Cat Diseases: A Comprehensive Guide for Pet Owners

As a devoted cat parent, understanding the landscape of feline health is paramount to ensuring your furry companion lives a long, happy, and vibrant life. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of common Cat Diseases empowers you to seek timely veterinary care, potentially making all the difference in your cat’s well-being. This guide delves into a range of diseases and medical conditions that frequently affect cats, providing you with essential information to be a proactive advocate for your feline friend’s health.

Cancer in Cats

Cancer, characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells, is a significant health concern in cats, mirroring its prevalence in humans. This disease can manifest in various forms, from localized tumors to generalized spread throughout the body.

Cat cancer

Causes of Feline Cancer

Cancer in cats is typically multifactorial, meaning there isn’t one single identifiable cause. However, research indicates a combination of genetic predispositions and environmental influences can contribute to its development.

Specific types of cancer in cats include:

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This skin cancer is often linked to prolonged sun exposure and is more common in white or light-colored cats, particularly affecting the ears, eyelids, and nose.
• Lymphosarcoma (Lymphoma or LSA): This is one of the most prevalent cancers in cats, with some reports suggesting it accounts for up to 30% of all feline cancers. Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is strongly associated with most forms of LSA, excluding the gastrointestinal form. FeLV is a contagious retrovirus transmitted through saliva, direct contact, and from mother to kitten. Younger cats are more susceptible, and regular FeLV testing is crucial for prevention and management. A vaccine for FeLV is available, and your veterinarian can advise on its suitability based on your cat’s lifestyle and risk factors. Gastrointestinal LSA, the most common type, can present as a mass in the stomach or intestines or infiltrate the intestinal tract diffusely. While LSA is not curable, many cats respond well to treatment, making early veterinary intervention vital.

Recognizing Cancer Symptoms in Cats

Early detection of cancer is crucial for successful management and improved outcomes. Be vigilant for the following potential symptoms:

• Lumps or Bumps: Any new or growing lumps should be examined by a vet, as they could be benign or malignant.
• Swelling: Unexplained swelling in any part of the body warrants veterinary attention.
• Persistent Sores or Skin Infections: Sores that don’t heal or recurring skin infections can be signs of underlying issues, including cancer.
• Abnormal Discharge: Discharge from any orifice (eyes, nose, mouth, rectum, etc.) should be checked by a vet.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis): Persistent bad breath, especially if new or worsening, can be a symptom of oral cancer or other health problems.
• Lethargy or Behavioral Changes: Unusual tiredness, lack of energy, or marked changes in behavior should be investigated.
• Unexplained Weight Loss: Weight loss without dietary changes can be a serious sign of illness.
• Sudden Lameness: Unexpected limping or difficulty walking can indicate bone cancer or other issues.
• Digestive Issues: Persistent diarrhea or vomiting should be addressed by a veterinarian.
• Skin Changes: Scaly, red, or irritated skin patches can be indicative of skin cancer or other dermatological conditions.
• Appetite Changes: Decreased or loss of appetite is a common symptom of many illnesses, including cancer.
• Respiratory or Urinary Difficulties: Trouble breathing, urinating, or defecating needs immediate veterinary attention.

Diagnosing Feline Cancer

Diagnosing cancer typically involves a combination of methods:

• Biopsy: For lumps, a needle biopsy or surgical removal and pathological examination are common diagnostic steps.
• Imaging: Radiographs (X-rays) and ultrasounds help determine the presence and spread of cancer.
• Blood Tests: Bloodwork can provide valuable information about overall health and potential cancer markers.
• Other Diagnostic Tests: Depending on the suspected type and location of cancer, other tests may be employed.

Cats at Higher Risk of Cancer

While cancer can affect cats of any age and breed, it is more prevalent in older cats. Additionally, cats with white ears and heads are particularly susceptible to skin cancer. Consult your veterinarian to determine if your cat falls into any specific high-risk categories.

Cancer Prevention Strategies for Cats

• Indoor Lifestyle: Keeping your cat indoors significantly reduces the risk of sun-induced skin cancers.
• Spaying: Spaying female cats before their first heat cycle greatly diminishes the risk of mammary cancer.

Cancer Treatment Options for Cats

Treatment approaches for feline cancer are diverse and depend on the cancer type, stage, and overall health of the cat. Common modalities include:

• Surgery: Removal of tumors is often a primary treatment option for localized cancers.
• Chemotherapy: Drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body.
• Radiation Therapy: Using high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: Stimulating the cat’s immune system to fight cancer.
• Palliative Care: Focusing on pain management and improving quality of life when curative treatment isn’t possible.

