Most Common Cat Disease and their Symptoms

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)

This is the most dreaded cat disease as it is the leading cause of death among cats. It is caused by a corona virus infection and, sadly, the symptoms are very common with other ailments so it is really hard to tell.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

This disease is very similar to HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and is a lifelong infection that progresses slowly and eventually will kill your cat. 

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

This disease is a retrovirus that causes fatal cancerous and non-cancerous diseases. FeLV cannot survive for very long in the environment so it is only contagious when the infected cat stays with another cat for a longer period of time. 

Worms

As gross as it may sound, worms are one of the most common threats to cats and is caused by a fungal infection that is spread through spores.

Feline Diabetes

The symptoms of this disease include excessive urination and thirst as well as weight loss or gain.

For all of the above diseases, the symptoms are very similar. They include diarrhea, vomiting, lameness, a decrease in vision, excessive panting, seizures, and blood in the cat’s stool or urine, hair loss, persistent coughing or gagging and breathing heavily or rapidly at rest.

If your cat shows any of these symptoms, you should immediately take him or her to your vet, who will run a few blood, urine and feces tests. Keep in mind that should these test prove that your cat does indeed have on the abovementioned diseases, the treatment plan that your vet will work out for your cat will be specific to your cat alone. The treatment plans that have worked out well for other cats may not have the same effect on your cat.

By keeping a close eye on your cat, you will be able to quickly spot any of these symptoms and be able to take your cat to the vet immediately.