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Feline Health Glossary
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Here you will find all the cases of feline diseases with its detailed description companioned with some useful advises for cat owners that are anxious about the health of their pet.
Knowing the issues of this glossary will help you understand your veterinary better as well as your cat's health needs.
This glossary helps to understand the connections between the illness and the treats, what disease can cause another and what should you do to prevent the dangers for your feline pet.
A | Abandonment | There are more homeless cats than dogs, but the proportion is lower because it is often the cats themselves who choose freedom. The problem of true abandonment arises when, for example, an aged owner dies and his or her family discards the cat, but it is often the saddened pet than runs away. | | Abscess | A deposit of pus that may occur in various parts of the animal's body as a reaction to infection. Often abscesses are caused by wounds suffered in fights that become infected by germs, from the enemy's claws. They cause a painful swelling, with fever frequently present. An abscess should never be squeezed but brought to a head with localized bathing with warm water and salt. It can be cleaned out with hydrogen peroxide and a cotton-tipped swab. | | Acne | A skin disease affecting the chin and the area around the lips. It can be caused by faulty diet, constipation, or hormonal dysfunctions. In mild cases, the affected area should be washed with neutral soap and immediately rinsed. In serious cases, including sizable infected areas or the appearance of boils, the services of a veterinarian are required for the administration of antibiotics or surgery. | | Acquired immunity | Comes from a vaccination or from overcoming a previous attack of the illness. Results in resistance to further infection. | | Acute disease | An illness which manifests rapidly | | Acute Metritis | An infection of the uterus | | Aggressiveness | The tendency of a cat to scratch, bite or bully. Fights between cats are not limited to the mating season, but may come about over territorial rights or food. Often aggressive behavior is irreversible and due to psychological disturbances. | | Aging | A cat is old at nine years, but its old age can be extended. It will stay at home, wanting only peace and quiet; it will sleep more than before; it will prefer lying in corners away from family activities. Its diet should include less meat and more fish, fresh cheese, and broth, with some fat, but no sweets or tidbits from the table. As it ages, the cat will lose aggressiveness, its sight and hearing will become less acute, it will tend to gain weight, and its bodily functions will be less regular. An aged cat should have a regular checkup by a veterinarian. | | Allele | One of a group of genes that occur at a given place on a chromosome strand and determine physical characteristics. | | Allergen | Any inanimate or living object that creates an allergic reaction. | | Allergy | A state of hypersensitivity to substances normally considered in-offensive - food, medicine, pollen, dust. Symptoms may be swelling, blotching, itching, watering of the eyes, running of the hose, breathing difficulty, pain, digestive upset. Old cats often have food allergies which cause them to scratch themselves and lick their coats. Often a change of diet suffices as a cure. Other allergies affect the respiratory system and cause asthma. The most common allergy among cats is a skin allergy caused by flea bites. The most immediate treatment is to rid the animal of fleas. If the skin is seriously irritated, anti-flea medicines and shampoo could aggravate the affliction. The bet should be called. Besides being victims of allergies, cats can also cause them. The mere presence of a cat in a room can cause attacks of asthma or sneezing in many people. | | Alopecia | A pathological skin condition resulting in the loss of hair outside the moulting season, with the falling out in patches. Avoid home remedies (especially with an alcohol base) and take the cat to the vet immediately. | | Alter | To surgically remove the reproductive ability of animals either through spaying (females) or through neutering (males). Also a type of class in cat shows in which cats that have been spayed or neutered compete. | | Anemia | The reduction of red corpuscles in the blood. The seriousness of this complaint depends upon its cause, whether from hemorrhage, insufficient generation of new red corpuscles, infection, etc. Anemia is not a disease but a symptom revealing some pathological development that must be determined. An