General Health Links:
Animal Health Channel

CRF Info:
Tanya's Chronic Renal Failure Info
CRF in Cats and Dogs

Feline Diabetes Info:
Gorbzilla
Pets With Diabetes
Feline Diabetes

Feline Asthma Info:
Fritz The Brave 
Feline Sarcoma & Immunizations

Feline Diseases

Listed below is a summary of the major feline diseases and contain a general overview to give pet owners an idea of what these disease are and what symptoms to be on the look out for in their cats. They are in no way complete to cover all aspects of the illnesses. For more extended information, check health links on the left side of this page and on the cat  links page.

If you are concerned your cat is ill, take your cat to the vet ASAP!!
 

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

FeLV is a usually fatal viral disease that affects the cats immune system.
Cats at most risk are outside cats as they can get into altercations with strays/ferals who have not been inoculated. FeLV can be passed through bite wounds.
Kittens have the highest risks of contracting FeLV. And male cats are more susceptible than females.


Symptoms
There are a wide variety of symptoms with no set pattern and can include, Decreased appetite, lethargy, bowel irregularity, excessive thirst and urination, dehydration, recurring fevers and infections, weight loss.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

FIP is a viral disease which is usually fatal. It is caused by a coronavirus. Coronaviruses are common and generally have mild symptoms but  the virus is mutated in FIP. Cats under 2 years or over 10 years of age and those who are in ill health are most susceptible to FIP.

Symptoms
There are two types of FIP, "wet" and "dry". Wet FIP is characterized by a pot belly appearance which is caused by fluid build up in the abdomen, and symptoms can include  lethargy and loss of appetite.
Dry FIP has less fluid retention and  symptoms can include neurological problems, seizures, weight loss, kidney or liver failure, and fever.
 

Feline Panleukopenia (FP)

More commonly known as Feline Distemper. FP is a highly contagious viral disease and can strike any cats at any age from kitten to senior cat, which calls for an urgency to get your cats vaccinated as soon and as early as possible.

Symptoms
Symptoms include loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea which may be bloody, dehydration, and will usually have a hunched over posture.
 

Symptoms Of Other Feline Diseases

Arthritis
Noticeable stiffness when arising from a prone position, slow movements, swollen joints,

Allergies

Cats can suffer from different forms of allergies: inhalant, skin, flea, food and contact allergies.

Inhalant: Like humans cats can suffer from seasonal  and indoor allergies. Symptoms include  itchy skin and the cat will often scratch or bite at her body and paws.

Flea: Flea allergy is common in cats and dogs. It is not the flea itself your pet is allergic to but rather the flea's saliva and can cause intense itching that results in the cat having bald patches and scabs.
Food: In cats, the most common food allergies are fish, beef, and dairy products.

Diabetes
Increased thirst, excessive water consumption. Increased urination.

Kidney Disease/Renal Failure
Increased thirst and excessive water consumption. Decreased or increased urination, lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, depression.

Thyroid Disease
Excessive hunger and weight loss. Restlessness, excessive shedding, dull unkempt look to cat's fur. Diarrhea.

Upper Respiratory Infection
Symptoms are basically the same as with humans...sneezing, watery eyes, fever, runny or stuffy nose, lack of appetite.

Urinary Tract Infection
Trouble urinating, straining, frequent trips to the litter box. Blood in urine, painful urination, inappropriate urination.