5 Common Cat Illnesses and How To Spot Them

Cats are excellent at self-maintenance. Therefore, it’s not always easy to spot when they require health checks and treatment.

We’ll cover some cat illnesses (with signs and symptoms), so you’ll know when to take advantage of the veterinarian services by Santa Cruz Veterinary Clinic.

Diarrhea

Common causes of cat diarrhea include intestinal parasites, allergies, ingested spoiled cat food, infections, and life-threatening conditions like cancer and liver disease.

A cat dealing with diarrhea will eject loose or watery stool. The condition may last a few days or weeks, depending on the cause. Provide fresh, clean water to prevent dehydration. You should also ensure the cat doesn’t go more than 12 hours without food.

If diarrhea lasts longer than a day, bring your cat to our office immediately. 

 Feline Leukemia

This infectious disease causes death in 85% of persistently infected felines within three years of diagnosis. The feline leukemia virus (FLV) causes lymphoma and anemia. It can also predispose your cat to other infections.

Symptoms of FLV infection include:

• Fever
• Breathing difficulty
• Stomatitis
• Yellowing in the white part of the eyes
• Pale gums
• Poor coat condition
• Wet loss
• Loss of appetite

More than 70% of infected cats resist the infection and make a full recovery. However, it’s best to bring the cat for a professional diagnosis if you notice these symptoms.

Diabetes Mellitus

Lack of insulin or an inadequate response to insulin causes diabetes in cats. The inability to produce or utilize insulin causes elevated blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). Untreated hyperglycemia can cause a myriad of health problems for your cat.

Some signs of diabetes in a cat include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, and increased appetite. Diabetes isn’t one of the most common cat illnesses, but you should watch out for it nonetheless. 

Respiratory Infections

Your cat’s upper respiratory tract is susceptible to infections caused by different viruses and bacteria.

Some signs of upper respiratory tract infections in cats include discharge from the eyes, sneezing, conjunctivitis, lethargy, mouth ulcers, and breathing difficulties.

Intestinal Parasites

Intestinal parasites can plague your cat. For example, tapeworms in the small intestine can grow up to two feet in length. They break off in segments when expelled.

Common signs of feline intestinal parasite problems include weight loss and vomiting.  

You can also do a visual check by looking at the cat’s feces, the bedding, and the anus. Tapeworms will come out of the cat’s anus during rest or naps. If you notice small white worms or seed-like droplets, it’s a sign of an intestinal parasite problem.

Be sure to tackle all flea problems while treating your cat for tapeworm infestation. Cats often get tapeworm infections by swallowing fleas.

Find Out More About Cat Illnesses

Do you need more information on cat illnesses? Get in touch with us to discuss all other possible ailments that may plague your furry companion. Call Santa Cruz Veterinary Clinic today at 520-889-9643 for an appointment in Tucson, AZ.

You can also check out our blog for more pet education and learn how you can keep your pets safe this summer.