Cats Infections / Disease Articles

Vaccinations can help prevent most cat infections/disease. All cats should be properly vaccinated between 6 and 10 weeks of age at the very latest. Between 6 and 10 weeks of age, maternal antibodies are no longer protective. This means, the cat will have to rely on his own underdeveloped immune system to fight off common cat infections/disease such as distemper, rabies, feline influenza, Lyme disease, and ringworm. Fortunately, parvovirus, distemper, adenovirus, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, lyme, bordetella, rabies, and corona vaccines are all readily available in the U.S. Want to learn more about cat infections/disease and prevention? Continue reading to get the facts.

• Zoonotic Disease Info

  Zoonoses or zoonotic diseases are those that can potentionaly affect both people and other animals. Here we will talk about just a few of the things you can and can't catch from your pet.

• Zoonotic Disease - things you can catch from your pet - or not

  What diseases can you catch from your pet-information about zoonotic diseases.

• Zoonotic Disease - Rose Grower’s Disease

  Rose grower's disease is caused by sporothrix schenckii, I think. If that is the case, there is some controversy over the value of culturing this organism.

• Zoonotic Disease - Rabies

  Rabies information including zoonotic info and vaccination details

• When Does Cat Diarrhea Require Veterinary Care?

  Cat diarrhea may occur because of minor causes, but can also be a symptom of a more serious condition. Diarrhea is not a disease; it is a symptom of an underlying problem or illness.

• VetInfo4Cats.com

  Information for cat owners regarding cat health and behavioral issues, including information on various feline viruses and diseases.

• Urinary Problems in Cats

  Trauma is the most common cause of inability to empty the bladder in cats. This is most commonly associated with spinal cord injury, often due to a condition referred to as "tail jerk" in which the tail is pulled or held still while the cat continues to move

• Understanding Viral Cat Eye Infection

  A viral cat eye infection is also known as conjunctivitis, and is a condition that needs immediate attention due to the severe implications it may have.

• Understanding Feline Sneezing and Upper Respiratory Infection

  Generally characterized by feline sneezing, upper respiratory infections in cats are very common. The symptoms and severity of illness may vary, but upper respiratory infections should be promptly treated to prevent secondary infections and spread to other animals.

• Triad Syndrome in Cats

  Triad syndrome is the name used to describe the occurrence of pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease and cholangiohepatitis at the same time, which seems to be a fairly common problem in older cats. It has only recently been recognized as a syndrome and there isn't a lot of information on why it might occur or on what the relationship is between the three conditions that causes them to occur concurrently.

• Treating Fungal Infections in Cats With Nizoral

  Nizoral is an efficient antifungal medication. It is used to treat yeast infections in cats as well as ringworms and other fungal infections.

• Treating Cat Bite Infection

  The cat saliva is a carrier of multiple bacteria and this is the reason why a cat bite is likely to get infected. A cat bite wound can turn into a serious infection within 12 hours after the biting and over 40% of wounds get infected.

• Treating Bacterial Infections in Cats with Lincomycin

  Lincomycin is an antibiotic given to cats to treat bacterial infections and is sometimes known as Lincocin. This medication can be used for a variety of infections...

• Treating a Feline Ear Infection with Corticosteroids

  The ear infection is a common feline infection. The infection may be caused by ear mites, otitis or allergies.

• Treating a Cat’s Head Abscess with Antibiotics

  Perceiving a swelling or injury on a cat head can be a worrying experience. More often than not, this injury could be the start of an abscess.

• Treating a Cat Yeast Infection With Miconazole

  Cat yeast infections can develop within a feline's ear canals, anal sacs, rectum and vagina. Cat malassezia is a type of yeast that can grow naturally on...

• Treating a Cat Infection With Antibiotics

  There are several considerations to take when treating a cat infection with antibiotics. Antibiotics are highly effective in treating feline infections, but they may cause some painful side effects.

• Toxoplasmosis, Human Pregnancy, Infants and Cats

  Toxoplasmosis is a disease that can be transmitted from cats to humans (although other infection routes such as undercooked meat are much more frequent). If a pregnant woman is infected with this parasite for the first time during a pregnancy the effect on the baby can be severe.

• Toxic to Cats

  There are a number of chemicals and objects that are toxic/poisonous to cats. This comprehensive list will tell you what shouldn't be ingested by your cat. In cats, the most common poisoning that we see in our practice at this time is permethrin poisoning.

• The 4 Most Common Cat Disease Symptoms

  A cat disease is often diagnosed by the symptoms presented. Since cats cannot talk, it can be difficult for pet owners to know when a feline is not feeling well.

