Which cat illness symptoms match which disease or condition? That's a question only your veterinarian can answer, but let's look at
Feline infectious peritonitis is a distressing disease that can be extremely difficult to diagnose and treat in cats. Fortunately, it's not very common.
Worried that your cat may be sick? Here are over 70 cat illness warning signs that could be an indication of a disease or disorder in your cat.
Many cats suffer from gum inflammation at least once in their lives. Gingivitis is often a harrowing disease for the cat, even if our furry friends can hide it very well. Let's find out together about gingivitis in cats, understand the symptoms, the cause
a moment in time, a lifetime of love Hey Good People! Where’d the time go?! Just the other day you brought home a nameless little fuzz ball snuggled tight against you, both of you unsure about what’s going on (or what you’re doing — the joys of being a brand new pet parent!), but excited about the possibility of spending a lot of time together. Then boom, you’re 10 years in. The cuddles, messes, and late night sessions all coalesced into a loving and (somewhat) more peaceful relationship. It’s a blessing to have as long and happy a relationship as you do with kitty, and their later years are part of the life journey that also comes with its own challenges. One common problem you’ll need to be on the lookout for is hyperthyroidism. Just like the name suggests, hyperthyroidism is a disease caused by the thyroid producing too many hormones, namely T3 and T4 — this over-production comes from an enlarged thyroid gland in the cat’s neck. The increase in gland size is caused by a non-cancerous tumour called an adenoma. In rare cases, some hyperthyroid diseases are caused by cancer-causing tumours called the thyroid adenocarcinomas. No one knows the root cause of hyperthyroidism, but different factors can include not enough or too much of certain compounds in kitty’s diet, or thyroid disrupting chemicals in their food or environment. It’s not the most helpful explanation (if we had the answers we’d totally share them right here with you!), but it is a start knowing that hyperthyroidism seems to be something that comes with the territory of getting older. Also important? Hyperthyroidism causes other problems in the body, because thyroid hormones affect nearly all of the organs in the body. Photo by Tambako the Jaguar via Flickr. Signs of Hyperthyroidism Telltale signs of anything serious going on won’t show up right away, but does get more obvious as it gets worse. Clinically, the most common signs of hyperthyroidism are weight loss, a spike in appetite as well as thirst and going to the bathroom. Hyperthyroidism might also cause vomiting, diarrhea, and hyperactivity. If kitty’s coat also starts looking matted with a greasy feel, that’s definitely a sign to give your vet a call. diagnosis If your vet suspects kitty has hyperthyroidism, they’ll do a physical exam and feel kitty’s neck area for an enlarged thyroid gland. Kitty’s heart rate and blood pressure might get a once-over as well (#seniorlife). If your vet has a good hunch that it is hyperthyroidism, a blood test is in order and an analysis of thyroid hormone levels. Most cats with hyperthyroidism have higher levels of the hormone T4 in the bloodstream, but a small percentage can still have thyroid issues with a normal T4 level. Your vet will recommend more tests as needed, and will double check kitty’s heart and kidneys, since hyperthyroidism causes a host of other health problems in major organs. Photo by Anne Worner via Flickr. what now? Hyperthyroidism sounds scary, and should be taken seriously, but it’s not a death sentence. With proper treatments at home - and sometimes at the vet, you and your old fuzz ball will continue having a long and loving relationship, with the odd late night session here and there. If you can’t wait that long, you can check out the Scruffy Paws Thyroid Soothe Drops, made with all natural ingredients that come as a tasteless dropper, perfect for getting kitty on track to get better. Photo by Tambako the Jaguar via Flickr. Stephanie PollardWriter. Pet Enthusiast. Ambivert.
Cats can often mask their pain or discomfort depending on the ailment. It is important to spot the signs early and consult your vet. Learn more here.
Domestic cats deliberately infected with pandemic coronavirus passed it to each other.
