Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)
Cats infected with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) may not show symptoms until years after the initial infection occurred. Although the virus is slow-acting, a cat’s immune system is severely weakened once the disease takes hold. This makes the cat susceptible to various secondary infections. Infected cats receiving supportive medical care and kept in a stress-free, indoor environment can live relatively comfortable lives for months to even years before the disease reaches its chronic stage.
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV)
First discovered in the 1960s, feline leukemia virus is a transmittable RNA retrovirus that can severely inhibit a cat’s immune system. It is one of the most commonly diagnosed causes of disease and death in domestic cats. Because the virus doesn’t always manifest symptoms right away, any new cat entering a household – and any sick cat – should be tested for FeLV.
Cancer
Cancer is a class of diseases in which cells grow uncontrollably, invade surrounding tissue and may spread to other areas of the body. As with people, cats can get various kinds of cancer. The disease can be localized (confined to one area, like a tumour) or generalized (spread throughout the body). Lymphosarcoma or lymphoma (LSA) is one of the most common types of cancer in cats. It is important to take your cat to your veterinarian if any evidence of disease is noted. LSA is not curable, however, most cats respond well to treatment.
Diabetes
Diabetes in cats is a complex disease caused by either a lack of the hormone insulin or an inadequate response to insulin. After a cat eats, their digestive system breaks food into various components, including glucose – which is carried into her cells by insulin. When a cat does not produce insulin or cannot utilize it normally, their blood sugar levels elevate. The result is hyperglycemia, which, if left untreated, can cause many complicated health problems for a cat.
Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the brain and spinal cord of all mammals, including cats, dogs and humans. This preventable disease has been reported in every state except Hawaii. The risk for contracting rabies runs highest if your cat is exposed to wild animals, since it’s most often transmitted through a bite from an infected animal. There’s good reason that the very word "rabies" evokes fear in people – once symptoms appear, rabies is close to 100% fatal.
Ringworm
Although the name suggests otherwise, ringworm isn’t caused by a worm at all – but a fungus that can infect the skin, hair and nails. Not uncommon in cats, this highly contagious disease can lead to patchy, circular areas of hair loss with central red rings. Also known as dermatophytosis, ringworm often spreads to other pets in the household – and to humans, too.
Upper respiratory infections
A cat’s upper respiratory tract – the nose, throat and sinus area – is susceptible to infections caused by a variety of viruses and bacteria. These viruses can be transmitted from cat to cat through sneezing, coughing, or while grooming or sharing food and water bowls. Once infected, cats can become carriers for life, and though they may not show clinical signs, they can still transmit the virus to others.
Heartworm
Spread by infected mosquitoes, heartworm is increasingly being recognized as an underlying cause of health problems in domestic cats. Cats are an atypical host for heartworms. Despite its name, heartworm primarily causes lung disease in cats. It is an important concern for any cat owner living in areas densely populated by mosquitoes, and prevention should be discussed with a veterinarian.
Worms
Cats can acquire a variety of intestinal parasites, including some that are commonly referred to as "worms". Outdoor cats and those who are routinely exposed to soil where other animals defecate are prone to worms. Infestations of intestinal worms can cause a variety of symptoms. Sometimes cats demonstrate few to no outward signs of infection, and the infestation can go undetected despite being a potentially serious health problem. Some feline parasitic worms are hazards for human health as well.
Emergencies
In most cases, an emergency can be defined as anything that causes you serious concern, since you know your cat best. The first step to take is to call your veterinarian or local emergency cat hospital. Based on your concerns and the cat’s symptoms, they can assess the severity of the problem and provide specific directions. When it comes to a serious emergency or when veterinarians and/or hospitals are not available, it always pays to be prepared and know first aid for cats.