Your feline friend is a part of your family and you would do anything to keep them happy and healthy. As a cat parent, it is important to know some of the common health problems that cats can experience in their lifetime. While not every cat will experience these problems, it is better to be aware of them and know the signs or symptoms to look for.

At Paradise Point Animal Hospital in Phoenix, we offer a variety of veterinary services to help keep your cat healthy and happy. Our feline wellness plans are designed to ensure that your cat is getting the care they need throughout every stage of their lives. Along with our wellness plans, we believe that informing cat parents can help ensure that their furry friend remains as healthy as possible. In this blog, we are going to talk about some of the most common health problems that your cat may experience. Read on to learn more and be sure to contact us if you notice any symptoms that your cat may be displaying.

FIV

FIV stands for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and is similar to HIV in humans. FIV attacks your cat’s immune system, making them more susceptible to other illnesses and infections. This is a slow-acting virus, and your cat may not show symptoms until years after the initial infection occurred. Once the disease takes hold, your cat’s immune system will be severely weakened.

While FIV cannot be cured, it can be controlled with treatments. If your cat is diagnosed with FIV, they will need to get treatments for the rest of their lives to help them fight off other illnesses and infections. Some symptoms of FIV include fever, eye and nose discharge, sneezing, hair loss, dental disease, and swollen lymph nodes.

FLUTD

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Diseases, otherwise known as FLUTD, is said to affect up to three percent of cats. FLUTD is actually a group of feline diseases with multiple causes. Male and female cats can get FLUTD and it often occurs if cats are overweight, unfit, or eat dry food. A multi-cat household, stress, and sudden changes can all increase the risk of a cat getting FLUTD. While there are treatment options from FLUTD, the treatment depends on the type of FLUTD your cat has.

There are many symptoms of FLUTD to look out for, including an increase in their drinking, straining to urinate, bloody urine, urinating in unusual places, crying when urinating, licking around the urinary area, dehydration, depression, lack of appetite, and vomiting. If you notice any of these issues, be sure to contact your vet right away. It is also important to remember that your cat not being able to urinate is always considered an emergency!

FeLV

FelV was first discovered in the 1960s and stands for Feline Leukemia Virus. FeLV is a transmittable RNA retrovirus that can severely impact your cat’s immune system. This is one of the most commonly diagnosed causes of disease and death in domestic cats.

Similar to FIV, symptoms of FeLV do not show up right away. If you bring a new cat into your home or you notice your cat is acting sick, be sure to bring them in to be tested for FeLV.

Upper Respiratory Infections

The most common type of infection among cats is an upper respiratory infection. The respiratory tract, which includes the nose, throat, and sinus area, is susceptible to infections that are caused by a variety of viruses and bacteria.

Be sure to pay attention to the signs of a respiratory infection so that you can bring your car in right away for treatment. Some of the symptoms of a respiratory infection include sneezing, nasal discharge, and difficulty breathing.

Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is a very serious issue when it comes to your cat’s health. The kidneys play an important role in your cat’s daily life and if left untreated, kidney disease can cause the kidneys to start failing, which could result in death.

Older cats and cats that are allowed to go outside are much more likely to develop kidney disease than young and indoor cats. This disease occurs when the kidney tissues fail to remove toxins from the body. The symptoms of kidney disease include increased water intake, urinating more than usual, quick and excessive weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Allergies

Allergies in cats are another common health problem, which can lead to a number of different issues. Depending on what causes your can to have allergies or an allergic reaction, the symptoms will be different. If your cat gets bit by a flea, it can cause an allergic reaction which will lead to over-grooming, itching, and hair loss. An allergic reaction to their food or other dietary allergies can cause excessive shedding, vomiting, and diarrhea. Contact allergies or other underlying allergies could lead to raw spots or hot spots, which could, in turn, lead to yeast or bacterial infections. Ear infections can also be caused by allergies.

Allergies in cats are common and can lead to a number of different issues. These symptoms of allergies can sometimes look like other, more serious issues, so it is best to get your cat checked out if you notice any of these symptoms.

There are many common health issues that cats can experience throughout their lives. These are a few of the most common and most serious health problems that you should be aware of in order to keep your cat healthy and happy!

If you notice your cat showing signs of any of these health conditions, be sure to contact our team at Paradise Point Animal Hospital in Phoenix. We will be able to diagnose your cat and find the right treatment for them! If you notice any other odd or different behaviors in your cat that are concerning, be sure to get in touch with us right away.

Check out our feline wellness plans. They offer everything your cat needs to live a healthy life throughout every stage of their lives!