Cats from time to time, like all pets, are sick. If the problem is identified immediately, the pet receives timely therapy and in most cases it manages to regain health. Therefore, it is important for each owner to know the symptoms and treatment of diseases in cats.
Since all cat diseases due to their abundance are familiar only to specialists, the owner of a four-legged pet will only have enough ideas about basic feline health problems to have a good idea about what kind of help you can provide yourself and when you need to go to the vet.
Symptoms of Cat Ill Health
Despite the fact that without a doctor it is quite difficult to determine the cause of the disease, it is very easy to notice that a cat is unwell. The main common symptoms of cat diseases are as follows:
- dramatic change in behavior
- disheveled appearance
- bowel disorders,
- lethargy,
- anxiety,
- the desire to hide in a dark quiet place
- salivation,
- discharge from the eyes
- nasal discharge
- cough,
- sneezing
- vomiting
- lack of or increased appetite
- weight disorders in any direction
- convulsive seizures.
Major Infectious Diseases
Infectious diseases often affect free-range animals, but the domestic cat is not immune from such an affliction, since bacteria and viruses can be carried by people on shoes.
- Panleukopenia or Plague cats - a serious disease, the virus which damages the bone marrow, lymphoid tissue and the gastrointestinal tract, because of the latter, the sick animal can easily spread the plague with feces. The incubation period of the disease takes from 2 to 12 days, at least up to 2 weeks. The main symptoms of the disease in cats are dehydration, rejection of water, diarrhea, high fever and severe vomiting.
- Viral leukemia - damages the hematopoietic system of the animal. The disease provokes the growth of cancer, especially in lymphosarcomas. Pathology proceeds hidden. The incubation period of the disease is stretched for a period of 1 month to 4 years. Symptoms of the disease: reduced appetite, irregular heart function, general depression and anemia.
- Respiratory viruses - are observed quite often. The mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract, bronchi, oral mucosa and conjunctiva of the eye are affected by the disease. Symptoms for many diseases of the respiratory nature are the same: heavy breathing, ulceration of the oral mucosa, high fever, refusal of food and drooling.
- Aujeszky's disease - false rabies. The disease affects the central nervous system and causes unbearable itching in the cat, which causes severe scratching.
- Rabies - a disease affecting the brain. Extremely dangerous, incurable disease, leading to the death of a sick animal. Due to the high infectiousness and mortal danger for people, a sick animal should be immediately euthanized and cremated with the observance of special sanitary rules. The virus is transmitted through the saliva that fell on the wound. The main symptoms are aggressiveness, drooling, hydrophobia, photophobia, and swelling of the lips. Vaccination is used to prevent the disease.
All viral diseases are prevented by timely vaccination. A complete vaccination schedule for a cat can be found at the veterinarian. Vaccinating is necessary not only for kittens, but also for adult cats.
Pathology of the cardiovascular system
Diseases of the cardiovascular system are found in cats quite often, especially in aging ones.
- Atherosclerosis - This pathology affects cats over the age of 12 years suffering from obesity. It occurs most often as a complication after infectious diseases or invasions.
- Myocarditis - A disease in which inflammation of the heart muscle occurs. Its symptoms are depression of the cat, increased body temperature, lack of appetite and increased pressure. Without treatment, the disease most often leads to death.
- Endocarditis - inflammation in the inner lining of the heart muscle. The cause of the disease is not precisely established. The pathology is manifested by depression, exhaustion, fever and heart failure.
- Pericarditis - inflammatory process in the tissues of the pericardium. It appears as a complication of the infectious disease, as well as under very strong stress, severe hypothermia and exhaustion. Symptoms are similar to endocarditis.
- Myocardosis - A disease that leads to a violation of heart rhythm and circulatory failure. It is manifested by anemia, edema and low blood pressure.
Treatment of pathologies of the heart includes a comprehensive therapy aimed at improving the condition of the blood vessels and heart muscle, correcting impaired pulse and ensuring sufficient oxygen metabolism in the tissues. Self-treatment without recourse to the vet is impossible.
Respiratory diseases
This problem most often, like people, appears in the cold season. Its causes are cat hypothermia and viral infections. In the vast majority of cases, diseases of the upper respiratory tract occur. The best disease prevention is maintaining the general health of your pets.
- Rhinitis or runny nose - A fairly frequent occurrence for free-range cats. A sick animal has mucus from the nose, a violation of nasal breathing and sneezing. In severe cases, fever and loss of appetite are possible. Treatment is carried out with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. With timely treatment, the disease is not dangerous.
- Bronchitis - as in humans, the disease is an inflammatory process in the bronchi, in which there is a strong cough of spasmodic nature, harsh breathing, and during the acute course of fever. More often, the disease affects kittens and old animals, as well as cats, whose body is greatly weakened. The treatment is carried out by broad-spectrum antibiotics and anti-spasm drugs.
- Laryngitis - A disease of the respiratory system that affects the larynx mucosa. A sick pet has laryngeal soreness, cough and general lethargy. Due to the pain, appetite may be somewhat reduced. The animal begins to prefer liquid food.
- Pneumonia - The most severe disease of the respiratory system. A sick cat has observed: sharp fluctuations in body temperature, severe irregularities in the work of the heart, apathy, weakness and respiratory disorders. Veterinarians have a whole table of symptoms of pneumonia, which helps to determine the extent of the disease as accurately as possible.
