Common Cat Diseases, Their Symptoms And Treatment
Cats bring endless joy into our lives thanks to their playful and loving personalities. But as much as we care for them, it’s important to remember that cats are not invincible. Throughout their lives, they are at risk of various cat diseases, and this is why early a proactive approach to care matters so much.
Being prepared for common cat diseases not only helps your furry friend live a longer, healthier, and more comfortable life. Moreover, disease management will also keep you and your family safe from a potential cat sickness that may spread to humans. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common cat illnesses, their symptoms, and treatment options so you can give your pet the best possible care.
Different types of Cat Diseases
There are several types of cat diseases your pet can contract throughout its life. These diseases can arise from different causes, and not all of them are contagious. But even minor illnesses in cats, like diarrhea or flea infestations, can be uncomfortable for your fuzzy friend. In addition, some diseases like leukemia and heartworm can prove to be deadly cat sickness or adversely affect the lifestyle of your cat.
Hence, it is extremely vital as a cat parent to keep an eye out for symptoms and signs of illness in cats. Identifying and detecting some of the most common health concerns can help you get your little munchkin the right diagnosis for cat disease and its treatment at the right time, and avoid any deadly cat disease.
Diabetes:
Diabetes is among the most common cat diseases, especially for overweight felines(open in new tab). Diabetes in cats is commonly characterized as the inability to naturally produce sufficient levels of insulin in the body to regulate blood sugar levels. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to serious health complications.
Diabetes Symptoms in Cats
Cats with diabetes often show noticeable changes in their daily habits and overall health. Common symptoms include:
Increased thirst and urination
Changes in appetite
Unexplained weight loss
Lethargy and weakness
Vomiting(open in new tab) and dehydration
Poor coat condition
Other signs: In some cases, cats may develop urinary tract infections or have unusually sweet-smelling breath due to high blood sugar levels.
Treating Diabetes in Cats
Managing diabetes in cats requires a personalized approach, as each cat responds differently to treatment. The right plan depends on the severity of the disease, your cat’s overall health, and whether other medical conditions are present.
Treatment may include:
Insulin therapy: Most diabetic cats require insulin injections to regulate blood sugar levels. Your veterinarian will determine the correct dosage based on your cat’s weight and health. You’ll be guided on how to safely administer insulin at home.
Dietary management: Following a balanced diet(open in new tab) by managing eating frequency and feeding cat food that’s high in protein and low in carbohydrates.
Oral medications: In some cases, cats may respond to oral medications prescribed by the vet. These are generally combined with dietary changes for the best results.
Monitoring blood sugar: Regular glucose testing, either at the clinic or at home, helps ensure insulin doses are effective. Your vet may also recommend periodic blood work to monitor your cat’s overall health.
Routine care and consistency: Giving insulin at the same time each day and maintaining a consistent feeding schedule helps prevent dangerous blood sugar fluctuations.
With careful monitoring and adherence to the treatment plan, many cats with diabetes can lead happy, healthy lives. Early diagnosis and ongoing care are essential for keeping this common cat illness under control.
Kidney Diseases:
Kidney diseases, also known as renal disease, are common in cats, particularly in senior cats(open in new tab) and long-haired breeds over the age of seven. Kidney disease is one of the most serious cat illnesses, and the risk increases as your cat ages. These conditions can develop for a variety of reasons, but exposure to toxic substances such as antifreeze, pesticides, or medications meant for humans like ibuprofen is a frequent cause.
Kidney Disease Symptoms in Cats
Recognizing kidney disease early can make a significant difference in managing your cat’s health. Common signs of kidney disease in cats include:
Increased thirst and urination
Weight loss and poor appetite
Vomiting and nausea
Lethargy and weakness
Bad breath and drooling
Poor coat condition
Treating Kidney Disease in Cats
While kidney disease in cats cannot always be fully reversed, proper treatment can help manage the condition and prolong your cat’s life. Treatment options often include:
Specialized diet: Low-protein, low-phosphorus diets help reduce strain on the kidneys and maintain overall health.