• The 10 Most Common Male Cat Diseases

  A male cat, especially if not neutered can be exposed to several diseases. Understanding the causes and reading the symptoms help you keep your cat healthy.

• Surgery and Surgical Complications in cats

  Removal of the suture remnants seemed to calm the problem down but I think it took about 2 weeks after we removed the sutures before the dog (this patient was a dog) finally was willing to leave the area alone.

• Sudden Death in Cats

  Sudden death in cats occurs for several reasons. The most common ones are probably cardiomyopathy and heartworm disease.

• Stopping Male Cat Spraying With Neutering

  A male cat will often use spraying as a signaling mechanism to mark his territory. Neutering can stop this behavior, however if the spraying is caused...

• Should Pregnant Women Clean Cat Litter Boxes?

  Cat litter boxes can pose a risk of toxoplasmosis infection to pregnant women. But that doesn't mean you have to give up your cat because you're pregnant.

• Rhinotracheitis (feline herpes virus 1) in Cats

  Most cats are infected with rhinotracheitis (feline herpes virus 1). Estimates vary from 70% to 95% of cats being chronically infected but it is likely that it is closer to 90% than to 70%. Cats are usually infected when they are young but because the virus...

• Respiratory Problems in Cats

  Chronic bronchitis does sometimes occur in cats. It is also usually responsive to corticosteroids, although antibiotics seem to be necessary (at least I think so based on my patients) when chronic bronchitis is present. Chronic bronchitis doesn't respond as well to bronchodilators as asthma, usually.

• Renal Failure in Cats

  The purpose of fluid therapy in cats with chronic renal failure is to keep them adequately hydrated so that their kidneys can function to the maximum capacity that is left.

• Rabies Vaccination

  In all states, rabies vaccinations are required by law. The first rabies vaccination is good for one year. In many states subsequent vaccinations are good for three years.

• Preventing Transmission of Feline AIDS

  Preventing transmission of feline AIDS by getting your cat vaccinated and keeping her from fighting will help her enjoy a long life of good health. Understanding how the virus is transmitted will help you take preventative measures.

• Preventing Toxoplasmosis Infection From Cats During Pregnancy

  The risk of contracting toxoplasmosis during pregnancy is very rare. Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection that can cause birth defects in unborn children.

• Photo Gallery - Toxic Cat

  An example of the classic swollen face associated with acetaminophen toxcicty.

• Photo Gallery - Skin Problems - Acute Moist Pyoderma

  This is often a chronic condition , secondary to other disorders such as immune deficiencies and various allergic conditions.

• Photo Gallery - Ear Problems in Cats

  A soft swelling containing blood usually in the inner surface of the ear caused by trauma. In cats the condition is usually caused by bite wounds or digging at ear mites.

• Pemphigus in Cats

  Pemphigus foliaceous - My 8 year old Birman male cat has just been diagnosed with Pemphigus Foliaceous. He has constant infections of the toes, has acne around his mouth and nasal passage, and some inflammation around his penis.

• Pancreatitis in Cats

  My cat has had 2 bouts of pancreatitis. The first time, she was treated for inflammatory bowel disease. The second time, an ultrasound revealed that her pancreas was inflamed, so they were better able to diagnose the problem.

• Oral problems - Stomatitis

  There are several studies that suggest that thalidomide may be useful for HIV syndromes, including gastrointestinal disease and Kaposi's sarcoma. I can not find any research studies that involved the use of thalidomide for cats with FIV.

• Neurological Disorders in Cats

  There is a condition in cats that is referred to as feline hyperesthesia syndrome. In this condition, a cat's skin "rolls" or twitches over its back, from about the level of the last rib to the base of the tail. During these episodes many cats have dilated eyes.

• Natural Remedies for Treating a Cat Cold

  There are many natural remedies for treating a cat cold. For the most effective treatment, determine the cause of the cold, whether cat flu, infection or virus, and proceed with the appropriate treatment.

• Nail and Foot Problems

  There are a number of possible causes of nail bed infection (paronychia). When one or two nails on the same foot are involved a bacterial infection is very likely. When more than one or two nails are involved or when the problem occurs on more than one foot it is more likely that there is an underlying problem leading to the visible nail disease.

• My Cat has this problem - Symptoms

  Fleas are probably the most common problem, followed by allergies (inhalant/atopy, food, contact), bacterial skin infections, ringworm (fungal skin infections) and psychological causes (psychogenic alopecia, obsessive-compulsive disorder). It can be hard to figure out how strongly to consider the psychological causes without trying to rule out all the other causes.