Treatment of diseases of the respiratory system is required immediately, immediately after their detection.
Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
Diseases of the digestive system are found in cats of any age. Left untreated, they can even lead to death.
- Obstruction of the esophagus - the disease occurs due to poorly chewed food or the ingestion of sharp objects, which, stuck in the throat, violate its permeability. The animal becomes restless, refuses to eat because of the pain at the time of swallowing, and soon it develops a pronounced swelling of the esophagus.
- Peptic ulcer in cats - there is a pathology with impaired nutrition, and in some cases it appears due to chronic stress. Symptoms of the disease: rapid weight loss, vomiting with blood, pain in the stomach, a significant loss of appetite and depression. The treatment is carried out with the use of various healing and anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as painkillers.
- Gastritis - inflammation of the stomach walls. It occurs not so rarely and is manifested by a deterioration in appetite, drooling, fatigue and digestive disorders. Anti-inflammatory drugs are used to combat the disease, while symptomatic therapy is carried out.
Treatment of diseases of cats from this category is long and rather complicated.
Skin diseases
The skin of a cat is subject to many diseases that may be of a different nature. Some of them are infectious for humans, which is why any skin disease should be treated as soon as possible.
- Scabies - it causes a parasite that dwells in the thickness of the skin and gnaws in it moves. The disease can spread to a person. Symptoms of the disease: severe itching at the site of the lesion, breaking of the wool in the sore spot and scratching. The animal becomes restless, loses its appetite, its exhaustion and general deterioration are observed. The treatment is carried out using antiparasitic agents.
- Dermatitis - skin disease of an inflammatory nature, accompanied by itching, redness, swelling and rash in the form of bubbles with a clear liquid. The causes of the disease can be very different. Therapy is aimed at relieving inflammation, and at the same time, prophylactic anti-allergy medications are being administered.
- Piodermitis - purulent inflammation of the skin, manifested by the presence of pustules of various sizes. Most often, they do not have a clear localization.
Therapy, depending on the disease, is markedly different and is determined by the veterinarian.
Muscle diseases
Muscle diseases in cats are extremely rare and most often have an inflammatory nature. They are very painful, which is why the animal practically does not move, and reacts to touches with a displeased meow. In this case it is good to have travmatin in the house., which is administered to the cat by subcutaneous injection in a dosage corresponding to the mass of the pet.
Teeth diseases
The main problem is tartar, which, if not removed in a timely manner, leads to tooth loss. To notice the plaque on the teeth is quite simple. On visual inspection, it is clearly visible and looks like a grayish roller at the base of the tooth. The procedure for removing the stone is carried out in a veterinary clinic.
Joint diseases
A joint's disease in a cat is arthritis and arthrosis. Pathologies appear due to age-related changes, lack of physical activity, excessive body weight and general weakening of the body. They are manifested by soreness and stiffness of the movement, by a desire to lie more and by edema in the area of inflammation. The treatment is carried out with the use of anti-inflammatory, analgesic and chondoprotective drugs.
Eye disease
In cats, eye disease is a fairly common problem that can be treated very successfully with timely diagnosis.
- Conjunctivitis - inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye, resulting from the ingress of dirt. Manifested by purulent secretions and the desire of the animal to cover the eye. Treated with antibiotics.
- Corneal ulcer - is a complication of corneal injury that occurs in case of infection.
- Blepharitis - inflammatory process in the tissues of the eyelid, in the absence of timely therapy, turning into a purulent form. The affected area blushes and flakes. Antibiotic treatment.
In the absence of timely treatment there is a high risk that the cat will go blind.
Ear diseases
A cat's ear disease is primarily a presence of an otodectous tick. The defeat in the animal causes severe itching, due to which the cat combs the skin behind the auricles and often shakes its head. When touching the ears, pain is noted. The best method of treatment is regular cleansing of the ears and the introduction of special drops into them.
Self-diagnosis of diseases in animals is difficult, so it is best to contact a veterinarian. Any delay in such a situation can cost a pet's life, so you should not wait, hoping that the problem will pass by itself.
We collect the home first aid kit for cats
“Cats are resilient and never get sick” - many agree with this statement. But since it appeared, there have been significant changes in the lives of people and animals. Cats-residents of large cities can not boast of good health. This is due to the deterioration of the environment, errors in nutrition, stress. Therefore, for our days, a more appropriate statement would be: "Only those cats who are cared for and who are properly cared for and which are properly looked after by their owners" will never be sick.
Every cat owner should know how to help an animal if the need arises. That is why we will tell you which tools and preparations for treating cats must necessarily enter the cat kit.
Basic tools and drugs cat kit
From the dressing equipment and tools in the cat kit should be present: three pipettes (for instillation into the eyes, ears and mouth fluids), narrow and wide bandages, adhesive plaster, a set for putting tires, rubber bandage, cotton, thermometer, tweezers, small scissors and several syringes.
Attention! Instruments designed for the cat kit should not be used for humans.
For first aid, a cat may need: chlorhexidine and enterosgel.
