The average lifespan of indoor cats is 15 to 20 years. We all want our cats to be healthy and live longer. So, let’s find out about fatal feline diseases that we need to watch out for.
No1. Cancer
A tumor develops when cells reproduce too quickly, and it could be benign or malignant. When a tumor is malignant, it’s called cancer. For cats, it is known that 80% of the cases are malignant.
Cancer develops in various organs such as liver, kidney, breast, colon, nose, mouth, skin and blood. Regular check-ups and physical contact help find symptoms as early as possible.
No 2. Kidney Failure
Kidney damage causes renal failure. It could be acute or chronic, but CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease) is more common for cats. Bacterial infection or toxins are known to cause CKD, and middle aged to old cats are vulnerable to CKD due to aging.
As kidney failure is fatal but very common, regular health check-ups are necessary. Also, abnormal urine color or amount could be warning signs you need to check.
No 3. Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
Feline coronavirus causes mild symptoms in most of the cases. However, it rarely mutates and results in FIP. Unfortunately, FIP is difficult to diagnose and there is no effective treatment.
No 4. Heart Diseases
It is known that most feline heart diseases are associated with HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy) HCM is a condition of muscular walls of the heart thickening. The symptoms include appetite loss, short breath, weakness or paralysis in hind legs. With HCM, blood clots obstruct flow to the limbs.
No 5. Liver Disease
Liver damage is known to be a silent killer. In many cases, it is too late when you detect your cat’s symptoms. Symptoms of liver disease include appetite loss, weight loss, and yellowing of the gums.
Jaundice is highly difficult to detect in cats with pigmented gums, so regular health checkups including blood tests is important.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
Prevention is better than cure. When your cat is over the age of 6 years, regular wellness checkups are mandatory. When you notice your cat acts strange or is weak, it is likely a disease has developed already.
Along with a health checkup, always pay attention to your cat’s condition and behavior. This way, you’ll be able to detect symptoms as early as possible and prevent or treat illnesses.