Medication: Your vet may prescribe medications to manage blood pressure, reduce protein loss, or control nausea and vomiting.
Fluid therapy: Subcutaneous or intravenous fluids can help prevent dehydration, a common complication of kidney disease.
Regular monitoring: Routine blood and urine tests allow your veterinarian to track kidney function and adjust treatment as needed.
Home care: Providing fresh water for hydration(open in new tab), encouraging regular eating, and following dietary and medication instructions can make a big difference to your cat’s wellbeing.
With consistent veterinary care and early intervention, many cats with kidney disease can continue to live comfortable, happy lives.
FIV and HIV disease specific to cats:
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is a common and serious cat disease that affects cats worldwide. Unlike many other cat illnesses, FIV directly targets the immune system, weakening the body’s defenses and making cats more vulnerable to infections and other diseases. The virus primarily attacks white blood cells, reducing their ability to fight off secondary infections. FIV is contagious and most often spreads through deep bite wounds, though it can also be transmitted from a mother cat to her kittens.
FIV/HIV Disease Symptoms in Cats
Because the virus progresses slowly, a cat may carry FIV for years without showing any visible signs.
Common symptoms of FIV in cats include:
Weight loss and poor appetite
Lethargy and behavior changes
Poor coat condition
Persistent skin infections, wounds that heal slowly, or frequent respiratory infections.
Fever and enlarged lymph nodes
Gingivitis(open in new tab), stomatitis, and other mouth or gum inflammation.
Eye(open in new tab) or nasal problems
Frequent urination, straining, or accidents outside the litter box.
Caring for Cats with FIV/HIV Disease
Currently, there is no cure or specific antiviral treatment for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). Because the virus weakens a cat’s immune system over time, treatment focuses on managing symptoms, preventing secondary infections, and maintaining overall health.
Key aspects of managing FIV in cats include:
Preventing and treating secondary infections: Your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics or other medications to address bacterial, viral, or fungal infections
Balanced nutrition: Feeding high-quality cat food helps support the immune system and maintain body weight. Avoid serving imbalanced home-prepared meals for optimal cat nutrition(open in new tab).
Hydration and supportive care: Fluid therapy or electrolyte replacement may be recommended for cats with dehydration or chronic illness.
Medications for inflammation and immune support: Anti-inflammatory or immune-enhancing drugs can help reduce complications and improve quality of life.
Parasite control: Regular prevention against fleas(open in new tab), ticks, and worms is essential, as FIV-positive cats are more susceptible to infections.
Regular veterinary checkups: Routine blood tests, urine analysis, and wellness exams help monitor your cat’s health and detect problems early.
With attentive care, many FIV-positive cats can live comfortable, happy lives for years. Early detection, routine veterinary care, and a stress-free environment are essential to managing this chronic cat disease effectively.
Leukaemia/Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV):
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is one of the most serious and fatal cat diseases, responsible for a large percentage of illness-related deaths in domestic cats. Around 85% of persistently infected cats do not survive beyond a few years of diagnosis. This virus suppresses the immune system, making cats more vulnerable to infections, and is a leading cause of anemia, lymphoma, and other severe illnesses.
Leukemia in cats often spreads through viruses present in saliva and urine and can be transferred from one cat to another through close contact, sharing a food bowl, and fighting. Kittens are also vulnerable to leukemia from having shared the mother's placenta.
FeLV Symptoms in Cats
Cats infected with the feline leukemia virus (FeLV) may not show signs right away, as the disease can remain hidden for months or even years. Once symptoms develop, they often vary depending on how the virus affects the immune system and overall health. Many of these symptoms are related to secondary infections or complications rather than the virus itself.