You can not self-treat a pet, using medicines that are intended for people. Only a veterinarian should determine the treatment regimen for the animal and prescribe drugs for treating cats. But how do you know if a cat needs to be taken to a doctor or is she healthy? Next, we will tell you about the main signs of a cat feeling unwell.
Cat Disease: Main Signs of Feeling Unwell
Unfortunately, the cat can not tell us that she feels bad. Therefore, every caring owner should closely monitor the behavior of the pet. Of course, not all changes in the behavior of the cat are a sign of the disease. But do not let your guard down.
Regularly inspect the animal, watch its behavior. Found signs of disease? Immediately take your pet to the veterinary clinic.
The following signs indicate that your cat is definitely feeling unwell.
- Lack of appetite for more than a day
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Rapid breathing or pulse
- Elevated temperature
- Presence of blood in feces
- Abundant discharge from eyes, nose, ears
- Frequent scratching
- Constant thirst
- Skin redness
- The presence of parasites in wool
- Wheezing in the chest
- Urinary incontinence
If you have noticed a deterioration in the state of health of a cat due to an injury or a disease, do not expect that everything will go away by itself. As soon as possible, show the animal to the veterinarian in the clinic.
How to choose a doctor for a pet. Which clinic is best to contact?
Visits to casual veterinary clinics should be avoided. Of course, if we are not talking about injury or such a state of the animal, when immediate intervention of a specialist is required. To choose the most suitable option, immediately after buying a cat, visit several veterinary clinics with it. Choose the one that best suits your needs.
Gradually, your animal will get used to the same doctor, then the examination and all manipulations will be carried out much faster and more painless.
Small private veterinary clinics are deservedly popular. As a rule, they use new convenient equipment, and experienced specialists use modern methods of diagnosis and treatment.
It is important for each cat owner to know how various animal diseases manifest themselves and what treatment methods exist. Want to know about the most common diseases of cats and their symptoms? Then read our article further.
Cat invasive diseases: signs, prevention and treatment
Diseases of this group are caused by external (fleas, lice, ticks) and internal parasites (round and tapeworms). Infection with many species of parasites is dangerous not only for the health of the animal, but also for the health of its owner. Some invasive diseases are common to animals and humans.
Tapeworms
Worms of this species parasitize mainly in the small intestine of the animal. They are capable of causing significant damage to the cat's body, and the owner can also become infected with the animal.
Outwardly, a tapeworm looks like a thin narrow ribbon. The body of the helminth consists of segments, eggs mature in each of them - future new parasites. The ripened segment opens, and the eggs, along with the feces go out. They can be seen in the feces of the animal, since the segments are rather large and visible to the naked eye.
Roundworms
Roundworms are concentrated in the small intestine of cats. Eggs of these worms enter the body of an animal along with food or when communicating with an infected animal.
The body of the parasite has the shape of a long thread, its color can be white or pink. With a large accumulation of worms in the pet's intestines, they come out with vomit or feces. Worms in the form of threads can be easily noticed even without using a microscope.
Signs of infection with each variety of round and tape worms are different. Often the presence of parasites does not make itself felt. It is almost asymptomatic in adults, which miraculously develop immunity to their harmful effects.
The owner of the cat should be wary if he notices his pet:
- Disturbances on the part of the digestive system: constipation, alternating with diarrhea, the presence of worms in cat feces, changing dietary habits.
- Nervous system disorders: weakness and apathy, rapid fatigue, staggering gait.
- Pallor of mucous membranes, discharge from the eyes.
- Deterioration of wool quality: wool becomes thin and dull.
If these symptoms appear, the cat must be treated with a special anthelmintic drug. Choose broad-spectrum products that are effective against round and tapeworms at the same time.
Many breeders and cat owners trust the prevention and treatment of infection with the internal parasites of their pets to Prazitel. This is a modern, safe tool with high efficacy against round and tape worms.
Diseases of cats caused by external parasites
Flea infestation is one of the most common cat diseases. Both adults and young animals suffer from the disease, and cat fleas often bite humans as well.
What does a parasite look like?
The body of an adult flea reaches 1-2 mm in length, it is compressed at the sides and has long limbs with spines, in front - short antennae. Fleas do not know how to fly and move with the help of jumps. The basis of the nutrition of fleas is the blood of animals, which they receive by piercing their skin with the oral organs.
The main signs of infection
Permanent flea bites cause severe itching in cats, which is a major symptom of infection. The base of the tail (croup) and behind the ears are most itchy. The cat furiously scratches these places, tries to bite off fleas, from which scratches and scabs appear on the animal's skin.
Implications of flea infection
It is imperative to treat an animal infected with fleas, since the presence of jumping parasites in the coat can have serious consequences:
- The appearance on the skin of the animal sores, redness, hairbrushes and bald spots from constant scratching. Germs causing dermatitis can get into the damaged skin.
- From flea bites, a cat may develop an allergy.
- Fleas - a source of infection with worms. If a cat swallows a flea while licking wool, infection with internal parasites will inevitably. Fleas carry eggs of helminth tape. A flea cat can easily become the owner of a cucumber tapeworm, a dangerous worm whose infection is difficult to treat.
Cat Disease: arachnoza
Arachnoza is a group of diseases caused by ticks. There are two types of ticks that parasitize cats: scabies and Ixodes.
