Cat+-+Diseases

Transmission:
- HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS virus affecting upper respiratory tract.
Signs:
- Nose & eye discharge, congestion, oral ulcers, pneumonia.
- Head tilt if they survive (usually permanent).
Risk Factors:
- Kittens are at a higher risk.
Diagnosis:
- Clinical symptoms or lab tests (discharge samples).
Treatment:
- Supportive care.
Vaccination:
- Vaccine available.

AKA Feline Distemper
Description:
- Systemic virus causing decreased white blood cell count, damages bone marrow.
Signs:
- Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, dehydration, anorexia, tremors.
Transmission:
- Contact with urine/feces; in utero transmission.
Risk Factors:
- Usually fatal in kittens; may have little effect on healthy young adults.
Diagnosis:
- Blood test.
Treatment:
- Supportive care.
Vaccination:
- Vaccine available.

Prevalence:
- Most common infectious virus in cats (2-3% infection rate).
- Median survival of 2.5 years.
Type:
- Is a retrovirus (similar to HIV).
Health Impact:
- Causes various cancers and blood disorders; leads to immunodeficiency.
Signs:
- Anorexia, poor coat, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, infections, neuro disorders.
Transmission:
- Casual contact and body secretions; more susceptible in kittens (can transmit in utero/milk).
Diagnosis:
- Blood test.
Treatment:
- Supportive care; treats symptoms but NO CURE.
Prevention:
- Vaccination available (not core); keep cats indoors, test before household introduction.

Type:
- Slow-moving retrovirus (related to HIV).
Health Impact:
- Affects the immune system; cats may live long due to slow progression.
Complications:
- Illness due to secondary infections from the weakened immune system.
Transmission:
- Through bite wounds, milk, and in utero (more common in fighting males).
Diagnosis:
- Blood test.
Treatment:
- Supportive care; treatment for secondary symptoms but NO CURE.
Vaccination:
- Available (not core).
Prevention:
- Keep indoors; caution with FIV negative cats.

Affects immune system; increases secondary infections.
Diagnosis through blood tests; both have available vaccines but no cures.
Transmission may occur in utero and via body fluids, leading to shortened lifespans.
FeLV is commonly transmitted, while FIV is less easily transmitted (mainly through bites).
FeLV often causes cancer; FIV allows for decent lifespans despite its challenges.

Kittens should start a vaccine program between 6-8 weeks old.
FVRCP Vaccine:
- Protects against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia.
- Given in series as a kitten and annually thereafter.
Rabies Vaccine:
- Administered once at 16 weeks and repeated every 1-3 years.
- Recommended for all cats.
Outdoor Cats:
- FIV and FeLV considered core vaccines.

Description:
- Endocrine gland disorder affecting hormone production.
Risk:
- Very common in middle to older cats.
Signs:
- Weight loss, increased appetite, enlarged thyroid, anxiety, diarrhea, poor condition.
Diagnosis:
- Blood test for high T4 concentration, thyroid imaging.
Treatment:
- Drugs to inhibit hormone production, surgery, or radioactive iodine (95% cure rate).

Definition:
- Term for conditions affecting the bladder and urethra.
Signs:
- Discomfort, difficulty urinating, increased frequency, blood in urine.
Risk Factors:
- More often in middle-aged and obese cats, especially on dry diets.
Causes:
- Stones, obstructions, urinary infection, environmental stress.
Diagnosis:
- Exam, urinalysis, x-rays.
Treatment:
- Antibiotics, possible surgery/diet changes, stress management strategies.
Prevention:
- Small frequent meals, canned food, clean litter boxes, minimize changes and stress.

Note:
- Male cats are more prone to urinary obstructions.
- Straining to urinate is an emergency for male cats!