What is the most common illness in cats?

Feline Leukemia Virus (FelV) First discovered in the 1960s, feline leukemia virus is a transmittable RNA retrovirus that can severely inhibit a cat's immune system. It is one of the most commonly diagnosed causes of disease and death in domestic cats.

What is the number one killer of cats?

1... The number one infectious disease killer of cats in the United States today is Feline Leukemia Virus, or FeLV. FeLV destroys the cat's immune system so that he falls prey to anemia, cancer or infectious diseases that a healthy cat would not get. A simple blood test is 99% accurate in diagnosing the disease.

What illnesses can a cat have?

What are the worst cat diseases?

How do indoor cats get sick?

In most cases, cats catch colds just like people do — through exposure to a virus. According to one veterinary account, almost 90% of cat colds are caused by viruses. However, some bacteria can also cause URIs. Once a cat is infected, it can pass the virus on to other cats, often through sneezing or coughing.

The 10 Most Common Diseases in Cats

What are the signs of cat dying?

What are the symptoms of FIV?

What are the signs of kidney failure in cats?

What are the first signs of kidney disease?

Generally, earlier stages are known as 1 to 3. And as kidney disease progresses, you may notice the following symptoms. Nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps, loss of appetite, swelling via feet and ankles, dry, itchy skin, shortness of breath, trouble sleeping, urinating either too much or too little.

What's the average lifespan of a house cat?

Indoor cats live on average 10-15 years, while outdoor cats live on average 2-5 years This handout is intended to help you sort out the pros and cons associated with each lifestyle so you can rest assured your cat will have both an enriched life and protection from environmental hazards.

What are the first signs of feline leukemia?

What is FeLV in a cat?

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is one of the most common infectious diseases in cats, affecting between 2 and 3% of all cats in the United States. Infection rates are significantly higher (up to 30%) in cats that are ill or otherwise at high risk (see below).

What is the average lifespan of a cat with FIV?

Cats infected with FIV may live for months or years. On average, life expectancy is 5 years from the time of diagnosis depending on how active the infection is. There is a FIV vaccination given twice initially, then yearly thereafter for outside cats or cats exposed to outside cats due to the potential of cat bites.

Is my cat dying or just sick?

A dying cat may have an abnormal breathing pattern, with her respiratory rate speeding up and slowing down at random. She may even stop breathing for short periods of time and then start back up again.

Do cats purr when they are dying?

While dying cats may show their contentment through purring, they may also purr as a coping mechanism -- purring has been shown to strengthen the cat's muscles, and may even release endorphins that help her deal with whatever pain she's going through.

How do you comfort a sick cat?

What is the difference between FIV and FeLV?

Although they are both viruses that attack the immune system, they are not the same. FIV is commonly transmitted via blood and saliva e.g. bite wounds, whereas FeLV is commonly transmitted via body secretion exchanges e.g. mutual grooming, sharing of litter boxes, sharing of food and water bowls.

Can FIV be spread through water bowls?

FIV typically does NOT spread through cats grooming each other, sharing food and water bowls, or sharing a litter box.

What are the stages of FIV?

There are three phases of infection with FIV - the acute phase, the asymptomatic (or latent) phase, and the progressive phase. The acute phase of infection generally occurs 1-3 months after infection. At this time, the virus is carried to lymph nodes, where it reproduces in white blood cells known as T-lymphocytes.

Is sneezing a symptom of feline leukemia?

Some cats infected with feline leukemia will show no signs at all. When symptoms do occur, they can appear in almost any form. Common symptoms include lack of appetite, lethargy, fever, and weight loss. Respiratory symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, runny eyes, or a runny nose may be seen.

How did my indoor cat get feline leukemia?

How Can My Cat Get Feline Leukemia? FeLV is transmitted from other infected cats "shedding" the virus — a time when the virus is replicating in the body and released into the environment through their saliva, nasal secretions, urine, feces, and milk.

What does cat leukemia look like?

Symptoms of Feline Leukemia Virus

Yellow color in the mouth and whites of eyes. Enlarged lymph nodes. Bladder, skin, or upper respiratory infections. Weight loss and/or loss of appetite.

When do cats show symptoms of feline leukemia?

Cats can test positive within a few weeks after exposure, but almost all cats who are positive for the virus will be so by 28 days.

Should a cat with feline leukemia be put down?

Should Cats with Feline Leukemia Be Put Down? Cats who get feline leukemia do not need to be put down. About 70% of cats who get feline leukemia are able to fight the virus and secondary infections with sustained care. Sometimes, in the case of abortive infections, they can even cure themselves.

What causes stomatitis in cats?

Factors that can predispose a cat to stomatitis include retroviral diseases such as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). Additional causes may include Calicivirus, Juvenile Onset Periodontitis, periodontal disease, and genetics.