Early detection significantly improves treatment success. Even when a cure isn’t achievable, treatments can often provide relief and extend a cat’s comfortable life. Quality of life is paramount in making treatment decisions, and good nutrition and loving care are crucial supportive elements.

When to Seek Veterinary Advice for Suspected Cancer

If you observe any of the symptoms listed above in your cat, prompt veterinary consultation is essential. For a cancer diagnosis, consider seeking a veterinary oncologist for specialized expertise and treatment options.

Diabetes in Cats

Feline diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disorder characterized by either insufficient insulin production or ineffective insulin utilization. Insulin is crucial for transporting glucose from the bloodstream into cells for energy. In diabetic cats, glucose builds up in the blood (hyperglycemia), leading to various health complications if untreated.

Diabetic cat

Diabetes in cats is manageable, and many diabetic cats live healthy, happy lives, sometimes even achieving remission.

Diabetes is classified into two main types:

• Type I Diabetes: Characterized by a lack of insulin production.
• Type II Diabetes: Involves impaired insulin production and insulin resistance.

Type II diabetes can progress to Type I. By the time diagnosis occurs, many cats have Type I diabetes and require lifelong insulin therapy. Type II diabetes may be managed with other therapies initially.

Diabetes Symptoms in Cats

Be alert for these signs and symptoms of diabetes in your cat:

• Appetite Changes: Increased or decreased appetite.
• Weight Loss: Despite potentially increased appetite, weight loss is common.
• Excessive Thirst (Polydipsia): Increased water intake.
• Increased Urination (Polyuria): Producing larger volumes of urine.
• Urination Outside the Litter Box: Due to increased urine volume and frequency.
• Sweet-Smelling Breath: A fruity odor to the breath can be a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious complication.
• Lethargy: Reduced energy levels.
• Dehydration: Signs include dry gums and skin tenting.
• Unkempt Coat: Poor grooming habits due to illness.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Diabetic cats are more prone to UTIs.

Causes of Feline Diabetes

The exact cause of diabetes is often unknown, but contributing factors include genetics, pancreatic disease, certain medications, and abnormal protein deposits in the pancreas. Obesity, male gender, and older age are significant risk factors.

Diagnosing Feline Diabetes

Diagnosis involves:

• Clinical Signs Assessment: Veterinarian evaluation of observed symptoms.
• Physical Examination: General health assessment.
• Bloodwork: Measuring blood glucose levels.
• Urinalysis: Checking for glucose and ketones in urine.

Treating Diabetes in Cats

Diabetes treatment is individualized and depends on the severity and presence of other health conditions.

• Hospitalization: Severely ill cats may require initial hospitalization to stabilize blood sugar.
• Oral Medications or High-Fiber Diet: Some cats, especially with Type II diabetes initially, may respond to these.
• Insulin Injections: Most cats require insulin injections for blood glucose regulation. You will be trained to administer these at home.
• Home Glucose Monitoring: Your vet may teach you to monitor blood glucose at home.
• Regular Veterinary Checkups: Routine bloodwork and monitoring are necessary.

Consistent daily insulin administration at the same time and timed meals are crucial for managing diabetes. Avoid sugary treats.

Diabetes Prevention in Cats

Maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and regular exercise is key to diabetes prevention. Obesity is a major contributor to insulin resistance.

Suspecting Diabetes? Seek Veterinary Help

If you suspect your cat has diabetes based on the symptoms, schedule a veterinary appointment immediately. Untreated diabetes can lead to severe complications like kidney disease, neurological disorders, and other metabolic issues. Type I diabetes is fatal without insulin therapy.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) weakens a cat’s immune system, making them susceptible to secondary infections. Symptoms may not appear for years after initial infection. With supportive care and a stress-free indoor environment, FIV-infected cats can live comfortably for extended periods.

