| Health A-Z Unless you're a trained expert, the language used to describe your cat's health can often be confusing. Our simple health encyclopaedia translates a selection of the most common terms into plain English - to help you understand exactly what your vet is telling you. You can also read a similar glossary of nutritional terms.Select term alphabetically, or by scrolling the list. To read a description, click on the term selected. When appropriate, links to further reading are supplied. Abscess A swelling containing infected material (pus), often seen on the tail, head or back of a cat. Usually caused by a bite from another cat during fighting. Affected animals have a firm, painful lump and can feel unwell, may go off their food or run a high temperature, so veterinary attention is required. The abscess may rupture and pus leak out. Aggression Cats that are aggressive can be very dangerous and veterinary advice should be sought if a cat is persistently aggressive towards people. There are many different causes of aggressive behaviour ranging from fear, to over-exuberant play. Consultation with a veterinary behaviourist may help solve aggression problems.
Aggressive Cats Allergies In cats, allergies are typically related to food or parasites such as fleas. Signs of an allergy include: itchy skin, recurrent ear infections, scratching, hair loss, scabs and red areas on the skin, skin abrasions, diarrhoea and vomiting. Commonly diagnosed through an elimination diet trial, under veterinary supervision.
Food Allergies
Special Diets Alopecia Hair loss due to any cause. One of the most common causes of hair loss in cats is overgrooming due to an allergy to flea bites.
Hair Loss
Fleas & Ticks Amputation Usually the result of car accidents and resultant bone or soft tissue injury. Most cats quickly recover from the operation, and cope very well on three legs.
Amputation Anaemia Anaemia occurs when there is a decreased number of red blood cells in the circulatory system or a less-than-normal amount of the oxygen-carrying substance, haemoglobin, within these cells. There are many different causes of anaemia in cats including blood loss due to haemorrhage, the presence of blood parasites, or viruses such as Feline Leukaemia Virus. Cats with very severe anaemia may need a blood transfusion. Antibodies Part of the body's natural defence systems, produced to combat infections and invading substances recognised as not belonging to the body, such as viruses and bacteria. On occasion antibodies can be produced inappropriately by the body, for example in response to a protein in food, resulting in an allergic reaction. Antioxidant Literally meaning 'against oxidation', antioxidants have a role in your cat's immune system, destroying free radicals (substances that can damage the body) and keeping the body cells in balance. A good example is vitamin E.
Getting The Balance Right Arthritis Simply means inflammation of the joints. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, typically seen in older cats. Other forms of arthritis can occur if the body's immune system inappropriately attacks the joints, but this is unusual in cats. Affected cats may have difficulty standing after lying down, difficulty jumping up onto chairs or surfaces and may seem less active than normal. Your vet may be able to provide some treatment in the form of pain relief or suggest a dietary change or supplements.
Caring For Older Cats Artificial Respiration If your cat stops breathing, you may need to perform artificial respiration to keep the essential supply of oxygen to the blood. Press very gently down on the chest with thumbs and fingertips. Allow the lungs to refill with fresh air. Repeat every five seconds until your cat starts to breathe. If there is no sign of life after 30 seconds, try mouth-to-nose respiration. Tilt back your cat's head, hold the mouth shut and blow short gentle breaths into both nostrils for three seconds to inflate the lungs. Be careful not to over inflate the lungs.
Resuscitation Asthma Like humans, cats can develop an allergic reaction to various inhaled allergens such as pollen, smoke or house dust-mite faeces. Signs include wheezing and coughing, just like a human allergy sufferer. There are other conditions that could have the same signs so your vet will need to do some tests including xrays (radiographs) and possibly taking a look down your cat's airways (bronchoscopy). Treatment often involves anti-inflammatory drugs such as steroids that can now be given via an inhaler (like human asthmatics use). If diagnosed early, structural changes to the lungs and airways are usually reversed, and damage minimised, but treatment is likely to be life-long. Bladder Stones Cats can develop a stone-like object, called a urolith, in the bladder, and less commonly, in the kidney. Signs of such a problem include blood in the urine, increased frequency of urination, and difficulty passing urine. Uroliths can pass into the urethra (tube between the bladder and outside) causing a partial or total obstruction of the urethra so little or no urine can pass. Contact your vet immediately if you see your cat visiting the litter tray frequently, or straining to urinate.
Urinary Tract Health Booster Top-up vaccinations, given to cats one year after initial vaccination and then at yearly intervals, depending on the vaccine manufacturer's recommendations or as advised by your vet.
Vaccinations Calculus Another name for tartar, plaque on the surface of the tooth that has mineralised to produce a hard, brown-coloured deposit. Consult your veterinarian for dental health advice.
