Cat Diseases

Cat health care is similar to caring for other species of pets, but there are also differences. Cats can suffer from a number of diseases specific to felines. Here is a list of some the more common infectious diseases that pet cats can contract.

Feline Immune Deficiency Virus - FIV

This disease is similar to the Human Immune Deficiency Virus or HIV found in people. This virus is found only in cats and is transmitted primarily through a bite from an infected cat. FIV suppresses the cat's immune system and renders the cat more susceptible to all sorts of infections. There is an intranasal vaccine available to protect cats from the FIV infection although some veterinarians are not that convinced that it protects any more effectively than other vaccines.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis - FIP

This is another viral infection that is also fatal to cats. Once your cat has symptoms of this disease, it can take years and years of treatment. This infection is most often diagnosed in young adult cats and can be transmitted to other cats. There are two known types of this FIP disease.

The "dry" type affects the adult cat by high fever as well as problems with internal organs such as the intestines, kidneys and lungs. This type of infection does not respond well to treatment.

There is also the "wet" type of FIP disease that shows a fluid discharge within the abdomen. Occasionally the cat's chest cavity will display a golden, dense liquid that contains flakes. Symptoms include a high fever and poor appetite.

Vaccination is the only protection that cats have to the disease. But vaccines must be given to pet cats prior to any exposure to the virus or else the vaccine will not be very effective to prevent FIP.

Feline Leukemia Virus - FeLV

This virus can severely compromise an infected cat's immune system. With a compromised immune system, the cat has a limited ability to defend against all other infections. This virus is transmitted by contact with infected cats. Many cats can become carriers of FeLV for years without displaying symptoms of the disease.

Cats harboring the FeLV virus may at times develop clinical signs of the infection if they are stressed by surgery, injury  or by a change in their environment.

Feline Panleukopenia or Feline Distemper - FP

This disease usually infects cats at a young age. Known medically as feline panleukopenia, this bacterial infection lowers   the immune defenses of young kittens by severely reducing the production of white blood cells. The infection can give young kittens runny, bloody diarrhea as a result of the severe hemorrhaging that occurs in their small intestine.

Fever is also common and will lead to the young kitten becoming depressed and refusing any food and water. It may seem to the pet's owner that the cat is temperamental, which gave it the name feline distemper. Unfortunately, recovery from FP is very rare for a cat.

Be sure to have your pet cat seen by a vet early to receive the necessary vaccinations and always seek your vet's advice if your cat shows any abnormal behavior or symptoms. Proper health care can help your feline friend live a healthier and longer life.