Scabies mites are microscopic parasites that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Some species of scabby mites parasitize in the skin of the animal, feeding on blood. Others concentrate on different areas of the skin and feed on exfoliated epidermis.
Otodektodos - the most common itch mites, parasitic in cats. They affect the ear aisles of the animal. These smallest parasites feed on the skin, making deep moves in it.
The otodektos tick has an oval-shaped body, the length of which is 0.3-0.4 mm. The body of the tick is equipped with four pairs of limbs-suckers.
Determine whether the cat is infected. Signs of otodecosis
The infected animal begins to scratch its ears with its paws, shakes its head. A cat may have an appetite; there is a fever. In advanced cases, torticollis develops - the cat tilts its head toward the infected ear. Out of pus with an unpleasant odor is noticeable from the auditory canals. In the auricles, a wax-like dark brown bloom appears.
These signs indicate the likelihood that your cat has an ear pincer. However, only a veterinarian in a clinic after examining an animal can make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment of cat diseases.
What is dangerous otodektoz
Otodecade mites bring the cat a lot of anxiety. An infected animal suffers from constant itching. With a long course of the disease and a large number of ticks in the ear aisles of the animal, the parasites make their moves very deeply. If you do not help the pet in time, the mites will get to the cerebral cortex of the animal. In this case, death is inevitable.
Ixodic tongs
Ixodes ticks have a body length of 2-3 mm, such a tick is easily seen on the skin of an animal.
Infection occurs in the warm season. Ixodic tick, which is a carrier of encephalitis, is a danger to humans. A cat that has a tick can bring the parasite home. Then the risk of being bitten by the animal owner’s tick increases significantly.
Skin and wool diseases
Skin diseases of cats can be divided into several groups. The first of them includes: skin cancer, dermatitis, demodicosis (scabies or subcutaneous mites), fungal lesions (mycoses), a bright representative of which is ringworm.
Their symptoms cannot hide from the attentive host’s gaze, as they are presented:
- increased pet nervousness
- the occurrence of severe itching
- hair loss
- the appearance of bald patches and bald spots, localized on the face, in the area of the eyes, ears, neck,
- groin or abdomen,
- the appearance on the skin of white dry scales resembling dandruff,
- constant licking and biting wool,
- the appearance of all sorts of rash and spots,
- the presence of multiple bleeding wounds resulting from scratching or
- self-opening,
- the oppressed state of the pet (he may refuse to feed, be lethargic and sedentary).
In this group of skin diseases, the greatest danger - due to high infectivity - both for the cat itself and for all people living with it in the same house is ringworm, characterized by the appearance of pink bald spots and grayish scabs on the skin, which are extremely similar to dandruff.
When these symptoms appear, the cat should immediately be shown to a veterinarian to avoid contamination of all households.
The following group of skin diseases in cats are diseases, the causative agents of which are parasites: Lice, ticks, lice and fleas appearing in pets after contact with infected animals or rodents, as well as after street walks and visits to the basement. Parasites can get to the city apartment by transferring people from clothes or shoes.
When lice and fleas appear, the cat behaves restlessly and begins to comb a certain area of skin. On its fur one can notice small black grains, which are the waste products of the parasites living in it.
In the presence of ear mites (otodektose):
- a dark brown substance with an extremely unpleasant odor begins to stand out from the ears of cats;
- the skin inside the ears is irritated and red,
- sulfur plugs are formed in the ears, due to which the animal can completely or partially lose its hearing,
- the cat begins to plaintively meow, rub ears with corners, twirl and shake its head, as if trying to get rid of a foreign object.

A separate group consists of skin diseases, the cause of which are allergic reactions. The complexity of their diagnosis is due to the incredible similarity of clinical manifestations with other skin pathologies, since they are accompanied by the same itching, peeling and reddening of the skin in certain parts of the body.
The appearance of the above symptoms is the reason for contacting a veterinarian-dermatologist. If a diseased animal is shown in time to a qualified specialist, it is possible to relieve it of most skin diseases fairly quickly, and without any damage to health.
Treatment of skin diseases for the most part is medication:
- Get rid of fungi and parasites with the help of tablets (for example, "Stronghold"), ointments, sprays, special shampoos. For the prevention of the appearance of fleas use special collars.
- In identifying allergic reactions, the main factor in recovery is the complete cessation of contact with the allergen. To eliminate the clinical symptoms of allergy, special creams and steroid preparations are used.
Urolithiasis (or urolithiasis) is an extremely dangerous pathology, especially for cats, due to the anatomical features of the structure of their body. Attacks of urolithiasis, as a rule, occur suddenly.
Symptoms of ICD:
- restless behavior of the animal,
- complete lack of appetite (up to the rejection of water),
- frequent visits to the tray for sick animals (urine is displayed in small portions),
- severe pain when urinating,
- blood content in urine
- 2-3 days after the onset of the disease, the animal loses its last strength, it may develop urinary incontinence,
- appearance of vomiting, cramps and shivering.
When these symptoms appear, the cat must be urgently brought to a veterinary clinic, since every second animal dies on the fourth day of illness. The cause of death is severe pain, dehydration, poisoning the body of harmful substances that make up the urine.