FIV Cat

FIV Symptoms in Cats

Symptoms can be progressive or intermittent, with periods of illness interspersed with periods of health. Consult your vet if you observe any of these symptoms:

• Enlarged Lymph Nodes
• Fever
• Anemia
• Weight Loss
• Disheveled Coat
• Poor Appetite
• Diarrhea
• Conjunctivitis (Eye Inflammation)
• Gingivitis (Gum Inflammation)
• Stomatitis (Mouth Inflammation)
• Dental Disease
• Skin Redness or Hair Loss
• Non-Healing Wounds
• Sneezing
• Nasal or Eye Discharge
• Urinary Issues: Frequent urination, straining, or inappropriate urination.
• Behavior Changes

FIV Transmission

• Bite Wounds: Primarily transmitted through deep bite wounds, common in outdoor cat fights.
• Mother to Kitten: Less common, but can be transmitted from an infected mother to kittens.
• Casual Contact: Not typically spread through shared bowls, grooming, or sneezing.

Outdoor, unneutered male cats are at highest risk due to fighting. Indoor cats have the lowest risk. FIV is not transmissible to humans.

Preventing FIV

• Keep Cats Indoors: The most effective prevention.
• Leash Walking: If walking outdoors, keep your cat leashed.
• Test New Cats: Test any new cats for FIV before introducing them to your household.
• FIV Vaccine: Discuss the FIV vaccine with your veterinarian to determine if it’s appropriate for your cat.

When to Consult a Veterinarian for Suspected FIV

If you suspect FIV, get your cat tested immediately. Describe any symptoms to your vet. Keep your cat indoors to prevent further spread. Untreated secondary infections from FIV can be life-threatening. FIV can also lead to cancer, blood diseases, and kidney failure.

Diagnosing FIV

• Blood Test: Routine FIV diagnosis is done via blood test to detect antibodies to the virus.
• Universal Testing: Every cat’s FIV status should be known.
• Antibody Test Interpretation: Tests are not 100% accurate, and veterinarian interpretation is crucial.
• Kittens and Maternal Antibodies: Kittens from FIV-positive mothers may test positive due to maternal antibodies until about six months old and should be retested later.

FIV Treatment

There is no specific antiviral treatment for FIV. Treatment focuses on:

• Managing Secondary Infections: Medications for infections that arise due to weakened immunity.
• Nutrition: Healthy, palatable diet.
• Fluid and Electrolyte Therapy: For dehydration.
• Anti-inflammatory Drugs: To reduce inflammation.
• Immune-Enhancing Drugs: To support the immune system.
• Parasite Control: To prevent and treat parasites.

Caring for an FIV-Infected Cat

• Indoor Living: Protects from infections and prevents spreading FIV.
• Monitor Health Changes: Report any changes to your vet promptly.
• Regular Vet Checkups: At least twice yearly, including bloodwork and urinalysis.
• Nutritionally Balanced Diet: No raw food diets.
• Spay/Neuter: Prevent further spread.

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is a contagious retrovirus that significantly weakens a cat’s immune system. It is a leading cause of disease and death in domestic cats. Testing new cats and sick cats for FeLV is crucial due to its potential for asymptomatic infection.

FeLV cat

FeLV predisposes cats to anemia, kidney disease, and lymphosarcoma (lymphoma), a fatal cancer of the lymph system. Young kittens and cats under one year, cats living with infected cats, outdoor cats, and kittens of FeLV-positive mothers are at highest risk.

FeLV Transmission

• Bodily Fluids: FeLV is shed in saliva, nasal secretions, urine, feces, and blood.
• Direct Contact: Most commonly transmitted through mutual grooming and sharing bowls and litter boxes.
• Mother to Kitten: Can be transmitted in utero or through milk.
• Bites and Scratches: Outdoor cats can transmit FeLV through fighting.

Healthy, vaccinated cats over three months old are less likely to contract FeLV.

Signs of FeLV

Some cats show no signs, while others exhibit:

• Appetite and Weight Loss
• Pale or Inflamed Gums
• Poor Coat Condition
• Abscesses
• Fever
• Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs)
• Diarrhea and Vomiting
• Seizures
• Behavior Changes
• Vision or Eye Problems
• Enlarged Lymph Nodes
• Reproductive Problems (Females)
• Jaundice
• Chronic Skin Disease
• Respiratory Distress
• Lethargy

Preventing FeLV

• FeLV Vaccine: Available for at-risk cats. Discuss with your vet to assess if it is right for your cat.
• Prevent Exposure: Routine FeLV testing and keeping cats indoors, away from cats with unknown FeLV status, are best prevention methods.

Diagnosing FeLV

• ELISA Test: Common initial test detecting FeLV antigen in blood.
• IFA or PCR Tests: Recommended to confirm positive ELISA results.

