Cat Health Collection

Cat health articles. Browse our health collection for common and uncommon cat health issues.

Can I Catch A Cold From My Cat?

Can I catch a cold from my cat?

Can I catch a cold from my cat?

No, the infectious agents responsible for cat flu are not infectious to humans. Therefore, the only way you can catch a cold or the flu from a cat is if the cat is infected with a flu strain that can infect multiple species. The only reported case of a cat infecting a person was when a New York veterinarian caught bird flu from a shelter cat infected with the H7N2 strain of influenza. This strain of bird flu does not normally infect cats or people.

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Lethargy in Cats

Lethargy in cats

At a glance

  • About: Lethargy is defined as a lack of energy and inactivity beyond what is normal. It is a sign of an underlying disorder.
  • Causes: Common causes include anemia, diabetes, viral infections, bacterial infection, abscess, urinary tract infection, liver or kidney failure and musculoskeletal injury.
  • Diagnosis: Routine bloodwork such as complete blood count, urinalysis, and biochemical profile along with additional tests depending on the veterinarian’s index of suspicion.
  • Treatment: Addressing the underlying cause as well as supportive care such as fluid therapy, nutritional support,
    medications and in some cases, a blood transfusion will be necessary.

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Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Cats

Ketoacidosis in cats

At a glance

  • About: Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious complication of diabetes in which ketones and blood sugar levels build up in the body due to insufficient levels of insulin which is required to move glucose into the cells for energy. As a result, the body uses fat as an alternate energy source which produces ketones causing the blood to become too acidic.
  • Causes: Uncontrolled diabetes, missed or insufficient insulin, surgery, infection, stress and obesity.
  • Symptoms: Increased urination and thirst, dehydration, nausea, diarrhea, confusion, rapid breathing which may later change to laboured breathing.

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Inhalant Allergy in Cats

Inhalant allergy in cats

What is an inhalant allergy?

Inhalant allergy (also known as atopy) is an allergic reaction caused by breathing in airborne particles such as pollens, dust, and moulds. Humans typically react to inhaled allergies by sneezing and wheezing, however, cats are more likely to develop skin problems. Allergies are the result of the cat’s immune system reacting to a usually harmless substance (food, chemical, pollen etc), and mounting a response.

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Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in Cats

Inflammatory bowel disease in cats

At a glance

  • About: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of disorders caused by the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Causes: The exact cause is not understood, but some theories include parasites, genetic predisposition, certain gut bacteria, allergy or intolerance, which leads to the formation of antibodies that attack the mucosa.
  • Symptoms: Diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, weight loss and anorexia (loss of appetite).
  • Treatment: Dietary modifications, corticosteroids or other drugs to suppress the immune system and in some cases, antibiotics.
  • World IBD day: 19th May.

 

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Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia in Cats

At a glance

  • About: Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia is a disease where the body attacks its red blood cells
    which are responsible for transporting oxygen around the body.
    Causes: The condition can be primary or secondary. Primary IMHA has no known cause. Secondary IMHA can be caused by certain toxins such as onions, drugs or metals, cancer, parasites, and neonatal isoerythrolysis.
  • Symptoms: Lethargy, yellow eyes and mucous membranes (jaundice), weakness, loss of appetite, dark coloured urine, uveitis, collapse.
  • Treatment: Address the underlying cause as well as supportive care such as oxygen therapy, steroids to suppress the immune system and blood transfusions.

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Hypothermia (Low Body Temperature) in Cats

Hypothermia in cats

Hypothermia at a glance About: Hypothermia is a serious medical condition where your cat’s  body temperature is too low. Causes: It may occur when the cat is unable to maintain heat due to external temperatures or when the cat is unable to regulate temperature as a result of illness or medications. Symptoms: Shivering, cold skin, … Read more

Hypokalemia (Potassium Deficiency) in Cats

Hypokalemia in cats

What is hypokalemia?

Hypokalemia is a deficiency of potassium in the blood plasma, the straw-coloured, liquid part of the blood which makes up approximately 55% of the blood volume. Also known as kalium (with the symbol K), cats obtain potassium through their diet. Over 90% of potassium is located within the body’s cells (intracellular), the remainder is present in the extracellular fluid of the blood. Kidneys control levels of potassium by excreting excess out of the body via the urine.

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Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar) in Cats

Hypoglycemia in cats

What is hypoglycemia? Hypoglycemia is a life-threatening condition in which the blood sugar levels drop dangerously low. The liver and muscles store excess glucose in the form of glycogen when needed, enzymes release it back into the blood. Many cells of the body can use protein or fat as energy sources if blood sugar levels … Read more

Hypocalcemia (Low Blood Calcium) in Cats

Hypocalcemia in cats

At a glance About: Hypocalcemia is an electrolyte imbalance and is indicated by a low level of calcium in the cat’s blood. Causes: Hypoparathyroidism, milk fever, chronic kidney failure, hypoalbuminemia, phosphate enemas, vitamin D deficiency and antifreeze poisoning, acute pancreatitis and diet. Symptoms: Neuromuscular irritability (nervousness, whiskers twitching, facial rubbing, involuntary muscle contractions) Lethargy Stiff … Read more