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Diseases and Other Conditions Affecting Health of Cats

Cats are subject to a number of the same diseases and conditions as humans are. The major diseases and conditions affecting the health of cats are covered here, to provide cat caregivers with the knowledge needed to help ensure optimum health in cats.
  1. Arthritis in Cats (5)
  2. Cancer in Cats (8)
  3. Chronic Renal Failure / ...
  4. Diabetes in Cats (6)
  5. Ear Conditions/Deafness (4)
  6. Endocrine Diseases (6)
  7. Eye Problems and Blindness (6)
  8. FeLV / Feline Leukemia (4)
  9. FIV (13)
  10. Gastric Tract Diseases (15)
  11. Heart Disease in Cats (11)
  12. Hip Dysplasia (3)
  13. Feline Infectious Diseases (8)
  14. Liver Disease in Cats (3)
  15. Neurological Disorders (9)
  16. Parasitic Disease (16)
  17. Respiratory Disease (10)
  18. Skin Problems - Itchy Skin (8)
  19. Thyroid Disease in Cats (8)
  20. Urinary Tract Disease (23)
  21. URIs in Cats - Upper Res...

FeLV (Feline Leukemia)

FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) is a serious, ultimately fatal disease in cats with no known cure. This article will provide more information about FeLV.

Definition of Fading Kitten Syndrome

Fading Kitten Syndrome is a dreaded phrase with people who rescue and foster pregnant cats and their kittens. Too often, pregnant feral and stray cats are malnourished, weak, and sickly, and even kittens who are not stillborn are prone to FKS. Learn more with this article from About.com Cats.

Hair Loss in Cats

Hair loss, aka 'Alopecia' is a common problem for cats. Hair loss in cats can stem from many causes, causing it to be sometimes difficult to diagnose and treat. This article by PetMD.com for About.com details the symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment of hair loss in cats.

Inflammation of the Pancreas in Cats

The pancreas is part of the endocrine and digestive system, which is integral for the digestion of foods, producing the enzymes that digest food, and producing insulin. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, the flow of enzymes into the digestive tract can become disrupted, forcing the enzymes out of the pancreas and into the abdominal area. Learn more about pancreatitis in this article from PetMD.c…

Managing Chronic Diseases in Cats

Managing a chronic disease in cats need not be as overwhelming as you might expect, provided you are given sufficient instruction and support by your veterinarian, know what symptoms are red flags, and what side effects might be considered normal, and hold to a regular routine. Routine is all-important to cats, and even a very sick cat will expect his medication and other treatment to be delivere…

Neurological Disorders in Cats

Feline neurological disorders are not always easy to diagnose, nor to treat. Learn more about the various types of neurological disorders.

Feline Inflammatory Bowel Disease - IBD - IBS in cats

Disease profile of feline inflammatory bowel disease aka IBD or IBS. Learn more about symptoms, diagnosis, and management of feline IBD.

Feline Arthritis - Disease Profile - Osteoarthritis in Cats

Senior cats that exhibit the symptoms of aching joints may be afflicted with Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease. Excess weight may be a contributing factor, and weight control (including exercise) is an important part of any treatment program for Osteoarthritis.

Chronic Renal Failure in Cats

Feline Disease Profile of Chronic Renal Failure (CRF), which is a common disease of older cats. Learn the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of CRF cats.

Feline Diabetes

Feline disease profile on feline diabetes, a disease that strikes many cats, but one that can be managed through diet and medication. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of diabetes in cats

Giardia - Profile of a Gastrointestinal Parasite in Cats

Although giardia is only found is a small number of cats, it can wreak havoc within shelters, catteries, and other areas where cats have close contact. Find out more about giardia, the symptoms of giardiasis, and its diagnosis, and treatment.

Hyperthyroid Disease in Cats

Hyperthyroidism is disease which attacks senior cats, and is being seen more often in recent years, as cats are living longer because of advances in veterinary science and increased awareness on the part of caregivers.

Radioactive Iodine Therapy for Hyperthyroid Cats

This series has been following the treatment of a hyperthyroid cat, using oral medication with Tapazole. At 18 months into the treatment, it is time for radioactive iodine therapy. Learn more about the isotope procedure with this article.

Feline Panleukopenia AKA Feline Distemper

Feline Panleukopenia is an extremely contagious virus with a high mortality rate that often targets kittens. Find out more about how feline panleukopenia is transmitted, its symptoms, and treatment and prevention of feline panleukopenia.

Dental Care Plan for Cats

Dental care for your cat is critical, not only for promoting good dental health, but the overall health of your cats, as well. Here are tips and tools you need to get your cat aimed toward better dental health.

Hearing Loss and Ear Problems

Cats can compensate for early degrees of hearing loss, so sometimes their human companions are unaware of the problem until complete deafness occurs. Sharp eyes may spot symptoms, both early and late:

Eye Problems and Blindness in Cats

Feline disease profile on eye problems and blindness in cats. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of problems that affect the vision of cats, including conjunctivitis, cataracts, glaucoma, tumors, and other conditions involving the eyes of cats.

Bartonella henselae in Cats

Feline upper respiratory infections (URI) can be baffling and frustrating, but sometimes are very curable, especially if the cause is a bacteria called Bartonella henselae. Guest article by Tina Camporeale.

FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus)

So, my cat is FIV positive. What do I do now? This series tracks your Guide's experiences with living with an FIV+ Cat.

Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Feline disease profile on Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart which affects cats of all ages. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of HCM.

Feline Hypertension

Although hypertension was uncommon in cats at one time, since cats are living longer today, it is seen more frequently than in previous years.

Fatty Liver Disease in Cats (Hepatic Lipidosis)

Hepatic Lipidosis can be corrected easily by dietary measures if caught quickly enough, but is fatal if left untreated.

Parasitic Diseases and Conditions of Cats

Additional resources on parasitic diseases in cats, assembled by About Guide to Veterinary Medicine, Janet Tobiassen Crosby.

Feline Bordetella - How Feline Bordetella Affects Cats

Feline Bordetella (also known as bordatella) is an often misunderstood disease and can be mistaken for other URIs in cats. Kari Winters, author and cat expert, shares her experiences with feline bordetella.

Feline Acne

Although it may not embarrass cats the way it does us, kitty acne is a common and potentially serious condition. Prevention can be as simple as changing your cat's food dish.

FLUTD - Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disorder

To those of us who have been blessed with healthy cats, it is a devastating blow when urinary tract disorders rear their ugly heads. Unfortunately, these conditions are common and they can sneak up quickly with tragic results if you are not consciously watching for the early symptoms.

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