anemic cat is weak, has a bad appetite, urinates little, wastes away, and develops pallor of the mucous membranes. Once a vet determines the cause of the anemia, the cat can be treated properly. | | Anesthesia | Any gas or drug used to create a state of unconsciousness or insensitivity to pain. A well-equipped veterinary clinic is prepared to administer anesthesia during surgery with the same methods used in hospitals for humans. These include injected muscle relaxants, sedatives, and general anesthetics. Most operations require general anesthesia, from which the animal will quickly recover. | | Antibiotics | Substances produced from bacteria which can combat harmful microorganisms and their reproduction. The best known antibiotic is penicillin. It should be used only as prescribed by a vet. Prescribed dosages should be followed to the letter. | | Antigen | A foreign "enemy" substance, such as germs, that enter the body and lead to the formation of antibodies by the white blood cells. This "enemy" can also be a usually innocuous substance such as pollen or dander. | | Arthritis | An inflammation of the joints that is often caused by the aging process or exposure to dampness. Older animals are more susceptible than younger ones. X-rays reveal the disease in its various states. Some drugs, such as aspirin, which are beneficial to humans, are harmful to cats. Anti-pain remedies should be prescribed by a vet. | | Ascarids | Round worms, cylindrical parasites measuring 1 to 4 in. (2.5 to 10 cm) in length, pinkish in colour, which live in the intestines of cats (and in rare instances also plague humans). Sometimes they are so numerous as to form bundles, which can cause occlusion. Ascarid larvae can be transmitted from a nursing mother cat to its young. It is therefore advisable to have kittens wormed during the first few weeks of life. Worms in an advanced state caused by neglect or ignorance cause loss of weight, swelling of the belly, dullness of the coat, vomiting, convulsions, and progressive weakness. They are life threatening to young kittens. The surest evidence is detection of them in the feces. A vet must prescribe the proper medicine. The cat's environment should be disinfected to destroy all eggs. | | Asthma | The word means "difficult breathing." It is a chronic disease characterized by labored breathing, coughing spells, and chest constriction. When bronchitis is not treated promptly, it may develop into asthma. In old cats, complete recovery is difficult, especially if the cat has heart or lung problems. Limited diet, rest in a dry place and visits to the vet are necessary. | | Asymptomatic | Exhibiting no symptoms for a disease. | | Auto-immune disease | A disease in which the body's own defense mechanisms attack normal tissues.
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B
| Bandaging | The purpose of bandaging is to stop bleeding or prevent contamination of a wound. Bandaging a wounded cat, however, is difficult, because the cat is nervous, usually in pain, and will try to remove any bandage with its teeth and claws. Applying a wrapped bandage is probably a job for the vet, except in an emergency. | Booster vaccination
| Injections that are given periodically after the primary injection to continue immunity to a specific disease. | | Breed | A strain or variety of a species of animal, among which aesthetic and psychological qualities are transmitted from one generation to another in a highly selective manner | | Bronchitis | Inflammation of the bronchial tubes, of which the symptoms are depression, chills, coughing, and loss of appetite. The most common kind of bronchitis is caused by respiratory diseases. Treatment is to keep the cat in a room at constant temperature and to give it expectorants. Chronic bronchitis is a typical disease of old cats. Such cases are mostly treated by the giving of expectorants and sedatives in an effort to avoid the development of asthma. A serious complication is bronchial pneumonia, which is particularly grave because the infection attacks the lung tissue. The cat appears depressed, has a dry cough, high fever, quickened breathing, and loss of appetite with increased thirst. The services of a vet are absolutely necessary. Drugs and antibiotics may bring about recovery in two weeks, but the cat will need a period of convalescence in a dry place, with a light diet of foods particularly to its liking. | | Burns | The most common types of burns are those from heated objects or from boiling water. Often the seriousness of the injury is underestimated because no welts are visible on the cat's skin and the fur is undisturbed. But if the hair comes out easily when pulled, it means that the burn is serious and must be treated immediately. While waiting for the vet's examination, you can relieve pain by applying ice or cold compresses to the burn. Electrical burns may happen when a cat is playing with a lamp cord or similar device. The shock is most frequently sustained by the mouth, but the vet should check to see whether there is any damage to the lungs. |
