Domestic cats can acquire a variety of diseases and disorders. Many of these, such as feline immunodeficiency virus, feline rhinotracheitis and distemper, can be prevented through vaccinations. Other diseases may be prevented through giving your cat proper nutrition and exercise.
Although you cannot prevent all cat diseases and disorders, taking your cat for frequent checkups may mean diseases are diagnosed more quickly. In many cases, the earlier your cat is diagnosed and treated, the better her quality of life will be.
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Types
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Cat diseases can be categorized as contagious to other cats or non-contagious. Contagious viral diseases include, but are not limited to, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline distemper (also called feline panleukopenia), feline calicivirus, feline herpes, and feline rhinotracheitis. Contagious bacterial diseases include feline chlamydiosis (feline pneumonitis) and bordetella. Non-contagious diseases include, but are not limited to, feline diabetes, hyperthyroidism, feline heart disease (for example, feline cardiomyopathy) and chronic renal failure (CRF).
Symptoms
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Feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, herpes, chlamydiosis and bordetella all cause respiratory symptoms. These include congestion, eye discharge or inflammation, sneezing, and coughing. Calicivirus also causes sores on the mouth, the tongue and sometimes even in the throat. Both calicivirus and feline herpes may cause cats to drool. In contrast to these respiratory diseases, a cat with feline distemper will experience lethargy, fever and gastrointestinal distress. Cats with feline immunodeficiency virus may have no symptoms or may experience weight loss and a variety of infections. A cat with diabetes may lose weight even though she is eating more, and she may urinate more frequently. Cats developing kidney disease also (usually) urinate more frequently. Other symptoms of kidney failure include frequent thirst, weight loss, drooling and vomiting. Weight loss and vomiting are also common symptoms of hyperthyroidism in cats. Cats with heart disease often tire easily and may pant after exertion--unfortunately, symptoms may also be too vague for the cat owner to notice until the heart has already suffered damage.
Prevention/Solution
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Prevent feline distemper, feline leukemia and many other contagious cat diseases by vaccinating your cat. Additional preventative measures include neutering your cat and keeping him indoors, as some cat illnesses, such as feline immunodeficiency virus, can be transmitted through cats fighting. Although you may not be able to fully prevent diabetes or heart disease in your cat, keeping her at a good weight, feeding her a good diet and allowing her plenty of exercise may help reduce her risk. While it may not prevent some diseases, frequent veterinary checkups, along with blood work, may allow earlier diagnosis of diseases like chronic renal failure, thyroid diseases and heart diseases so your cat can receive life-extending, life-enhancing treatment.
Warning
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Many domestic cat diseases share similar symptoms. For example, urinary symptoms of diabetes, kidney disease and urinary tract infections in cats are very similar. Only medical tests, such as blood and urine tests, can show which disease, if any, your cat has. Take your cat to a veterinarian before treating him at home. Cats on long-term steroids for allergies or other problems are at higher risk for diabetes. If your cat must be on steroids for allergies or other ailments, watch her for symptoms of diabetes.
Considerations
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If you have a cat with a contagious disease, she may need to be temporarily quarantined from other cats in your home.
A 10 percent bleach solution (mixed with water only) will kill many common cat viruses and bacteria on floors and other surfaces in the home. However, bleach is harmful to cats. Make sure the disinfected area is dry before allowing your cat back in.
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