Guarding Your Feline Friend: Preventing the Most Dangerous Diseases in Cats

Veterinary performing auscultation a sick kitten in the clinic

Cats make fantastic family animals as they are devoted to us and acknowledging us as their owners through actions or purr. Nevertheless, they are not an exception considering they can be prone to different pet diseases which can affect their health likewise. Considering that as good pet parents we should be assembled with risks associated with common house plants and take all necessary steps to prevent the risks. Through this blog article, we’ll focus not only on common diseases that cats are prone to but also we’ll discuss the efficient ways to keep your cat healthy.

1. FIV in cats and FeLV in felines correspond to Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) in the examples of different kinds of viruses, respectively.

FIV and FeLV are viral diseases which manifest from immunodeficient infection, and therefore, cats with these viruses will be at a higher risk of succumbing to other diseases. The virus is usually spread by cats that share their territories through mutual grooming or fighting (a frequent cat behavior). To prevent disease transmission of two viruses, FIV and FeLV, take necessary steps to keep your cat indoors and reduce chances of getting them exposed to infected cats. like other measures, consider to have vaccination against these two viruses for your cats.

2. The cause of Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is still unknown, and there is a consensus that it is a multifactorial disease with both genetic and environmental components.

FIP is a disease that viruses of this family lead to because of the coronavirus and an extremely young kitten or cat with suppressed immune system is susceptible to this kind of virus. The disease can manifest in two forms: exuberant (Moist) FIP and lacking exuberance (Dry) FIP. At this point, there isn’t any cure discovered for FIP, but you can lower the transmission risk by assuring proper hygiene and protecting your multicasting households from stress.

3. Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper) is one of the most frequent virus-based diseases of the domestic cat that can infect kittens more often than adult cats.

Feline panleukopenia, or commonly known as feline distemper, is a deadly infectious disease which has the ability to damage the immune system in cats of all breeds and age categories. The symptoms are, among others, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and apathy. The virus can stay alive in the environment for prolonged time, that’s why it is imperative to disinfect your area throughly so never spread the virus. But as panleukopenia is very easily spread from one cat to another, vaccination is highly effective in protecting cats against this disease.

4. Abundant through Feline Calicivirus (FCV) and Feline Herpesvirus (FHV)

FCV and FHV are respiratory viruses that mostly affect belonging to upper respiratory segments of the respiratory system in cats. Symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, and conjuctivitis are some causes and signs of this disease. These viruses spread commonly in multi-cat apartments. They are airborne, are spread by fleas, mites, and readily by contaminated feces. Vaccination, good hygiene parameter, for example, washing hands after any cat contact and stress management techniques can considerably decrease the risk of FCV and FHV transmission.

5. Heartworm Disease

Although, heartworm disease is definitely common to dogs. The feline people also need to be aware of this fatal disease which might be deadly for them. The heartworm larvae take their places inside cats when they are bitten by a mosquito containing the larvae. It is better to prevent heartworm infestation than to cure it. Thus, use monthly heartworm preventives and if your cat is predominantly staying indoors, you should not skip the preventives.

Taking Actions to Protecting Your Cat from their Desired Dangers

Regular Veterinary Care: Get an annual wellness exam scheduled or maybe just go whenever time allows for your cat and receive vaccinations and parasite prevention to remain up to date.

Indoor Living: Keep your cat inside, this will decrease your cat’s chances of meeting dangerous contagious diseases, get parasites, or even be hit by cars .

Proper Nutrition: Ensure that your cat is fed a well-balanced diet customized to their age, health status, and life routine, to assist in the development of their immune system.

Hygiene Practices: Train them good hygiene by keeping the place where they do their business very clean, washing their food and water bowls regularly, and having a clean space for them to live in.

Stress Reduction: Limit the negative impact of your cat’s environment, by means of providing sensory supplement, safety spots and minimizing cat-on-cat conflicts.

With disease prevention being your main focus, remember to be proactive and provide the best care possible for your cat. This prepares you for any challenges that may arise and helps prolong your cat’s life, letting them remain by your side. A vet is your greatest friend and champion in the battle with cat diseases, including extreme cases when you feel something is off and the cat’s general health is worsening, don’t hesitate to raise the problems during consultation.