C
| Calcivirus | A serious respiratory illness. | Canine teeth
| The large, sharp, curved teeth that are located on each side of the mouth. (Also referred to as eye teeth). | | Cardiomyopathy | A progressive, genetically linked heart defect that causes heart failure. | Caries
| The result of deterioration of the enamel of the teeth with the formation of cavities. The problem in cats usually is noticed when the animal suffers while chewing. Sometimes bad breath is also a symptom. The vet can decide whether or not the ailing tooth should be extracted; the operation should take place with anesthesia. | | Castration
| The surgical removal of the testicles of the male cat. Altering should be performed after the sixth or seventh? month or when the vet advises. Contrary to popular belief, altering your cat WILL NOT make it fat. | Cataract
| An eye disease which mainly attacks older cats. The crystalline lens of the eye becomes opaque, and vision is sharply reduced. Causes may be diabetes, poisoning, traumas, or old age. Surgery is recommended, especially if the animal is young. | | Cat Registration
| Genealogical listing of all purebred cats with their detailed pedigrees. Every cat fanciers' association keeps such a record of all members' animals. A cat must be entered in the files before a pedigree is issued. | | Cattery | The place where breeders mate cats with the aim of maintaining the purity and perfection of a breed and to supply kittens for sale. | | Cesarean birth | The method by which kittens are delivered by surgical means through the abdominal wall. Cesarean births are sometimes advisable for small females, which are constitutionally unable to cope with normal birth. | | Chromosomes | Elements in a cell that control inherited characteristics. | Chronic disease
| A disease that lasts indefinitely. | | Cleft palate | A birth defect in which the two halves of the mouth do not fuse together properly. | | Clubs | Cat clubs organize breeders, exhibitors, judges, and owners of a given breed. Other duties include formulation and revision of the standards and promotion of perfection of the breed. The cat clubs are not the same as associations. They are localized with no overall mission such as registering kittens, etc. | | Colic | A morbid syndrome with acute abdominal pain connected with disease, the swallowing of foreign bodies, or fecal impaction. Diagnosis and treatment must be made by a vet. The use of laxatives should be avoided. | | Colitis | Inflammation of the large intestine. | | Congenital | An imperfection existing at birth that is not acquired genetically. | | Conjunctivitis | Inflammation of the membrane on the inside surface of the eyes. | | Constipation | Difficulty in bowel movement. When it occurs, a change in diet is recommended (fresh liver has a laxative effect) together with the administration of a spoonful of vaseline oil or corn oil. Constipation may be caused at times by the cat's swallowing hair. If the condition is serious and persistent, surgery may be necessary. | | Contusion | The result of a violent blow from a non-cutting outside object (collision, fall, a thrown stone) usually accompanied by painful swelling. There may be lacerations, bruises, or hematoma (a swelling suffused with blood). The blood is normally reabsorbed quickly upon application of a warm poultice or a pomade. | | Convulsions | Strong and involuntary contraction of the muscles. | | Cystitis | Inflammation of the bladder caused by bacteria. Urination becomes frequent and difficult, and the urine is clouded by albumin or pus. The attack is accompanied by fever and pains. antibiotics offer a quick cure. There should always be a dish of fresh water so that the cat is free to drink as often as it wishes. The litter box should be kept as clean as possible. |
D
| Dandruff | A health cat healthy have a soft skin free from scabs and dandruff. If dandruff is present, it is a possible sign of fleas, tapeworm, allergic dermatitis, or some other ailment. Consult a vet. | | Deafness | A cat' s ears may be afflicted by hardening of the duct, accumulation of wax, perforation of the eardrum, catarrh - all disturbances which can lead to deafness. | | Declawed | A cat that has had its claws surgically removed. Most cat associations do not allow declawed cats to be in competition. | Dehydration
