Harris

What Are Some Common Diseases in Cats Every Pet Owner Should Know?

Written By: Sara Williams, Content Marketing Manager | Veterinary Specialist

Cats are beloved companions, but like humans, they can face health issues. Knowing about common diseases in cats helps pet owners react quickly and keep their pets healthy. In this guide, we look at the most frequent feline illnesses, their symptoms, and important care tips.

Understanding these conditions can also help veterinarians give better care and support. Let’s explore the diseases every cat parent should know.

1. Upper Respiratory Infections (URI)

Upper respiratory infections are constantly topping the list of health problems in cats, particularly in the case of kittens and old cats. Among the reasons for these infections are mainly viruses such as feline herpesvirus and calicivirus.

Here are the symptoms of URI in cats:

• Sneezing
• Nasal discharge
• Watery eyes
• Coughing
• Rise in body temperature
• Decrease in food intake

In case your cat finds himself in such a circumstance, just be the calm and patient person they need. Make sure there is fresh water available to them at all times. Give them soft and easy-to-eat food so that they can eat without any trouble and get the required nourishment.

A silent, hygienic place allows them to use it for a longer time and to recover more. Continue observing their daily conduct very closely so that you can react early in case the situation turns worse. The understanding of URIs is linked directly to urinary problems, which are another large headache for felines.

2. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)

FLUTD affects the urinary tract, leading to pain and difficulty urinating. All cats can get it, but the more common cases are among male cats. Preventing serious complications requires quick detection and veterinary care.

Here are the symptoms of FLUTD in cats:

• Going to the litter box more often than usual
• Pushing hard to urinate
• Urine mixed with blood
• Crying out loud when urinating
• Licking of the genital area more than usual

Maintain a tranquil atmosphere while looking after your cat. Always keep fresh drinking water available to avoid dehydration. Offer a urinary health-friendly diet to ensure good bladder functioning. Reduce home stress and follow your vet's instructions very meticulously for better health outcomes.

3. Gastrointestinal Disorders

Cats have very sensitive digestive systems, and their diet, the presence of infections, or worms can easily upset their digestion. The extent of the problems will vary with the case; however, if the necessary precautions are taken right away, it will be possible to avoid health complications for the cat.

Here are the symptoms of Gastrointestinal disorders in cats:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of weight
• Refusal to eat

Try to remain composed and polite when addressing digestive disorders. Give food that is very good in quality and also easy to digest. Regular consultations with your veterinarian can ensure a smoother recovery for your cat.

Veterinarians keep track of eating habits and regular blood level changes of your pet using veterinary dictation software. As a result, they have the right knowledge and patient history to guide you to improve the health of your cats experiencing digestive issues.

4. Feline Diabetes

Just like humans, cats can also experience diabetes. It is a commonly occurring disease in cats. However, older cats are at a higher risk of suffering from this condition. Apart from aging, weight gain can also trigger the onset of diabetes in cats.

If this condition is not managed, it can get worse and can prove to be fatal in extreme cases. Hence, timely cat veterinary care is necessary to manage the condition.

Here are the symptoms of feline diabetes in cats:

• Frequent visits for urination
• Excessive thirst
• Sudden loss of weight
• Poor coat health
• Lack of interest in play and weakness

An important question arises here: How to deal with feline diabetes? The condition can be somewhat managed with changes in the diet of the cat. However, a veterinary consultation is required before any such decision is taken. The monitoring of regular glucose levels in blood can reveal a lot about the feline's health.

5. Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

This condition severely affects the immune system in cats. The infection is contagious, thus it can be transferred from one cat to another.

In the beginning, cats may show no signs of illness or only mild symptoms until the disease has progressed. Because of this,  detecting this condition at an early stage is very important to apply treatment on time.

Here are the symptoms of FeLV:

• Weight Loss
• Fever
• Ongoing infections
• Poor health of the cat’s coat condition

Despite the fact that FeLV has no cure, veterinary care that is supportive can nevertheless assist in the management of the symptoms. Vaccination, testing new cats before introduction, and avoiding contact with infected cats are the main preventive measures.

6. Dental Disease in Cats

Dental diseases of cats are frequently seen medical problems and can cause the downfall of the overall health. The accumulation of plaque and tartar can bring about gum disease, tooth loss, and other oral health issues in cats.

