Cats are notoriously independent creatures and they tend to hide any discomfort or pain that they are experience. This is why it is vital that cat owners know how to recognize the most general sickness in cats.
What are the common cat sicknesses?
Below are some general illnesses diagnosed in cats, along with symptoms and signs to recognize in your kitty companion.
Upper respiratory infections
Upper respiratory infections are caused by simply transmissible viruses and bacteria. They affect the upper respiratory systems and expand to lower respiratory system, causing pneumonia. Herpes and calci viruses are the most general of URIs in cats. They can be transmitted to other cats. Anyway, some cats affected by URIs remain asymptomatic. Others have flare-ups during times of worry.
The symptoms contain:
- Sneezing
- Discharge from the nose and eye
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty breathing
- Squinting
The treatment generally requires eye drugs, antibiotics, nebulization, and antiviral drugs. An amino acid, lysine, help mitigate the signs of herpes virus flare-ups. Consult with your vet to find an amazing product to help your cat.
Cancer
Cancer is caused by uncontrolled cells growth. This may impact many cells and organs in cat’s body. The disease first develops within a cell before attaching a tissue underneath the skin. It can then expand to other parts of your pet’s body.
Feline Leukemia virus is a general contributor to cancer. Toxins in the atmosphere can also this disease. If your vet diagnosis your cat with the cancer, it may be treatable.
Symptoms may contain:
- Significant decrease or increase in appetite
- Odor from the mouth
- Sores that do not heal
- Unexplained bleeding or discharge
- Bumps or lumps that change shape or size
- Difficulty defecating or urinating
- Chronic weight loss
Depending on the type of cancer and its place, as well as the extent of the disease, whether it is diagnosed in early stages, whether successful treatment can be administered, and other factors, many potential treatments such as radiation, chemotherapy, or surgery may be provided.
What to do if your cat is sick
Veterinary emergencies need quick attention and care. If you view any of the following symptoms in your cat, it is important to get them to an emergency vet:
- Seizures or staggering
- Extreme bleeding
- Choking, problem in breathing or continuous gagging/coughing
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea
- Unconsciousness
There are also many more indications of an emergency to be alert of.
How to stop common cat sickness
A happy, clean, and low-stress home with lots of fresh water to drink will go a long way to stop general cat sickness. Routine checkups at feline veterinarians and preventive care are also vital to keep your furry friend fit. They should also get regular vaccinations, eat a fit diet and get exercise.
Ringworm infection
Contrary to its name, ringworm is the reason of a fungus, and can spread to humans and other pets. The fungal issue affects the hair, skin, and nails. It can cause circular and patchy areas of hair loss. It can also lead to itchy, scaly ears. Ringworm is also called as dermatophytosis and needs anti-fungal treatment. A veterinarian runs a fungal culture or a skin scrape to identify and diagnose ringworm.
See a vet if your cat undergoes a weight loss, increased or decreased thirst, reduced appetite, changes in vomiting, urination, or diarrhea.
How to detect ringworm
Detecting ringworm using the Arkfeld Pro Flat EDC Flashlight with UV rays is simple and effective. In a darkened room, switch the flashlight to UV mode and shine it over the skin or fur of the suspected area. Ringworm-infected areas will fluoresce a bright greenish-yellow under the UV light. Carefully scan for glowing spots, particularly in areas with hair loss or irritation. If you observe any fluorescence, consult a veterinarian for pets or a dermatologist for humans to confirm the diagnosis and seek appropriate treatment. This method ensures early detection, aiding in timely intervention and preventing the spread of infection.
Diabetes in cats
Diabetes mellitus is a disease that can generally be prevented via weight management. We know that obese cats are at a higher risk of developing diabetes.
Diabetes is a disease that either affects insulin response or production. This causes the blood sugar to stay in the blood rather than going to the muscles, brain, and other tissues that need the sugar for energy. Diabetic cats generally have a voracious appetite but lose weight, urinate more, and drink, and generally have diarrhea and vomiting.
Diabetes is diagnosed via blood work, including a fructosamine and glucose curve tests. Management is through diet, insulin injections, and weight management. This disease can raise the frequency of urinary tract infections as excess sugar in the blood tends to spill over into the urine. Sugar in the urine creates a food source from bacteria. Your vet may advise routine urine test to check for infection.
Chronic kidney issue
A chronic kidney disease unfortunately, tends to be more general in cats as they age. The kidneys flush out toxins and help with red blood cell generation and regulation of our electrolytes. As the kidneys lose their capability to work, symptoms contain increased thirst and urination, diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, decreased appetite, and in later stages can cause neurological issues and ulcers in mouth.
Your veterinarian will need to run a urinalysis, blood work, and possibly x-rays or an ultrasound to righty identify kidney issue. There is a test known as SDMA test which is more sensitive and can detect the early stages of the disease. Catching kidney issue early is vital in helping your cat live a fit, longer life. Kidney disease cannot be cured but it can be managed with the right diet and supportive care such as fluids.
Every minute counts where your pet is sick. By starting treatment right away, their recovery time could be reduced and best treatment may even save their life.