• Megacolon

  Feline Medical Encyclopedia - Megacolon occurs for a number of reasons, anything that can make it hard for the cat to pass stool long enough to lead to serious constipation.

• Liver and Gall Bladder Problems in Cats 2

  It is pretty important in cats to determine the nature of the liver disease prior to choosing a diet. Cats most commonly have either cholangiohepatitis or hepatic lipidosis. These diseases require an entirely different approach to dietary management.

• Kidney Failure and Disease 2

  Dear Dr. Richards I would like your advice on how best to keep my Persian cat who has been diagnosed with acute kidney failure. Perhaps I should start with the beginning: In early May 1998, my 8 1/2 year old Persian cat who has never been sick before refuse to eat or drink.

• Kidney Failure and Disease

  It is a much harder choice when we discover signs of kidney insufficiency on a routine examination of an otherwise healthy cat, or in blood work that turns up another illness that seems to be the current problem.

• Insulin and Regulating Diabetes

  Diabetic pets frequently have bladder infections as a complication of the disease. The sugar in the urine compromises the immune system and may also provide a better environment for bacteria to grow in.

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Cats 2

  My 11 year old cat (Otto) was diagnosed with IBD last february after two months of a lot of vomiting, diarrhea, and unanswered questions. He was having diarrhea approximately 2x per day for about two to three weeks

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Cats

  Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is probably the most common cause of chronic vomiting or diarrhea in cats under the age of 8 to 10 years. It is unclear at this time whether this is one condition or several conditions that appear very much alike. In older cats, hyperthyroidism is also a common cause of vomiting or regurgitation.

• Infectious Diseases of Cats

  Cats are susceptible to a number of viral infections, including feline leukemia virus. The virus that infects the most cats is probably feline herpes virus 1, which is also called rhinotracheitis virus. It is likely that most cats are infected with this virus.

• Infectious Disease - Rabies

  It is possible to transmit rabies through saliva entering a pre-existing wound. There are rare cases in which the virus is aerosolized and enters wounds, as well. I know this has happened at least once in a laboratory. However, the risk of rabies transference in either of these cases is pretty low, since it circumstances have to be just right.

• Infectious Disease - Herpes Virus or Rhinotracheitis 2

  Herpes virus is the most common cause of the clinical signs you are seeing in your cat, so it is very likely that your vet is correct in this diagnosis, just based on the odds. There are many options for treatment.

• Infectious Disease - Herpes Virus or Rhinotracheitis

  Most cats are infected with rhinotracheitis (feline herpes virus 1). Estimates vary from 70% to 95% of cats being chronically infected but it is likely that it is closer to 90% than to 70%. Cats are usually infected when they are young but because the virus is a herpesvirus it can live in the body long term and surface at times of stress or immune compromise.

• Infectious Disease - Feline Leukemia 2

  We were just told that the litter has tested positive for Feline Leukemia. We are testing both cats. What do we do if the kitten was born with it?

• Infectious Disease - Feline Leukemia

  In general, almost any clinical sign of illness can be related to feline leukemia virus so it is a concern in any ill cat. Vomiting is not the most common sign and your cat's history is not highly suggestive of this disease but it would be best to have your cat checked by your vet to find out what is going on.

• Infectious - Ringworm

  Ringworm infections are often self-limiting, clearing up in 6 to 8 weeks whether they are treated, or not. But this is not always the case and there are cats who have very persistent problems with ringworm. In addition, many of the cats who no longer have ringworm lesions are still carriers of the disease.

• Infections Cats Get From Other Pets

  If you notice symptoms of certain contagious diseases in one of your pets, cats should be treated as well. There are several conditions that can spread from domestic...

• Hyperthyroidism Treatments in Cats

  My cat has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. I need to make an informed decision concerning her treatment. Her Free T4 is 84; last year it was 50 (borderline).

• Hyperthyroidism in Cats

  Cats with hyperthyroidism often have kidney damage but paradoxically, hyperthyroidism often masks kidney damage. For this reason, it is a good idea to carefully monitor the T4 level.

• Human Health Problems Associated with Pets

  Human health problems and pet diseases - zoonotic diseases that affect people.

• How Cat Toxoplasmosis is Contracted

  Cat toxoplasmosis is a contagious infection that may be transmitted to other pets or humans. The infection is caused by toxoplasma gondii, which is a parasite...

