Common Cat Diseases | Symptoms, Prevention & Treatment Guide

*Disclaimer: The following information is for reference only. If your cat shows one or more of these symptoms, please consult a veterinarian immediately. Do not delay treatment.

Cats are masters at hiding pain and illness – it's an instinct inherited from their wild ancestors. As a cat owner, understanding common cat diseases and their warning signs is crucial for early detection and timely treatment. This comprehensive guide covers the symptoms, causes, prevention methods, and treatment options for various cat health conditions to help you protect your feline companion.

Cat Ear Diseases

Ear Infections (Otitis Externa)

Cat ear infections are among the most common feline health problems. A cat's ear canal is L-shaped, making it prone to accumulating debris and moisture, which creates an ideal environment for bacteria and yeast to thrive. If left untreated, outer ear infections can progress to middle or inner ear infections, potentially affecting your cat's hearing and balance.

Symptoms:

• Foul odor from the ears
• Excessive scratching at the ears
• Frequent head shaking or head tilting
• Redness and swelling of the ear flap
• Abnormal discharge from the ear canal
• Pain or resistance when ears are touched

Causes: Bacterial or fungal infections, ear mites, allergic reactions, foreign objects in the ear canal, excessive moisture, and weakened immune system.

Prevention: Regularly check your cat's ears and keep them clean and dry. Prevent water from entering the ear canal during baths. If excessive earwax is present, use a vet-recommended ear cleaning solution. Never insert cotton swabs deep into the ear canal.

Treatment: Your veterinarian will prescribe appropriate ear drops based on the type of infection, including antibiotics, antifungal medications, or corticosteroids. Severe cases may require oral medications.

Ear Mites

Cat ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are parasitic infections particularly common in kittens and multi-cat households. Ear mites are highly contagious and spread rapidly between cats, making them a leading cause of cat ear problems.

Symptoms:

• Intense ear itching
• Frequent head shaking and ear scratching
• Dark brown to black, dry, coffee-ground-like ear debris
• Unpleasant odor from the ears
• Scratches or scabs on the ear flaps from excessive scratching

Prevention: Quarantine and examine new cats before introducing them to your household. Regularly check all cats' ears in multi-cat homes. Using preventive parasite control products can effectively reduce infection risk.

Treatment: Your vet will prescribe mite-killing medications, typically ear drops or topical anti-parasitic treatments. Thoroughly clean your cat's bedding and living environment during treatment to prevent reinfection. All cats in the household should be treated simultaneously.

Metabolic Diseases in Cats

Diabetes Mellitus

Cat diabetes is a common metabolic disease in middle-aged and senior cats. It occurs when the pancreas cannot produce sufficient insulin or when the body becomes resistant to insulin, resulting in inability to regulate blood sugar levels. Obese cats, sedentary indoor cats, and older cats are at higher risk. Unlike human diabetes, some diabetic cats can enter remission with early detection and proper management, potentially no longer requiring insulin therapy.

Symptoms:

• Increased urination frequency and volume
• Significantly increased water intake
• Increased appetite with weight loss
• Lethargy and decreased energy
• Weakness in hind legs, walking flat-footed (diabetic neuropathy)
• Dull, rough coat
• Slow wound healing

Causes: Obesity is the primary risk factor. Others include lack of exercise, long-term high-carbohydrate diets, chronic pancreatitis, steroid medication use, and genetic factors.

Prevention: Maintaining a healthy weight is key to preventing diabetes. Provide a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet and encourage physical activity. Regular health check-ups can help detect blood sugar abnormalities early.

Treatment: Most diabetic cats require daily insulin injections along with a prescription diabetic diet. Your vet will teach you how to monitor blood glucose and administer insulin at home. Regular follow-up appointments to adjust medication dosage are essential.

Hyperthyroidism

Feline hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrine disease in senior cats, typically affecting cats over 10 years old. The thyroid gland, located in the neck, produces hormones that regulate metabolism. When the thyroid becomes overactive, it produces excess hormones, accelerating the body's metabolism and placing strain on the heart, kidneys, and other organs.

Symptoms:

• Ravenous appetite with continuous weight loss
• Hyperactivity and restlessness
• Irritability and behavior changes
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Increased thirst and urination
• Thinning or unkempt coat
• Thickened, fast-growing nails
• Rapid heart rate and heart murmurs

Diagnosis: Your vet will diagnose hyperthyroidism through blood tests measuring thyroid hormone (T4) levels. Additional tests may be needed to assess heart and kidney function.