Common symptoms of FeLV include:
Loss of appetite and weight loss
Pale gums or oral inflammation
Skin infections, abscesses, or frequent respiratory illnesses
Digestive issues such as diarrhea and vomiting
Neurological or behavioral changes
Eye problems
Reproductive issues (for female cats)
Fever
Enlarged lymph nodes
Jaundice
Chronic skin disease
Lethargy
Caring for Cats with FeLV
While there is no cure for feline leukemia virus (FeLV), supportive care and attentive management can help infected cats live more comfortably and enjoy a good quality of life for as long as possible. The focus is on boosting your cat’s overall health, preventing secondary infections, and minimizing stress.
Tips for caring for a cat with FeLV:
Provide a nutritious diet: Feed a complete and balanced cat food(open in new tab) to strengthen the immune system.
Keep your cat indoors: Indoor living protects your cat from additional infections and prevents the spread of FeLV to other cats. Offer a calm, stress-free environment with plenty of safe spaces for rest.
Schedule regular veterinary visits: Routine checkups, at least every six months, along with blood tests, help monitor your cat’s health and detect complications early.
Monitor daily health: Watch for changes in appetite, weight, coat condition, or behavior. Report any unusual signs to your veterinarian promptly, as FeLV cats are prone to infections that require quick treatment.
Focus on comfort and wellbeing: Provide enrichment, gentle play, and affection while respecting your cat’s need for rest.
With proper management, some FeLV-positive cats can live for years after diagnosis. While the disease remains serious and often fatal, compassionate care, routine vet visits, and a safe home environment can make a meaningful difference in your cat’s life.
Rabies:
Rabies is a common disease in cats and neurological disorders to be found in carnivorous animals, including cats. Rabies in fur kids spread through bites and scratches and can prove fatal if it spreads throughout the nervous system including the brain. What makes rabies extremely threatening is the fact that it can be transferred to humans through saliva from getting bitten by rabid cats. As such, this cat’s deadly disease requires immediate attention from specialists.
Rabies Symptoms in Cats
Cats infected with rabies do not show symptoms immediately after exposure. The virus has a variable incubation period that can last for weeks or even months before signs appear. Once symptoms begin, however, the disease progresses rapidly and is almost always fatal.
Common signs of rabies in cats include:
Behavioral changes including sudden aggression, unusual fearfulness, anxiety, or restlessness.
Excessive vocalization
Loss of appetite and weight loss
Disorientation, difficulty walking, muscle spasms, or tremors.
Paralysis
Seizures
Rabies Prevention for Cats
Because rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, prevention is the only way to protect your cat. The most effective safeguard is routine vaccination(open in new tab), which is recommended for all cats, even those that live indoors.
Heartworm:
Heartworm is a concerning health issue in cats, spread primarily by mosquitoes. This cat’s deadly disease is hard to detect and is rarely diagnosed before it is too late. Heartworm is a condition caused by foot-long worms that live in the heart, lungs, and topical blood vessels, and can worsen over time, leading to lung disease in cats, acute heart failure and damage to other associated organs.
Heartworm Symptoms in Cats
Heartworm disease in cats can be difficult to detect because many infected cats show few or no outward signs until the condition has progressed.
Common symptoms of heartworm disease in cats include:
Respiratory issues (persistent coughing, wheezing, or rapid, open-mouthed breathing)
Vomiting
Loss of appetite and weight loss
Lethargy and weakness
Depression
Sudden collapse or death
Treating Heartworm in Cats
There is currently no approved medication to eliminate heartworm infection in cats. This makes treatment more about managing symptoms, supporting overall health, and closely monitoring the progression of the disease.
Key treatment approaches include:
Monitoring the infection: Many cats can naturally outlive the heartworms. Veterinarians often recommend regular checkups, including X-rays or ultrasounds every few months, to track the worms’ lifespan and detect complications early.
Managing symptoms: Cats showing signs of lung disease may be prescribed corticosteroid medications to reduce inflammation. Other supportive drugs may be used to control coughing, vomiting, or breathing difficulties.
Supportive care: Providing oxygen therapy, fluids, or hospitalization may be necessary for severe cases where breathing is impaired.
