If you are new to owning a cat, you may be surprised to find that health problems are a common thing. No matter what breed of cat you own, health problems are to be expected. Some may be hereditary, while others can easily be prevented.
Worms
No matter what breed of cat it may be, worms are a very common and recurring problem. Tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms are among the most common that infect cats. Cats who have problems gaining weight, problems with fleas, or if you find white specks in his stool, you should have your vet test him for worms. Although they can be treated with medicine, worms can prove to be fatal if they are left untreated.
Hairball
Hairballs are the most common health problem for cats. All cats groom themselves on a daily basis, normally swallowing the loose hair that comes from their coats. On occasion, this loose hair will gather into a ball and become lodged in the digestive tract instead of passing through in your cats stool.
When your cat starts to cough and hack, he is normally coughing up a hairball. Although it can be rather disgusting in the end, most cats can dislodge hairballs without any problems.
In rare cases, a hairball can pass through to a cats intestine, creating a blockage. Blockages are very serious problems, and can be life threatening if they
are not treated. If your cat becomes constipated, is not eating properly, or has a very dull coat, he could have a blockage. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should take him to the vet immediately. You can prevent hairballs and blockages by brushing your cat 2 3 times a week to remove loose hair. You can also feed him food that is designed to control hairballs as well.
Urinary tract infection
Urinary tract infection is also a common health problem with cats. Urinary tract infection is more common with male cats that have not been neutered, although females can suffer from this problem as well. When a cat suddenly stops going to his litter box, this problem is normally the cause. Another symptom is when the cats urine starts to smell really strong. If you suspect that your cat has a urinary tract infection, you should take him to the vet. Your vet can treat the problem with medicine, and make recommendations to help avoid this problem in the future.
Feline leukemia
In the past, feline leukemia was the biggest cause of death in cats. These days however, there are vaccines available that can treat the disease.
To treat the disease, your cat will need to be given the shot before he or she is exposed. Even though death
does not happen immediately, cats that are exposed to feline leukemia normally do not have a long life span. If you know your cat has feline leukemia, you should never allow other cats around him, as the virus is highly contagious.
To protect your cat, you should always make sure that you take him to the vet for his regular check ups. If you keep him up to date on his vaccinations, he should lead a healthy and productive life. Although some health problems cant be avoided, most of them can. You can also keep your cat indoors as well, which will protect him from a majority of health problems. If your cat is an outdoor cat, regular visits to the vet will keep him healthy. As long as you take your cat to the vet and keep him healthy he will be your companion for years to come.
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File Feral cat Virginia crop.jpg including
abscesses [http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id222&med1 Bites, puncture wounds, and abscesses], John A. Bukowski, DVM, MPH, PhD
and Susan E. Aiello, DVM, ELS, WebVet.com; accessed March 30, 2009.]]]
The
health of domestic [[cat]]s is a well studied area in
veterinary medicine
Topics include
infectious disease and
genetic disorder diseases,
diet (nutrition) and
nutrition and non-
therapy surgical procedures such as
neutering and
onychectomy
Diseases
File Catfeiradesantana.jpg Brazil ]]
Infectious disease
An
infectious disease is caused by the presence of organisms such as
virus s,
bacteria fungi or
parasite (either
animal an or
protozoa ). Most of these diseases can spread from cat to cat via airborne pathogens or through direct or indirect contact, while others require a
vector (epidemiology) such as a tick or mosquito. Certain infectious diseases are a concern from a
public health standpoint because they are
zoonosis (transmittable to humans).
Viral
Virus diseases in cats can be serious, especially in
cattery and
kennel . Timely vaccination can reduce the risk and severity of an infection. The most commonly recommended viruses to vaccinate cats against are:
*
Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR) is an upper respiratory infection of
cat caused by feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1).
*
Feline calicivirus (FCV), the other common viral cause of respiratory infection in cats.
*
Feline panleukopenia (FPV) more commonly known as feline distemper.
*
Rabies in animals a fatal disease transmitted by the bite of an infected
mammal In the United States, cats make up 4.6% of reported cases of rabies infected animals.
[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17696853 Rabies surveillance in the United States during 2006.]]
Other viruses cats may be exposed to include:
*
Chlamydophila felis
*
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV), a
retrovirus not a cancer.
*
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), a
lentivirus and also not a cancer.
*
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a fatal, incurable disease caused by Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus (FIPV), which is a mutation of Feline Enteric
Coronavirus (FECV/FeCoV).
*
H5N1 See:
Global spread of H5N1 Felidae (cats)
Fungal
*
Ringworm
Parasites
Veterinary parasitology studies both external and internal
parasite in animals. External parasites, such as fleas, mites, ticks and mosquitoes can cause skin irritation and are often carriers of other diseases or of internal parasites.
