Even when the best level of care is provided, cats are may still develop certain diseases. No cat is immune to becoming sick. Catching symptoms early is vitally important when treating certain cat diseases. If not caught early on, the disease may progress into something beyond repair.
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Cats are the beloved pets of many people.
Rabies
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Rabies is a viral disease that can be fatal to cats, as well as any other affected animal. Rabies is transmitted by way of an infected animal's saliva, so the most common method of transmission is by way of an animal bite. Effective prevention of rabies in pets begins with a regular vaccination schedule, which is required by law in many sates. Symptoms of rabies in cats include aversion to water--known as hydrophobia-- aggressive behavior, agitation, depression and withdrawn behavior.
Upper Respiratory Infections
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This infection is also known as a URI, and is like the common cold in humans. Symptoms of an upper respiratory infection include reddening of the eyes, sneezing, runny nose, decrease in appetite and fever. The cause for a URI is typically an airborne virus, and when left untreated, this type of infection can be fatal. There are vaccinations available to prevent upper respiratory infections, though cats may still contract the disease.
Feline Panleukopenia
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This disease is also known as feline distemper, but it has nothing to do with temper. It is a highly contagious viral disease that can be contracted as easily as by skin contact with an infected cat, or through infected food or water bowls, paws or hair. A cat with feline panleukopenia may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite and diarrhea.
Feline Leukemia Virus
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This feline disease targets the immune system of the cat, causing a number of other diseases, including several forms of cancer. This virus can be transmitted through saliva, urine and feces from a cat that has feline leukemia. Symptoms of feline leukemia include decrease in energy, dramatic weight loss, loss of appetite and other changes in behavior. There is no cure or treatment for this disease, though if intervention is early, some of the symptoms can be eased.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
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This is essentially the feline version of the HIV virus in humans, as it attacks the immune systems of cats. The virus attacks the main defense systems in the cat's body, leaving the cat vulnerable to a number of different diseases and infections in the process. This disease can cause a myriad of symptoms, including chronic infections, respiratory problems, loss of interest in eating, oral infections and chronic diarrhea. The disease is commonly contracted by way of a bite from an animal that is infected.
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