Preventing secondary complications: Since heartworm can damage the lungs, blood vessels, heart, and even kidneys or liver, routine monitoring is essential to reduce long-term risks.
Hyperthyroidism:
Hyperthyroidism is a common cat disease, caused by excessive production of thyroid hormones from the thyroid gland in cats. As an endocrine disease, hyperthyroidism can be frequently detected in cats over the age of 8. A cat's metabolic rate can rise to alarming levels as an effect of hyperthyroidism, causing significant stress to the heart, liver, kidneys, and other vital organs.
Hyperthyroidism Symptoms in Cats
As hyperthyroidism often develops gradually, early signs can be subtle.
Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism in cats include:
Unexplained weight loss despite a good or increased appetite
Increased thirst and frequent urination
Restlessness, hyperactivity, or irritability
Vomiting and diarrhea
Unkempt or greasy coat due to poor grooming habits
Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
Enlarged thyroid gland (a lump may be felt in the neck)
Treating Hyperthyroidism in Cats
The good news is that hyperthyroidism in cats is highly treatable, and with proper care, affected cats can live long and healthy lives. Treatment options vary depending on your cat’s overall health and age.
Common treatments include:
Medication: Anti-thyroid drugs such as methimazole help regulate hormone levels. These may be given orally or as a topical gel.
Dietary therapy: Prescription diets low in iodine can help reduce thyroid hormone production. This option is useful for cats that cannot tolerate medications.
Radioactive iodine therapy: This treatment destroys overactive thyroid tissue and usually cures the disease with a single dose.
Surgery (thyroidectomy): In some cases, surgical removal of the thyroid gland may be recommended, though it is less common today due to the availability of safer alternatives.
Supportive care: Regular checkups, blood tests, and monitoring are essential to ensure treatment is effective and to adjust therapies as needed.
Cancer:
Cancer is a serious and sometimes life-threatening disease in cats, just as it is in humans. It occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, forming tumors that can invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body. Some cancers remain localized, while others may become more widespread and affect multiple organs.
Cancer Symptoms in Cats
Cancer can manifest in many ways depending on the type and location of the disease. Common symptoms include:
Lumps or swellings
Non-healing sores or recurring skin infections
Abnormal discharge from the eyes, nose, or other body parts
Unexplained weight loss and reduced appetite
Vomiting, diarrhea, or digestive changes
Lethargy or behavioral changes
Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating
Sudden lameness or stiffness
Bad breath or oral problems
Red, scaly, or irritated skin patches
Treating Cancer in Cats
The best treatment plan for feline cancer depends on the type, location, and stage of the disease, as well as your cat’s overall health. Some cancers can be cured, while others can be managed to extend a cat’s life and reduce discomfort. Regardless of treatment choices, maintaining good nutrition, minimizing stress, and providing loving care all contribute greatly to your cat’s well-being.
Common treatment options include:
Surgery: Removal of tumors when localized and operable.
Chemotherapy: Drugs that slow or stop cancer cell growth.
Radiation therapy: Targeted treatment to shrink or destroy tumors.
Immunotherapy: Boosting the immune system to help fight cancer.
Palliative care: Pain management, supportive care, and nutrition to improve comfort and quality of life when cure is not possible.
Upper Respiratory Infections:
Upper respiratory infections (URIs) are among the most common cat illnesses, affecting the nose, throat, and sinus areas. They are usually caused by viruses, with feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus responsible for 80-90% of contagious cases.
URIs can spread from cat to cat through sneezing, coughing, grooming, or sharing food and water bowls. Cats can carry these viruses for life, sometimes without showing symptoms, but they can still transmit the infection to others. Kittens, outdoor cats, and cats in shelters or multi-cat environments are at the highest risk.