External parasites
*[[Ear mite]]s and other [[mite]]s can cause skin problems such as [[mange]].
*[[Tick]]s, [[Cat flea|flea]]s, and [[mosquito]]es often carry multiple blood-borne diseases.
Internal parasites
*[[Heartworm]]
*[[Toxocara cati|Roundworm]]
*[[Toxoplasmosis]]
*[[Cytauxzoonosis]]
Genetic disease
[[File:Cat Briciola with pretty and different colour of eyes.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A cat displaying heterochromia]]
*[[Familial renal disease in animals|Familial renal disease]] is inherited in [[Abyssinian (cat)|Abyssinian]]s and [[Persian (cat)|Persian]]s
*[[Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy|Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy]]
*[[Heart valve dysplasia]]
*[[Heterochromia]]
*[[Luxating patella]]
*[[Portosystemic shunt]]. Found in Persians and [[Himalayas|Himalayan]]s.
*[[Flat-chested kitten syndrome]]
kin disorder
{{Further|Cat skin disorders}}
Cat skin disorders are among the most common health problems in cats. Skin disorders in cats have many causes, and many of the common skin disorders that afflict people have a counterpart in cats. The condition of a cat's skin and coat can also be an important indicator of its general health. Skin disorders of cats vary from acute, self-limiting problems to chronic or long-lasting problems requiring life-time treatment.
*[[Cheyletiella]] is a mild [[dermatitis]] caused by [[mite]]s of the [[genus]] '''''Cheyletiella'''''. It is also known as '''walking dandruff''' due to skin scales being carried by the mites. ''Cheyletiella'' live on the skin surface of [[dog]]s, [[cat]]s, [[rabbit]]s, and [[human]]s.
*[[Feline acne]]
*[[Feline eosinophilic granuloma]]
*[[Flea allergy dermatitis]]
*[[Hyperthyroidism]]
*[[Miliary dermatitis]] (feline [[eczema]])
*[[Mange]]
umors and cancer
*[[Bladder cancer in cats and dogs|Bladder cancer]]
*[[Bone cancer in cats and dogs|Bone cancer]]
*[[Intestinal cancer in cats and dogs|Intestinal cancer]]
*[[Liver cancer in cats and dogs|Liver cancer]]
*[[Lymphoma in animals]]
*[[Mammary tumor#Mammary tumors in cats|Mammary tumor]]
*[[Mastocytoma#Cats|Mast cell tumor]]
*[[Nose cancer in cats and dogs|Nose cancer]]
*[[Skin cancer in cats and dogs|Skin cancer]]
*[[Soft tissue sarcoma in cats and dogs|Soft tissue sarcoma]]
*[[Stomach cancer in cats and dogs|Stomach cancer]]
ther diseases
*[[Cerebellar hypoplasia (non-human)|Cerebellar hypoplasia]] is a disorder found in cats and dogs in which the [[cerebellum]] is not completely mature at birth. Cerebellar hypoplasia causes jerky movements, [[tremors]] and generally [[motor skills|uncoordinated motion]]. The animal often falls down and has trouble [[walking]]. Tremors increase when the animal is excited and subside when at ease.
*A [[Corneal ulcers in animals|corneal ulcer]] is an inflammatory condition of the [[cornea]] involving loss of its outer layer. It is very common in [[dog]]s and is sometimes seen in [[cat]]s.
*[[Diabetes in cats|Diabetes]]
*[[Epilepsy in animals|Epilepsy]] is characterized by recurrent unprovoked [[seizure]]s. Epilepsy in cats is rare likely because there is no hereditary component to epilepsy in cats.
*[[Feline asthma]]
*[[Flat-chested kitten syndrome]]
*[[Feline hepatic lipidosis]] also known as Feline Fatty Liver Syndrome, is one of the most common forms of [[liver disease]] of cats.[[http://www.healthypet.com/library_view.aspx?ID42&sid2 Welcome to Healthypet.com!]] The disease begins when the cat stops eating from a loss of appetite, forcing the liver to convert body fat into usable energy.
*[[Feline lower urinary tract disease]] is a term that is used to cover many problems of the feline [[urinary system|urinary tract]], including [[bladder stone (animal)|stones]] and [[cystitis]]. The term feline urologic syndrome is an older term which is still sometimes used for this condition. It is a common disease in adult cats, though it can strike in young cats too. It may present as any of a variety of urinary tract problems, and can lead to a complete blockage of the urinary system, which if left untreated is fatal.