• Hormonal Disorders of Cats

  Acromegaly is a disorder in which there is overproduction of growth hormone. It usually occurs in adult cats approaching "senior" status, due to pituitary gland tumors (pituitary adenomas) that produce growth hormone. In cats, hypothyroidism is considered to be very rare. So rare that I have only seen one clinical case report involving more than one cat and it related to congenital hypothyroidism occurring in two kittens who were littermates.

• Hormonal - Cushing’s Disease in Cats

  Hyperadrenocorticism, Cushing’s disease, is caused by either a pituitary brain tumor or an adrenal gland tumor in almost all cases. There may be a small percentage of dogs who have Cushing’s disease due to overstimulation of the pituitary gland by the hypothalamus but this is not a certainty at this time.

• Hepatic Lipidosis

  Hepatic lipidosis is literally fat infiltration into liver cells. When it is severe, it can cause severe problems, including death of affected cats. 

• Heart - Cardiomyopathy

  Our cat runs around the house, she pants and her tongue hangs out. She was showing difficulty breathing and in the past was diagnosed as having a heart murmur. We were told she had an inflamed heart and would need an ultrasound.

• Fungal and Parasitic Infections in Cats

  Upper respiratory signs in cats (nasal discharge, sneezing, etc.) may come with some cat diseases, but a couple of people have written recently about their cats with this disorder and these cats had only coughing and weight loss as clinical signs.

• FLUTD/FUS Feline lower urinary tract disease

  Infection is only one cause of FLUTD. I usually try to eliminate it first, just like your vet. When that doesn't work I look for other causes of the problem. In many cats, the urine is sterile but the discomfort is still present.

• Feline Leukemia Medication and Supplements

  In the same study it was noted to reduce apoptosis (cell death) which might not be a good thing when used for feline leukemia virus infection rather than feline immunodeficiency virus infection. In the case of FeLV, the virus may lead to cancer and apoptosis is a good thing when it affects cancer cells.

• Feline Infectious Peritonitis( FIP) and Feline coronavirus (FeCoV)

  The fluid that accumulates in cats with the effusive (or "wet") form of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) comes from inflammation of blood vessels that allows them to leak. It is a reaction in the same family as the one that causes hives. In the case of FIP there is a severe immune system reaction to the virus that is ineffective in killing it or controlling it.

• Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

  FIP is a difficult disease to diagnose and to treat. Testing for this disease is not very accurate and the clinical signs are easily confused with a number of other diseases.

• Feline Immunodeficiency Virus or FIV

  Infectious disease - FIV - Treatment for feline immunodeficiency virus infection is something that seems best to individualize from patient to patient. It really seems like cats vary widely in how they respond to treatment.

• Feline Chlamydia Treatment Options

  Feline chlamydia is a bacteria-based disease that causes upper respiratory infection in cats. Many different viruses cause cat respiratory infections, with feline calicivirus being the most common.

• Feline Bartonellosis and Cat Scratch Disease Infection

  Cat scratch disease (in humans) or feline bartonellosis (in cats) is a bacterial infection transmitted through open wounds or cat scratches.

• Feline Anemia Treatment Through Blood Transfusion

  Feline anemia is when there is a reduced number of red blood cells and/or a reduced number of hemoglobin in a cat, due to a reduction in the capacity of blood to carry oxygen.

• Eye Problems in Cats

  Your vet will examine the eye and may perform several tests to determine what is going on. A tonemetry test measures ocular pressure and can help rule out (or rule in) glaucoma.

• Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex

  The good news about this is that most cats with eosinophilic granuloma complex will not require corticosteroid use on a continuous basis.

• Ear Disorders of Cats

  There are several possible problems that could cause itching that would not also lead to infection with either bacteria or yeast. Hematomas in cat ears are usually found in conjunction with ear mites or an ear infection.

• Diseases Commonly Transmitted Through Feline Litter

  Cleaning the litter box is a familiar routine for most cat owners, however some are unaware of the numerous hazards associated with dirty feline litter. Pet owners may risk contracting a variety of sicknesses through contact with contaminated cat waste.

• Digestive and Bowel Disorders of Cats

  Eosinophils, lymphocytes and plasmacytes are different types of white blood cells. When a particular type (or types) of these cells invade the digestive tract in unexpectedly high numbers and this causes clinical signs, then the result is "eosinophilic enteritis" or "lymphocytic/plasmacytic" enteritis.

• Differentials - possibilities that should be considered

  The major causes of dizziness are middle and inner ear infections and problems affecting the cerebellum (part of the brain that controls balance and spatial orientation). An ear infection may respond to antibiotics but sometimes surgery is necessary to relieve pressure in the middle or inner ear.