Here are the symptoms of dental diseases in cats:

• Bad breath
• Drooling
• Refusal to eat
• Bleeding gums

The most effective techniques for managing and avoiding dental disease are professional dental cleaning and check-ups at the vet's office. The veterinarians note the animal's oral health condition in the vet SOAP notes, enabling them to observe changes in the oral cavity throughout the year.

7. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Chronic kidney disease is prevalent among geriatric cats, and it has a slow onset. Identification at the earliest stage makes it possible to apply a management scheme that will not only slow the disease but also preserve the quality of life.

Here are the symptoms of CKD in cats:

• More thirst and urinating than usual
• Loss of weight
• Not eating much
• Feeling very tired

The management strategy consists of changing the diet, giving more water to drink, and having the vet check the pet regularly. Early detection and regular checkups result in better outcomes and help to avoid complications.

We have examined several common diseases that cats can get. Understanding these issues lets us identify problems early and provide better care. With this knowledge, we can take easy steps to keep our cats healthy and help them live longer, happier lives.

Kidney-Chek for Cats: A 2-minute at-home saliva test to screen for kidney problems in cats. ORDER HERE

How to Keep Your Cat Healthy

The health of your adorable feline friend is directly proportional to the level of care provided. A good and healthy lifestyle and environment inflict positive changes on the cat’s health.

A pet parent always has the responsibility to make sure that their cat is at ease. When your cat exhibits strange behavior or signs, seeking a veterinarian's opinion immediately may align with your major goal of not letting little problems develop into major ones.

Familiarity with prevalent cat sicknesses is another factor that contributes to an effective health care system for cats. The information provided to the veterinarians and pet owners about health challenges enables them to take appropriate action. This is how both the vets and pet parents can make sure that the cats are loved and well taken care of.

Curious about how to keep your cat happy, healthy, and well-cared for every day? For additional cat-related content and lifestyle tips for cat owners, you can also explore Catfluence, which features articles, fun tips, and community resources for cat enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the most common cat health issues I should watch for?

Felines commonly encounter health issues such as upper respiratory infections, urinary tract disorders, dental diseases, diabetes, and kidney ailments. Keep an eye on your cat for early signs like appetite, behavior, or litter box changes.

What are some key cat care tips to keep my feline healthy?

Good cat care includes daily fresh water and a balanced diet. Regular physical activity and mental stimulation keep your cat in a good mood. Regular veterinary check-ups help to detect health problems at an early stage.

What steps help in preventing cat health problems?

You can prevent many cat health problems with vaccinations, parasite control, regular dental care, and routine vet visits. Watching your cat daily for small changes and following consistent cat care tips can greatly lower the risk of serious illnesses.

by Harris

Mina’s Cancer Treatment & Fundraiser: Basosquamous Carcinoma

Written By: Abbey Kawanishi

Hi everyone. My name is Abbey Kawanishi and I am in need of some help with my cat Mina, who has been recently diagnosed with cancer.

She is 3 years old and my absolute pride and joy and her treatment is something that I am struggling to pay for. I have just graduated from Indiana University and started a new job in Indianapolis, so the timing of her diagnosis has been difficult for me to afford.

He has undergone 2 different surgeries to remove lumps on her arm which have been biopsied and diagnosed as basosquamous carcinoma with angiolymphatic invasions, meaning that it has the potential to aggressively spread to her lymph nodes throughout her body.

I am still finding out more information, but my options include radiation if the cancer spreads or amputation of her whole arm. As treatment options are extremely expensive and unaffordable for me to complete, I am graciously asking for anyone who would be interested in donating to help my sweet Mina.

Any help at all would be greatly appreciated and used for Mina to live the best possible life that she can. I would be so grateful if you could spread the word of this unfortunate news and help me raise $5,000.

Prayers and shares are just as important as donations. Thank you all for your love and support in advance.

GoFundMe Donation Link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/minas-cancer-treatment

by Harris

Pet Adorations: Learning to love, grow, cherish, & build empathy for them in our lives

Written By: Jiawen, the mom of "@thepurrpawsbros"

Introduction to Jiawen

Hi there! Many people may know us and others maybe new to knowing us, but we are thepurrpawsbros also known as thepowerpuffboys (Milo, Leo and Pablo). This month we wanted to share our story onto Catfluence blog to talk a little bit about the growth and love we should truly have for our pets and the shared feelings that builds and creates as our pets grow and bond with us throughout our lives.