Hemangiosarcomas, or tumors, of the spleen and liver are highly metastatic and malignant. This type of cancer is relatively rare in cats, but tumor ruptures can lead to sudden and severe hemorrhage, collapse and rapid death. Learn more about this cancer and its symptoms in cats, on PetMD.com.
What is FIV? If you're worried about FIV in cats, read our vet's full guide to symptoms and treatment so that you can protect your cat. Read Now.
Symptoms, risk factors and treatment of feline diabetes. Find out what you need to know about living with feline diabetes.
Obesity in cats is on the rise and is one of the main causes of cat diabetes and arthritis. Learn how to control your cat's weight and keep them healthy.
Your immune system is your main line of defense against infection and illness. Learn the warning signs that yours isn’t working the way it should.
Learn how Dr. Rawls overcame his struggle with Lyme disease and got his life back by following a more natural approach to better health: herbal therapy.
In this article, you will learn what pneumonia is and its symptoms. We will discuss major causes and the best natural healing solutions.
Occasional cat coughing can be harmless, but there are cases in which a cough can point to a medical concern. It’s important to know the difference, and when it’s time to see the vet. What
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It's not always obvious that your pet needs to go to the vet, and those visits can be costly, which is when best dog illness symptom checker is needed.
Symptoms, risk factors and treatment of feline diabetes. Find out what you need to know about living with feline diabetes.
Feline vestibular syndrome is a condition that affects the nervous system and causes a lack of coordination in cats. Cats affected by vestibular disease tend fall to one side, tilt their heads, and experience unintentional eye movement.
Dr. Cook helps pet parents whose cats have Chronic Renal Failure (CRF). CRF is one of the most common forms of illness and death in older cats.
Medicinal mushrooms may be an effective way to manage immune problems and other major illnesses. These seven mushrooms all offer incredible health benefits
A potentially deadly illness that affects domestic cats is showing up in the Cookeville area this summer. Dr. Jamie Fornabaio, DVM, at Copeland Veterinary Hospital said she has encountered half a …
*Product reviews are solely the experience and opinion of the reviewer. Actual results may vary. Thank you to Misha’s Mom for sharing Misha’s story with us! We are very happy to be able to help this gorgeous cat in any way we can :-). What is IBD? IBD or Inflammatory bowel disease in pets applies to a group...
To treat headaches in animals, we have to notice and “diagnose” them, while remaining undeterred by the fact that proof is unattainable.
If you have primary or secondary Raynaud’s here are 7 natural Raynaud syndrome remedies to prevent and treat your symptoms!
Is this what EDS is like for you, too?
There is a chance parasites in the stomach are the cause of your symptoms. There are simple ways to get rid of them so you can have a healthy gut again.
Dr Sam Robbins has 25+ years of expertise in health & anti-aging. Specializing in naturally improving hormone levels, mental well-being & physical vitality.
Relatable holiday chronic illness moments, explained by memes.
Cats are susceptible to several kinds of worm infestations. If left untreated, these worms can make your kitty terribly ill. Fortunately, you...
Pain is not the sole symptom of fibromyalgia. Beyond pain many experience fatigue, sleep disturbance, cognitive impairment, and a long list of symptoms.
Labeling People As ‘The Mentally Ill’ Increases Stigma
Obesity in cats is on the rise and is one of the main causes of cat diabetes and arthritis. Learn how to control your cat's weight and keep them healthy.
Study adds to the growing evidence Bartonella infection is associated with neuropsychological symptoms in addition to dermatological symptoms.
Worried about your cat and whether or not he has a fever? In this post we explain how to tell if a cat has a fever and cover all cat fever symptoms.
Is this what EDS is like for you, too?
I have MSK and Addison’s disease, which is treated with life long steroid replacement. After my surgery, I had major relapse. I was unable to feed, clothe or shower myself. I struggled to br…
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is a common but preventable virus that can affect almost all cats. Dr. Boldan shares how FeLV weakens a cat's immune system, symptoms, and how the feline leukemia virus vaccine can be life-saving.
"The face, the smile, all just a lie for what dwells beneath."