| Loss of water from the tissues. | | Dermatitis | Inflammation of the skin caused by parasites, infection, or allergy, which the cat may try to relieve by scratching. | | Diabetes | A disease mostly of old cats caused by faulty diet, obesity, genetic factors, or reaction to some drugs. The animal loses weight, drinks an unusual amount of water, urinates frequently, and is weak. Diagnosis is through urine analysis. Treatment is with insulin and diet control. | | Digitalis | A heart tonic sometimes prescribed in small doses to strengthen the heartbeat. | | Disinfestation | The process by which harmful parasites infesting the cat are destroyed. Baths and antiparasite powders are useful. Fleas reproduce in tight corners of the animal's bed and on the adjacent floor. Thus a thorough cleaning is needed in the area where the cat has its bed. | | Distemper | See Feline infectious enteritis. | | Drugs | Drugs used in veterinary medicine are specially formulated for cats; sometimes they are the same as those used for humans. They must, of course, be prescribed carefully to avoid overdoses with harmful results. | | Dysentery | An infection of the lower intestinal tract causing pain, fever, and severe diarrhea. It may come from a number of causes; faulty diet, colds, feline enteritis, intestinal parasites, poisoning or other gastrointestinal afflictions. The cat should be kept in a warm room without eating and the vet should be called. | | Dyspnea | Labored breathing following accidents or during pulmonary afflictions. The cause must be determined immediately and treatment undertaken. |
E
| Eclampsia | A disease that occurs in late pregnancy or after birth that causes loss of consciousness, convulsions and can lead to sudden death. It is caused by a calcium deficiency. | Eczema
| Inflammation of the skin with reddening, formation of vesicles, and/or scabs. The cat aggravates the condition by scratching. The various types of eczeme can be caused by food poisoning, bad skin care, abnormal liver function, vitamin deficiency or allergy. The complaint may be acute or chronic, and may attack various parts of the body, especially the back and tail, the neck and the head. A vet may give injections to guard against liver damage and apply suitable ointments after bathing the affected area. Diet should be changed to include fish, fresh cheeses, buttermilk, or yogurt. | Enteritis
| Intestinal inflammation from toxic causes (food poisoning, long-term constipation) or from bacterial infection. Mild cases are treated with 24 hours of fasting followed by a diet of skim milk? and broths. More severe cases, accompanied by fever, will call for administration of antispasmodics and/or antibiotics. Infectious enteritis is a contagious disease which, if not quickly diagnosed, may be fatal. It can be prevented by vaccination. | | Estrus | Pertaining to the periods of ovulation in female cats. Referred to as "being in heat". | | Euthanasia | Death intentionally caused, most often by injection of drugs that cause cessation of heart action. It is used to "put to sleep" pets which have an incurable disease and to spare them from needless suffering. | | Exercise | Docile cats or those who are kept indoors become fat and flabby and have less resistance to fatigue and illness. Thus exercise is a necessity. | | Eyes | An owner should examine the cat's eyes often and, when necessary clean them with a little cotton dampened with lukewarm water. Cat's eyes can be harmed by dust, cold drafts, lesions, or foreign bodies, which may lead to conjunctivitis, corneal ulceration, or cataracts. Any of these afflictions left untended may result in blindness. |
F
| Fatigue | Fatigued cats may appear depressed, indifferent, and may vomit or have blood in their urine. Total rest is the proper cure. | | Fear | The instinct for self-preservation leads unattached cats to avoid humans, dogs, loud noises, and strange places. A housecat, however, is normally much more relaxed and even if frightened by some unexpected event, can usually be easily quieted. Abnormal cases of inborn, or congenital, timidity are hard to remedy. | | Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) | A virus that invades the cat's DNA and uses it to reproduce, causing dysfunction of the immune system. | | Feline Infectious Enteritis (Panleucopenia) | This disease is caused by a virus and is fatal, particularly in kittens and young cats if not treated immediately by a vet. The symptoms are listlessness, loss of appetite, vomiting, extraordinary thirst, rise of temperature and rapid deterioration in condition. If a kitten is vomiting and looks poorly, call the vet immediately. Speed is essential. All kittens should be vaccinated against feline infectious