Cat Illnesses - When it is More Than the Sniffles

Your cat or kitten is sneezing, has watery eyes and doesn't seem to be eating or drinking. Is this just a common cold or something much more threatening? While your cat may not seem very sick there may be something much more dangerous going on than just a cold.

Feline Rhinotracheitis Virus

Feline Rhinotracheitis Virus (also known as Feline Herpes-1) is an upper respiratory viral infection that is very common and widespread in cats and kittens. Symptoms include sneezing, nasal and eye discharge, laboured breathing, coughing, salivation, severe loss of appetite and lethargic behavior. Cats can become infected through contact with infected cats from nasal and eye discharge, food dishes, bedding or any other items contaminated by an infected cat.

A veterinarian should treat cats infected with this virus as soon as possible. Treatment can include antibiotics, nasal decongestants, ensuring the cat is eating and drinking water and keeping the cat warm and quiet. In severe cases the cat may need to be fed and given fluids intravenously. Cats that do not eat or drink for more than three days risk kidney dammage, usually resulting in death.

Once a cat has had this virus he becomes a carrier. A carrier can have the virus but show no signs of the disease. The virus may re-occur at times when the cat is stressed and presents through secretions from the eyes and nose. This ability to be a carrier is why the disease is so widespread.

Vaccinations are available and should be given as directed by your veterinarian to help prevent this virus. In the case of multiple cats, all should be vaccinated in order to decrease the risk of them passing this virus among each other.

Calicivirus

Calicivirus is also an upper respiratory viral infection that can spread quickly between cats and kittens. Symptoms include nasal and eye discharge, ulcers in and around the mouth, joint and muscle pain, loss of appetite and lethargic behavior. This virus is also very contagious and once a cat has had it he can become a carrier for life.

You should take your cat to your veterinarian as soon as you detect any or all of these symptoms, especially if your cat refuses to eat and drink. Treatment will include antibiotics, medication for oral ulcers and possibly intravenous fluids and food.

Vaccinations are available for Calicivirus and should be given to all cats in the household. However, "wild" strains of this virus exist and your cat can become infected with one of these even if he is vaccinated. The best way to ensure your cat will not come in contact with other strains is to keep him indoors and away from unfamiliar cats.

Feline Distemper (Panleukopenia)

Feline Distemper (also known as Panleukopenia) is a highly contagious and deadly viral infection that can affect cats of all ages. This virus invades rapidly growing cells in the digestive system, bone marrow, nervous system or lymph tissue. Symptoms occur suddenly and begin with a high fever and continue with vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and seizures.

This virus is transmitted through contact with feces or urine of infected cats. Contact with items such as bedding, litter boxes and water and food bowls that have been contaminated with infected urine or feces can also transmit this virus to other cats. This virus can be transmitted from a mother cat to her kittens while still in her uterus.

Young (3-5 months old) unvaccinated kittens are especially susceptible to this virus and contamination usually results in death. Because this virus is so widespread in nature most cats have been exposed to it at some time in their life. Older cats can be exposed but not show any signs of symptoms. Grown cats that contract this virus and survive the symptoms for longer than five days will more than likely live to recover.

Cats who display these symptoms should see their veterinarian as soon as possible. Treatment may include intravenous fluids, blood transfusions, antibiotics, medication to stop vomiting and injections of vitamin B.

Vaccinations for this virus are imperative and should be given to kittens and cats on the appropriate schedule. Pregnant cats can also be given a form of this vaccination to help protect their kittens.

Feline Leukemia (FeLV)

Feline Leukemia (FeLV) is the deadliest of all of the viruses and the most common known killer of cats. Cats can carry and spread this virus to other cats long before they show any signs of having it themselves. Some cats can be carriers yet not infect others as the disease lay dormant in their systems for years. An outbreak can occur at any time, usually during a time of stress. FeLV is spread to other cats through cat-to-cat contact through saliva, tears, urine and feces.

Symptoms of FeLV include loss of appetite, weight loss, jaundice, anemia, diarrhea or constipation, blood in the stool, respiratory distress, excessive drinking and urination, enlarged lymph nodes and lethargic behavior. A decrease in the cat's immune system can lead to chronic illnesses and cats can also develop Cancer in some cases.

Although there are vaccinations to prevent your cat from contracting FeLV there is no known cure for cats that are contaminated with it. Treatments such as chemotherapy can be used to try and put the disease in remission but use of these treatments depends upon the health and age of the cat.

The best way to avoid FeLV is to have your kitten or cat vaccinated on a regular schedule as advised by your veterinarian. If you cat has been diagnosed as having FeLV but shows no signs of symptoms you should remove him from contact with other cats so he does not spread the disease.

Your cat depends upon you to keep him healthy and happy so it is important to keep your cat's vaccinations current and to be aware of the environment your cat is exposed to. Being aware of these viruses may save your cat's life the next time you hear a sneeze or sniffle.