List of Cat Diseases and Symptoms

From LoveToKnow Cats

A list of cat diseases and symptoms may help you narrow down an illness that your cat is experiencing. Many diseases are difficult to diagnose because the symptoms overlap with other diseases. When an animal is experiencing symptoms that are worsening, a visit to a veterinarian for a correct diagnosis is required.

Sick cats may exhibit many different symptoms.

List of Cat Diseases and Symptoms

Cat diseases and symptoms are usually broken down into two separate categories: metabolic and infectious.

Metabolic Diseases

Metabolic diseases are those that occur in the organs or affect body function. The following is a list of cat diseases and symptoms that affect a feline's metabolic system.

Disease	Symptoms	Treatment	Prognosis
Diabetes Mellitus	Increase in urination and thirst; rapid weight loss; change in gait	Insulin therapy and special diet	Normal life span if treated; animal will die if not treated.
Kidney Disease	Increased thirst; rapid weight loss; loss of appetite	Various medications, fluids and a specific diet	Normal life span if treated; life-threatening if not treated because the kidneys will completely shut down.
Urinary Tract Disease	Painful and frequent urination; urinating outside of litter box	Various medications	Normal life span if treated; potentially life-threatening if not treated
Feline Asthma	Chronic and persistent wheezing, coughing and noisy breathing; weight loss and inactivity; some animals exhibit abnormal posture.	Oral steroids and/or cat inhalers	Normal life span if treated
Hyperthyroidism	Weight loss, vomiting, increased hunger; irritable, nervous and neglecting grooming	Anti-thyroid drug; possible surgery and use of radioactive iodine.	Normal life span if treated
Impetigo	Scabs and blisters that form on the stomach; usually seen in kittens	Keep the litter pan clean and dry. Treat the scabs and blisters with surgical soap and hydrogen peroxide. Occasionally, antibiotics are prescribed.	Normal life span if treated
Cancer	Tumors on the surface of the skin, breast tissue lumps and abdominal lumps; vomiting, distended abdomen, diarrhea, weight loss and lethargy	Chemotherapy and/or surgery; various medications.	Shortened life span; life-threatening if not treated
Vestibular Disease	Also known as dizzy kitty disease. Head tilts to the side, eyes move back and forth rapidly; animal has difficulty standing	May require hospitalization and sedation; fluids and antibiotics	Non-life threatening; with treatment, the symptoms usually subside within a few days to several weeks.
Hypoglycemia	Low energy and listless; occasional seizures or falling over and appearing comatose; most often seen in kittens	Feed Karo syrup or honey; improved diet required	Normal life span if treated; animals will respond somewhat quickly to the administration of sugar.
Peridontal Disease	Bad breath, bleeding gums, pawing at the mouth, drooling and loss of appetite	Animals will be sedated prior to teeth cleaning, root planing, surgery or tooth removal. Antibiotics and home brushing programs may be prescribed.	Normal life span with proper tooth care

Infectious Diseases

Infectious diseases are those that can be transmitted from one cat to another. A virus, fungus, parasite or bacteria may cause an infectious disease. The following is a list of cat diseases and symptoms that are infectious, some of which may be prevented through vaccinations.

Disease	Symptoms	Treatment	Prognosis
Upper Respiratory Disease	Runny nose and eyes; sneezing, fever and drooling; loss of appetite and depression	Treatment varies depending upon severity. Fluids may be given through an IV. Lysine may be prescribed.	Normal life span if treated; potentially life-threatening; may be prevented with vaccination
Ringworm	Hair loss; red and scaly skin, usually in a circular shaped area	Topical antifungal medication and/or lime sulphur dips	Normal life span if treated
Alopecia	Hair loss and hair that won't grow back	Various medications depending upon condition	Normal life span if treated
Scabies	Itching and hair loss, which usually starts at the back of the neck; will then spread to the face, stomach and legs; skin becomes thick, wrinkled and has yellow crusts.	Sedation so the cat can be bathed; lime sulphur dip is then applied; process is repeated every week for 6-8 weeks	Normal life span if treated
Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper)	Vomiting, diarrhea, fever, seizures and occasionally comas	Treatment varies: IV fluids, antibiotics and Vitamin B	Potentially life-threatening, especially to kittens; prevented with vaccination
Feline Leukemia	Weight loss, fever, loss of appetite and weakness	Treatment varies. Good nutrition and antibiotics to treat secondary infections are usually required.	Normal life span when following a preventative care program; Vaccines may be given to kittens, although they aren't 100 percent effective.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus	Weight loss, fever, loss of appetite, weakness and swollen lymph nodes	Treatment varies. Good nutrition and antibiotics required to treat secondary infections	Normal life span when following a preventative care program; vaccines may be given, although they aren't 100 percent effective.