Cats are generally resilient creatures, but they are not immune to diseases, some of which can be life-threatening if not caught and treated early. Understanding the most dangerous cat diseases can help you protect your feline friend.
These are the 6 most dangerous cat diseases out there, according to experts
Some cat diseases are very dangerous and require the attention of their owners. Paying attention to the signs, no matter how subtle, can save your pet’s life, as symptom control is usually more effective with early diagnosis.
Knowing about these diseases therefore makes a difference in your kitten’s care routine. In addition to warning you of certain invisible dangers, it will make you and those around you more aware and prepared to face them. Below, we list the 6 most dangerous feline diseases out there, according to animal health experts!
Feline FeLV
Feline FeLV, also known as feline leukemia, is one of the most common feline diseases. In fact, it is a highly contagious feline disease, transmitted by direct contact between a healthy feline and an infected feline. Feline leukemia is caused by a retrovirus that integrates its DNA into the cat’s genome after reverse transcription of the viral RNA. This allows the virus to persist in the cat’s body, especially when the bone marrow is contaminated. This gives these microorganisms the ability to develop tumors in cats, such as lymphoma, in addition to affecting the feline’s immune system and causing anemia.
This disease is transmitted by contact between a sick cat and a healthy cat, through saliva, feces, urine and even during breastfeeding. Mothers infected with FeLV can even transmit the virus to their kittens during pregnancy. It is therefore recommended that all puppies be tested in the first few weeks of life.
Symptoms of Leukemia in Cats
- Appetite and Weight Loss
- Listlessness
- Difficulty Breathing
- Fever
- Anaemia
- Anorexia
Prevention
Feline leukemia is an incurable and highly contagious disease of cats. Therefore, the best way to prevent FeLV is vaccination. According to the manufacturers, vaccination is about 90% effective, but the risk of infection cannot be completely ruled out. A vaccinated FeLV-negative kitten can contract the disease if it lives with animals that are positive for the disease. Neutering the cat can also help prevent the disease, as it reduces the animal’s flight instinct.
Feline FIP
Infectious peritonitis, commonly known as feline FIP, is one of the most dangerous and common feline diseases that exist. Experts estimate that more than 40% of cats are infected with this disease, but owners do not always discover it, so the big problem with FIP is that in addition to not having a cure or specific treatment, this cat disease is very silent. Early diagnosis of FIP is very important.
This cat disease is caused by a type of coronavirus (which has nothing to do with the coronavirus that affects humans). The infection occurs through the oral-fecal route, but infected kittens may not show any symptoms after exposure. This is why it is so difficult to identify this disease.
Symptoms of Feline FIP
- Abdominal enlargement
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Difficulty breathing
Prevention
There is no easy way to prevent FIP in your kitten. The disease may not manifest itself in some cats, making it difficult to know if the animal is infected or not. Therefore, the best way to prevent FIP is to avoid any contact of cats with stray and infected environments.
Feline FIV
Feline FIV is the terror of owners and is also one of the most well-known feline diseases. It is caused by a retrovirus, the same virus as HIV, and is therefore known as feline AIDS. The great danger of FIV in cats is that this virus compromises the animal’s immune system, making it vulnerable to a series of other pathologies.
It is an incurable disease that is transmitted to the animal through contact with the secretions of an infected cat, either during mating or during a cat fight. It is worth mentioning that mother cats can also transmit the virus to their kittens. Just like FeLV, it is possible to test your cat from the first weeks of its life to detect the disease.
Symptoms of FIV in cats
- Fever
- Difficulty breathing
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Stomatitis
- Skin wounds
- Sepsis
Prevention
The best way to prevent this feline disease is to prevent healthy kittens from coming into contact with infected animals. You can achieve this by investing in indoor breeding, which is nothing more than breeding cats without access to the street.
Feline toxoplasmosis
Feline toxoplasmosis, commonly known as cat disease, is an extremely dangerous zoonosis. It is caused by a protozoan that comes into contact with the feline by ingesting raw meat from infected animals. These protozoa lodge in the kitten’s intestine and form eggs that are eliminated in the cat’s droppings. It is through feces that this disease is transmitted to humans, but only if it is ingested (i.e. living with infected cats is not dangerous, provided that certain precautions are taken when cleaning the litter box). Treatment of toxoplasmosis in felines involves the use of antibiotics for cats.
Symptoms of feline toxoplasmosis
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Anorexia
- Cough
- Jaundice
- Muscle pain
Prevention
The best way to prevent kittens from the dangers of toxoplasmosis is to not offer them raw meat. It is important to prevent the feline from having access to the street, as it could end up contracting the disease by eating contaminated food.
Kidney failure in cats
Kidney failure in cats is a very common problem in the species and one of the feline diseases that most scares owners. This is because cats tend not to drink enough water or can be born with anatomical defects in the functioning of their kidneys. It is very common in older cats, but can affect animals of any age.
Symptoms of Kidney Failure in Cats
- Excessive peeing
- Loss of appetite
- Increased water consumption
- Vomiting
- Bad breath
Prevention
Hydration is essential to prevent kidney failure in cats. Therefore, it is important to encourage water consumption. You can achieve this by distributing several pots of water around the house, investing in a cat water fountain, and providing more sachets.
Feline Chlamydia
Feline chlamydia is one of the dangerous cat diseases that can easily be confused with conjunctivitis. It is caused by a bacteria that causes an eye infection in the animal, disrupting its quality of life. It is not a difficult cat disease to diagnose, as the animal’s eyes become visibly irritated, red, and swollen. If the cat shows this sign, it should be taken to the vet for treatment.
Symptoms of feline chlamydia
- Respiratory infection
- Red and swollen eyes
- Eye discharge
- Nasal discharge
- Sneezing and coughing
Prevention
The best way to prevent feline chlamydia is to administer the feline quadruple vaccine, one of the mandatory vaccinations. In addition, it is important to avoid the feline coming into contact with unfamiliar cats and environments so that it does not become contaminated.