1) Heart Conditions
Many cats are affected by heart conditions – including the feline heart murmur. You can detect this problem in kittens and young cats, and it can often fix itself over time as the cat grows older. However, some cats may develop more serious cardiovascular conditions.
2) Urinary Tract Disorders and Infections
Cats can be affected by FLUTD, also known as feline urologic syndrome (FUS). These urinary tract disorders are more common in males than females and can lead to an obstructed urinary tract, which is a life-threatening condition.
3) Bacterial Infections
When your cat’s immune system becomes compromised (like by stress, age, or pre-existing conditions), it can lead to serious bacterial infections. Vets will typically prescribe an antibiotic to treat these infections.
4) Intestinal Disorders
Feline constipation and feline inflammatory bowel disease (Feline IBD) are two of the most common intestinal disorders affecting cats. Some cats periodically get feline constipation throughout their lives. Vets will typically treat these problems using a cat food diet specially designed to remove hair balls.
5) Viral Infections
Viral infections are more common in stray cats. Typically, cats that are kept as pets will have the proper vaccinations needed to fight off viral infections. Cats get viruses just like humans do. They can even get the flu. Just like humans, cats with viral infections may need re-hydration treatments.
6) Respiratory Conditions
Chronic and acute respiratory conditions affect many cats. They can be caused by a wide range of things, including allergies, growths, parasites, fungi, abscesses, or the malfunctioning of vital organs (it can occur after congestive heart failure, for example).
7) Ringworm
Ringworm affects cats, dogs, and humans. As you may know, ringworm isn’t actually a worm. It’s a fungal disease transmitted through spores. More cats get ringworm than any other infectious skin disease. Cats can also transmit ringworm despite showing no symptoms.
8) Parasites
Parasites are common in cats. Sometimes, cats will have parasites despite showing virtually no symptoms. Nevertheless, parasites can always affect your cat’s body – like by weakening a cat’s resistance to other diseases.
9) Hair Balls
Yes, hair balls are a real health conditions suffered by many cats. Hair balls can lead to cat constipation, as we mentioned above.
Hair balls are caused when the rough sandpaper texture of your cat’s tongue pulls licked fur towards the back of the throat, where the cat swallows it and it enters the digestive tract.
Once the fur is in the digestive tract, it can bind together with food, causing blockages in the digestive system.
10) Feline Diabetes and Endocrine Disorders
Feline diabetes and endocrine disorders can affect all cats, but it’s particularly common among older, obese male cats.
Diabetes shows up differently in every cat. Treatments can also vary. With treatment, a diabetic cat can live a relatively normal life for many years. Some will even eventually reach a point where they don’t need diabetes medication.
If your cat is excessively thirsty or urinates a lot, then it may have diabetes. Other diabetes-related conditions we see in cats include feline hyperthyroidism.
The first step in protecting your cat’s health is knowing which disorders and diseases may affect your beloved pet. If you suspect your cat has any of the above conditions, don’t hesitate to visit a vet today.