enteritis. | | Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) | A coronavirus infection of the membrane lining the abdominal cavity. This disease is always fatal. | | Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) | A virus that causes one of the most lethal infectious diseases found in cats. It is directly and indirectly the cause of many feline illnesses including cancer of the lymphocytes. | | Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) | A disease of the urinary tract that can cause urethral blockage and stone formation. | | Feline Urologic Syndrome (FUS) | A disease of the urinary tract often responsible for blockage of the urethra in male cats. A life threatening situation. | | Fever | A cat's normal temperature range is 100.5 - 102.5 degrees farenheit. The animal is feverish, sad, has little appetite, and stays by itself - all symptoms of some complaint which must be diagnosed. | | Foreign Bodies | Such foreign bodies as slivers, fish bones, or other pointed bones may get stuck in the cat's throat or gums. If the cat does not succeed in removing such bodies by its own efforts, the services of a veterinarian may be required. | | Fracture | There are two types of fractures - simple, when there is no visible break in the skin, and compound, when a bone protrudes from a wound. Deformations of the legs as a result of a fracture may be apparent, the animal's movements may be abnormal, or the legs may be unable to sustain the cat's weight. Usually the pet cries out continually. The vet should treat all fractures. It is best not apply a splint by yourself. |
G
| Gastritis | An irritation of the stomach caused by indigestion, spoiled food, chills, or vermin. A symptom is the vomiting of a clear or yellow fluid in an effort to rid its body of harmful food. Fasting for 24 hours is recommended. There is also an acute form of gastritis with not only vomiting but also high fever, diarrhea, and excessive thirst. In such cases, a visit to the vet is absolutely necessary. | Gingivitis
| Inflammation of the gums caused by tartar on the teeth, spoiled foods, medicines not tolerated by the cat, or tooth cavities. There may be swelling, bleeding and pus. Treatment is by local disinfection. |
H
| Heart, diseases of | The four major categories of heart disease are congestive heart failure, pre-heart failure states, arrhythmia, and shock with hypertension. Old cats are most likely to suffer. The most apparent symptoms are difficult breathing, trembling and excessive fatigue. Care of a vet is essential. | | Heartworm | A rare, but potentially life-threatening parasite, that travels through a cat's bloodstream and grows large in the heart. | | Heatstroke | Extremely hot, humid weather may cause heatstroke in cats if they are not kept cool and given ample water. Symptoms include elevated body temperature (110F), suffering, staggering, possible vomiting and collapse. The cat should be removed immediately to a cool place, where ice compresses should be applied. Blood circulation can be improved by body massage. A cat must never be left in a closed car exposed to the sun, nor should it be required to travel for long distances during unusually hot weather. Very young kittens are especially vulnerable to heatstroke, as are old cats and overweight animals. | Hemorrhage
| Continuous loss of blood from a wound or lesion which results from the breaking of veins or arteries. The bleeding should be stopped as quickly as possible by cold compacts and pressure on the wound. Surgery is often required. If the bleeding is from an artery, use of a tourniquet above the wound is necessary. Lesions caused by being hit by a car or other vehicle may cause internal hemorrhaging in which blood accumulates in the abdomen, stomach, or bladder. The animal must be permitted absolute rest under the care of a vet. | | Heredity | The transmission of physical and psychological characteristics from parents to offspring. The extension of characteristics from one generation to another is not all inclusive, since the young may all resemble the father, or all may resemble the mother, or half may resemble one parent and the remaining half the other, thus transmitting traits from distant ancestors as well. | | Histamines | Chemicals released by the body when antibodies encounter an allergen. These chemicals cause the familiar allergic reactions such as sneezing and watery eyes. | | Hookworm | A parasitic worm that thrives in unsanitary conditions. | | Hydrophobia (rabies) | A very serious disease that may strike dogs, wolves, mice and cats. The rabies virus can be transmitted by the bite of an infected animal. A victim of rabies seeks the dark, is irritable, tries to hide, is given to unprovoked scratching, and is unable to drink because of paralysis of the glottis. Death is certain. Have your cat vaccinated against rabies. | | Hygiene | All the activities aimed at cleanliness of the animal's body, such as combing, brushing, elimination of parasites, bathing and dry shampooing, proper diet, and regularity of bowel movements. | Hyperthermia