Treatment: Treatment options include daily oral anti-thyroid medication (such as Methimazole), prescription iodine-restricted diet, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgical removal of the thyroid gland. Your vet will recommend the most suitable treatment based on your cat's overall health.

Cat Liver Diseases

Hepatic Lipidosis (Fatty Liver Disease)

Feline hepatic lipidosis is one of the most common and serious liver diseases in cats. When a cat stops eating for more than 2-3 days for any reason, the body begins breaking down fat for energy. However, a cat's liver cannot efficiently process large amounts of incoming fat, causing fat to accumulate in liver cells and eventually leading to liver failure. Overweight cats are particularly susceptible to this cat liver disease.

Symptoms:

• Complete refusal to eat for more than 24-48 hours
• Increased drooling
• Frequent vomiting
• Yellowing of skin and whites of eyes (jaundice)
• Extreme lethargy and weakness
• Seizures (in severe cases)
• Rapid weight loss

Causes: Any condition that causes loss of appetite can trigger fatty liver disease, including stress (moving, new pets), other illnesses, sudden food changes, and oral pain. Obese cats are at highest risk.

Prevention: Maintain a healthy weight for your cat and avoid obesity. If your cat needs to lose weight, do so gradually – never drastically reduce food intake. Monitor your cat's appetite closely; if your cat hasn't eaten for more than 24 hours, seek veterinary care immediately.

Treatment: Hepatic lipidosis is a medical emergency requiring hospitalization. Treatment focuses on restoring nutritional intake as quickly as possible, usually requiring placement of a feeding tube to deliver food directly to the stomach. This is combined with IV fluids, liver-protective medications, and vitamin supplements. Recovery rates can reach 60-80% with early treatment.

Infectious Diseases in Cats

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV / Cat AIDS)

FIV, commonly known as cat AIDS, is a chronic disease caused by the feline immunodeficiency virus. Similar to human HIV/AIDS, FIV attacks the cat's immune system, making them vulnerable to various secondary infections. It's important to note that FIV cannot be transmitted to humans. The virus primarily spreads through deep bite wounds, so unneutered stray male cats have the highest infection rates.

Symptoms:

• Lethargy and decreased energy
• Reduced appetite and weight loss
• Chronic stomatitis and severe gingivitis (most common symptom)
• Recurrent upper respiratory infections
• Chronic diarrhea
• Anemia
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Slow wound healing and recurrent skin infections

Transmission: Primarily through deep bite wounds during fights. Mother cats can also transmit the virus to kittens during pregnancy or nursing. Normal daily contact such as sharing food bowls or mutual grooming does not spread the virus.

Prevention: Neutering significantly reduces fighting behavior and lowers infection risk. Keep cats indoors to avoid contact with stray cats. Test new cats for FIV before introducing them to your household.

Treatment: There is currently no cure for FIV. Treatment focuses on supportive care, including managing secondary infections, nutritional support, and regular health monitoring. Many FIV-positive cats can live normal lifespans with proper care.

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

Feline leukemia is a serious infectious disease caused by the feline leukemia virus (FeLV). It damages the cat's immune system and can lead to cancer. FeLV is one of the leading causes of death from infectious diseases in cats. It is more contagious than FIV and can spread through normal daily contact.

Symptoms:

• Persistent fever
• Anemia and pale gums
• Extreme lethargy and fatigue
• Difficulty swallowing
• Progressive weight loss
• Difficulty breathing and coughing
• Wounds that won't heal
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Reproductive problems (miscarriage, stillbirth)
• Lymphoma and other cancers

Transmission: Spreads through saliva, nasal secretions, urine, feces, and milk. Sharing food bowls, mutual grooming, and sharing litter boxes can all transmit the virus.

Prevention: FeLV vaccination is the most effective prevention method, especially for cats that go outdoors or have contact with other cats. All new cats must be tested before joining a multi-cat household. FeLV-positive cats should be housed separately from other cats.