But before I jump into that, I would like to do a small little self-introduction (the mom) of whose behind thepurrpawsbros. So my name is Jiawen (as some know me already for those who follow us) and I live in Toronto, On. If one wonders what made me get into the concern or interest in the wellbeing of my cats, my answer to that is I’ve ALWAYS loved animals so it doesn’t just lay within cats.

However, my career path did not head towards that way for many reasons because my love and passion is also driven by art and design. So I work in the financial industry, and I’m a senior digital designer, and I’m also an entrepreneur for my own side business where I help companies and small business brand their brands through brand development and execution. All that to me with the mix of loving animals, art, and design I see that as a cohesive balance in life where it creates a melody and balance in finding the worth and value to keep moving forward and building inspiration.

Introduction to @thepurrpawsbros

Now enough about me, as a kick-off, I think I would like to give a little bit of an introduction to my kitties.

Milo he is a black and white cat who just turned 10 (whose a mix of domestic shorthair and snowshoe cat) also known as tuxedo cat. My eldest one is named Leo and he’s going to turn 12 soon! (yes he’s pretty much hitting into his late senior years) and he is a mix of domestic shorthair, European shorthair, and bengal cat all together) which makes him extremely vocal and loud when he shouldn’t need to be! Last but not least my newsiest little addition that came into the family during the pandemic (and you would assume he is a pandemic kitty, BUT he isn’t!) his name is Pablo and he JUST turned 2 this year (and he is a mix of Abyssinian cat, Bengal cat and domestic short hair cat all together!),

Now you may ask “how can you know what mixed breed a cat has by just looking at them?” well here’s how. I did spend some money in doing a DNA test for them with BasePaws (and for those who don’t know they are a cat-kit that tells you the overview of what your cat shares in genetics as well as the breed of which runs in the DNA). This would help us as owners know what underlying conditional health they CAN or MAY have as awareness to ourselves so we aren’t just guessing our cat’s health.

Love, Grow, Bond With, & Cherish Our Pets

Now that you know the 3 bros, maybe now is the time where I should start to share a bit about what I mean by learning to love, grow, bond and cherish with our pets.

For me to start it off here is what I would like you to ask yourself: Do you tend to cry when an animal dies? Do you get angry when you hear about a dog dying in a hot car, yet scroll by that story of the woman who died in a car accident? If so, you’re not alone. The reason why we ALL want to care and love for our pets (whether it’s cats, dogs, rabbits, rats, etc….) is because we all have that strong empathy among us and that’s a very complex emotion for us as humans.

But here is something that you may even ask more, why is it so easy to generate empathy for suffering animals rather than having that large contributor to a growing lack of empathy for others?

This is because we (as pet parents) have that acquired natural affection in us that we feel for our pets like how it would feel for our own children. We impulsively want to care for them, and desire to help them because they are unable to easily help themselves. So if we take that kind of empathy, feeling, and love that we have towards them and allow ourselves to just observe the things they are in need of, I think emotionally and mentally our pets (cats or dogs) will start to grow this unconditional love towards us.

Importance of Cat Nutrition

That being said this kind of unconditional love and empathy we have towards them should also be shown towards the care we give them from the food we provide and feed them.

Any parent can’t simply just say you love them unconditionally, have so much anxiety and feeling towards them, but choose not to give our children the best possible healthiest food so that they can grow up to be healthy but instead just feed them with junk food, McDonald's, fast food and take out, I’m sure if you were to ask yourself that, you wouldn’t do that right?

This same kind of love and unconditional love should also be applied to our furbabies. Whether one has the budget or not (depending on the amount), try to make the best of it by seeing what works within your budget. For me, the transition HAD to be necessary after realizing the health diagnostic that was done on Leo and this took me and my partner to spend around $600+ for us to realize that we HAD to take their food consumption seriously. I was also once a pet mama that didn’t know much better, but to feed our furbabies those food brands you’d find on the shelf.

