Learn how to identify and protect your cat against 7 deadly diseases. Illustration: petepop
There are many cat diseases that are extremely dangerous and can even be fatal to your furry friends. Below are these diseases and how to protect your cat:
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1- Kidney Disease
This is one of the leading causes of death in cats. Although seen in all breeds and ages, it affects cats at 7 years of age and longer-haired breeds more frequently. Symptoms of this disease include dry fur, weight loss, increased urination frequency, increased thirst, intense salivation, bad breath, among others.
2- Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
Weight loss, dry fur, skin diseases, and diarrhea are common symptoms of FIV in cats. This disease can be transmitted through bites, so keep your cats indoors for safety, and consult your veterinarian annually for check-ups and vaccines.
3- Diabetes
Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are common in cats with a diet high in carbohydrates. Type 1 occurs due to lack of insulin, and type 2 occurs due to insulin resistance. The most common symptoms of this disease are increased urination frequency and extreme thirst, as well as weight loss, vomiting, among others.
4- Leukemia
This is cancer of the white cells that is transmitted by the virus found in cat saliva and urine. It can be passed on to other cats by sharing food or water bowls and through fights. Symptoms include diarrhea, skin diseases, bladder infection, infertility, among others.
5- Rabies
Rabies is a viral infection that can be transmitted from infected cats through bites or saliva. This is a fatal disease that attacks your cat’s brain, nerves, and spinal cord. Rabies can also be transmitted to humans, so your cat should be vaccinated against it. Symptoms of rabies include fever, weight loss, hyperactivity, aggression, muscle spasms, excessive saliva production, among others.
6- Heartworm Disease
It is a disease that affects the heart and lungs and can be fatal. It is transmitted through mosquitoes, and common symptoms include coughing, vomiting, weight loss, seizures, among others.
7- Hyperthyroidism
It occurs due to excessive production of thyroid hormones, increasing metabolism and putting your cat’s kidneys, heart, and liver under stress. It should be treated properly, otherwise, it can be fatal. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, increased urination frequency and thirst, dry fur, changes in appetite, heart problems, among others.