Treatment: There is no cure for FeLV. Treatment focuses on supportive care and managing secondary problems. Some cats may develop lymphoma requiring chemotherapy. The average survival time for FeLV-infected cats is 2-3 years, though individual outcomes vary greatly.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) was once considered a death sentence for cats. It's a fatal disease caused by a mutation of the feline coronavirus. The good news is that recent medical breakthroughs have brought effective treatment medications, with FIP treatment success rates now reaching 80-90%. FIP occurs in two forms: wet (effusive) and dry (granulomatous).

Symptoms:

• Persistent fever unresponsive to antibiotics
• Extreme lethargy and depression
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Visibly distended abdomen (wet FIP, fluid accumulation)
• Difficulty breathing (pleural effusion)
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Eye inflammation and cloudiness
• Seizures and hind limb paralysis (neurological FIP)

High-Risk Groups: Kittens (3 months to 2 years) and senior cats are at higher risk. Cats in multi-cat environments, breeding facilities, and shelters have higher infection rates. Stress and weakened immunity increase the risk of virus mutation.

Treatment: GS-441524 oral medication is currently the primary treatment, with a typical course of 84 days (12 weeks). Regular follow-up blood tests are required during treatment. Molnupiravir is another effective oral medication option. Early detection and treatment are crucial for success.

Cat Flu (Upper Respiratory Infection)

Cat flu is a common infectious disease in cats, primarily caused by feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) and feline calicivirus (FCV). Kittens, unvaccinated cats, and immunocompromised cats are most susceptible. While most healthy adult cats recover, infections in kittens can be severe.

Symptoms:

• Fever
• Frequent sneezing
• Loss of appetite
• Watery eyes, eye redness and swelling
• Runny nose (clear initially, becoming thick)
• Nasal congestion and noisy breathing
• Mouth ulcers (calicivirus)
• Lethargy

Prevention: Regular vaccination with the FVRCP vaccine (which includes FHV and FCV) is the most effective prevention. Keep the environment clean, reduce stress, and avoid contact with sick cats.

Treatment: Supportive care is the mainstay, including maintaining nutrition and hydration, cleaning eye and nasal discharge, and nebulization therapy to relieve congestion. If secondary bacterial infection occurs, your vet will prescribe antibiotics. Feline herpesvirus remains dormant lifelong after infection and may recur during stress.

Cat Oral Diseases

Periodontal Disease and Gum Problems

Cat periodontal disease is extremely prevalent – studies show over 80% of cats over three years old have some degree of dental problems. Periodontal disease not only affects oral health but also allows bacteria to spread through the bloodstream to the heart, liver, and kidneys, causing serious systemic cat health issues.

Symptoms:

• Severe bad breath
• Decreased appetite, showing interest in food but reluctant to eat
• Weight loss
• Difficulty chewing, eating on one side only, or swallowing food whole
• Red, swollen, bleeding, or ulcerated gums
• Loose or missing teeth
• Excessive drooling, possibly blood-tinged
• Pawing at the mouth

Causes: Plaque and tartar buildup are the main causes. Other factors include diet (wet food only), immune system issues, FIV/FeLV infection, and genetics.

Prevention: Establishing a tooth brushing routine from kittenhood is the most effective prevention. Use cat-specific toothbrush and toothpaste, brushing at least 2-3 times per week. Provide dental treats and toys. Have your vet regularly check your cat's oral health.

Treatment: Mild periodontal disease can be managed with professional dental cleaning. Severe cases may require extraction of affected teeth. Post-treatment, establishing a daily oral care routine is essential to prevent recurrence.

Cat Kidney Diseases

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Cat kidney disease is the leading cause of death in middle-aged and senior cats. Statistics show that approximately one-third of cats over 7 years old have some degree of kidney problems. The kidneys filter waste from the blood and maintain fluid and electrolyte balance. Once kidney function is compromised, toxins accumulate in the body. Chronic kidney disease is irreversible, but early detection and proper management can significantly slow disease progression.

Symptoms:

• Noticeably increased water intake
• Frequent urination with increased volume
• Inappropriate elimination (unable to reach litter box in time)
• Decreased appetite
• Weight loss
• Vomiting
• Lethargy and weakness
• Mouth ulcers and ammonia-smelling breath
• Rough, unkempt coat
• Sudden blindness from high blood pressure (severe cases)

Causes: The exact cause is often difficult to determine. Common factors include aging, chronic dehydration, hereditary polycystic kidney disease (PKD, common in Persian cats), chronic infections, toxin exposure, and high blood pressure.