I also did fall into the trap of buying kibbles that I saw on commercials like Go Solutions, and Blues thinking they were doing all the good to help our pets. This is where I started to grow with them, when I realized cheaping out on food and not give the best they are supposed to consume or spending that money towards the vet where we would be dictated in how we should take care of our furbabies can result in us spending beyond $600 for his future health (that would mean medication, examination, consultation etc.).

So here are some suggestions I would like to give to all FUR parents out there (whether it’s small or big pets you have) please do always ask questions to those brands that you are purchasing whether they are commercial brands you find on the shelf or those brands you find in a boutique pet store. Always see what is beneficial to your pets and what they are SUPPOSED to eat rather than what they fill inside (wet or kibble) the ingredients. If you look at the back of the ingredients in most of the brand products you buy, almost half of those ingredients you have no clue what they are or what it even benefits to our pets.

Cat Food Brands

Here are some cat food brands that I personally know I would not purchase (because I have done my research with them) would be Purina (because they contain grain example corn gluten meal that most cats are allergic to), Royal Canin (most of their kibbles contains a lot of carbohydrates which is not good because cats do need meaty food and fatty acids), Blue Buffalo – so I thought they were REALLY good in the beginning until I started to understand what it contains (it contains propylene glycol, Carrageenan, which can lead to diseases and most of it doesn’t smell that good and it doesn’t have much gravy which cats need at least 65% moisture to keep them hydrated) and the last few which I don’t think I need to explain much on would be Iams and Whiskas (this would include temptations as their treat brand).

The BEST alternatives to these that suites the best for our feline friends would be Raw foods. If you have heard all the bad about it that’s because in most of the industrial commercial cat food, they HAVE to profit from these kibbles, but cats are true domestic carnivores meaning MOST of what they eat needs to be 100% meat! So, for cats in particular, a switch from a highly processed, carbohydrate-heavy food, to a raw, species-appropriate, meat-based diet without fruits and vegetables, will truly change their health and ultimately their life.

My cats now live on such a balanced diet that has almost close to 0 health issues all due to giving them raw food (from Hungry Hunter) and supplements that are herbal natural droplets (by Pet Wellbeing) and canned food if they would STILL like to have a change in it from (Oven-Baked Traditions) as well as freeze-dried food that we use on top of raw food (from Instinct). These are the brands that make up the BEST health for my cats and this is what keeps me from having a headache about whether they are healthy or not.

If you live in Canada and you are looking for the best brand for Raw food I would say Hungry Hunter has the best Ingredients AND the best variety between flavour of raw food as well as raw food treats (including quail eggs and goat milk). They do also carry amazing supplements such as Progut, Herring Oil, Pumpkin Power and etc at most PetSmart locations and you can also find them at Loblaws and Sobeys. There are raw food ranges for both cat and dog parents so check them out at: hungryhunter.ca

To find out more information about feline and raw food Big Country Raw has an amazing article explaining why switching our cats to raw should be important: https://bigcountryraw.ca/cats-true-domestic-carnivores/

by Harris

One Cat’s Open Heart Turned Into An Ongoing Mission Of Love

Written By: Gwen W. Segal, Wild Serenity Cat Rescue Fund & Because of Jim

You never know what’s going to happen when you open your heart. Sometimes it’s like a surprise that you were never expecting, and other times it’s a pain that you thought you could handle but couldn’t. No two relationships are alike and all of them end one way or another. The only thing that I know for sure is that if you never open your heart, then you can never have any kind of relationship.

I know blah blah blah. I was not ready to open my heart to another animal yet. I was getting there, but I still had it in my head that it would be on my terms. I would do the choosing. I was thinking of adopting a dog. It had been years since Coal, our wonderful black lab died and now that we didn’t have anyone with whom we had to stay home for, I thought a dog would be easier to travel with. Not that I did much traveling, but my mother was getting up there in years and Nick and I had not visited her together since 2005. We could bring a dog to visit her and to Miami to visit Nick’s mom. Traveling with a cat is much more difficult. It didn’t matter, anyway. Nick wasn’t ready for another fur kid. Our first turned out to be our oldest, and she died in 2019. We just needed more time.

Sometimes you just don’t get a choice. You might be thinking “You always have a choice” but it’s not that easy.

