A-Z of cat ailments

Most of these problems are, thankfully, rare but it’s worth knowing the basics in case your kitten does become ill. A Asthma Feline bronchial asthma shows up as mild to severe laboured breathing in your kitten. The condition may come and go, and may be accompanied by a cough. It can be the result of an allergic reaction to pollen, dust or cat litter. Depending on the severity, see your vet to discuss treatment options as it can be controlled. B Bronchitis A lung disease characterised by inflammation of the bronchi in the lungs. Possible causes include allergies, bacterial infection and exposure to inhaled irritants such as smoke and cat litter dust. A cat affected by bronchial disease may suddenly develop severe breathing difficulties that require emergency treatment. Bronchitis – acute and chronic – can be treated by your vet. C Chlamydia This bacterial infection causes a disease of the upper respiratory tract, with symptoms similar to those of cat flu. The cat’s eyes become inflamed and produce discharge. Severe attacks cause nasal discharge and subsequent loss of smell and appetite. There is a vaccine available. Conjunctivitis This is an irritating eye inflammation, which causes symptoms such as red, watery eyes, or possibly a mucus discharge. It can soon be cleared up with eye drops or cream from your vet. D Diabetes The main symptoms are increased thirst and urination, and although your cat will want to eat more, she will be losing weight at the same time. See your vet for treatment as diabetes can be controlled. F Feline infectious enteritis (FIE) The cat version of the parvovirus in dogs, also known as feline panleucopaenia. The first symptom of this virus is a very high fever. Other symptoms may include depressed behaviour, loss of appetite, vomiting and a desire but inability to drink. Rapid dehydration sets in followed by coma and death, probably as little as 24 hours later. This virus is highly infectious and intensive care at the vet’s is essential if the cat is to make a good recovery. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) Contagious to cats but not humans, this virus is transmitted through bite wounds and scratches and is most commonly seen in cats who fight. Serious immune deficiency and bone marrow suppression occurs in infected cats although chronic gum disease and ulceration are more commonly seen. There is no vaccine, specific treatment or cure but a simple test will determine whether your cat has FIV. Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) A virus carried in the cat’s saliva and faeces, that invades the blood vessels and causes severe inflammation. Within 24 hours, the cat generally loses her appetite and her coat becomes dull, accompanied by vomiting, respiratory difficulties and diarrhoea. Treatment is difficult and often unsuccessful. Flu Cat flu is a distressing illness affecting the upper respiratory tract. Symptoms include coughing and sneezing, discharge from the nose and eyes and a painful sore throat. The nose, windpipe and lungs may become seriously inflamed. Cat flu can be fatal in all ages but vaccination is very effective. G Gastroenteritis This complaint can be caused by infection or swallowing a foreign body. Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhoea, possibly with blood. This leads to weight loss and can be very dangerous. See your vet and make sure all your cat’s feeding equipment is kept clean. H Hernia A diaphragmatic hernia is a rip in the diaphragm that means the abdominal organs will move into the chest. Usually caused by trauma so see the vet immediately. Other types of hernia that affect cats are umbilical and inguinal. I Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) Symptoms include chronic, episodic vomiting, possible diarrhoea and lethargy. Typically, this sort of bowel disease is seen mainly in older cats. See your vet for diagnosis and treatment. J Jaundice Associated with liver disease, this is accompanied by dark yellow urine, weight loss, lethargy and anorexia. See your vet for treatment. K Kidney problems A cat may have faulty kidneys for many years without showing any specific symptoms. However, eventually, the kidneys will fail altogether. The symptoms of kidney disorders include weight loss, reluctance to eat, increased urine production, drinking more, gingivitis, pale gums, bad breath, poor coat condition, depression and lethargy. The long-term outlook is not good. ¼br> L Leukaemia Most cats infected with the feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) suffer a seriously suppressed immune system while some remain unaffected for a period of time until they are exposed to the stress of a severe illness. The virus is transmitted to other cats through blood or saliva. Your cat can have a blood test to determine whether they are carrying the disease and, if not, vaccination is effective. Lungworm Cats who become infected by this parasite may develop a cough. Specific veterinary treatments are available to kill the parasites so always get coughs checked out. M Myositis This is an inflamed muscle and the condition can cause temporary lameness. See your vet. O Otitis externa The most common ear condition to affect cats, this is an inflammation of the skin that lines the otitis externa. Can be caused by ear mites and foreign bodies such as grass seeds. It’s not serious if caught early but if left, may lead to ulceration of the lining of the ear canal, a ruptured ear drum and disease in deeper parts of the ear. See your vet as soon as possible. P Pleurisy Caused by a bacterial infection, this lung condition is characterised by an accumulation of watery pus inside the cat’s chest. It often occurs after a traumatic injury or infection. Symptoms include breathing difficulty, dullness and depression, weight loss and fever. It is a serious condition but prompt treatment may be successful in clearing the infection. R Ringworm This fungal infection can be transmitted to humans through touch. The name comes from the shape of the lesions seen on the skin in humans. The fungus lives on the hair (not the skin) and causes the hair to break off. Ringworm is treated with baths, tablets and creams. S Seizures These can also be described as fits or convulsions and could be a sign of epilepsy (rare), brain tumour or poisoning. See your vet as soon as possible for a diagnosis. T Tooth decay Looking after your cat’s teeth and mouth will reduce the risk of her developing periodontal disease, such as gingivitis. If you don’t brush her teeth from a young age, or provide dental chews, she may eventually need to visit the vet for dental treatment, including some tooth extractions. Check your cat’s mouth regularly for signs of tooth decay: symptoms include bad breath, difficulty eating, a poor appetite, reddened or bleeding gums. U Ulcers Cats suffer from different types of ulcer, one of which is eosinophilic granuloma complex. This refers to a group of three different types of skin lesion, sometimes called ‘rodent’ ulcers. These are most commonly associated with cats that have existing skin hypersensitivities and can be passed from one generation to the next. The precise cause is often unknown. Most of these ulcers occur on one side of the upper lip. They are red-brown, hairless and have a raised edge and a glistening appearance. An untreated ulcer of this type can become cancerous so see your vet as soon as possible. V Viruses Viral diseases in cats are very contagious and can quickly be transmitted from one feline to another. Routine vaccinations are a major step in preventing the worst forms of infectious viral diseases. W Worms See Parasites and your kitten Z Zoonoses Cat diseases that can be transferred to humans and vice versa, including toxoplasmosis. You can prevent them by following a strict hygiene regime. VET CHECKLIST • Cats suffer few inherited diseases, with the exception of some pedigree breeds. • Have your kitten vaccinated against common diseases such as flu. • Get to know your kitten’s normal behaviour – including eating and drinking habits – and take her to the vet if anything changes significantly. • Check your kitten frequently for lumps, bumps and minor problems, such as weeping eyes or dry skin, which could be masking an underlying medical condition. • Don’t delay getting veterinary treatment if your cat seems unwell or is injured.