Every animal does a certain amount of scratching and licking, but when it becomes excessive, it’s time to investigate. Here are some skin disorders you may encounter with your cat. Ringworm is caused by a parasitic fungus. It spreads through direct contact with an infected cat or objects that come in contact with the infected […]
Cat Diseases
One of the first things any cat owner does after adopting a cat is visit the vet. Cats can catch diseases just like humans can. Some are contagious to humans (these are called zoonoses) but the majority are not. Cats can also suffer from non-contagious diseases such as diabetes and cancer. Changes in appetite or elimination or changes in behavior are signs that something is wrong and you should consult your vet. See more: How to Tell if Your Cat is Sick
These articles discuss cat diseases, prevention and treatment:
Lenticular Sclerosis
Lenticular Sclerosis, also known as Nuclear Sclerosis, affects older pets, cats at about 9 years old and dogs at about age 7. It occurs due to the hardening of the lens of the eye as the pet ages. The structure of the lens of the eye changes continuously. New layers are formed over existing ones […]
Hepatic Lipidosis in Cats
Hepatic Lipidosis is a common liver disease affecting cats, particularly those that are overweight. Refusing food for more than three days puts your cat at risk for this disease. The body’s response to lipidosis can be a buildup of fat in the liver, preventing bile in the liver cells from being excreted. This is a […]
Feline Leukemia Virus
FeLV, Feline Leukemia Virus, is a deadly disease that affects domestic cats and some wild ones as well. There are 3 main types of FeLV, A, B and C. Infection of one, two or all three can occur in a cat. A is in all FeLV diagnosed cats. It results in a severly weakened immune […]
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus – FIV
FIV, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, is very similar to the AIDS virus in humans. It attacks the immune system of a cat and hinders the cat’s ability to fight infections due to a lowered white blood cell count. However, it is not a death sentence. With proper care, most cats can live normal lives. Signs of […]
Cats, Dogs and Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids in cats is usually an inherited problem. There can be other causes such as obesity, lack of enough fiber in the diet and not drinking enough water on a daily basis. Hemorrhoids are blood vessels that swell and appear as growths at the anal area. Cats often become constipated and then strain to relieve […]
Laryngeal Paralysis in Pets
Laryngeal Paralysis usually develops slowly over a period of time. It generally affects older dogs, horses, rarely cats, but can occur in young pets as well. It is usually seen in larger dogs over 40-50 lbs. such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Siberian Huskies, Newfoundlands and St. Bernards. It appears that Labradors are more prone […]
Plasma Cell Pododermatitis
Plasma Cell Pododermatitus literally means foot inflammation involving infiltration by plasma cells. It is a disease that affects cats. It is believed to be an auto-immune disease. Some studies have linked Pododermatitus to the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). A biopsy is required to confirm the disease. The foot pad appears mushy and balloons out, sometimes […]
Hyperesthesia Syndrome in Cats
Hyperesthesia Syndrome in cats is known by several names – self-mutilation syndrome, rolling skin syndrome, twitchy cat disease. It is marked by abnormal skin sensitivity. Cats will experience extreme sensitivity along the spine, down the back and base of tail. Signs include biting, licking or chewing the hair causing hair loss and skin problems, rippling […]
Adenovirus
Adenovirus is a contagious virus that affects all mammals, humans and their pets, and birds. There are two types, 1 and 2, Type 1 being the more serious as it attacks the liver causing it to hemorrhage which can result in shock and death. Type 2 can cause respiratory infection and if left untreated, pneumonia. […]