Common Cat Diseases and Conditions to Understand and Look Out For

Taking care of any pet is a huge responsibility. You have to care about their wellbeing, their lifestyle and also their health. One of the biggest responsibilities as a pet owner is understanding the kinds of conditions and illnesses that your cat might face during their lifespan. So to help you out, we’ve put together a list of common cat diseases that are important to understand and look out for.

Diabetes

Much like humans, cats can also develop diabetes. It’s often caused by a lack of insulin or an inadequate response to the insulin. When your cat eats, their digestive system breaks food into components that are absorbed by the body and carried into the cells. If your cat cannot produce enough insulin or cannot utilize it properly, their blood sugar levels will increase. This results in hyperglycemia which causes many complex health issues if left untreated. Diabetes is a lifelong condition so it’s important to take care of your feline friend by noticing the symptoms and taking them to a vet as soon as possible.

High-Rise Syndrome

Though not a disease, veterinarians have coined a term for cats that fall from great heights–high-rise syndrome. Many pet owners neglect to think about the threat they pose to their cat when they open windows from high-rise apartments. While cats won’t deliberately jump from great heights (that have excellent survival instincts) they may accidentally slip and fall from a high place. Though cats have a high survival rate from dropping several stories, it’s best to be more careful about opening windows if you live in an apartment.

Kidney Diseases

Also known as Cat Renal Failure, kidney failure is one of the most common causes of severe illness in your cat. It generally affects older cats more often than younger ones and signs can quickly manifest over just a week. Certain breeds of cats such as Persians are more likely to develop Cat Renal Failure, meaning it’s important to take them to a vet to examine potential symptoms. One of the treatments for kidney disease in cats is giving them subcutaneous fluids for cats – more info at theartofdoingstuff.com. You can actually give this to your cat by yourself at home if you know the process and have the right tools. However, it’s important that you learn how to do this properly so you don’t hurt or scare your cat.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

Much like HIV, cats can also develop an immunodeficiency virus. However, it can be years until symptoms start to show. If your cat is showing a poor appetite, constant diarrhea or weight loss, then it’s possible they may be suffering from early symptoms of FIV. FIV can be transmitted from cat to cat through bite wounds, meaning outdoor cats are generally the most susceptible. The best way to prevent your cat from developing FIV is to keep them indoors, but we understand that this isn’t possible for every feline. If you’re unsure how to proceed or want a professional diagnosis, we highly suggest that you contact your vet as soon as possible and book an appointment.