Jim was a cat. When he first showed up, at the beginning of 2020 while the country was going into lockdown, he set us on a path that would change our lives.

We started calling him Idiot. It actually really fit him, but I couldn’t take him to the vet and say “Hi, this is Idiot,” so Nick named him Jim. He was still an idiot. He was also FIV positive. Chances were that sooner rather than later he was going to die. When he did, we probably wouldn’t know for sure. He would just stop coming over for breakfast, and dinner, and he wouldn’t be around for roast beef at 8 pm. He would just vanish the same way he appeared.

The thing is, he loved us first. He ran right up to us and marked us with his body. He came running into the house to eat, but then cried when we closed the door and asked him to get comfortable. He couldn’t get comfortable, and he couldn’t stay with us all the time because he didn’t know how to use a litter box, and he didn’t want to learn. When he needed to go, he needed to go outside. At least he knew enough to ask. We got him fixed, and he still came back. I took him back to the vet for his boosters, and he showed up the next day like nothing had happened. He was slowly becoming our cat. I even got him to use the litter box, but he did not want to live in the house full-time. We started having sleepovers, and in the morning when Nick left for work, Jim would leave too.

I had hope though. That was my mistake. I had hope; that he would want to stay in the house where he could be safe and cared for. I had hope; that we could keep him healthy for a good long while. My hopes were shattered when I found Jim in the middle of our road. He had been hit by a car. What came next was nothing I could have predicted.

Nick and I set out on a mission to at least TNR all the rest of the cats that Jim had left behind in a small colony that was growing at the head of our road. Over the next nine months, we ended up rescuing, fostering, and acting as an adoption agency for 17 cats and kittens.

When we thought we had successfully prevented the colony from turning into an uncontrollable clowder, I had time to reflect on the experience and decided to write a book about all of it and especially how COVID made things even harder. I decided to use the royalties for the book to help other organizations that do a much better job of TNR, cat rescue, fostering, and adoption than we ever could. I also started a blog called Because of Jim.

The fund, Wild Serenity Cat Rescue Fund, is used to endow organizations that do good work, and it also helps to pay for the medical expenses of cats and kittens whose needs we have become aware of. To date, we have been able to write checks to Saving Graces 4 Felines in Greenville NC; they were instrumental in helping us find homes for the first 10. We have also helped with medical expenses for five kittens who were dumped at our vet’s office, help Ginger’s Petfood Pantry in Florida, and Meowland Rescuary in PA. The fund uses royalties, adoption fees, and donations to pay what we can. We are very small and the checks we write are not very large, but we are doing want we can with want we have. Unfortunately, the needs of abandoned, neglected, and surrendered animals are great. Contributing to pet food pantries help keep animals in their homes, and that is the first step to keeping them off the street.

Because of Jim we are still rescuing cats and doing whatever we can to help the companion animals who seem to fall through the cracks. We try to educate people as well as fund these precious animals. If you are interested in our story and want to know more, our book, Because of Jim the Story of 17 Rescues in the Height of COVID is available on Amazon.

by Harris

Traveling With Pets Tips: A How-To Guide on Vacations with Your Cat or Dog

Written By: Arslan Hassan

Going for a family vacation? Don't forget your four-legged companion. Canines and felines are as much part of your family as other people and need a holiday, too.

But not all pets are accustomed to traveling. While some pets are born world travelers and become great travel buddies, others are ready to run off the bridge any minute they get the chance.

Hence, to keep the trip safe and fun for everyone, we assembled a guide to ensure a fun-packed journey.

Things to do before:

Now that you're done with your packing, location decided, and hotel booked: the next thing to do is give 100% attention to your pet. Buy an ID card for their collar with your name and phone number written on it; adding the hotel name and their phone number is a bonus.

It's better if your pet is microchipped. Make sure the details in the microchip are updated and right. Secondly, take your pet's vaccination card and health certificates with you. In case of an emergency, these will be helpful for other vets to treat your pet.

Pack extra food in case of a change in plans or an emergency. Try not to feed your pets to the fullest before traveling; it can make them nauseous. Lastly, get a crate for your pet. Cats tend to squeeze themselves when nervous, and dogs can be too hard to handle if they're anxious while traveling.

