Sicknesses

     Not all sicknesses are listed here but most need medical help.

When You Should Consult a Vet

Although every feline illness isn't life threatening, there are definitely times when a vet's expertise is required. How can you tell the difference? Call your vet anytime you are worried or if your cat is:

• Unresponsive
• Ill more than 24-36 hours
• Having symptoms that dramatically increase or multiply
• In obvious pain
• Struggling to breathe
• Bleeding profusely
• Unable to have bowel movements or urinate
• Refusing to eat for more than 48 hours
• Not drinking

           Cardiomyopathy

 Difficulty breathing
Lameness

• Fainting spells
• Listless behavior
• Lethargy 

    

Dehydration	Vomiting Diarrhea Loss of skin elasticity Excess urine output Lack or urine output
Ear Mites	Inflammation Itching/scratching Head shaking/rubbing Excess ear wax Coffee ground-like, tarry discharge
Fatty Liver Disease	Refusal to eat Excess saliva Vomiting Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes Lethargy/depression Reduced muscle mass Seizures
Feline Distemper	Depression Abdominal Pain Vomiting Enlarged Lymph Nodes Retinal Lesions Ataxia
Feline Diabetes	Excessive thirst Increased urination Lethargy Weight loss Overall run-down condition Rear leg weakness
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)	Refusal to eat Lethargy/depression Weight loss Frequent infections
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)	Lethargy Appetite loss Weight loss Breathing difficulties Eye problems Fever Vomiting Diarrhea Gray gums Yellowing of tissues and eyes Bloated belly Seizures Paralysis
Feline Inflammatory Bowel Disease	Chronic vomiting and diarrhea Dehydration Mucus in stool
Feline Leukemia	Low iron Lethargy Eye problems Difficulty swallowing Weight loss Coughing Breathing difficulties Opportunistic infections Prolonged sores/wounds
Gum Disease	Foul breath Reduced appetite Difficulty chewing Bleeding gums Receding gums Tooth loosening or loss Mouth ulcers Face rubbing
Hairballs	Retching cough Vomiting wads of fur and food Intestinal blockage/constipation
Hookworms	Anemia Intestinal bleeding Vomiting Diarrhea Symptoms of malnutrition Distended abdomen
Hyperthyroidism	Increased appetite Weight loss Hyperactive behavior Irritability
Infections	Foul odor Inflammation Itching/scratching Head shaking Head rubbing Swollen ear flap
Kidney Stones	Blood in the urine Frequent urination in small amounts Urination in odd/inappropriate places Tenderness in belly or along back Difficulty walking
Lymphoma	Skin irritation/ulcers Reduced appetite Weight loss Lethargy Vomiting Diarrhea Excessive thirst Frequent urination Breathing difficulties Lumps/tumors Enlarged lymph nodes
Ringworm	Itching/scratching Scaly skin Dandruff Chin acne Circular patches of hair loss
Roundworms	Intestinal blockage Vomiting Diarrhea Loss of appetite Dull coat Bloated abdomen
Skin/Food Allergies	Itching/scratching Head shaking Red, sometimes puss-filled bumps Scaly skin Darkened skin Hair loss Compulsive licking Chewing/self-mutilation Red stained fur
Tapeworms	Malnutrition Vomiting Diarrhea Bloating Segments of tapeworms may be visible in stool
Urinary Tract Infection	Blood in the urine Difficult/painful urination Increased frequency of urination Compulsive licking of genitals Urinating in odd/inappropriate locations Nasal mucous discharge Poor appetite Excessive saliva