Disease & Prevention
Many diseases common to cats can be prevented in two ways.
These are by keeping your cat indoors and by having your cat vaccinated according to your veterinarian’s advice.
Common feline illnesses include the following:
UPPER RESPIRATORY INFECTION (URI).
URIs are similar in many ways to the common cold in humans and produce many of the same symptoms: sneezing, runny nose and eyes, reddened eyes, fever, and decreased appetite. However, URIs can be much more serious than common colds—they can be fatal if left untreated. These airborne viruses are highly contagious; they can be transmitted from cat to cat through human handling and through contact with other cats and with inanimate objects such as litter boxes, food bowls, and grooming tools. (Your cat can’t give you a URI, just like you can’t give your cat a cold.)
Separate any new cat from your other cats for at least two weeks until you are sure your newcomer doesn’t have any symptoms of a URI.
Prevention is the best approach to URIs—have your cat vaccinated. But if your cat does come down with cold-like symptoms, contact your veterinarian right away.
The veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to prevent or treat secondary infections and give you precise care instructions. Follow them carefully and make sure your cat eats and drinks sufficiently.
RABIES.
All cats, even indoor cats, should be vaccinated against rabies on a regular schedule set up by a veterinarian. In many communities, you are required by law to vaccinate your cat against rabies, which is now seen more commonly in cats than in any other domestic animal. Rabies is a viral disease that is transmitted primarily through bite wounds from infected animals and attacks the nervous system. If your cat bites anyone, you may need to show proof of rabies vaccination. All mammals can carry rabies.
Rabies is a fatal illness for humans and animals. Prevent rabies through vaccination and by keeping your cat inside.
FELINE PANLEUKOPENIA.
Commonly known as feline distemper, this is a highly contagious viral disease that can be transmitted from cat to cat either directly or through human handling, clothing, hair, paws, food bowls, and even cat carriers. Symptoms, notably vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhea, come on suddenly. Discuss a vaccination schedule with your veterinarian.
FELINE LEUKEMIA VIRUS (FeLV).
FeLV is an infectious virus that affects the immune system and can cause several forms of cancer and other associated diseases.
It is transmitted through the saliva, urine, and feces of infected cats. There is no link between feline leukemia and human forms of leukemia. There is no cure for feline leukemia.
There are blood tests to determine if your cat may be carrying the virus. Your cat should be tested after you first adopt her and also a few months later, or as instructed by your veterinarian. Your cat can (and should) be vaccinated against FeLV, but the vaccine is not 100 percent effective; only keeping your cat indoors and away from stray cats protects her completely from this disease.
FELINE IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (FIV).
FIV is similar to human acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), but it is not the same virus, it cannot be passed to humans, and it is not transmitted through sexual contact. This fatal virus attacks the immune system, causing a variety of symptoms. General signs can include chronic, nonresponding infections; respiratory problems; appetite loss; persistent diarrhea; and severe oral infections. FIV is passed from cat to cat primarily through bites. Talk with your veterinarian about having your cat tested for and vaccinated against this incurable disease. To prevent your healthy cat from contracting FIV, keep her safely confined and away from free-roaming cats.
FELINE INFECTIOUS PERITONITIS (FIP).
FIP is another virus that is fatal to cats. FIP may cause fever, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. There is no effective treatment for FIP. The best prevention is to keep your cat indoors, up-to-date on vaccines, and away from free-roaming animals.