Cats are amazing and graceful creatures that bring joy and comfort to human life. They are not only cute and affectionate pets, but also real healers. Many cat owners notice that their furry friends have a positive effect on their health and well-being. Studies show that socialising with cats can reduce stress and anxiety levels, normalise blood pressure and even improve heart function.

That's why they should be reciprocated with care and love, and their health should be monitored. After all, cats, like all living creatures, are subject to various diseases. Some of them can be especially dangerous and require special attention from the owners. In this article, we will look at the ten most dangerous diseases in cats.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

An infectious disease that affects cats' immune systems, weakening them and making the animals more vulnerable to other infections and diseases. This virus is similar to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) but is not dangerous to humans.

It is transmitted through bites during fights (the main route of infection). Sexual transmission. From an infected mother to her kittens.

Main symptoms:

  • Weakness and lethargy;
  • fever;
  • enlarged lymph nodes;
  • weight loss;
  • chronic infections (stomatitis, skin and respiratory problems);
  • possible neurological disorders.

There is no cure for FIV, but it is possible to maintain immunity with good nutrition, care, and treatment of secondary infections. It is important to have your pet seen by a veterinarian on a regular basis.

Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV)

An infectious disease that weakens a cat's immune system and can lead to various diseases such as anaemia, cancer, infections and others. This virus is considered one of the most serious health threats to cats.

It is transmitted through saliva, urine, faeces, and milk. Possible routes of infection: bites, shared bowls and litter trays, from mother to kittens.

Symptoms of the disease:

  • weakness;
  • fever;
  • weight loss;
  • anaemia;
  • skin and breathing problems.

There is no cure for FeLV, but it is important to maintain immunity through good nutrition, care and treatment of secondary infections. Regular visits to the veterinarian will help monitor the cat's condition. Prevention includes vaccination, regular vet check-ups and avoiding contact with infected animals. Vaccination is given in the 9th week after birth and repeated 2-4 weeks later. Annual vaccination is recommended thereafter.

Feline influenza

A contagious respiratory disease caused by viruses (calicivirus, herpes) and bacteria (chlamydia, bordetellae).

Transmitted through saliva, eye and nose secretions, contaminated surfaces, contact with sick cats.

Symptoms of influenza in cats include:

  • sneezing;
  • coughing;
  • eye inflammation;
  • lethargy;
  • fever;
  • mouth sores.

Treatment involves supporting the body with antiviral drugs, antibiotics and proper care.

Prevention includes vaccination, minimising contact with wild animals and good hygiene. Vaccination is given at 9 weeks after birth and is repeated annually.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a severe and often fatal disease caused by a mutation of feline coronavirus (FCoV). This virus usually causes mild intestinal infections in cats, but in some cases it can mutate, leading to a more serious form of the disease, infectious peritonitis.

It is transmitted through faeces, saliva, bodily fluids (shared bowls, litter trays, from mother to kittens).

Two forms of the disease are distinguished:

  1. Wet - fluid accumulates in the abdominal or thoracic cavity.
  2. Dry - granulomas (seals) are formed in the organs.

Symptoms:

  • Weight loss;
  • weakness;
  • fever;
  • lack of appetite.

There is no specific treatment, but it is possible to maintain the cat's condition through nutrition, grooming, and symptom management. Vaccination against feline coronavirus can reduce the risk of developing the disease.

Rabies

An acute infectious disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system of cats and other mammals. The disease is fatal to animals and humans because the virus affects the brain and spinal cord, causing paralysis and death.

Infection through bites and saliva from infected animals (foxes, raccoons, bats, squirrels) is possible.

Symptoms:

  • Aggression or excessive affection;
  • salivation;
  • paralysis;
  • incoordination;
  • photophobia;
  • seizures.

There is no treatment; the disease is always fatal. Confirmation of the diagnosis is possible only after death. It is important to isolate the sick animal and contact a veterinarian. Prevention is annual vaccination starting at 3 months of age.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD)

Chronic kidney disease is an irreversible disease in which the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste and maintain the balance of fluid and electrolytes in the body. CKD is most common in cats over 10 years of age and is one of the most common problems in older animals.

The main causes of the disease are: age, breed (Siams, Maine Coons), infections, poisoning (lilies), and inflammation.

Symptoms of the disease are:

  • thirst;
  • frequent urination;
  • weight loss;
  • lethargy;
  • vomiting;
  • foul odour from the mouth;
  • dull coat.

Treatment is aimed at slowing the disease: a diet low in protein and phosphorus, medication to support the kidneys and control blood pressure. It is important to check the cat's health regularly with a veterinarian.

Diabetes

A chronic disorder of insulin production and/or absorption that raises blood sugar levels.

Types:

  1. Type 1 - insulin deficiency, requires lifelong injections.
  2. Type 2 - cells do not respond to insulin, often occurs in obesity.

Symptoms:

  • thirst;
  • frequent urination;
  • weight loss with increased appetite;
  • lethargy;
  • changes in gait.

Treatment involves insulin injections, a low-carbohydrate diet, and weight control.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which a cat's thyroid gland begins to produce too much thyroxine (T4) hormone, resulting in an accelerated metabolism and various body abnormalities. This disease is common in older cats, usually over 10 years of age.

The main causes of the disease include: benign hyperplasia, genetics, excess iodine in the food, and chemicals.

Symptoms:

  • Weight loss with good appetite;
  • thirst;
  • hyperactivity;
  • tremors;
  • poor hair coat;
  • diarrhoea;
  • high blood pressure.

Treatment involves hormone-reducing drugs, a low-iodine diet, radioactive iodine, or surgery.

Infectious anaemia

A disease caused by bacteria that destroys red blood cells (red blood cells), leading to anaemia. This disease can be caused by several infections, including Mycoplasma haemofelis, which is the most common cause.

It is transmitted through flea bites, mosquito bites, blood transfusions and from mother to kittens.

Symptoms:

  • weakness;
  • weight loss;
  • pale or yellow mucous membranes;
  • rapid breathing.

Treatment includes antibiotics, drugs to stimulate hematopoiesis, and hormones to reduce inflammation.

Diseases of the urinary tract

Urinary tract diseases (UTDs) in cats include a variety of disorders that affect the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. These disorders can cause pain, discomfort, and even be life threatening to the pet if not treated in a timely manner.

The main causes are:

  • stress;
  • urolithiasis;
  • infections.

Symptoms:

  • Frequent and painful urination;
  • blood in the urine;
  • behavioural changes.

Diagnosis includes analyses and ultrasound. Treatment depends on the cause of the disease, antibiotics, a special diet are prescribed, if necessary, surgery is recommended.

Caring for the cat's health includes not only love and attention, but also regular preventive measures. Many diseases, such as infectious peritonitis, hyperthyroidism or diabetes mellitus, can be successfully controlled with timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. It is important to remember that regular visits to the vet, proper nutrition and immune system support play a key role in ensuring a long and healthy life for your pet.