Cats

CATS

Cats are now the most popular pets in Britain, far outnumbering dogs. They now live longer than ever before and enjoy better health than they ever have; many cats will live to 15 years of age, a few will exceed 20 years. To keep them healthy and active for as long as possible it is important to ensure proper care, nutrition and observe routine health checks and vaccinations

Dental care: dental disease in cats becomes a common problem as they get older.

Vaccination: this is the best method of protecting against feline leukaemia, feline infectious enteritis, cat flu and rabies.

Parasites: fleas, other skin parasites, tapeworm and roundworm infections are common problems. We recommend worming cats every 3-4 months and maintaining protection against fleas and ticks with products such as Frontline, Advantage or Stronghold.

Neutering: neutering alleviates behaviour problems such as spraying and fighting as well as preventing unwanted kittens.

The links below contain information about some of the commoner medical problems encountered in general practice, please use them as an education resource only. Do not try to treat or diagnose problems yourself. Remember the information here is not comprehensive and differing situations may need different solutions to those described here. Always discuss problems with the veterinary surgeon who is dealing with your pet.

Cardiovascular and respiratory problems

Asthma: airway irritation caused by various antigens such as dust and cigarette smoke.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: disorder of the heart, commonly develops as a result of hyperthyroidism.
Thromboembolism: the deposition of blood clots within the vascular system, associated with heart disease.
Hypertension: high blood pressure.
Cat flu: Upper respiratory infections are extremely common. Vaccination is important.

Skin, mouth, and ear problems

Atopy: an allergic type skin disorder.
Dermatophytosis: fungal infection better known as 'ringworm'.
Ear mites: ear mites are a common cause of ear irritation and scratching/head shaking.
Eosinphilic granuloma: an abnormal, persistent, inflammatory skin reaction.
Cat bite wounds: abscesses and cellulitis are frequent sequelae to a cat scrap.
Fleas: ubiquitous skin parasite.
Food allergy: an allergy to certain food proteins which manifests as itchy skin.
Flea allergy: allergic reactions to flea bites are common and intensely irritating
Lymphocytic-plasmacytic gingivitis: inflammation of the gums and mouth.
Otitis: ear infections can be caused by parasites, bacteria or fungi.
Skin parasites: other than fleas, sarcoptic mange and cheyletiella mites are two common parasites

Liver, pancreas, and kidney/urinary problems

Cholangiohepatitis: liver and bile duct inflammation/infection.
Chronic interstitial nephritis: common kidney disorder of older cats.
Diabetes mellitus: failure to produce or respond to insulin.
Pancreatic insufficiency: failure to produce the essential digestive enzymes to break down food.
Feline lower urinary tract disease: many cats are affected by a disorder which causes difficulty passing urine.
Glomerulonephritis: a kidney disorder caused by an abnormal immune reaction.
Hepatic lipidosis: liver problem associated with a build up of fat within the liver tissue.
Pancreatitis: inflammation of the pancreas.
Polycystic kidneys: cysts in the kidney tissue may compromise kidney function, commoner in long haired breeds of cats.
Portosystemic shunt: a congenital disorder which allow blood to bypass the liver.
Pyelonephritis: kidney infection.
Urolithiasis: bladder stones and crystals.

Eye problems

Corneal ulceration: potential serious eye condition usually resulting from trauma or infection.

Viral Infections

Intestinal problems

Helicobacter: intestinal infection causing vomiting and gastric ulcers.
Tapeworm infections
Roundworm infections
Inflammatory bowel disease
Megacolon: muscular disorder of the lower bowel causing constipation.

Miscellaneous

Pyometra: uterine infection causing an accumulation of pus within the uterus.
Haemobartonella: infection of red blood cells which results in anaemia.
Hyperthyroidism: overactivity of the thyroid gland is very common in middle aged and older cats.
Vestibular syndrome: neurological dysfunction affecting balance and coordination
Lymphoma: cancer of the glandular system.
Mammary tumours
Diaphragmatic hernia: traumatic events such as car accidents can rupture the muscular barrier between the chest and abdomen.