Caring for a Cat with FeLV

• Nutritionally Balanced Diet: No raw meat, eggs, or unpasteurized dairy.
• Indoor Rest: Quiet indoor space away from other cats.
• Regular Vet Checkups: Every six months, including blood tests.
• Prevent Spread: Avoid introducing uninfected cats, even vaccinated ones, to a household with FeLV-positive cats.
• FeLV is Contagious to Other Cats: Not to humans or other species.
• No Cure for FeLV: Treatment focuses on quality of life. Chemotherapy may help with cancer. Less than 20% of clinically infected cats survive more than three years.

Heartworm in Cats

Heartworm, spread by infected mosquitoes, is an increasingly recognized cause of feline health issues, primarily causing lung disease in cats, despite its name. Prevention is important, especially in mosquito-prone areas.

Heartworm Cat

Cats are atypical hosts, so heartworms are less common than in dogs and often don’t complete their life cycle in cats. However, even fewer and smaller worms can cause significant problems due to the cat’s immune response.

Causes and Signs of Heartworm Disease

Mosquitoes transmit heartworm larvae (Dirofilaria immitis) into a cat’s bloodstream when biting. Larvae migrate to the heart and lungs over months, maturing and settling in the heart, pulmonary arteries, and lung vessels. Many worms die in cats, triggering severe inflammation and immune responses.

All ages and regions are susceptible, but mosquito-dense areas pose higher risk. Outdoor cats are more exposed, but indoor cats are also at risk. Kittens and older cats are especially vulnerable.

Symptoms can include:

• Persistent Cough
• Breathing Difficulties: Panting, wheezing, rapid breathing, open-mouthed breathing.
• Depression
• Loss of Appetite
• Weight Loss
• Sporadic Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Sudden Death

Breathing difficulties in early heartworm disease may have been misdiagnosed as asthma or bronchitis but are now recognized as heartworm-associated respiratory disease (HARD).

Heartworm Prevention

• FDA-Approved Preventatives: Several medications effectively prevent heartworm. Consult your vet; blood tests are recommended before starting preventatives.
• Limit Mosquito Exposure: Minimize exposure to mosquito-infested areas.
• Regular Checkups: Early detection is key for recovery.

Diagnosing Heartworm Disease

Diagnosis in cats is more complex than in dogs.

• Combination of Blood Tests: Routine testing requires multiple blood tests.
• History, Exam, Imaging: Diagnosis often relies on history, physical exam, radiographs, echocardiogram, and blood tests, especially when respiratory signs are present.

Treating Heartworm Disease

• No Approved Treatment: No FDA-approved treatments for feline heartworm infection exist in the US.
• Self-Resolution: Many cats clear the infection themselves. Monitoring with radiographs every few months is advised.
• Supportive Care: Corticosteroids for lung disease symptoms, medications for cough and vomiting.

Untreated heartworm can cause:

• Heart Wall Damage
• Pulmonary Blood Vessel Damage
• Blood Flow Obstruction
• Breathing Impairment
• Heart and Lung Failure
• Kidney and Liver Damage
• Sudden Death

High-Rise Syndrome in Cats

High-rise syndrome refers to injuries sustained by cats falling from heights, often from unscreened windows. Falls can cause severe injuries or death.

High Rise Syndrome Cat

• Accidental Falls: Cats don’t deliberately jump from dangerous heights. Falls are usually accidental, often due to distraction by prey.
• Focus on Interests: Cats can become so focused on birds or other stimuli they lose balance.
• False Sense of Security: Owners may assume cats are careful due to their climbing ability, but window ledges and other surfaces are precarious.
• Landing Position: Cats don’t always land perfectly; splayed feet can lead to head and pelvic injuries.
• Shorter Falls Can Be More Dangerous: Falls from one or two stories can be more dangerous than mid-range falls because cats don’t have enough time to right themselves.
• Post-Fall Dangers: Cats may land in unfamiliar, dangerous areas. Seek immediate veterinary care even if the cat seems uninjured.
• High Survival Rate with Prompt Care: 90% survival rate for high-rise victims with immediate veterinary attention.

Preventing High-Rise Syndrome

• Window Screens: Install sturdy, snug screens in all windows.
• Secure Adjustable Screens: Ensure adjustable screens are tightly wedged in frames.
• Avoid Childproof Guards: Childproof window guards are not adequate protection.