| Increased body temperature that can result from heat stroke. |
I
| Indigestion | Caused by overfeeding, faulty diet, voracious eating, swallowing foreign bodies, gastritis, and other factors. The cat seems depressed, refuses to eat, suffers from stomach pains and whines; it may even seem to be undergoing a nervous attack. A brief period without eating is usually enough to bring the animal back to normal form. Regular eating should be resumed gradually, starting with broth. | | Infection | Sickness caused by penetration of germs into the body, where they reproduce. A cat's wounds, especially if it lives much of its life outdoors, can easily become infected. If neglected or badly treated, infections can worsen into abscesses. | Influenza
| Symptoms include sneezing, discharge of fluid from the eyes, loss of appetite, fever, ulcers, on tongue, drooling, and apathy. If properly treated, the cat should be cured in a week or ten days, but if neglected influenza may open the way for serious viral disease. Even a simple cold is reason enough to keep a cat in a warm place, well protected from dampness and drafts. | Injection
| The process by which liquid medicines are put into some part of the body. It may be subcutaneous or hypodermic, when simply directed beneath the skin. The best place on a cat's body is the flank adjacent to the kidneys after the skin has been caught up into a fold by the owner's fingers. When giving an animal injections, it is a good plan for one or two people to hold the cat down because it will struggle to escape the needle. | | Insect Bites | Such bites become noticeable when there is swelling around the bite. If an insect stinger is visible, it should be removed with tweezers. If the stinger is not visible and swelling continues, with or without respiratory complications, the cat should be taken to the vet. |
L
| Laryngitis | Inflammation of the larynx, often in association with pharyngitis. Symptoms are tickling of the throat, coughing, hoarseness. The affliction appears after a cold or an attack of influenza. | Laxative
| Medication for the relief of constipation. Emollients used in the preparation of typical laxatives include mineral oil or petroleum jelly (1 tsp in the food for two or three days). Laxatives should be used only on the advice of a vet. | Licking
| If a cat persists in licking a given part of its body, it probably means that it has a wound, foreign body, or perhaps an abscess is forming. The owner should examine the localized area to ascertain what the problem is. Licking, however, is a normal technique of self-grooming and is quite normal when not obsessively confined to one area of the body. | Limping
| When a cat limps or keeps one leg uplifted while walking, it means it has had an accident. The vet will able to ascertain whether it is caused by a bruise, twisting of the leg, dislocation or fracture. | Loss of Appetite
| Whenever a cat that has always eaten normally loses its appetite, the owner should be alerted, since it may be symptomatic of indigestion, feline infectious enteritis or cat flu, a cold, or fever. If the condition lasts for several days and signs of weight loss appear, then treatment by a vet should be arranged. | | Luxating patella | Genetically transmitted problem that causes the knee cap to slip when the joint is moved. Can cause lameness. |
M
| Mange | A disease caused by the presence of parasitic mites barely visible to the naked eye. There are several varieties of parasitic mites, each attacking different sections of the body. Otodectes cynotis live in the ear canal, causing dark wax which in turn itches the cat persistently. Notoedres cati are mites that localize on the head by burrowing beneath the skin, causing itching and loss of hair. Trombiculid mites (chiggers) can land on any part of the body. They are red, orange, or yellowish specks no bigger than the point of a pin. They cause severe itching. All mites must be treated by a vet with a form of insecticide formulated for cats plus a topical treatment for relief of the symptoms. | Mastitis
| Acute inflammation of the nipples in a nursing female cat. It is caused by a trauma, infection, or blocked passage of the milk through the mammary glands. Symptoms are swelling orhardening of the nipples, which may also become fevered or purplish, possibly with the emission of discoloured milk that may be streaked with blood. The affliction may strike only one nipple. Hot compresses applied to the area may give relief until the animal can be seen by a vet. | | Mites | Very small arachnids that cause and carry a variety of diseases. |
