We often talk about dogs and significant health issues in dogs. However, sometimes people neglect that cats can also suffer from serious illnesses. And it is equally important to watch out for any. As pet parents, we are responsible for the proper health of our beloved kitties. While illnesses in cats may not be apparent, there are many underlying symptoms we should always keep an eye for. Cats can suffer from various diseases, ranging from minor infections to chronic severe sicknesses.
Today at Jaldee Vets, we have a blog for all kitty parents! We understand the importance of health concerns, whether dogs, cats, or birds. And will ensure the development of relatable content for every pet parent. We also provide free online consultations and online bookings for the convenience of all pet owners.
5 Illnesses in Cats: Signs and Symptoms
Kidney Diseases
We have all seen how kidneys can trouble an aging human. The same is the case for cats. Kidney Disease is a common health issue in cats. It is vital to catch kidney issues early on as they can be progressive and lead to severe health concerns.
Some signs and symptoms of kidney issues in cats are:
Increased Thirst and Urination: Cats with kidney issues are more likely to drink more water but cannot retain it longer, resulting in frequent urination.
Weight Loss: Another critical symptom is weight loss for cats with kidney issues, even if they consume their regular diet.
Lousy Breath: Kitties with kidney diseases may have bad breath due to the build-up of toxins in their system.
Diabetes
Diabetes is as common in cats as it is in humans. It is a severe health concern, especially in overweight and senior cats. However, the incredible thing is that modern technologies can manage diabetes.
Some signs and symptoms of diabetes in cats are:
Weakness in Hind Legs: It generally happens in advanced diabetes cases due to nerve damage caused by high sugar levels.
Poor Coat Condition: With a disbalance in sugar levels, our pets can experience a dullness in their coat. Moreover, they can also lose hair.
Lethargy: Lack of enthusiasm and energy can indicate diabetes in cats.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
Moving on to some complex viruses in cats, FIV can weaken their immune system, making them more vulnerable to other infections and illnesses. The most dangerous part is that FIV can pass on from cat to cat.
Some signs and symptoms of FIV in cats are:
Fever: Fever in cats can indicate Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. Even though fever can mean many things, one must watch out.
Neurological Issues: In advanced cases, FIV can cause seizures, behavioral changes, and other neurological issues.
Oral Health Issues: Some notable symptoms of FIV are gingivitis, stomatitis, and other oral health issues.
Cancer
Pet owners cannot judge cancer by the naked eye. However, one can note down some prominent symptoms of cancer in cats. Although in case of such severe diseases like cancer, one must consider a vet.
Some signs and symptoms of Cancer in cats are:
Lumps or Bumps: Any sort of lump in the body of your cat, which may feel soft or hard, indicates cancer.
Breathing Issues: This is a very different cancer symptom in cats. Cancer can trigger difficulty in breathing.
Vomiting: Vomiting and diarrhea can be apparent symptoms of Cancer in cats.
Obesity
Not all cats are fit and agile; just like other animals, a few suffer from obesity. Obesity is not life-threatening but leads to severe health concerns like heart disease and arthritis. Therefore, pet owners must always be watchful of their pets’ weight.
Some signs and symptoms of Obesity in cats are:
Weight Gain: An overweight cat is more likely to suffer from obesity. Generally, a fat cat has a body condition score of 8 to 9 on a scale of 1-9.
Difficulty in Breathing: It is a no-brainer that obesity causes difficulty in breathing. It is generally because of a heavy body.
Joint Problems: The extra weight on a cat’s joints can lead to arthritis or other common problems.
Nonetheless, illnesses in cats can occur at different times unprecedented. To combat this and be better prepared, one must visit government sites to stay updated on pet diseases and health concerns.