Prevention:

• Ensure adequate hydration: This is the most important factor in preventing kidney disease. Place multiple water bowls, use water fountains, and feed wet food to increase your cat's water intake.
• Balanced diet: Avoid excessively high protein and phosphorus content. Choose high-quality protein sources.
• Regular health check-ups: Cats over 7 should have annual blood and urine tests to detect kidney function abnormalities early.
• Maintain healthy weight: Avoid the metabolic burden that comes with obesity.

Treatment: Treatment goals are to slow disease progression and maintain quality of life. This includes prescription kidney diets (low phosphorus, high-quality protein), subcutaneous fluid therapy, phosphate binders, anti-hypertensive medications, and medications to treat anemia. Regular follow-up appointments to monitor kidney function are essential.

Kidney Stones and Urinary Tract Stones

Cat urinary stones can occur in the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. The most common types are struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate) and calcium oxite stones. Male cats have narrower urethras, and if stones block the urethra, they cannot urinate – a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate treatment.

Symptoms:

• Blood in urine (pink or red urine)
• Frequent trips to litter box with little urine output
• Crying or showing pain while urinating
• Urinating outside the litter box
• Excessive licking of genital area
• Difficulty walking or abnormal posture
• Restlessness and irritability
• Complete inability to urinate (EMERGENCY!)

Prevention: Increasing water intake is key – feeding wet food is better than dry food for preventing stones. Choose appropriately formulated cat food and avoid excessive mineral content. Maintain healthy weight and encourage activity. Keep litter boxes clean so cats are willing to urinate normally.

Treatment: Some stones can be dissolved through prescription diets (such as struvite), while calcium oxalate stones require surgical removal. Urethral obstruction is a medical emergency requiring immediate catheterization. Long-term dietary management is needed after treatment to prevent recurrence.

Cat Skin Diseases

Ringworm (Dermatophytosis)

Cat ringworm is a highly contagious skin infection caused by fungi that can spread to other animals and even humans. Despite its name, ringworm has nothing to do with worms – it's caused by dermatophytes (skin fungi). Kittens, long-haired cats, and immunocompromised cats are more susceptible to this cat skin disease.

Symptoms:

• Itchy skin (though some cats don't scratch)
• Circular or irregular patches of hair loss
• Scaly, dry skin in affected areas
• Redness or gray crusty patches
• Excessive dandruff
• Brittle or deformed nails

Transmission: Spreads through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated objects (bedding, brushes, towels, etc.). Fungal spores can survive in the environment for months.

Prevention: Quarantine and observe new cats before introducing them to your household. Keep the environment clean and regularly wash cat supplies. Avoid contact with stray cats. Maintain your cat's good immune health.

Treatment: Mild infections can be treated with topical antifungal creams or medicated baths. Severe or widespread infections require oral antifungal medications, typically for 6-8 weeks. Thorough environmental cleaning and disinfection during treatment is essential to prevent reinfection and spread to other family members.

When Should You Take Your Cat to the Vet?

Cats are experts at hiding discomfort. Here are warning signs that require veterinary attention:

• Emergency (Seek immediate care): Unable to urinate for more than 12 hours, persistent severe vomiting, difficulty breathing, seizures, traumatic injury, suspected poisoning, sudden hind limb paralysis
• Urgent (See vet soon): Not eating for more than 24 hours, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, blood in urine or difficulty urinating, significant weight loss, persistent fever, extreme lethargy
• Schedule an appointment: Changes in appetite or drinking habits, changes in elimination habits, poor coat condition, mild limping, bad breath, behavior changes

The Importance of Regular Health Check-ups

Prevention is better than cure. Regular veterinary check-ups can help detect common cat diseases early. Recommended check-up frequency:

• Kittens (under 1 year): Every 3-4 months to complete vaccination schedule
• Adult cats (1-7 years): At least once a year
• Middle-aged cats (7+ years): Every 6 months, including blood and urine tests
• Senior cats (12+ years): Every 6 months with detailed examinations, closely monitoring kidney function, thyroid, and blood pressure

Petcore Veterinary Clinic provides comprehensive cat health check-up services, including physical examinations, blood tests, urinalysis, and diagnostic imaging to help you detect and address your cat's health problems early. If your cat shows any abnormal symptoms, please call to schedule a consultation.