ICD is diagnosed according to the results of urine analysis, ultrasound or radiography. She is treated by a veterinarian nephrologist.
Therapy of urolithiasis should be comprehensive. It includes:
- Revision of the diet.
- Prescribing homeopathic (for example, Kantarin) and medicamentous (Dexamethasone, Stop Cystitis, Urotropin, Nitroxolin, Renal Advance, Actovegin, etc.) drugs
lithotripsy (shock-wave procedure of crushing kidney stones). - In the most severe cases, surgery may be required.
Infectious diseases
Infectious diseases that cats suffer from may have a bacterial, fungal or viral etiology.
The most dangerous viral diseases of cats are:
- rabies,
- coronavirus disease
- panleukopenia (or cat litter),
- Calcivirosis.
For the clinical picture of most viral diseases characterized by the presence of:
Treatment of viral pathologies is carried out using:
- antiviral sera and drugs (Cycloferon, Fosprenil),
- probiotics (lactobacilli),
- antibiotics (drugs "Ceftriaxone", "Farmazin"),
- subcutaneous injection of isotonic saline solutions,
- intestinal adsorbents,
- adherence to a special diet.
Bacterial feline infections include salmonella and infectious anemia, which are characterized by:
- increase in body temperature to limit values
- lack of appetite
- apathetic condition and lethargy of the animal,
- pale mucous membranes of the mouth,
- the occurrence of multiple vomiting,
- the development of abundant diarrhea with the release of fetid foaming fecal masses with veins
- mucus and blood (the cat can defecate up to 15 times a day).
Therapy for bacterial infections includes:
- replacement of feed,
- administration of sulfanilamide antibiotics,
- infusion of salt solutions (to combat dehydration),
- the introduction of hyperimmune serum,
- taking antiemetic drugs
- use of antispasmodics and corticosteroids.
Fungal infections
Accompanying the lesion of both external and internal organs are extremely diverse. The most common are: histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, candidiasis.
Infection occurs as a result of any contact with spores of pathogenic fungi that can be ingested with food, by inhalation of air, through damaged tissue.
Symptoms of fungal infections are presented:
- restless state of sick pets,
- poor condition of the coat,
- gradual loss of appetite
- the appearance of scabs and spots (brown, red or white) on the body of the animal.
Therapy of diseases of fungal etiology includes:
- the use of antifungal external agents (sprays and ointments),
- antibiotics,
- the implementation of hydration,
- the implementation of supportive care
- introduction of special nutrition,
- performing surgical interventions to remove tumors on the nose or in the sinuses (in relation to animals suffering from severe cryptococcosis).
Due to the large number of subtypes and the many-sidedness of clinical manifestations, an infectious diseases doctor is engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious pathologies in veterinary medicine.
Eye diseases
Among the most common eye diseases in cats, ophthalmologists call veterinarians: blepharitis, conjunctivitis, inflammation and injury to the cornea, glaucoma, cataracts, keratitis. Due to the pronounced symptoms, their identification is not difficult.
External manifestations of eye diseases in cats can be represented:
- swelling and redness of the eyelids,
- profuse tearing,
- protrusion of the eyeball,
- the presence of purulent or clear discharge from the eyes,
- significant pupil dilation,
- lack of response to light
- clouding of the cornea or lens.
Eye diseases in cats treat:
- With the help of special ointments and eye drops with hydrocortisone or antibiotics.
- By washing the conjunctival bag with solutions of furatsilin, boric acid,
- Infusion of calendula or anti-inflammatory eye zoostion,
- Animals suffering from cataracts, blepharitis or glaucoma may require surgery.
Inflammation of the outer ear
This ailment, often a complication of ear suppurative eczema, is accompanied by reddening of the ear canal, which is quickly filled with a large amount of dark brown exudate with an unpleasant odor.
Sick cat always tilts its head and shakes it. Since even a slight pressure on the base of the affected auricle causes her severe pain, she reacts aggressively to attempts to touch the diseased ear.
When the disease becomes chronic, sclerosis and thickening of the skin of the auditory canal occurs, causing a narrowing of its lumen.
Pathology therapy involves the removal of exudate from the auditory canal using a cotton swab soaked in an anti-inflammatory zoological area or hydrogen peroxide. After that, wiping the ear with a dry cotton wool, it is smeared with a 1% alcoholic solution of green water or a few drops of warm iodoform ether are instilled into it.
Inflammation of the middle ear
Inflammation of the middle ear, often resulting in perforation of the eardrum, may be due to inflammation of the outer ear when it is untimely or improperly treated.
Pathology is characterized by:
- a significant increase in body temperature
- loss of appetite
- the presence of vomiting
- the desire of the sick animal to tilt its head in the direction of the affected ear,
- perforation of the eardrum involved in the inflammatory process, the outpouring
- pus in the area of the ear canal and its accumulation at the base of the ear.
A sick cat may become deaf in a bad ear. The transition of inflammation to the inner ear is fraught with the development of meningitis, which is often fatal.
Inflammation of the middle ear requires the use of antibiotics: they are introduced into the body orally, intramuscularly, as well as by instillation and embedding in the ear preparations, which include these substances. Good results in the treatment of pathology gives the procedure of ultraviolet radiation and the use of warming compresses.
