia

    • Feline panleukopenia is an autoimmune disease caused by feline parvovirus. Feline panleukopenia is a deadly disease that attacks the cells contained within the intestines and bone marrow. Cats with feline panleukopenia often suffer from severe anemia caused by a loss of destroyed red blood cells and are likely to develop secondary infections from a loss of white blood cells that weaken the immune system. Symptoms of feline panleukopenia are similar to other cat autoimmune diseases and include loss of appetite, vomiting, high fever, diarrhea and lethargy. This disease is often fatal in cats that do not receive immediate medical treatment, but fortunately vaccinations for the condition have helped to reduce the spread of infection among cats dramatically.

    Pemphigus

    • Pemphigus is an autoimmune skin disease that causes the formation of lesions, fluid-filled cysts and sacs, ulcerations and severe crusting and flaking. There are three different kinds of pemphigus that cats may suffer from: pemphigus erythematosus, pemphigus foliaceus and pemphigus vulgaris. Symptoms vary depending on the type of pemphigus affecting the cat, but can include scales, ulcers, red and itchy skin, lesions on the footpads, anorexia and fever. Secondary viral and bacterial infections are also common in pets suffering from pemphigus.