Cats are one of the most popular pets around the world, with millions of people keeping them in their homes. However, cats can suffer from various illnesses and health problems that can affect their well-being. Cat diseases vary in nature, symptoms, and causes, including viral, bacterial, fungal infections, cancer, and genetic disorders. Some cat diseases can be serious and even fatal if not treated ly and correctly, such as respiratory, digestive, urinary, nervous system diseases, and issues with the eyes and ears. Unfortunately, cat owners often don't take their pets to the vet for preventive check-ups as dog owners do. Usually, the visit happens only when the cat is very ill or has injuries from a fight with another cat. Keep reading to learn more about the most common cat diseases and how to treat and prevent them.
 
 
Upper Respiratory Infections (URI) in Cats
 
 
Upper respiratory infections in cats are similar to the common cold in humans and are among the most common cat illnesses. These highly contagious viral and bacterial infections spread through contact with the saliva or nasal and eye secretions of infected cats. Once infected, a cat becomes a "chronic carrier" and may get sick when its immune system is weakened, such as during times of stress—like when a new pet joins the household, a move happens, or new family members arrive.
 
Common Causes of Upper Respiratory Infections in Cats
 
 
 
Viral Causes:
 
 
Feline Herpesvirus Type 1 (FHV-1) or Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR)
 
Feline Calicivirus (FCV)
 
Feline retroviruses like Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) or Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) can also contribute to URIs.
 
 
 
 
Bacterial Causes:
 
 
Bordetella bronchiseptica (B. bronchiseptica)
 
Chlamydophila felis (C. felis)
 
Mycoplasma spp. (bacteria), a less common contributor
 
 
 
 
Common Signs/Symptoms
 
 
Pus-like discharge from the eyes and nose
 
Coughing
 
Lethargy
 
Mouth ulcers
 
Sneezing
 
Fever
 
Reduced appetite
 
 
The diagnosis is generally based on your cat’s history and clinical signs. However, your vet may want to run tests, like blood work or FeLV and FIV tests, to check for underlying causes. The vet will prescribe appropriate treatment based on the severity of the symptoms.
 
Common Treatments
 
 
Pet-specific antibiotics
 
Use a humidifier or give steam baths for short periods to help with congestion
 
Add lysine to your cat’s diet, an amino acid known for its antiviral properties
 
Encourage eating by offering wet cat food, which has strong smells that attract cats
 
Clean the eyes and nose of any discharge
 
Reduce stress at home
 
 
Once infected, upper respiratory infections in cats usually last from seven to 21 days. Prevention is key to controlling the disease. Ensure your cat is vaccinated yearly against FeLV, especially if they go outside or are exposed to other cats. If you live in a multi-pet household, regularly disinfect shared items like food bowls, litter boxes, and bedding. Avoid direct contact with other infected cats.
 
 
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and 3. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
 
 
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a highly contagious and potentially fatal virus in cats. It suppresses the cat’s immune system, making it vulnerable to illness and secondary infections. The virus spreads through common contact, such as sharing food or water bowls. FeLV is diagnosed with a simple blood test, and most vets test for FeLV annually as part of a routine screening, depending on the cat’s lifestyle and risk of exposure. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is another highly contagious retrovirus that weakens the cat’s immune system, reducing its ability to fight infections. Cats typically spread FIV through bites and scratches during fights.
 
Common Signs/Symptoms of FeLV and FIV
 
 
No symptoms at all, as some cats are positive for the virus but never show signs of illness
 
Eye or nose discharge
 
Weight loss
 
Bad breath
 
Gum disease
 
Loss of appetite
 
Vomiting
 
Lethargy
 
Pale gums
 
 
Preventive Measures
 
Unfortunately, there’s no cure for FeLV and FIV; these are lifelong diseases. The good news is that they are not automatically fatal. All cats are at risk of infection, so prevention is essential.
 
 
Annual vaccinations, especially if your cat goes outside or is exposed to other cats
 
Annual preventive care visits and blood tests to assess exposure to the disease
 
Limit exposure to other cats. If possible, keep your cat indoors to reduce the risk of exposure to other cats.
 
Make sure any new cats in your home are free of diseases before bringing them home.
 
 
 
Cat Bites or Wounds
 
 
Cat fight wounds are common because cats are territorial by nature. Fighting is a behavioral response to defend their territory.
 
Male cats tend to fight more often and sustain more cat bite wounds than females. Most untreated cat bite wounds lead to infections, so treatment is crucial to prevent severe illnesses and diseases.
 
Local infections, such as abscesses or pockets of pus, are common complications of bite wounds. More serious developments like cellulitis and systemic diseases leading to infections or even sepsis can occur if bite wounds are left untreated.
 
Common Signs/Symptoms
 
 
Swelling under the skin that may feel warm and is usually painful
 
Limping
 
Lethargy
 
Fever
 
Excessive licking of the affected area
 
In severe cases: 
 
Lethargy and fever
 
Cellulitis - a bacterial infection affecting the tissue under the skin
 
In very rare cases, septic arthritis or osteomyelitis, an infection in the joint or bone
 
 
 
 
Common Treatments for Cat Bite Wounds
 
The vet will examine your cat's body, clean the wounds properly with an antiseptic, and recommend systemic antibiotics. If your vet treats the wounds with antibiotics within 24 hours, it’s likely to prevent local infections or abscesses. If your cat doesn't get antibiotics right away, an abscess may form, requiring more complex treatment. In the case of an abscess, the vet will recommend opening, draining, and cleaning the site with antiseptic fluid. More extensive wounds may require the removal of unhealthy tissue and the placement of a drainage tube for a few days. Your vet is the best person to develop an appropriate treatment plan for your cat. Prevention is crucial to avoid trauma from cat bites. Keeping your cat indoors during the evening, when cat fights are more common, can help prevent cat bruises and wounds.
 
Conclusion
 
It’s important for cat owners to take good care of their pets by conducting regular medical check-ups, vaccinating them, and giving them necessary treatments when needed. Owners should also be aware of symptoms that could indicate their cat is suffering from any cat diseases and ly visit a specialized vet for diagnosis and treatment.