Rabies in Cats

Rabies is a fatal viral disease affecting the brain and spinal cord of all mammals, including cats and humans. It is preventable but nearly 100% fatal once symptoms appear.

Rabies cat

Rabies Transmission

• Bites: Most commonly transmitted through bites from infected animals.
• Saliva Contact: Less frequently, through saliva entering mucous membranes or fresh wounds.
• Wild Animal Exposure: Risk is highest with exposure to wild animals (raccoons, bats, skunks, foxes).
• Unvaccinated Animals: Outbreaks can occur in unvaccinated dog and cat populations.
• Cats and Rabies: In the US, rabies is reported more in cats than any other domestic species.
• Outdoor Cats at High Risk: Unvaccinated outdoor cats are at highest risk.
• Feral Cats: Feral cat populations are a rabies reservoir.

Rabies Prevention

• Vaccination: Key prevention and legally required in many areas. Protects the cat and others if the cat bites.
• Indoor Lifestyle: ASPCA recommends keeping cats indoors.

Symptoms of Rabies

Symptoms vary and can take months to develop:

• Behavior Changes: Aggression, restlessness, lethargy.
• Increased Vocalization
• Loss of Appetite
• Weakness
• Disorientation
• Paralysis
• Seizures
• Sudden Death

Diagnosing Rabies

• No Live Animal Test: No accurate test for live animals.
• Post-Mortem Test: Direct fluorescent antibody test is accurate but requires animal death.
• Incubation Period: Virus can incubate for weeks to over a year before symptoms and infectivity appear.
• Rapid Symptom Onset: Symptoms appear quickly once infectious.

What to Do if Your Cat Interacts with a Rabid Animal

• Wear Gloves: Protect yourself.
• Veterinary Appointment: Call vet immediately.
• Animal Control: Contact animal control if the rabid animal is at large.
• Vaccinated Cat Booster: Vaccinated cats bitten by a potentially rabid animal need a booster and 45-day observation.
• Human Bite: If bitten, seek immediate medical attention.
• Avoid Contact with Strange Wildlife: Report strange-acting wild animals to animal control.

Ringworm in Cats

Ringworm, despite its name, is a fungal infection of the skin, hair, and nails, highly contagious to other pets and humans.

Ringworm Cat

Ringworm Symptoms

• Skin Lesions: Typically on head, ears, and forelimbs.
• Bald Patches: Flaky, circular patches, sometimes red in the center.
• Variable Severity: Mild cases may show redness or dandruff; severe infections can spread body-wide.
• Asymptomatic Carriers: Cats can carry spores without symptoms.

Ringworm Transmission

• Direct Contact: With infected animals.
• Indirect Contact: Contaminated bedding, dishes, etc. Spores are hardy and can survive over a year.

Kittens, geriatric cats, long-haired cats, and immunocompromised cats are more susceptible. Crowded environments like shelters promote spread. Warm, humid conditions favor infection.

Diagnosing Ringworm

• Veterinary Diagnosis Essential: Due to contagiousness and variable symptoms.
• Quarantine: Isolate suspected cats immediately. Wash hands after handling.
• UV Light (Wood’s Lamp): May be used for diagnosis.
• Fungal Culture: Definitive diagnosis via hair or skin cell culture.
• Skin Biopsy/Microscopic Exam: Sometimes performed.

Treating Ringworm

Treatment depends on severity:

• Medicated Shampoos/Ointments: Antifungal medications.
• Oral Medications: May be necessary in some cases.
• Prolonged Treatment: Treatment can last months with periodic fungal culture rechecks.
• Environmental Treatment: Crucial to prevent recurrence.

Veterinarian instructions are essential to prevent spread to other pets and humans. Treat all household pets.

Environmental control measures:

• Bathe All Pets: Medicated rinse or shampoo.
• Disinfect Bedding/Toys: Ringworm-killing disinfectant.
• Discard Un-Disinfectable Items: Carpeted cat trees, etc.
• Frequent Vacuuming: Remove infected hairs and skin cells.
• Handwashing: Thoroughly wash hands after handling cats.

Untreated ringworm can spread extensively, causing hair loss and skin infections.

Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs) in Cats

Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs) affect the nose, throat, and sinus area in cats, caused by viruses and bacteria.