N
| Nephritis | Inflammation of the kidneys resulting from a severe illness that overtaxes the kidneys. In the acute form of nephritis, the animal suffers from depression, colic, painful and increased urination, thirst, vomiting or loss of appetite. Urinalysis is the key to accurate diagnosis. If neglected, this disease can be fatal. | Neurosis
| Strong emotions, toxic reactions, and extended sickness can cause a cat to become neurotic, with changes in humour and behaviour, onset of fears and constant mewing. The cause(s) of the neurosis should be eliminated and treatment begun to remedy the animal's condition. | | Neuter | A surgical procedure that prevents a male cat from being able to impregnate a female. | | Nictating membrane | The third eyelid which a cat can pull across its eye for addition protection. |
O
| Obesity | Overweightness is harmful to joints, the heart and the lungs. The obese cat becomes lethargic. Overweightness is almost always caused by overeating. A low-calorie diet with vitamin and mineral supplements should be started and strictly adhered to. | Otitis
| Inflammation of the outer ear. It becomes reddened, there is an excessive flow of wax, and the cat tends to scratch its ear more than normally. Regular cleansing of the ear can prevent the onset of otitis, which is encouraged by the presence of eczema, mange mites, or foreign bodies. If untended, otitis may lead to deafness. | Onychectomy (Declawing)
| A surgical process that permanently removes the nails on an animal. (Note: Declawing is NOT advisable). | | Ovariohysterectomy (Spaying) | A sterilization procedure, in which the female cat's ovaries are removed. |
P
| Panleukopenia | Viral infection that attacks the bones and intestinal walls. | Paralysis
| An affliction in which abnormalities in the nervous system lead to partial or total loss of sensation in certain parts of the body. In cats, paralysis can be caused by calcium deficiency, which leads in turn to decalcification of the bones, fractures, a broken spinal column with lesions in the spinal cord, or by a cerebral hemorrhage. Immediate treatment is necessary. | | Parasites | Creatures that live upon others, often causing discomfort or disease. Parasites that take up residence on the cat's skin include fleas, ticks, and lice, which can be eliminated by the use of powders, certain compresses, or pesticide collars. Internal parasites invade the cat's stomach, intestine, or blood stream. These include roundworms, hookworms, heartworms, protozoans, strongyloides, and tapeworms. Tests, including micro-examination of the feces, can determine whether a cat is free from or afflicted by parasites. Left untreated, internal and external parasites weaken the animal, leaving it more susceptible to disease. | Pleurisy
| Inflammation of the pleura, which is the serious membrane surrounding the lung. Causes include deep wounds in the thorax, severe colds, bronchial pneumonia, tuberculosis. The cat finds breathing painful, has a dry cough, and a slight fever. It should be taken to a vet for treatment. | | Pericarditis | An inflammation of the membrane covering the heart. | | Peritonitis | An inflammation of the membrane covering the abdominal cavity. Also referred to as periodontal disease. | | Pneumonia | An acute virus infection of the lungs caused by a severe cold in a weak animal. It is often associated with bronchitis and pleurisy. Symptoms include high fever, dry cough, difficulty in breathing, loss of appetite. The disease attacks young cats particularly. Treatment by the vet includes injections of antibiotics and the administration of expectorants. Convalescence in a warm environment takes about one month. | | Poisoning | May be caused by spoiled food, poisoned meat set out to destroy pests, mice killed by arsenic, household or garden chemicals, or poisons cruelly fed to the animal by others. Other household poisons are lead, petroleum distillates, detergents, lye, cleansers, mothballs and medications such as aspirin. It is almost never possible to notice poisoning at the moment it occurs but only later, when the symptoms become evident. Such symptoms include heavy flow of saliva, a sense of suffocation, diarrhea, collapse and nervous attacks. Get the animal to a vet immediately. | | Pyometra | An infection of the uterus. | | Pyorrhea (peridontitis) | A disease of the gums surrounding the teeth resulting in the eventual loss of a tooth if not treated. The affliction is found chiefly in old cats. Symptoms are hesitancy to chew hard food, also bleeding gums. Treatment is removal of plaque and/or tartar. |