*[[Feline odontoclastic resorptive lesion]]
*[[Feline spongiform encephalopathy]]
*[[Polyneuropathy in dogs and cats|Polyneuropathy]]
*[[Pyometra]]
*[[Unicornuate uterus|Uterine unicornis]] a condition in which the female cat is missing a uterine horn. A rare discovery by [[veterinarians]], the condition can be detected by [[x-ray]] or [[ultrasound]] prior to [[spaying]] if the patient has a family history of the medical condition. There is no known scientific study to prove that uterine unicornis is a hereditary [[genetic disorder]]. In some cases, the patient may also be missing a [[kidney]] on the same side as its missing uterine horn. This phenomenon is also called unilateral [[renal agenesis]].
Zoonosis
Researchers at the [[University of Cornell]] Feline Health Center believe that "most zoonotic diseases pose minimal threat" to humans. However some humans are particularly at risk. These are people "with immature or weakened immune systems" (infants, the elderly, people undergoing cancer therapy, and individuals with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
Some common and '''preventable''' forms of zoonosis [[http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochures/ZoonoticDisease.html Zoonotic Disease: What Can I Catch From My Cat?]] are as follows:
* [[Toxoplasmosis]]
* [[Giardia]]
* [[Cat-scratch disease]]
* [[Rabies]]
* [[Ringworm]]
Preventative medicine
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are an important preventative animal health measure. The specific vaccinations recommended for cats varies depending on geographic location, environment, travel history, and the activities the animal frequently engages in. In the United States, regardless of any of these factors, it is usually highly recommended that cats be vaccinated against
rabies feline herpesvirus 1(FHV-1),
feline calicivirus(FCV), and
feline panleukopenia virus(FPV). The decision on whether to vaccinate against other diseases should be made between an owner and a veterinarian, taking into account factors specific to the cat.
Detection of diseases
Feline diseases such as
FeLV FIV and feline
heartworm can be detected during a routine visit to a veterinarian. A variety of tests exist that can detect feline illnesses, and with early detection most diseases can be managed effectively.
Parasite medication
Once-a-month topical products or ingestible pills are the most commonly used products to kill and prevent future parasite infestations.
Diet and nutrition
See also|pet food}}
Veterinarians commonly recommend commercial
cat food that are formulated to address the specific nutritional requirements of cats although an increasing number of owners are opting for home-prepared cooked or
raw feeding
Although cats are
obligate carnivore ,
vegetarian and
vegan cat food are preferred by owners uncomfortable with feeding animal products to their pets. The
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine has come out against vegetarian cat and dog food for health reasons. Cats require high levels of Taurine in their diet. Taurine is an organic acid found in animal tissues. It is a major constituent of bile and can be found in the large intestine. Taurine has many biological roles such as conjugation of bile acids, antioxidation,membrane stabilization and modulation of calcium signaling. It is essential for cardiovascular function in cats, and development and function of skeletal muscle, the retina and the central nervous system. Although meat protein can be substituted with vegetable proteins, vegetable proteins dont require sufficient amino acids which are vital for a cats body to function.
[http://www.azcentral.com/ent/pop/articles/0518vegpets18-CR.html Vegetarian dogs and cats: Kibble doesnt cut it anymore]][http://www.the-cat-guide.com/nutrition-for-cats.html Nutrition for Cats]]
Cats can be selective eaters. Although it is extremely rare for a cat to deliberately starve itself to the point of injury, in obese cats, the sudden loss of weight can cause a fatal condition called
Feline Hepatic Lipidosis a liver dysfunction which causes pathological loss of appetite and reinforces the starvation, which can lead to death within as little as 48 hours.
Pica (disorder) is a condition in which animals chew or eat unusual things such as fabric, plastic or wool. In cats, this is mostly harmless as they do not digest most of it, but can be fatal or require surgical removal if a large amount of foreign material is ingested (for example, an entire sock). It tends to occur more often in Burmese, Oriental, Siamese and breeds with these in their ancestry.
Food allergy
Food allergy is a non-seasonal disease with skin and/or gastrointestinal disorders. The main complaint is
pruritus which is usually resistant to treatment by
steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs The exact prevalence of food allergy in cats remains unknown. There is no breed, sex or age predilection, although some breeds are commonly affected. Before the onset of clinical signs, the animals have been fed the offending food components for at least two years, although some animals are less than a year old. In 20 to 30% of the cases, cats have concurrent allergic diseases (
atopy / flea-allergic
dermatitis . A reliable diagnosis can only be made with
dietary elimination-challenge trials Provocation testing is necessary for the identification of the causative food component(s). Therapy consists of avoiding the offending food component(s).