Upper Respiratory Infections Symptoms in Cats
Symptoms can vary depending on the cause and severity of the infection, but common signs include:
Sneezing and coughing
Nasal congestion or runny nose (clear to colored discharge)
Gagging or drooling
Fever and lethargy
Loss of appetite
Rapid or labored breathing, sometimes open-mouth breathing
Nasal and oral ulcers
Squinting or rubbing eyes
Depression or reduced activity
Treating Upper Respiratory Infections in Cats
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the infection. With timely treatment and supportive care, most cats recover fully from URIs. However, in severe or untreated cases, the infection can progress to chronic respiratory problems or more serious illnesses.
Common treatment include:
Medications: Antibiotics for bacterial infections, antiviral or supportive therapy for viral infections, and anti-inflammatories if needed.
Supportive care: Ensuring rest, proper hydration, and nutritional support to help your cat recover.
Isolation: Keeping infected cats away from healthy cats to prevent the spread of disease.
Monitoring: Frequent veterinary checkups to track recovery and detect complications early.
Other Common Cat Diseases, Parasites, and Worms
Other common cat diseases include:
Intestinal Parasites:(open in new tab) Roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and giardia can cause diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, and dull coat. Some parasites can also affect humans.
Ringworm: (open in new tab)A contagious fungal infection causing circular hair loss and red skin patches. Can spread to other pets and humans.
Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex (EGC): Skin lesions caused by allergies, often appearing on lips, abdomen, or footpads, and can be itchy.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP): Viral disease mostly affects young cats, causing weight loss, fever, and lethargy. Often fatal.
Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper): Highly contagious virus causing diarrhea, anemia, and low white blood cells. Preventable by vaccination.
How to take care of a diseased cat?
Care
Like any ailing person, your little furball also deserves all the extra love and attention to get well sooner. However, cats do not usually like loud noise or crowded spaces, so if your cat is sick, providing it with a quiet resting place away from the noise goes a long way in ensuring the best care for your cat. In addition to a warm sleeping place, make sure they have easy and convenient access to food and water, and the litter box is just within their reach. While your cat is still recovering from a disease, it is important to let it rest, so avoid provoking or unnecessarily riling them up.
Diet plans
It is common for sick cats to avoid eating. However, they still do need the essential nutrients for sustenance, as well as to recover from their ailment. So, it is important to make sure your cat has the necessary amount of food and water to stay fed and hydrated. Providing clean drinking water and fresh cat food(open in new tab) in smaller quantities can encourage your cat to resume eating and drinking. However, it must be kept in mind that a sick cat will not be able to rely on its regular diet as it may lead to indigestion and food allergies. So, you can prepare a special Kitten diet plan(open in new tab) for your munchkin having consulted with your veterinarian, making sure it consists of all important vitamins and nutrients it needs for a speedy recovery.
Frequency to visit the veterinarian
Cats should be taken to the veterinarian at least twice a year, once every six months. However, if your cat is sick and ailing, make sure to consult the vet as frequently as possible. Depending on the severity of your cat’s health, your cat might require visits twice a month, or at least on a weekly basis.
Precautions for cat disease and its treatment
Sick cats require certain precautions for their well-being and yours, too. It is extremely important to wash your hands thoroughly before and after touching your cat to avoid the transmission of germs of any kind. Cleaning your cat’s litter box on a regular basis is also vital in avoiding contamination. Furthermore, in a diseased state, your cat might not be in the best of its moods, so it is better to avoid any unnecessary excitement for your cat, which might end in scratches or bites. In addition, it is also important to keep your cat cool and be in continuous touch with your veterinarian.
Managing Cat Illness for a Long and Happy Life
Your cat’s health is in your hands. By recognizing the early signs of cat illness, scheduling regular veterinary visits, and providing complete and balanced nutrition, you can protect your pet from many common cat diseases and help your feline friend live a long, healthy, and happy life(open in new tab).
For more expert insights on prevention, treatment, and nutrition, explore the WHISKAS® Blog(open in new tab). From health advice to feeding guides, you’ll discover practical tips to support your cat’s wellbeing at every stage of life!