Feline Health

Feline Health Issues

Cats are hardy creatures, for the most part, which accounts for their very successful survival through the ages, and in the face of mass attempts at eradicating them. Through all that, they are still here. However, as individuals, they are prone to a number of diseases, conditions, maladies, and problems (mostly from people). Many of their health issues will be covered here, added to the list as time goes by, so keep checking back to see my progress and what conditions have been added. If there is one you need information about, let me know and that could be my next project.

If you want your cats to live a long and healthy life, it is best to keep them indoors, where there are few hazards and you can keep an eye on them. Allowed to roam the neighborhood, cats are vulnerable to such things as being hit by a car, poisoned (either accidentally or purposely), being stolen, getting injured by humans or other animals, or being exposed to a number of diseases from strays in the area.

Distemper often is rampant in outdoor populations, so if your Fluffy gets exposed to a cat with that, he had better have his vaccinations up to date, and even that is no real guarantee he will not get it. If his immunity is up, though, and he does get infected, at least it's possible he'll have a minor case and survive.

Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) can steal your cat's life away somewhat insidiously, so there are signs you need to be aware of and watch for.

Hepatic Lipidosis can sneak up your kitty as well, but it usually is preventable. Since this is an eating problem, this topic is listed on the Eating Problems page, half way down. Just click on the Hepatic Lipidosis link.

Feline Leukemia is fairly common, but is not necessarily a death sentence.

Obesity can be a real problem with indoor cats if you don't provide them with enough to do.

Parasites are extremely common in cats, and while preventable, many of them are very frustrating to fight.

Pregnancy is a health issue because it involves the well-being of mother cat and all her kittens. As an owner, care-giver or concerned person, one needs to do what is best for all of them, and when it's over, get everyone spayed and neutered!

Rabies is well controlled these days, but it is still such a dangerous disease it is essential to maintain the vaccination protocols developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, as more is learned of this disease and as vaccines are improved, those protocols are changing, too.

Common Acronyms

ARF - Acute Renal Failure
CHF – Congestive Heart Failure
CRF - Chronic Renal Failure
FCI - Feline Calicivirus Infection
FeLeuk - Feline Leukemia
FeLV – Feline Leukemia Virus
FIP - Feline Infectious Peritonitis
FIV - Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
FLUTD – Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease
FLV – Feline Leukemia Virus
FPN - Feline Pneumonitis
FPV - Feline Parvovirus
FUS - Feline Urological Syndrome
FVR - Feline (Viral) Rhinotracheitis
URI - Upper Respiratory Infection
UTI - Urinary Tract Infection

Ringworm is not a disease. It could fit into the parasite category, but it's actually a fungal infection, which places it more into a gray area - or into its very own category.

Senior Cats deserve special treatment to make their golden years more comfortable and happy - and yours, too!

Sneezing is not a disease, either, but it can signal several health problems, including upper respiratory diseases, or non-infectious conditions, such as allergies, foreign bodies, or sensitivity to household products.