Cats Can Develop Serious Illnesses Quickly Without Notice
As a beloved pet for many households, a cat’s health is extremely important to its owners. Unfortunately, cats can develop serious or even fatal illnesses quickly and without much warning. Some dangerous feline diseases progress rapidly once contracted and can lead to a cat’s premature death within days or weeks if left untreated. Being aware of the common fast-acting ailments in cats can help owners identify warning signs early and get their cat prompt veterinary care when needed. This knowledge empowers cat owners to safeguard their pet’s health and potentially add more happy, healthy years to its life.
Feline Panleukopenia
Feline panleukopenia, also known as feline distemper, is a highly contagious viral disease of cats caused by the feline parvovirus (FPV). According to the AVMA, feline panleukopenia is characterized by “fever, lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, severe reduction in white blood cell numbers, and death” (AVMA).
The most common symptoms of feline panleukopenia include high fever, lethargy, vomiting, severe diarrhea, and rapid dehydration. Kittens and unvaccinated cats are most at risk. The virus is spread through direct contact with infected cats or contact with contaminated feces, food bowls, bedding, or other objects. It can survive in the environment for up to a year if conditions are favorable. There is no specific treatment, so care consists of supportive therapy to treat dehydration and prevent secondary infections. With aggressive treatment, the mortality rate is around 10-20% but can be higher in untreated cases (VCA).
Feline Leukemia
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus that suppresses the immune system and causes cancer in cats. It is one of the most common causes of disease and death in domestic cats worldwide. According to Cornell Feline Health Center, FeLV infects 2-3% of all cats in the United States and up to 30% of cats in environments where the risk of exposure is high, such as shelters or feral cat colonies. FeLV spreads between cats primarily through prolonged close contact that allows transfer of infected saliva between cats, such as when cats groom each other, share food bowls or litter boxes, bite each other, or mate. It can also spread through blood transfusions, contaminated surgical tools, and from an infected mother cat to her kittens. Most cats are exposed to FeLV as kittens or young cats through contact with infected littermates or mothers.
Common symptoms of FeLV infection include loss of appetite, weight loss, poor coat condition, enlarged lymph nodes, persistent fever, pale gums, diarrhea, reproductive failure, and increased susceptibility to other infections due to a weakened immune system. However, some cats can carry FeLV and show no symptoms for years. The only sure way to diagnose FeLV is through a blood test. There is no cure for FeLV, but supportive care such as fluids, antibiotics, vitamins, and good nutrition can prolong life. Vaccines are available to protect uninfected cats from contracting FeLV. Prevention focuses on testing cats before introducing them into a household and keeping FeLV positive cats separated from uninfected cats.
Sources:
https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-leukemia-virus
https://www.alleycat.org/resources/feline-leukemia-virus-felv/
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a lentivirus that affects cats. It is similar to HIV in humans and causes a disease that weakens the immune system, making cats more susceptible to other infections and diseases [1]. FIV is relatively species-specific, and only infects feline species. It is transmitted primarily through bite wounds from infected cats. The virus can also be transmitted from an infected mother cat to her kittens [2].
FIV infection has three stages – acute infection, asymptomatic infection, and chronic/terminal infection. In the acute stage, infected cats may exhibit fever, enlarged lymph nodes, diarrhea, and a compromised immune system. Without treatment, the virus enters the asymptomatic stage where cats appear healthy but still harbor the virus. Years later, the chronic/terminal stage emerges where cats develop secondary infections, cancer, and wasting due to immunodeficiency [3]. There is no cure for FIV, but good nutrition, controlling secondary infections, and monitoring overall health can prolong lifespan.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a viral disease that affects cats. It is caused by a virus called feline coronavirus. Most cats encounter this virus at some point in their lives, but only a small percentage develop FIP. This disease was first recognized in the 1960s and continues to affect cats today.
FIP occurs when a mutation takes place in the coronavirus that allows it to replicate out of control. The virus attacks white blood cells such as macrophages, impairing the cat’s immune system. This allows the virus to spread throughout the cat’s body, damaging organs and tissues. Though rare, FIP is almost always fatal once clinical signs develop.
FIP is transmitted primarily through the fecal-oral route. An infected cat sheds the mutated coronavirus in its feces and saliva. Other cats become exposed when they use a shared litter box or come into contact with feces. It can also be spread via sneezing, grooming, shared food bowls, and mothers to kittens. However, most exposed cats never develop the disease. Cats living in multi-cat households or shelters are at higher risk.
