Common Cat Illnesses & Symptoms

Common Cat Illnesses

At times, it may be difficult to tell whether your cat is sick and if they require medical attention from a veterinarian. There are some signs cat parents need to be on alert for. You should also be prepared to visit the veterinarian for a diagnosis if required, especially since cats tend to isolate out of instinct when ill. Here are 3 common cat illnesses and their symptoms. 

Cancer

An uncontrolled growth of cells can lead to cancer, which may affect a wide range of cells and organs in a cat’s body. At first, the disease develops within a cell before attaching to tissue below the skin and potentially spreading to other parts of the body.

A common contributor is Feline Leukemia Virus (which cats can be vaccinated against). Toxins in the environment can also cause this disease. If discovered during a physical exam, a veterinarian may be able to treat the cancer.

Symptoms include:

• Sores that do not heal
• Lumps or bumps that change in shape or size
• Unexplained bleeding or discharge
• Difficulty urinating or defecating
• Marked increase or decrease in appetite
• Chronic weight loss
• Odor from the mouth

Depending on the type of cancer and its extent, where the tumor is located, if it is diagnosed in its early stages, whether an effective treatment plan can be established and carried out, and other factors, several potential treatments such as radiation, surgery and chemotherapy may be used.

Upper Respiratory Infections

Bacteria and viruses may cause infections in your cat’s upper respiratory tract - their nose, throat and sinuses. Often identified in multi-cat households and shelters, the feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus can infect cats through something as simple as sharing a food or water bowl.

They can then carry the virus to other cats the same way or through sneezing or coughing, or during grooming.

Symptoms include:

• Runny nose or clear/colored nasal discharge
• Gagging, drooling
• Sneezing
• Fever
• Congestion
• Cough
• Decreased or lost appetite

Diabetes

If a cat isn’t producing enough insulin to balance blood sugar or glucose levels, they develop diabetes mellitus. Left untreated, it may lead to numerous symptoms, including:

• Motor function problems
• Dehydration
• Thirst
• Increased urination
• Vomiting
• Increased appetite (as the body is unable to use the energy in food) or loss of appetite
• Coma
• Death

Poorly controlled diabetes can shorten your cat’s lifespan and result in several health problems, severe emergency situations and nerve disorders. Treatment will focus on disease management and may include insulin injections.

What should I do if my cat is ill?

If your cat is sick and exhibiting any of the symptoms listed above, it’s critical to bring them to a vet as soon as possible. At LakeCross Veterinary, we have an in-house laboratory, onsite pharmacy and availability for same-day appointments to provide your pet the care they need. Help for emergencies during regular and after-hours is also available.

When your cat is ill, every minute counts. Beginning treatment right away could reduce recovery time, and even save your pet’s life.

When should my cat see an emergency vet?

Veterinary emergencies need immediate attention and care. If your cat is showing any of the following symptoms, it’s imperative to get them to an emergency veterinarian:

• Unconsciousness
• Choking, difficulty breathing or continuous gagging/coughing
• Seizures or staggering
• Severe bleeding
• Severe vomiting or diarrhea (2 or more episodes in 24 hours)

There are several more indications of an emergency to watch for.

How can common cat illnesses be prevented?

Prevention starts by providing your cat a clean, low-stress and happy home, with lots of fresh water to drink. Routine checkups at feline-friendly veterinarians and preventive care go a long way to keeping your furry friend healthy, as do exercise, a healthy diet and regular vaccinations.