Common Cat Diseases - How To Prevent Them
By Bhawani Singh

Rabies

Rabies is a viral illness that infected animals transmit through bite wounds. Rabies can be a fatal illness and it attacks the nervous system. Nowadays, rabies is more common in cats than any other domestic animal. By law, cats should be vaccinated against rabies. Proof of vaccination is necessary to show in the unlikely scenario of your cat biting someone. In addition to vaccination, prevent rabies by ensuring your cat is indoors most of the time.

Upper respiratory infections (URIs)

Just like cold in humans, cats also get URIs with similar symptoms such as fever, decreases appetite, runny nose and eyes, sneezing, reddened eyes etc. If left untreated, URIs can be fatal in cats. As URIs are highly contagious, human handling, contact with other cats, and contact with litter boxes, food bowls, and grooming tools can transmit these diseases. Any cat that is suspected of URIs should be separated from other cats for ate least 3 weeks or until you are sure that other cats and animals are OK. Get your cat vaccinated and contact your vet immediately if you see any URI symptoms. Vets will most likely prescribe some antibiotics to prevent secondary infections. Ensure that your cats eat and drink sufficiently.

Feline distemper

Also known as feline panleukopenia, feline distemper shows symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea and is very highly contagious. Feline distemper transmits through human contact, infected cats, clothing, hair, paws, food bowls. Best way to prevent is vaccination.

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)

FIV is similar to human acquired immune deficiency syndrome or otherwise known as AIDS. But it can't be passed to humans as it is not the same virus. Some general symptoms are: Appetite loss, diarrhea, oral infections, and chronic & no responding infections. FIV is passed from cat to cat through bites and has proven to be fatal. Your veterinarian will usually do a blood test before vaccinating your cat. The available vaccine does protect cats from contracting FIV. Of course, keeping your cat indoors happily is the cheaper way of protecting it from FIV.

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV)

FeLV is a fatal infectious virus that affects the immune system and can cause several forms of cancer and other associated diseases. It is transmitted through the saliva, urine, and feces of infected cats. There is no link between feline leukemia and human forms of leukemia.

Your veterinarian will usually do a blood test before vaccinating your cat. Since there is no cure, it is best to keep your cat indoors and away from contact with other cats. Discuss vaccination schedules with you veterinarian.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)

FIP is a virus that is almost always fatal to cats. This virus can take two forms, commonly referred to as wet (which involves fluid in the abdomen) and dry (which does not). Both forms of FIP may cause fever, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Blood test usually determines if your cat is exposed to this kind of virus. Some recently developed vaccines do give some hope as there hasn't been an effective treatment for FIP. The best prevention is to keep your cat indoors, up-to-date on vaccines, and away from strange animals.

For additional information on cat diseases and discount pet meds to treat them, visit http://www.choicepetmeds.com. To find a Vet near where you live, visit http://www.petcarehospitals.com