Sadly, thousands of cat lives are lost yearly to communicable diseases. These could often be prevented with proper care. Other diseases are found in elderly cats, and due to longer lifespans, are becoming more common. The following diseases cause most of these feline deaths: feline distemper, FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus), giardia, and bartonella henselae.
Some major factors in the spread of communicable diseases are poor diet, aging, heredity, and allowing cats to roam outside. Stress can weaken the immune system which can cause the animal to be more susceptible to disease.
Senior cats are those aged ten or older. Common diseases in this population include chronic renal failure, hyperthyroidism, cancer, high blood pressure, and diabetes. The best way to prolong and maintain your cat’s quality of life is regular veterinary checkups and treatment of any conditions found.
Vaccinations can prevent many fatal cat diseases. Typically, kittens should receive vaccines at six to eight weeks of age, at 12 weeks, and at 16 weeks. An adult cat needs yearly exams and either vaccines or titers only if the cat is shown to demonstate immunity, and vaccination is not required by law. A feline that never goes outside may not need as many vaccines as a cat who routinely has contact with strange cats.
Feline diabetes mellitus is much like the human form. The following warning signs will alert you to the possibility of this disease: excessive thirst or excessive urination, weight loss, vomiting, poor appetite, weakness, worsened skin and coat condition, breathing problems, and dehydration.
Hepatic lipidosis otherwise known as the fatty liver disease is seen in older cats that are overweight and then owners put them on a diet and they lose weight too rapidly. Cats can also get this disease if they develop anorexia. Warning signs for this disease are loss of appetite, listlessness, rapid weight loss, a yellowing of the eyes or skin, vomiting, and an abdomen that swells.
Kidney disease is commonly seen in senior cats. The warning signs include weight loss, excessive thirst and urination, vomiting and loss of appetite, which contributes to weight loss.
Hyperthyroidism is also another disease that is common to older cats. Warning signs are again weight loss, increased thirst and increased urination, hyperactivity, and an increase in appetite, followed by vomiting and diarrhea.
Feline hypertension is possible in all ages of cats and is often seen in conjunction with other diseases such as kidney disease, heart disease, and hyperthyroidism. If your cat already has other diseases, your vet is likely to be monitoring for signs of this condition. Warning signs include a rapid heart rate or a heart murmur, dilated pupils that do not respond to light, or sudden blindness.
By making sure your cat receives the appropriate vaccinations and regular veterinary care, you will have the best chance of avoiding preventable diseases in your pet and catching other conditions in their early stages when treatment has the best chance of being successful.
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