• Diagnosing Feline IBD: Irritable Bowel Disease in Cats

  Feline IBD is a very common gastrointestinal problem in middle age and older cats. Irritable bowel disease occurs when there is an increase in the inflammatory...

• Diagnosing Cats’ Tapeworm Infections

  Cats' tapeworm infections are one of most common intestinal parasites in felines. When a cat is infected with tapeworms, he or she may act strangely or irritated.

• Diabetes with other disorders in Cats

  It is particularly difficult to deal with asthma in a diabetic cat due to the problems with regulating cats when corticosteroids, like prednisone, must be used to treat a secondary condition. One of the hardest problems to deal with in diabetic cats is the effect of things like leaving them at the vets or even when leaving them at home with someone looking out for them.

• Diabetes tests and testing equipment in Cats

  If there is a reason for routine screening for diabetes in cats, like a known family tendency in one of the dog's lines, using urine glucose strips is easier than trying to draw blood and use a glucometer.

• Common Cat Flu Treatments

  In order to find an adequate treatment for a cat flu, you need to identify the symptoms of this cat virus and make sure that the signs do not correspond to another health problem. You can either establish a correlation between the symptoms of your cat and this ailment, or ask a qualified person to perform a diagnosis.

• Cholagiohepatitis and Hepatitis in Cats

  Bacterial hepatitis in cats is often referred to as suppurative hepatitis, suppurative cholangiohepatitis and sometimes cholangitis (if the infection primarily affects the bile ducts, rather than the liver itself).

• Chlamydiosis

  Chlamydiosis usually starts as a severe conjunctivitis (pink-eye) in one eye, then spreads to the other about a week later. It can be chronic or it can re-occur frequently. It is best treated with a tetracycline ophthalmic ointment.

  Please see http://www.vetinfo.com/cateye.html for more information on eye problems. 

• Cerebellar Hypoplasia

  When a puppy or kitten is born with an underdeveloped cerebellum, the condition is known as congenital cerebellar hypoplasia.

• Cat Yeast Infection Symptoms

  Yeast organisms together with other harmless bacteria are normally found on the skin of cats. However, when there is an overabundance of yeast organisms, a yeast infection occurs.

• Cat Veterinary Archive 2

  An assortment of questions and answers related to common cat health issues ranging from gestation questions to flea collar questions to eating habits of cats.

• Cat Toxoplasmosis Treatment With Clindamycin

  Cat toxoplasmosis is a bacterium that lives inside the cells of any mammal. Cats can rarely contract clinical toxoplasmosis...

• Cat Parasites - Giardia

  Giardia contamination of well water is unusual but can occur in several circumstances - most commonly after flooding but also in situations in which the well is subject to fecal contamination for other reasons, like heavy exposure to livestock contamination.

• Cat Info - Alphabetical Index 2

  Whatever your cat is suffering from, you can find it here on our Alphabetical index of cat health issues and problems.

• Cat Info - Alphabetical Index

  Whatever your cat is suffering from, you can find it here on our comprehensive Alphabetical index of cat health issues and problems.

• Cat Health Information by Disease

  Cat health information is important for any cat owner to have. If you don't know how to keep your cat healthy, you could end up paying expensive veterinary bills...

• Cat Disease FAQ

  Cat disease can either be genetic, nutritional or caused by parasites or pathogens. Most diseases have some type of cure, and for ones that are incurable, things can...

• Cardiovascular Disorders of Cats

  Heart failure, usually from cardiomyopathy in cats, is one cause of changes in the fluid pressures. As the heart function decreases blood accumulates in the lungs because it isn't being pumped out of them. This raises the blood pressure in the pulmonary capillaries which normally drain the fluid from the visceral pleura.

• Can Cat AIDS Be Treated With a Vaccine?

  Feline immunodeficiency virus, also known as cat AIDS, is a disease of the immune system present in roughly 10 percent of cats. Feline AIDS leaves cats defenseless and weakened against other diseases.

• Blood in stool

  Bright red blood in a cat's stool can happen for several reasons. It is not uncommon when bowel movements are hard or dry. If this is the case, identifying the cause for the hard/dry stool, if possible, may resolve the problem.Several intestinal parasites, including worms, can lead to blood in the stool.

• Behavior or Medical problem - Litterbox and Elimination

  Litterpan problems are very common in cats. It helps to think about this problem from the cat's point of view sometimes when trying to deal with it. Cats like to have a clean, inviting place to defecate and urinate.

• Bacterial Infections in Cats

  Know what symptoms to look for when your cat is infected. The most common causes of meningitis in cats are probably feline infectious peritonitis virus and toxoplasmosis.

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