Symptoms of FIP include fever, weight loss, decreased appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, jaundice, and abnormalities in eye and nerve tissues. Two forms exist – a wet form that causes accumulation of fluid in the abdomen or chest cavity, and a dry form that affects organs like the liver, kidneys, and intestines. Both forms ultimately lead to organ failure and death.
Common Early Symptoms
Cat owners should watch for some key early symptoms that could indicate a serious or life-threatening illness. According to the ASPCA, some symptoms to look out for include:1
- Difficulty breathing or panting
- Excessive lethargy or inactivity
- Loss of appetite
- Unusual vocalizations like chirping or moaning
- Sudden weight loss
- Limping or inability to walk
- Abnormal body temperature or fever
- Changes in behavior like hiding
- Eye or nasal discharge
- Skin lesions
Pet Carerx notes that any sudden changes in normal behavior like eating, litter box use, grooming, or activity levels could signal illness.2 Being attentive to subtle signs and changes early on is key, as it allows cat owners to seek veterinary care quickly when needed.
When to See a Vet
If your cat is displaying any concerning symptoms, it’s important to get them checked out by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Some symptoms that warrant an urgent vet visit include:
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhea that lasts more than 24 hours (1)
- Significant lethargy, weakness, or collapse (2)
- Sudden weight loss (3)
- Loss of appetite for more than 2 days (3)
- Difficulty breathing (1)
- Coughing or sneezing that persists for more than a day (3)
- Discharge from the eyes or nose (2)
- Skin sores, wounds, or abscesses (1)
- Difficulty urinating or defecating (1)
Your vet can run tests to determine if your cat’s concerning symptoms are indicative of a serious illness that requires swift treatment. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your cat’s health. At the first signs of illness, call your vet right away to schedule an urgent appointment. Acting quickly can help prevent a minor issue from becoming life-threatening.
(1) https://veterinaryemergencygroup.com/blog/cat-emergency-vet/
(2) https://www.7hillsvet.com/services/cats/blog/7-signs-your-cat-may-be-sick-warrant-call-vet
(3) https://www.tandcvets.com/warning-signs-your-cat-needs-to-go-to-the-veterinarian/
Prevention
There are several steps pet owners can take to help prevent infectious diseases in cats:
Vaccination is one of the best ways to protect cats from dangerous viruses like panleukopenia and feline leukemia. Kittens should receive a series of vaccinations starting around 6-8 weeks of age, with boosters continuing into adulthood. Adult cats need regular booster shots as well, typically every 1-3 years depending on the vaccine. Vaccination helps prevent disease and stop the spread of viruses through a population. [1]
Parasite prevention is also important. Regular deworming and monthly anti-parasitic medications keep cats free of intestinal worms and external parasites like fleas and ticks. These parasites can cause illness and transmit other infectious diseases. [2]
Proper nutrition and reducing stress help keep a cat’s immune system strong to fight off illness. Good hygiene like litter box cleaning and washing food/water bowls frequently removes sources of potential infection.
Limiting a cat’s exposure to other animals and the outdoors reduces their risk of picking up an infectious disease. New cats should be properly quarantined and screened by a vet before introducing them to a healthy household.
With proper preventative care and responsible pet ownership, pet owners can greatly reduce the risk of their cats acquiring a devastating infectious illness.
Treatment
Treatment options for diseases that can quickly kill cats depend on the specific disease. For feline panleukopenia, supportive care with fluids, anti-nausea medication, antibiotics, and nutritional support can be helpful, but the virus must run its course. Feline leukemia has no cure, so treatment focuses on managing secondary infections and symptoms. For feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), no specific antiviral treatment exists, but keeping the cat indoors and minimizing stress can help prolong life expectancy. Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) was previously fatal in most cats, but new antiviral treatments like GS-441524 have shown promise in curing some cats if given early enough in the disease process.
Conclusion
Several fast-acting diseases can prove fatal for cats, including panleukopenia, feline leukemia, FIV, and FIP. By staying vigilant for common symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea, cat owners can detect these illnesses early when treatment is most effective. Prevention through vaccination and keeping cats indoors remains the best defense. With prompt veterinary care and supportive therapies, even cats diagnosed with serious diseases can go on to live relatively normal lives. Keeping our feline companions healthy and safe requires knowledge of the most dangerous diseases, an understanding of prevention methods, and a willingness to seek immediate veterinary assistance at the first sign of illness.