Auricle eczema is treated with special ointments, and blood clots formed during their hematomas are surgically removed.
Liver pathologies
This category includes diseases represented by hepatosis, liver failure, cholecystitis, hepatitis, lipidosis, cirrhosis.
Their clinical course is accompanied by:
- lack of appetite
- vomit
- diarrhea,
- lethargy
- anemia,
- itchy skin
- the development of jaundice, provoking yellowing of the mucous membranes,
- enlarged liver, well palpable,
- liver colic,
- development of ascites (in some cases),
- dark red or brown urine color,
- poor blood clotting.
Tactics of treatment is determined by the diagnosis, which is engaged in the formulation of either a gastroenterologist or a therapist. Regardless of the diagnosis, a diseased animal must be transferred to a special diet involving the use of therapeutic food.
To eliminate the causes of the disease, prescribe drugs that support the work of the liver.
Heart diseases
Domestic cats may suffer:
- Myocardiasis - a disease characterized by a heart rhythm disorder, a decrease in blood pressure and circulatory failure. In sick animals, appetite disappears, edemas develop, arrhythmia and extreme weakness are observed.
Myocarditis - inflammation of the heart muscle. A sick cat increases blood pressure and body temperature, has no appetite, and is in a depressed state. - Heart defects.
- Endocarditis - inflammation of the valves of the heart muscle and endocardium (its inner lining). The disease is accompanied by heart failure, fever, anorexia.
- Pericarditis - inflammation of the pericardium (pericardium), which can be the result of exhaustion, infectious diseases, hypothermia, and severe stress.
- Артериосклерозом – заболеванием, свойственным старым, малоподвижным животным, страдающим ожирением. In some cases, this disease can be a complication of infectious diseases.
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy - a disease that occurs in every tenth cat and is accompanied by rapid fatigue, respiratory failure, lethargy, lack of appetite. This disease, which is difficult to diagnose, can be fatal, even with proper and timely treatment.
Therapy of any heart ailments should be supportive, improving the well-being of the animal and able to increase its life expectancy.
Stomach diseases
The most common stomach diseases in cats are most often gastritis and peptic ulcer.
Acute gastritis, which is an inflammation of the gastric mucosa, with late treatment can turn into a chronic form.
Its symptoms are presented by:
- depression and fatigue of a sick animal,
- presence of drooling
- a touch of language
- frequent belching,
- the occurrence of constipation or diarrhea,
- bouts of vomiting.
An animal suffering from acute gastritis is kept on a starvation diet for a day, and then the stomach is washed, refraining from the use of emetics. On the second or third day of the disease, it is recommended to feed animals with mucous broths containing egg cheese.
If the cat's body is dehydrated, it is sealed off with a rehydron solution. A good effect is the performance of deep mucous enemas.
To relieve the state of a cat suffering from vomiting and severe pain, you can use a warm heating pad, placed on the stomach.
Animals with diagnosed chronic gastritis before each meal should take drugs with an enveloping effect (for example, Fosfalugel, Almagel).
Feed them should be small portions of well-crushed food.
Peptic ulcer disease, as a rule, may be due to improper diet, unsuccessful selection of dry food and exposure to severe stress. Very often, acute bone fragments, injured tissue of the stomach can be the culprits of the disease.
Pathology is characterized by:
- fever,
- bluish mucous membranes,
- the presence of depression, drowsiness and lethargy,
- severe stomach pains, worse after eating,
- poor appetite
- strong and dramatic weight loss
- vomiting with admixture of blood (blood can appear in the stool),
- the occurrence of constipation.
A sick animal needs rest. He needs to give mucous broths, milk, vitamins of groups B, C and A.
The therapeutic effect of drugs with a supporting and enveloping effect: "Papaverina hydrochloride", "Almagel", "Magnesium trisilicate", etc.
Oncological diseases
Oncological diseases represented by aggressive cancers (for example, sarcoma, basalioma, carcinoma, lymphoma, etc.), according to veterinary statistics, are found in every fifth domestic cat.
The cunning of oncological pathologies in both people and animals consists in the complete asymptomatic nature of their clinical course in the early stages of the disease, as well as in the extreme similarity of the oncological symptoms with the clinical signs of not so dangerous ailments.
The owner of the cat must be concerned and show it to the doctor if you have:
- poor appetite
- sharp weight loss,
- poor state of wool,
- swelling,
- difficulty breathing,
- spots, bumps, swelling, or non-healing ulcers on the surface of the body,
- all kinds of digestive disorders.
Treatment of oncological diseases involves the performance of surgical operations and the use of chemotherapy.
Skin diseases
Common violations of the integrity and health of the skin in cats: dermatitis, ringworm, demodicosis (subcutaneous mite), skin cancer.
There is an extensive group of symptoms that most clearly characterizes all the pathological conditions of the skin:
- Severe itching.
- Coat prolapse.
- Loss of skin elasticity and shine.
- The appearance of bald patches, localized mainly in the area of the muzzle, ears, eyes and neck, or on the abdomen and groin area.
- The appearance on the skin of white scales, similar to dandruff.
- The presence of acne, pimples, pimples, vesicles on the skin.
- On the body can be found bleeding sores, combed or opened independently.
- General depression of the animal (rejection of food, decrease in motor activity, lethargy).
