Infectious Diseases that Affect Cats

Most common diseases found in cats, can be prevented just by keeping your cat in the house, and keeping their vaccines updated.  Most cats begin receiving vaccines as kittens, typically around 6 weeks old.  Kittens need boosters, and adult cats require annual booster’s against most of these diseases. It’s good to be aware of the viruses cats can get.  Here are some common diseases and how to prevent them.

• Feline Cancer   -This disease is most common in older cats.  Cancer is an unrestrained cell division and growth.  It normally starts as a small tumor and gets bigger over time.  If you feel a lump on your cat, be sure to get it checked out by a Vet.  The most common signs are chronic weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding, coughing, lameness, oral odor, and tumors.  Most cancerous tumors require surgery with treatment afterwards.  Best prevention of this is to pay attention to your cat’s health and behavior changes.
• Feline Distemper – Is a viral infection, affecting younger cats less than six weeks of age.  It is spread by direct contact with cats that have it.  Most common signs are depression, loss of appetite, high fever, lethargy, vomiting, and dehydration.  Vaccines offer the safest protection, and kittens should be vaccinated at 9 weeks and again at 12 weeks.  After that you should do it annually.
• Rabies – A viral infection spread by contact with saliva of an infected animal.  The best prevention is to get your kitten vaccinated at 12 weeks, then again at 18 weeks.  Boosters should be given every 3 years.
• Feline Leukemia (FELV) – Caused by a virus and affects households with more than one cat.  The virus affects salivary secretions and is spread by direct contact.  Signs to watch for are fever, depression, failing appetite, and enlarged lymph nodes.  Kittens may die if not treated. Vaccines are available and will prevent FELV.  Interesting fact about this virus is that 30% of all severe illnesses in cats are caused by the Leukemia virus.
• Feline Rhino virus – This particular virus is in the respiratory tract and is very common. If not treated it can cause death or life long problems. Signs include sneezing, discharge from eyes, poor appetite, and chronic tearing. You can prevent this virus by getting two vaccines that are required, and you can get it for all ages of cats.   Should be revaccinated annually.
• Feline Infectious peritonitis (FIP) – This disease can cause abdomen and chest to accumulate fluid.  Also causes fever, lack of appetite, depression, weight loss, and organ failure which may result in death. Prevention method is to get a blood test done to determine if your cat has been exposed. There is now a FIP vaccine that can be given if the cat has been exposed, but routine immunization against FIP is not available at this time.

There are many other diseases that affect cats, and it’s always best to see a Veterinarian if you think your cat may have any of these symptoms.

This entry was posted on Friday, December 18th, 2009 at 12:14 am and is filed under Blog. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.