I remember when a friend of mine called me, completely panicked. Her big, fluffy Maine Coon—just four years old—had suddenly collapsed and couldn’t move his back legs. She rushed him to the emergency vet, thinking it was a stroke or something neurological. The real diagnosis? Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats. I had heard of it before—but … Read more
Inherited disorders are genetic problems that are passed on from one generation to the next. There are certain disorders associated with particular breeds; a few of the most important are described here. Why Do Genetic Problems Occur? Inherited disorders result from faults in a cat’s genes—sections of DNA inside cells that hold the “instructions” for … Read more
Let me tell you something I wish I had known years ago: cats are masters of disguise. Especially when it comes to illness. My old tabby, Jasper, showed almost no signs of being sick—until one day he collapsed after chasing a fly across the room. Turns out, he had been living with heart disease for … Read more
Certainly one of the most devastating diseases affecting cat populations around the world is feline leukemia. The feline leukemia virus belongs to a group of infectious agents known as retroviruses, and it shares some characteristics with the human AIDS virus. It can occur by itself, or in combination with the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), a … Read more
Many disease conditions can produce itching in cats. However, only a few disorders result in severe and/or prolonged itching. The primary symptoms of the “itchy pet” are scratching, licking, and/or biting of the skin. Early signs that might be noticed include wet hairs, reddened skin, and hair loss in the areas of biting and scratching. … Read more
This dermatopathy of cats is characterized by the unexplained appearance of red to yellow-brown ulcerated lesions with associated hair loss occurring at various locations around the body. On the average, it tends to strike female cats that are under 6 years of age. When the raised, welldemarcated reddish ulcers appear on the lips of affected … Read more
This type of diabetes should not be confused with diabetes mellitus, which involves abnormal glucose metabolism. Diabetes insipidus involves abnormal water metabolism, and it occurs when there is a lack of the antidiuretic hormone (ADH). ADH is normally produced by the hypothalamus of the brain, yet it exerts its effects on the kidneys, causing water … Read more
Inflammation of the thin, transparent mucous membrane lining the inner portion of the eyelids and front part of the sclera is termed conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis is the most common cause of “red eyes” in cats. Other signs seen with conjunctivitis include discharge, swelling, and pain. The type of discharge present can sometimes give a clue as … Read more
Most well-cared-for pet cats can live to age 14 or 15, with some occasionally reaching 20. Life expectancy is increasing due to advances in disease prevention, a better understanding of diet, improved drugs and treatments, and more cats being kept indoors away from traffic hazards. Senior Years By about age 10, your cat may begin … Read more