Well proved and showed high efficiency as remedies for the fight against skin diseases, medical shampoos and specialized ointments, gels.
It is better to separate healthy and infected pets.
Respiratory diseases
Presented by the following classification of diseases:
- Diseases of the upper respiratory tract (rhinitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis).
- Diseases of the trachea, alveolar passages, bronchi (bronchitis, tracheobronchitis, tracheitis, microbronchitis).
- Lung diseases (edema and hyperemia, pneumonia (purulent, fibrinous, putrid, serous, catarrhal), bronchopneumonia, emphysema).
- Diseases of the pleura (pleurisy, hydrothorax, pneumothorax).
Symptoms depend on the localization of the inflammatory process. General signs of a disturbance in the respiratory system: nasal discharge, cough, shortness of breath, disturbed breathing rhythm, lengthening the act of inhaling or exhaling. Isolation of viscous mucous sputum, possibly with blood. Often - the increase in total body temperature by 1-1.5 degrees.
An accurate diagnosis can only be established by a veterinarian who knows the specific features of diagnosis for each disorder separately.
In the treatment of respiratory diseases, complex therapy with the use of anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, expectorant and antibiotics is well manifested.
Diseases of the kidneys and urinary system
Kidney diseases: nephritis, nephrosis, nephrosclerosis (renal failure).
Symptoms: impaired urination, its frequency and quantity, the presence of blood in the urine, edema and pain syndromes, general depression, the increase in total body temperature by 0.5 - 1.0 degrees.
Diseases of the urinary tract: urolithiasis (urolithiasis), cystitis, urocystitis.
Symptoms: frequent or extremely rare urination, false desires, painful reaction when going to the tray "in a small way", the presence of blood in the urine.
Treatment of the kidneys, bladder, urethral canal is prescribed exclusively by a veterinarian.
Self-medication only hurts your pet! Violations of the functioning of the act of urination have the same symptoms, but pathological reactions differ. Therefore, the treatment of similar symptoms of the disease is completely different.
The general is the appointment of a special diet with the use of therapeutic cat food in urological syndromes.
Liver diseases
Presented by hepatitis, hepatosis, cirrhosis, cholecystitis.
Symptoms in diseases of cats: jaundice, including yellow color of mucous membranes, enlarged liver, protruding it from the abdominal wall, hepatic colic, anemia, vomiting, diarrhea, brown or dark red urine, may develop ascites.
Treatment depends on the diagnosis. Animals are transferred to a therapeutic diet, and primarily eliminate the causes of the disease. Used drugs to maintain the liver.
Infectious and viral diseases of cats
Common diseases in this category of diseases are: rabies, Aujeszky's disease, panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calcivirosis, viral enteritis, infectious peritonitis, Lyme disease, toxoplasmosis.
The course of these pathological processes is better to prevent than to cure - there is a vaccine for many of the above dangerous infections.
Timely vaccination can save a pet's life.
Diseases of cats transmitted to humans
For a man considered to be hazardous following diseases: herpes, rabies, helminth infections (infection of worms), toxoplasmosis, leptospirosis, Chlamydia, Campylobacter, pseudorabies (Aujeszky's disease), tuberculosis, salmonellosis, pasteurellosis, tularemia, ersinioz.
Compliance with safety measures when caring for a sick animal will help you not to become infected: work in gloves, disinfection of the room.
How to understand that the cat is sick
Fluffy pet owners know how their pets behave when they are healthy. After all, each animal has its own individual traits in behavior, in which the owner is sure that the pet is normal. But regardless of this, there are signs, with the appearance of which you can suspect the disease in the cat. Among them are the following points:
- problems with appetite: complete or partial refusal of food,
- the cat loses weight, or vice versa dramatically gaining it,
- apathy, excessive sleepiness,
- the cat has become too aggressive
- high or low temperature
- the presence of blood in the feces or urine,
- the animal cannot go to the toilet,
- nausea and vomiting,
- diarrhea,
- discharge from the eyes or nose,
- appearance on the cat's skin bald patches, redness and peeling.
It is important to know
The body temperature of the cat representatives is higher than in humans. The normal figure is the figure on the thermometer - 37.5-39 °. It depends on the age of the animal: the older, the lower.
A normal pulse for a cat is considered to be from 100 to 130 beats per minute.
Respiratory rate also depends on age:
- kitten - about 60 breaths per minute,
- young cat - 22-24 breaths,
- adult - from 17 to 23.
How often does a cat go to the toilet?
"At small" the norm is:
- kittens up to 3 months - once a day,
- kittens after three months - 2-3 times a day,
- adult cats, depending on the floor, go to the tray up to three times, but cats - 3-4 times.
"By and large" the norm is:
- kittens can attend the tray up to twice a day (this is due to increased metabolism),
- adult cats go to the toilet once a day,
- Older animals can go to the tray once every 2-3 days.
These rates are average, because the cat's food has a direct impact on the frequency of visits to the toilet.
Urolithiasis in cats
In another way, this disease is called urolithiasis. It is considered one of the most dangerous pathologies in cats. Basically, males suffer from it due to the nature of the body. ICD is also found in females, but much less frequently.