For cats or dogs, anxiety while traveling can lead to some troubles. Therefore, carry them in a carrier. Assure that the carrier size is suitable to sit and stand in. Get the crate at home to familiarize them with it.

If your dog is large in size, switch to a crate. Crates are more sturdily built and ideal for dogs weighing between 70 and 90 lbs. There's much more to learn about a dog and how to handle them. Thankfully, you can find answers to all your concerns on We Love Doodles.

Although many pets are not cut for traveling due to their temperament, illness, or other issues. We recommend you visit your vet to know if your pet is alright with traveling.

Air Travels:

Air travel can be a lot of work for pets, either in the cargo or in the cabin. Following these tips can help your pets ease a little.

• Check if your airline allows pet travel, their charges and if they allow pets in a cabin or cargo.
• Correspond with the airline's pet travel policies. Each airline has its own policies and requires some documents before booking.
• Make sure your crate is airline approved.
• Play with your cat or dog before the flight. So, your pet sleeps throughout the flight.
• Check-in late for the flying. You don't want your pet to wait for hours in the crate.
• You can add some pine shaving or newspaper to the crate. In case of any incident, it will be absorbed.
• Bring your cat's litter box with you. Cats can smell if it's theirs or not.
• Carry some no-noise toys. It will help them without annoying other people.
• Book a direct flight if possible.
• Stay relax. Your pet can sense the tension in you and get anxious. You can frequently pass these buddies treats, too.

Most importantly, check in with their vet for any other necessary medications and if they'll be okay in higher altitudes.

Road Rides:

Road trips are easier to handle than planes. You can go miles according to your pet's tolerance level. Take breaks and keep the journey fun for them.

• Take trial trips. Let your dog sit in the car for hours or go for small rides. The same goes for the cat; let them understand that car rides are safe.
• We know how cinematic it looks, a dog sticking their head out of the car. Well, it's dangerous. Any unexpected obstacle or sudden breaks can cause serious injury. And dust alone can cause allergies.
• An advantage of car rides is frequent breaks. Take a break every 4 hours (at least) for restrooms, food, and stretching.
• Always keep cold water on hand. The last thing you want on a road trip is a dehydrated companion.
• Never leave your pet inside the car. It gets deadly warm inside the car real quick.
• If your pet is in a crate, leave a crack in the window for ventilation.
• Is a crate not an option for your big canine? Go for a car belt.
• While sunscreen is a go-to product for us: the sun can be dangerous for pets, too. A window blind can do the work for you!
• Just like human babies, puppies are unsafe for a front seat. If worse comes to worst, the pressure of airbags is harmful to them. Backseats are far safer.
• Let us not forget the most important thing. Keep an eye on your cat; these tiny paws dart at the first possibility.
• Listening to you sing the whole trip is punishing enough. Avoid loud music as it damages the pet's sensitive ears and increases anxiety.
• Ideally, feed your pets four hours before leaving or a small meal an hour before. Dogs are more likely to have an upset stomach.

Some pets are too scared of traveling, and we suggest you leave them at home with a caretaker or a friend. However, if it is necessary, a prescribed anti-anxiety can save the day.

Train Trips:

Although train trips are uncommon due to their weight and size limits, they are similar to car rides.

• Check with train policies and if your pet is allowed.
• Make your pet familiar with crates as with car rides. Pick up the carrier and roam around the house as practice.
• Cooperate with the staff where you can stop to relieve your pet. Regardless, there are cases where there is no possible stop.

Knowing the rules is as important for pets as for you. As well as; visiting the train station beforehand, the noise there can be terrifying for your pet. See if they get habituated easily.

Conclusion:

Before we wrap this up, here are a few more suggestions; keep a blankie or a beloved toy with your pet, ask your vet how to assess if your pet is getting anxious, and of course, be patient.

Trips can be frightening for pets; try to be patient and considerate of your pet. You can get a thunder shirt to calm your pet's anxiety. Now that you've finally reached your destination: look for pet-friendly places to visit and restaurants to eat at.

Book a hotel that has good pet policies. If some sites are too crowded for a pet or not open for them, search for nearby dog or cat sitters. We tried to make a super easy and helpful guide for you. Use this as a checklist and be 100% ready for your vacation.

(Image Source: Shutterstock)

by Harris