URI Cat

Causes of URIs

• Viruses: Most common cause. Feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus account for 80-90% of contagious URIs, prevalent in shelters and multi-cat homes.
• Viral Transmission: Sneezing, coughing, grooming, shared bowls.
• Viral Carriers: Infected cats can become lifelong carriers and transmit viruses even without symptoms.
• Secondary Bacterial Infections: Common after viral URIs.
• Primary Bacterial Infections: Chlamydia and Bordetella are bacterial URIs, common in shelters. Bordetella is associated with stress and overcrowding.

Preventing URIs

• Indoor Lifestyle: Minimize exposure to infected animals.
• Isolate Infected Cats: Protect other pets.
• Minimize Stress
• Vaccination: URI vaccines may lessen disease severity but not always prevent infection.
• Regular Veterinary Exams: Early detection and treatment. Healthy immune system is key.
• Good Hygiene: Handwashing when handling multiple cats.

Symptoms of URIs

Symptoms vary by cause and location but include:

• Sneezing
• Congestion
• Runny Nose
• Cough
• Nasal Discharge: Clear to colored.
• Gagging, Drooling
• Fever
• Appetite Loss
• Rapid Breathing
• Nasal and Oral Ulcers
• Squinting or Eye Rubbing
• Open-Mouth Breathing
• Depression

Diagnosing URIs

• Risk Factors: Age, vaccination status, physical condition, multi-cat environments, shelter/cattery/boarding stress.
• Stress: Plays a role in URI outbreaks.
• Carriers and Recurrence: Recovered cats can be carriers and have recurrences with stress.
• Breed Predisposition: Flat-faced breeds (Persians) are more prone.

Veterinary exam is crucial for diagnosis and treatment. Avoid self-diagnosis due to contagiousness and potential need for isolation, antibiotics, or other care.

Treating URIs

Veterinary treatment may include:

• Medications
• Isolation
• Rest
• Fluid Support
• Nutritional Support

Untreated URIs can progress to pneumonia or other serious complications like blindness or chronic breathing issues.

Worms in Cats

Cats can get various intestinal parasites (“worms”). Infestations can cause various symptoms or be asymptomatic but still pose health risks. Some feline worms can also affect human health.

Worms Cat

Common Types of Worms in Cats

Outdoor cats and those exposed to contaminated soil are prone to worms. Kittens and cats without preventative care are at higher risk.

• Roundworms: Most common. Spaghetti-like adults, 3-4 inches long. Kittens get from mother’s milk; adults from ingesting eggs in feces.
• Hookworms: Smaller, less than an inch, in small intestine. Blood-feeding, can cause anemia, especially in kittens. Eggs in stool hatch to larvae; infection via ingestion or skin contact.
• Tapeworms: Long, flat, segmented, 4-28 inches. Cause vomiting or weight loss. Acquired by ingesting infected fleas or rodents. Segments resembling rice grains seen near anus.
• Lungworms: In lungs. Often asymptomatic, but some cats cough. Snails and slugs are intermediate hosts; cats infected by eating birds or rodents that ate intermediate hosts.

Main transmission route is ingesting feces of infected cats. Mothers can pass worms to kittens.

Worm Prevention

• Indoor Lifestyle: Avoid exposure to infected cats, rodents, fleas, and feces.
• Flea Control: Keep home, yard, and pets flea-free.
• Good Hygiene: Gloves when handling litter or feces. Frequent stool disposal.
• Veterinary Prevention Program: Ask your vet for recommendations.

Symptoms of Worms in Cats

Symptoms vary by worm type and location:

• Diarrhea
• Visible Worms in Stool or Segments Near Anus
• Bloody Stool
• Bloating/Pot-Bellied Appearance
• Weight Loss
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Anemia
• Coughing
• Trouble Breathing

Veterinary confirmation is needed. Avoid self-diagnosis.

Treatment for Worms

• Veterinary Treatment Essential: Specific dewormer for worm type.
• Not All Dewormers are Universal: Veterinarian determines worm type and prescribes appropriate treatment and re-treatment schedule.
• Dog Medications Can Be Harmful: Do not use dog dewormers on cats.
• Over-the-Counter Risks: Some OTC dewormers can be harmful if misused.

Transmission of Worms from Cats to Humans

Roundworm eggs in cat feces can cause serious human health problems if ingested, especially in children, including blindness and organ damage. Hookworm larvae can penetrate human skin and cause lesions. Tapeworm transmission to humans via flea ingestion is rare.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of common cat diseases. Remember, early detection and veterinary care are crucial for managing feline health. Always consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment of any health concerns in your cat.