The attack of urolithiasis may begin unexpectedly - yesterday the pet was actively running and playing, and today it is suffering while sitting on the tray. If you do not go to a doctor in time, the consequences can be very sad, even to the death of the animal.
Causes of urolithiasis in cats:
- unbalanced nutrition
- obesity,
- sedentary lifestyle,
- increased risk include neutered cats (after the operation they become less active and quickly gain weight),
- insufficient fluid intake,
- heredity,
- hormonal disorders,
- features of anatomy.
Symptoms of cat disease are difficult not to notice:
- the cat often sits down on a tray, urinates in small portions, and at the same time it is nervous, it may scream,
- the urine darkens, sometimes there is blood in it,
- the cat becomes lethargic, may refuse to eat,
- in severe cases, the stomach swells (this is due to the fact that urine does not leave the body),
- vomiting
- fever
The treatment of urolithiasis is difficult and long. A catheter is inserted through the ducts into the cat's bladder to allow the urine to flow freely from the body. In addition, drugs for intensive treatment are prescribed: anti-inflammatory, painkillers, antibiotics, immunostimulants. A strict diet is prescribed.
Infectious diseases
Depending on the type of pathogen, these diseases of cats can also be divided into subgroups: viral, fungal and bacterial infections.
Viral diseases include: panleukopenia (plague), kaltsevirus, rabies, and others. These are dangerous diseases that can lead to the death of an animal. The success of treatment depends on the stage of development of the disease, at which the owner visits a doctor. The main symptoms are: vomiting, lack of appetite, diarrhea, animal apathy, fever and fever. Viral diseases develop very quickly, so when signs appear, an urgent need to run to the veterinary clinic.
Fungal infections include: aspergillosis (affects the nose, lungs and intestines of a cat), cryptococcosis (develops in the nose and digestive tract), candidiasis (affects mucous membranes). In fact, fungal infections very much. An accurate diagnosis can only be made by a veterinarian after taking an animal test. Infection can occur through a wound, with food or by inhalation. The treatment is carried out with antibiotics.
Bacterial infections include salmonellosis and infectious anemia. These are the most common diseases, of course, there are others. Infectious anemia is accompanied by fever, cat apathy and refusal of food. Salmonellosis has the same symptoms, but it also adds vomiting and a runny nose. Infection occurs through blood, food and close contact with an already sick animal. Treatment prescribed by a veterinarian.
Ear diseases of cats. Symptoms and treatment
A photo of one of the diseases is presented below.
However, cats can be disturbed not only by parasites in the ears, which have already been mentioned above. Common diseases include: otitis, ear plugs, various types of fungi, hematomas, and eczema.
Very dangerous is the disease of the ears in cats - otitis. The cause of its occurrence is considered to be hypothermia, infection, injury and foreign bodies. A sign of otitis are blood-purulent discharge from the ears. The cat reacts aggressively to trying to touch the sore spot. The treatment is prescribed by a veterinarian, most often it is a course of antibiotics.
Symptoms and treatment of diseases of cats associated with the ears:
- constant scratching
- anxiety,
- the presence of discharge in the ears,
- soreness
- unpleasant smell.
Hematomas appear due to damage to the ear. As a treatment, anti-inflammatory ointments are most commonly used. In advanced cases, surgery is prescribed as treatment.
Ear plugs are not a serious problem for a cat, but can sometimes cause inflammation. Therefore, it is recommended to clean the ears of your pets.
For eczema and fungi, ointments are also prescribed as a treatment.
Liver disease
This group of diseases includes: hepatitis, lipidosis, liver failure, and others. The main symptoms of the disease in cats are:
- the sluggish condition of the animal,
- loss of appetite
- diarrhea,
- vomiting
- the liver is greatly enlarged in size, which can be determined by touch,
- in some cases - jaundice.
There are many factors leading to liver disease:
- malnutrition, poisoning,
- use of a large number of drugs,
- lack of vitamins.
Based on the tests, the veterinarian makes a diagnosis and prescribes a course of treatment. Usually, this is a diet and a course of reducing drugs.
Diseases of the stomach and intestines
These pathologies include inflammation of the colon, constipation, intestinal obstruction, gastritis, ulcers. These are mainly diseases of domestic cats of an inflammatory nature. Symptoms are similar to many other diseases, among them there are weight loss, lethargy, lack of appetite. Therefore, a doctor should make a diagnosis on the basis of tests. Most often, diet is used as a treatment. But it is also possible that the vet will prescribe medicines.
Few people know that cats, like humans, are susceptible to oncological diseases. And, unfortunately, they are increasingly common. Diagnosis of oncology is hampered by the fact that in the early stages signs are invisible. The owners notice the disease most often already in the later periods. Signs include poor appetite, lethargy, deterioration in the quality of wool, skin patches, difficult breathing and tumors appearing on the body. In each case, all individually. The treatment is carried out with the help of chemotherapy and surgery.
Disease prevention is the best way to keep your pets healthy. Therefore, it is necessary to provide the cat from the moment it appears in the house with good nutrition, a comfortable place to stay and to support its immunity. Even if the pet is constantly in the apartment and does not walk, it is worth thinking about vaccination. She can save a pet from many troubles. And if the cat is still ill, do not think that the sore will pass by itself. It is best to contact professionals as soon as possible.