Cat infections
Top Four Cats Infections and Their Treatments
By Chris J Anderson
As the title suggests, there are many types of infections that plague cats. Most feline infections are infections that can affect many other animals as well. There are a few types of cat infections, however, that are unique to the feline species. This article will discuss all of the above infections and their treatments. The most common cat infections are listed below.
1) Feline heartworms – Feline heartworm disease is a parasitic infection caused by the worm Dirofilari immitus. This infection is most commonly spread by mosquito bites. This is because the mosquitoes have previously bitten an infected animal and taken in some of the worm’s larvae. Then, when the mosquito bites another animal, this worm larvae/material is passed into the susceptible animal during the bite. Cats are usually less susceptible to heartworm infection than dogs are, but if heartworm disease is suspected, the cat needs to be treated as soon as possible. Even one or two heartworms can cause major damage to the heart, and even death. Heartworm disease symptoms in a cat can be quite vague, and include respiratory problems, vomiting, fatigue and loss of appetite. Some cats are asymptomatic. The treatment is very aggressive and includes medication derived from arsenic. Some cats are treated with steroids to help reduce the side effects from anti-heartworm medicine. The treatment can be dangerous. Some cats survive heartworms without any treatment at all. Still, if you suspect your cat has heartworm disease, get thee to the vet ASAP.
2) Feline tapeworms – Yes, the same kind of tapeworms that can infect humans also infect animals. Tapeworms come from two different parasite worms, the Dipylidium caninum and Taenia taeniaformia. The Dipylidium caninum worm also infects dogs, and happens when the animals eat an infected flea. The Taenia taeniaformia worm normally infects cats when they eat infected wild rodents such as field mice. Tapeworms are easy to spot. They may appear like little live worms crawling around the cat’s rectum. Those are pieces of live segments of the tapeworm that break apart from the worm and come out in the cat’s feces. When they die, they look similar to dried rice. The treatment for tapeworms is simple – the cat is given either oral de-worming medication, or an injection of de-worming medication. Fortunately, humans rarely contract tapeworm infection from their pets, since they too also have to ingest bits of tapeworm or their eggs to be infected. A simple way to prevent your cat from getting tapeworms is to groom your cat regularly and be on the watch for fleas. If your cat starts to get fleas, then treat them promptly. Proper grooming and treatment to rid the fleas will drastically cut down on the chance of the cat getting tapeworms.
3) Feline Upper Respiratory Infection – Coughing, sneezing, runny noses, sore throats, fevers… yes, cats can suffer from those symptoms too. Cats can come down with colds/viruses just like humans can. Cat upper respiratory infections are highly contagious – but only to other cats. Cat upper respiratory infections cannot infect humans, and likewise, human upper respiratory infections cannot infect cats. In felines, upper respiratory infections are caused mainly by two viruses – the feline calicivirus (aka FCV) and the feline viral rhinotracheitis (aka FVR). Both viruses cause similar symptoms – fatigue, excessive sneezing, nasal discharge, drooling, and loss of appetite. Another symptom that may develop is swelling of the inside of the cat’s eyelid (feline conjunctivitis), which is similar to the human conjunctivitis called “pinkeye.” The virus FCV in particular often causes canker sores and mouth ulcers. Cat owners need to watch carefully if their cat displays any mouth sores or loss of appetite, and especially sneezing. The cat needs to see a veterinarian promptly if an upper respiratory infection is suspected. The treatment is palliative (relief of symptoms) – make sure the cat is as comfortable as possible, drinks plenty of water, eats well and gets plenty of rest. The viruses are short-lived, but after the symptoms have passed, it is still possible for a cat to spread the virus(es) to other cats. The best way to prevent your cat from coming down with the FCV or FVR induced upper respiratory infections is to have your cat vaccinated.
4) Feline Urinary Tract Infection – Yet another ailment that plagues both humans and cats – urinary tract infection. The symptoms are similar in cats: burning upon urination, abdominal pain, fatigue, and bladder pain. This can be difficult to discern in a cat, so it is important to watch your cat closely. If you see excessive lethargy, loss of appetite, and slow, gingerly movements, call a veterinarian. Especially if the cat is meowing loudly, as if in pain, when urinating. These infections need to be treated swiftly, because a lower urinary tract infection can travel to the kidneys and do damage. Fortunately, these infections can be easily treated with oral, intramuscular, or intravenous antibiotics. There is also medicine that can be given to the cat for any discomfort. If a cat urinary tract infection is treated as soon as possible, there are normally no further problems.
No matter which infection your cat might have, if you suspect anything at all, please call or go to a veterinarian as soon as possible. There is much less chance of any further damage when infections are treated promptly. Remember, a healthy cat is a happy cat.
Read more of my articles on pets health and care and I have written many cats related articles.
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