Cat Illnesses
What To Watch For
Shelby Neely, BM, MA, VMD
Cat Illnesses are as diverse and complicated as yours and mine can be. My clients are often surprised to learn that cat anatomy is very similar to human anatomy. Having similar organs and body systems means their bodies can be affected with diseases similar to our own. Actually, in many cases, identical!
For example, there is very little difference in cat asthma and human asthma. You may be surprised to learn that the same inhalers used by people are at the forefront of cat treatments for asthma. Symptoms of cat colds are likewise the same symptoms you and I get when we have a cold.
 We can discuss cat anatomy in greater detail later. For now, just be aware that cats have a liver, kidneys, lungs, heart, pancrease, stomach, intestines, gall bladder, urinary bladder.....the list goes on and on. Therefore, they can have diabetes when their pancrease malfunctions, irritable bowel syndrome when their intestines are inflammed, heart failure, liver infection or inflammation such as hepatitis, kidney disease, asthma, pneumonia, lung cancer.... cat illnesses are just like human illnesses.
I will tell you more about the individual conditions and diseases your kitty can face, but for now I want you to learn the most important information that you need to know in order to detect cat illnesses early. I would much rather practice preventative medicine or diagnose sick cat symptoms while the condition is still early and treatable rather than finding it's too late. I know you want that for your cat also.
Several of the major diseases that cats can get have very similar symptoms, especially elderly cat health problems. But don't worry. If you notice any of the symptoms of cat diseases that I'm going to go over with you here, your vet can match those symptoms with the appropriate disease with a thorough exam and usually blood work. Occasionally, x-rays, urinalysis, or even ultrasound may be needed. Fortunately, veterinary medicine has the same methods of testing, diagnosis, and treatment these days that human physicians use. Please remember that your cat's chances of being helped are much greater AND your expenses much less if you go to the vet at the first sign of something unusual.
 Let me tell you what the most common symptoms of cat diseases are. It's simple and easy to remember. Only five things to remember. All you have to remember is right in front of you. What five things are the main things your cat does? Eat, Drink, Urinate, Defacate, and Sleep. Right? Well, that's all you have to keep your eyes on. Is your cat eating more or less? Drinking more or less? Urinating more or less? Having more frequent bowel movements or less frequent and is the stool harder or softer? Last, but not least, has your cat's activity level changed? Is he sleeping the same amount and acting the same as usual when he's awake? Or is he sluggish, less active, sleeping more?
If any one of those 5 functions change, observe carefully, even take notes, and call your vet right away. It could be nothing OR it could be early kidney problems, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, a urinary tract infection and a few other things, 99% of which can be cured or controlled IF CAUGHT EARLY.
It's worth repeating those 5 things one more time Appetite, Thirst, Urination, Bowel Movements, Activity Level. Pay close attention to those functions of your cat. Your observations are free, your vet bill cheaper when disease is diagnosed and treated early, but the cost when your observations save your cat's life.....PRICELESS!
Please click on the following link for an expanded version of this article with more tips on examining your cat at home.
How To Determine When Your Cat Needs Veterinary Attention
Learn About One of the Cat Illnesses Known As Feline Leukemia
Return From Cat Illnesses to Home page
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