[lt;/ref>
Cats with food allergies constantly itch their red, hairless, and scabby skin. Hair loss usually occurs on the face and/or anus. The most popular prescription diets for cats with food allergies include Hills Science Diet d/d or z/d.It may take, depending on the severity of the reaction, two weeks to three months for a cat to recover if the offending allergen is removed. Immediate results may not be seen.
]Malnutrition
Malnutrition has been seen in cats fed home-made or vegetarian/vegan diets produced by owners with good intentions and most published recipes have been only crudely balanced (by computer) using nutrient averages.Because the palatability, digestibility and food safety of these recipes have not been adequately or scientifically tested, it is difficult to characterize all of these homemade diets.Generally, most formulations contain excessive protein and phosphorus and are deficient in calcium vitamin E and microminerals such as copper zinc and potassium Also, the energy density of these diets may be unbalanced relative to the other nutrients Commonly used meat and carbohydrate ingredients contain more phosphorus than calcium Homemade feline diets that are not actually deficient in fat or energy usually contain a vegetable oil that cats do not find palatable therefore, less food is eaten causing a calorie deficiency Rarely are homemade diets balanced for microminerals or vitamins Owner neglect is also a frequent contributing factor in malnutrition.[lt;/ref>
Cats fed exclusively on raw, freshwater fish can develop a thiamine deficiency. Those fed exclusively on liver may develop vitamin A toxicity.
]Obesity
Neutering and overfeeding have contributed to increased obesity in domestic cats, especially in developed countries. Obesity in cats has similar effects as in humans, and will increase the risk of heart disease, etc. thereby shortening the cats lifespan.
Product recalls
Non-therapeutic surgical procedures
Spaying and neutering
Declawing
Dangers in urban environment
*High–rise syndrome
*Vehicles
Toxic substance
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals lists some common sources of toxins[lt;/ref> that pets encounter, including: plants,][lt;/ref> human medications and cosmetics,][lt;/ref> cleaning products,][lt;/ref> and even foods.][lt;/ref>
Some houseplants are harmful to cats. For example, the leaves of the Lilium longiflorum can cause permanent and life-threatening kidney damage to cats, and Philodendron are also poisonous to cats. The Cat Fanciers' Association has a full list of plants harmful to cats.][lt;/ref>
Paracetamol or acetaminophen (trade name Panadol and Tylenol is extremely toxic to cat , and should not be given to them under any circumstances. Cats lack the necessary glucuronyl transferase enzymes to safely break paracetamol down and minute portions of a normal tablet for humans may prove fatal.][lt;/ref> Initial symptoms include vomiting, salivation and discolouration of the tongue and gums. After around two days, liver damage is evident, typically giving rise to jaundice Unlike an overdose in humans, it is rarely liver damage that is the cause of death, instead methaemoglobin formation and the production of Heinz bodies in red blood cells inhibit oxygen transport by the blood, causing asphyxiation Effective treatment is occasionally possible for small doses, but must be extremely rapid.
Even aspirin which is sometimes used to treat arthritis in cats, is much more toxic to them than to humans and must be administered cautiously.][lt;/ref>][lt;/ref>
In addition to such obvious dangers as insecticide and weed killer , other common household substances that should be used with caution in areas where cats may be exposed to them include mothball and other naphthalene products,][lt;/ref> Ethylene glycol often used as an automotive antifreeze is particularly appealing to cats, and as little as a teaspoonful can be fatal.][lt;/ref> Essential oils are toxic to cats and there have been reported cases of serious illnesses caused by tea tree oil and tea tree oil-based flea treatments and shampoos.][lt;/ref>][http://www.messybeast.com/teatree.htm TEA TREE OIL - TOXIC TO CATS]][http://www.thelavendercat.com/3201/index.html Be Wary of Aromatherapy Claims for Cats]]
Many human foods are somewhat toxic to cats; theobromine in chocolate can cause theobromine poisoning for instance, although few cats will eat chocolate. Toxicity in cats ingesting relatively large amounts of onion or garlic has also been reported.References
External links
*http://www.aahanet.org/PublicDocuments/FelineLifeStageGuidelines.pdf 2010 AAFP/AAHA Feline Life Stage Guidelines]
*http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp The Merck Veterinary Manual ]
*http://www.vetinfo.com/category/cats/ Encyclopedia of Feline Veterinary Medical Information]
*http://common-cat-diseases.com/ Common Cat Diseases] Information on feline health problems.
*http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/hinformation.htm Cat health info] Cornell Feline Health Center
*http://www.felipedia.org Felipedia.org]
*http://oldvet.com/notes-on-acetaminophen-toxicosis-in-cats/ Notes on Acetaminophen Toxicosis in Cats]
Category Cat health