Q
| Quick | The root inside the nail, carrying blood. |
R
| Rabies | See Hydrophobia | | Renal amyloidosis | A genetically linked kidney condition that can cause kidney failure. | | Respiratory ailments | The first symptom of respiratory illness is sneezing followed by watering of the eyes, listlessness, and loss of appetite. If the breathing rate increases or there is fever, attention by the vet is required. The complaint may prove serious in the case of old animals with heart problems, but in most cases treatment with antibiotics is sufficient. | Rheumatism
| A localized or spreading pain in the muscles, joints, and associated structures possibly due to exposure to cold and dampness. The animal whines and tends to limp. Most of the time the acute form of the disease will clear up in about a week. Chronic forms are long-lasting and painful. The cat should live in dry surroundings, carefully dried if it comes into the house with a wet coat, and care should be taken to ensure that it does not sleep on cold floors. Rheumatism is a general term for various related diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatic fever, or osteoarthritis. | | Rhinotracheitis | A serious respiratory illness. | | Rickets | A disease that attacks the skeleton, resulting in deformations thereof. Symptoms of rickets appear especially in young cats as the result of an insufficient amount of vitamin D or defective diet. In kittens it results in crooked legs and curvature of the spine. Spontaneous fractures and a tendency to pick up diseases may characterize an animal with rickets. In treatment and prevention, the diet should include milk, soft cheeses, minerals, and vitamin D in addition to meat. An all-meat diet creates an imbalance in the calcium/phosphorous ratio. However, there is more danger in overdosing vitamin D. Consult a vet. | | Ringworm | A highly contagious skin disease caused not by a worm, but a fungus. It appears in patches, frequently growing from the center outward in a ring pattern. It may show up under an ultraviolet light. A vet will prescribe suitable treatment. Gloves should always be worn when handling an animal with suspected ringworm, as it is also very contagious to humans. | | Roundworm | A parasitic worm resembling round spaghetti that may cause illness, particularly in young, old or weakened cats. |
S
| Scurvy | A disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C. It may strike cats that have had deficient diets and strays at all ages. A symptom is the ease with which blood vessels break; sometimes there is ulceration of the gums and anemia. Treatment is by a diet rich in vitamin C (raw liver, milk, vegetables, vitamin C supplements) and medicines as prescribed by the vet. | Shock
| A condition that occurs after the body has undergone severe injury that results in a shut down of the body¹s circulatory system. | | Spay | A female cat that has been sterilized through a surgical procedure or the process of rendering a female cat sterile through a surgical procedure. | Stomatitis
| Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth. It may be caused by too hot food, gingivitis, or infectious disease. The cat tends to stay by itself, exhibits increased thirst, salivates excessively, and eats unwillingly. Treatment must be under the care of a vet. |
T
| Tapetum Lucidum | Mirror-like layer of cells behind the cat's retina. These cells reflect light for night vision. | | Tapeworm | A long, flat, white parasite that inhabits the intestinal tract and causes illness. This infection can spread to humans. | | Toxoplasmosis | A disease caused by infection with a micro-organism, toxoplasmosis gondii, producing symptoms from mild to severe; sometimes causing death. | Tumor
| Abnormal tissue growth in an organism, progressive and usually tending to get worse. There are tumors of the vicera, skin and nervous centers. Old cats are especially likely to get tumors. Benign tumors can be removed by surgery and do not return. Malignant tumors tend to spread even after the basic tumor has been removed by surgery. |
U
| Ulcer | A small lesion formed in the stomach or intestine and caused by ingestion of corrosive substances, gastroenteritis, stomatitis, presence of parasites. Symptoms: loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, nervous manifestations, and expressions of pain. Ulcers must be treated by the vet. | | Umbilical hernia | A hernia of fat and sometimes the intestines in the region of the naval. |
V
| Vaccine | An injection that helps the body build immunity to disease. |
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