Cats are notorious for trying to hide their discomfort or pain, including when they are sick. As a cat owner, you should know the most common illnesses among cats, how they are contracted, and what to do if your pet gets sick.
Upper respiratory infections, stomach problems from intestinal parasites, and viruses that cause immunodeficiency are common in cats. Many viruses are transmitted through direct contact, like when cats groom one another. If you notice sneezing, lethargy, behavioral changes, or other common symptoms of illness in your cat, take it to the vet. There are definitive tests for most cat illnesses, and, while there isn’t a cure for every virus or sickness, there are most likely treatments that can help you improve your cat’s quality of life.
Call us today at (404) 793-6178 for more information about Rosewell, GA cat sitting services from Critter Sitters.
What Are the Most Common Illnesses in Cats?
Several illnesses are especially common in cats, including FHV-1, FeLV, FPV, and FIV.
Upper Respiratory Infections from FHV-1
Recurrent upper respiratory infections caused by feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) are especially common. Symptoms include runny eyes, sneezing, lethargy, reduced appetite, congestion, and fever. Over 90% of cats have been exposed to FHV-1, so it’s extremely common. FHV-1 is manageable with antiviral drugs, and some cats never show any symptoms of this virus. While manageable, FHV-1 is not curable in cats and is highly contagious.
Sickness from Intestinal Parasites
Intestinal parasites in cats can cause vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and weight loss. Common parasites that affect cats include roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. Worms are common in rescued cats and kittens and can be treated with deworming medication after a fecal test confirms the diagnosis. Within 2 to 4 weeks, all worms may be gone, and with them your cat’s negative symptoms.
Sickness from External Parasites
External parasites, such as fleas, ticks, and mites, are another common cause of discomfort in cats. Flea bites can cause severe itching and painful, serious allergic reactions in cats. If your cat spends any time outdoors, a monthly preventative flea treatment can prevent these situations.
FeLV
FeLV, or feline leukemia virus, is a serious retrovirus spread mostly through saliva transfer, which primarily happens when cats groom each other. FeLV can seriously compromise a cat’s immune system, ultimately causing cancer, anemia, or other major health concerns. There is no cure for FeLV, but it can be managed by treating secondary infections caused by the cat’s weakened immune system through early intervention.
FPV
Feline panleukopenia virus, FPV, is extremely contagious among cats. It also has a very high mortality rate. Kittens must be vaccinated against FPV within the first few weeks of life to prevent infection. Adult cats continue to receive booster shots throughout the years to maintain their vaccination status against FPV.
FIV
Feline immunodeficiency virus, FIV, causes dental issues like gingivitis, chronic infections, major weight loss, lethargy, fever, behavioral changes, inflamed eyes, and even enlarged lymph nodes. Symptoms may take years after infection to become noticeable and concerning. FIV is typically transmitted via deep bite wounds sustained during fights and is diagnosable with a simple blood test.
What if I Need a Pet Sitter for My Sick Cat?
When your cat is on medication to beat a virus, infection, or other medical issue, you can’t risk its progress by going out of town and interrupting its treatment. If work or other obligations take you away from your sick cat and you need a sitter, Critter Sitters can help.
Our sitters have experience with all types of cats, including kittens, seniors, and cats on medications. We can schedule more frequent visits if your cat needs medication several times a day, and we can send you confirmation each time we administer a dose.
We can also watch for any symptoms you’re most concerned about and take your cat to the vet if its health declines while you’re away. You can request more frequent or detailed updates if you’re concerned about your cat’s health and feel confident that it is safe in our care.
FAQs About the Common Illnesses That Cats Can Catch
How Do Cats Catch Common Illnesses?
Most cats catch common illnesses because of direct contact with another cat. Viruses spread when cats groom each other, fight, or have other contact.
Can You Test for Common Cat Illnesses?
You can test for the most common cat illnesses to get a definitive answer about your cat’s health by taking it to the vet and requesting testing. If your cat recently got out of the house and has exhibited symptoms, you can test it for common, highly contagious viruses such as FeLV or FPV.
Can You Vaccinate Against Common Cat Illnesses?
You can vaccinate against many, but not all, of the common illnesses that cats can catch.
What Are Common Signs of Illness in Cats?
Behavioral changes, litter box issues, dull or greasy fur, bald spots, sudden weight loss, sneezing, coughing, running eyes, nasal discharge, persistent vomiting, diarrhea, breathing problems, sudden collapse, inability to urinate, and seizures are all signs of illness in cats that should be taken seriously.
What if Your Cat Shows Signs of Illness?
If your cat shows signs of illness and does not improve, go to the vet. Describe your cat’s symptoms to the vet and let them test for common viruses or parasites. You may get the answers you are looking for and the treatment your cat needs to improve its health.
Are There Treatments for Common Cat Illnesses?
There are treatments for most common cat illnesses, but there aren’t cures for all of them, such as FeLV and FIV. With the right medications, your cat might stop exhibiting symptoms and get back to its normal life. Early intervention is important, as is vaccinating your cat against common viruses.
Reach Out to Our Cat Sitters Right Now
Call (404) 793-6178 to schedule a cat sitter from Critter Sitters today.
