Illness in Cats: A Guide for Cat Parents
At Willowbrook Veterinary Hospital, we know how much your cat means to you. Understanding common cat illnesses, their symptoms, and treatments can help you keep your feline friend healthy and comfortable.
Illness vs. Disease: What’s the Difference?
“Disease” refers to a diagnosed medical condition that affects your cat’s health, such as diabetes or cancer. “Illness” describes the symptoms your cat experiences—like vomiting or lethargy—that may signal an underlying disease. Both require veterinary attention to ensure proper care.
Common Illnesses in Cats
Cats can develop a variety of illnesses throughout their lives. Some of the most common include:
- Dental Disease: Plaque buildup, gingivitis, and tooth resorption can cause pain, drooling, and difficulty eating.
- Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV): Viral infections that weaken the immune system and increase risk of secondary infections.
- Parasites: Fleas, ticks, worms, and ear mites are common external and internal parasites affecting cats.
- Cancer: Tumors can develop in various organs, requiring early detection for best outcomes.
- Diabetes: A hormonal condition affecting blood sugar regulation, more common in overweight or older cats.
How Can I Tell if My Cat is Sick?
Cats are masters at hiding illness. Watch for:
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Hiding more than usual
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Increased thirst or urination
- Lethargy or weakness
- Coughing or sneezing
- Bad breath or drooling
If you notice any of these signs, call us to schedule an exam.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Symptoms
Signs of a UTI in cats include:
- Straining to urinate
- Frequent attempts to urinate with little output
- Blood in the urine
- Crying out while urinating
- Urinating outside the litter box
UTIs can be painful and may lead to dangerous blockages, especially in male cats—seek veterinary care promptly.
Diagnosing and Managing Feline Diabetes
Feline diabetes is diagnosed with blood and urine tests showing elevated glucose levels. Management includes:
- Insulin injections (usually twice daily)
- Special prescription diets
- Regular glucose monitoring
With proper care, diabetic cats can live long, healthy lives.
Signs of Kidney Disease
Look for:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Weight loss
- Vomiting
- Poor coat condition
- Bad breath (ammonia-like smell)
Kidney disease is common in older cats and can be managed with diet, hydration, and medication.
Preventing Respiratory Infections
Keep your cat indoors or away from unfamiliar cats, stay up to date on vaccines (especially FVRCP), and reduce stress to protect their immune system.
Symptoms of Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
Cats with FeLV may show:
- Pale gums
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Persistent fever
- Weight loss
- Poor coat condition
- Recurrent infections
Testing is recommended if your cat shows these symptoms or has exposure to FeLV-positive cats.
How to Detect Heart Conditions in Cats
Signs of a feline heart condition can be subtle, including:
- Labored or rapid breathing
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Fainting or collapse
- Swollen abdomen (due to fluid buildup)
A veterinarian can diagnose heart disease through exams, x-rays, ultrasounds, and blood tests.
What to Do if Your Cat Has Diarrhea
Mild diarrhea that lasts less than 24 hours may resolve on its own. Contact us if diarrhea persists, is severe, or is accompanied by vomiting, lethargy, or blood. Never give human medications to cats without veterinary guidance.
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
Signs include:
- Weight loss despite increased appetite
- Restlessness
- Increased drinking and urination
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Fast heart rate
Hyperthyroidism is common in older cats and treatable with medication, diet, or radioactive iodine therapy.
Treating Feline Distemper (Panleukopenia)
Feline distemper is a serious viral disease treated with supportive care: fluids, anti-nausea meds, antibiotics to prevent secondary infections, and nutritional support. Vaccination is the best prevention.
Signs of Dental Disease
- Watch for:
- Bad breath
- Drooling
- Difficulty chewing
- Pawing at the mouth
- Swollen or bleeding gums
Regular dental checkups and cleanings help prevent painful dental problems.
Managing Arthritis in Cats
Options include:
- Prescription pain medications
- Pain injections
- Joint supplements
- Weight management
- Soft bedding and ramps to reduce jumping
Never give cats over-the-counter human pain relievers—they can be toxic.
Symptoms of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
FIV symptoms may not appear for years but can include:
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Weight loss
- Recurrent infections
- Poor coat condition
- Chronic gum or mouth inflammation
Infected cats can live normal lives indoors with regular veterinary care.
How to Detect a Skin Infection
Signs include:
- Redness or swelling
- Hair loss
- Scabs or open sores
- Excessive scratching or licking
- Foul odor from skin
- Skin infections may result from allergies, parasites, or wounds and require veterinary treatment.
Common Causes of Vomiting
Vomiting in cats can be caused by:
- Hairballs
- Eating too quickly
- Parasites
- Dietary indiscretion or GI blockages
- Toxins
- Chronic diseases (kidney, liver, thyroid, etc.)
No vomiting is normal. Contact us if vomiting is persistent, frequent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms.
Helping a Cat with Parasites
Treatment depends on the parasite—whether fleas, ticks, worms, or mites. We’ll recommend safe, effective preventatives and treatments tailored to your cat’s needs.
Symptoms and Treatment of Feline Asthma
Signs of asthma include:
- Coughing (may sound like gagging)
- Wheezing
- Rapid or labored breathing
- Open-mouth breathing
Treatment usually involves inhaled or oral corticosteroids and bronchodilators.
Caring for a Cat with Cancer
Cancer care may include:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Palliative care for comfort
We’ll work with you to develop a treatment plan that balances quality of life with medical care.
Signs of Neurological Disorders
Watch for:
- Head tilt
- Circling
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Seizures
- Behavior changes
Neurological signs should be evaluated immediately to determine the cause.
When in Doubt, Call Us!
If you notice any unusual signs or behaviors in your cat, contact Willowbrook Veterinary Hospital at (503) 968-2911 or schedule an appointment online. We’re here to help your cat feel their best at every life stage.