Dental Care Calicivirus A feline virus that causes signs of 'cat flu' including sneezing, conjunctivitis (inflammation around the eyes), and ulceration of the mouth and tongue leading to loss of appetite. Affected cats may have a temperature and be lethargic and depressed. Some strains of the virus may produce limping, especially in kittens, and severe cases can involve the lungs. Cardiomyopathy A disease of the heart muscle that can result in heart failure. Several types exist and the most common is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) where the heart muscle becomes abnormally thickened. This is an inherited problem in some breeds (Maine Coon and Ragdoll) and a genetic test is now available. Less common since modern cat foods were developed is dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Cats with dilated cardiomyopathy have hearts that cannot beat effectively and the condition is associated with insufficient taurine in the diet. Cats cannot manufacture taurine themselves, although it is essential, which is why commercially prepared complete cat foods include taurine in sufficient quantities. DCM can also occur occasionally in cats fed a normal diet. Other forms of cardiomyopathy include: unclassified, restrictive and arrhythmogenic right-ventricular cardiomyopathy. Cat 'Flu' Caused by either Feline Calici-virus (FCV) or Feline Herpes Virus (FHV), with involvement of both, or other pathogens occasionally. Cat flu is spread by direct contact from one cat to another - by sneezing or by sniffing each other, mutual grooming, and sharing feeding bowls. It is not spread to humans or other animals but can be carried by people on their feet or clothing. To prevent cat flu, ask your vet about vaccinations to prevent FCV and FHV. The main signs of flu are sneezing and runny eyes, a high temperature, blocked nose, mouth ulcers and swollen lymph nodes under the chin. Chlamydiosis Caused by a bacteria (Chlamydophila felis) resulting in conjunctivitis (inflammation of the tissue around the eyeball. May occur with viruses as part of 'cat flu'. Several weeks of antibiotics are required to treat this infection. A vaccine is also available. Compulsive Disorder Characterised by recurrent obsessions or compulsions that are severe enough to be time-consuming, or cause marked distress. Talk to your vet or a veterinary behaviourist. Constipation Abnormally delayed or infrequent passing of stools - usually dry and hardened. Various causes including a narrowed pelvic canal due to a previous car accident, swallowed bones, a fur-ball blocking your cat's bowel, a reluctance to defecate due to pain from osteoarthritis or due to chronic dehydration caused by kidney disease for example. Signs include not passing faeces regularly, lethargy and disinterest in food, adoption of a crouching position in the litter tray, and straining to pass a motion. However, a more serious condition (urinary obstruction) can look like constipation. If you think your cat is constipated consult your vet. Creatinine A substance produced by the body and normally excreted by the kidneys. If the kidneys are damaged the body retains the creatinine and levels in the blood will rise. The level of creatinine in the blood is commonly used as part of the diagnosis and monitoring of kidney disease. Cystitis An inflammation of the bladder which in cats is commonly associated with Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD). Bacterial infection also cause cystitis in cats, though rarely unless they have other health problems making them prone to such an infection (e.g. diabetes). Signs include blood in the urine, straining to urinate and producing little or no urine. Contact your vet immediately as this is a painful and serious condition, particularly in male cats.
Urinary Tract Health Dehydration A serious and potentially life-threatening condition if untreated, in which a cat's body contains an insufficient volume of fluid for normal functioning. As in humans, there are many potential causes of dehydration including not drinking, losing fluid via severe vomiting or diarrhoea, urine dilution due to diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Signs include depression and loss of appetite, as well as sunken eyes, a dry mouth and the skin becoming less elastic. The condition requires veterinary treatment immediately along with investigation into the cause of the dehydration. Dermatitis Inflammation of the skin, from a variety of causes: commonly a flea allergy or other parasite infection, less commonly due to a food allergy. Diabetes A fairly common disease in middle-aged and older cats, caused by a failure of the pancreas to produce insulin, or a failure of the body to respond to the insulin produced (more common cause in cats). Cats develop hyperglycaemia - unusually high blood-sugar levels. Classic signs are excessive thirst and urination, a ravenous appetite, and weight loss. Additional symptoms, such as appetite loss, weakness, vomiting, dehydration and a strong smell of 'pear drops' on the breath can indicate a dangerous condition occurring in untreated or unstable diabetics called ketoacidosis. This condition is fatal if not treated promptly. Diabetes is diagnosed by a blood test. It should never be diagnosed from a single blood test showing high blood sugar or sugar in the urine as both can occur as a result of the stress of a visit to the vet. Treatment involves diet, management of obesity and some cats require insulin injections. Consult your vet if you notice your cat showing any signs of diabetes. Diarrhoea Diarrhoea is the passage of soft or liquid faeces. This can be caused by many conditions including an abrupt change in diet, internal parasites (worms), ingestion of a foreign body, a dietary sensitivity or more serious illnesses. Talk to your vet if your cat has diarrhoea. Ear Mites Ear mites (Otodectes cyanotis) are external parasites that invade the ear and cause itchiness, redness a brown discharge and sometimes severe infection. You may not be able to see the individual mites, but you may see the dark discharge in your cat's ear and notice them scratching and shaking their head. If your cat shakes or scratches his or her ears persistently, take to your vet who can diagnose ear mites under the microscope. Treatment is with cleaning and ear drops; now a 'spot-on' preparation can also kill the mites when applied to the back of the neck. Always contact your vet; never try and treat your cat yourself without veterinary advice and always use a veterinary licensed product obtained from your vet. Treat all cats and dogs in your household, as mites are very contagious. Eclampsia A condition in which the affected cat has a low blood-calcium level (hypocalcaemia), often seen during late pregnancy or the first three weeks of lactation. Typically characterised by twitching, nervousness, restlessness, agitation and a stiff, painful gait, eventually seizures if not treated. A potentially life-threatening condition so contact your vet immediately if you observe these signs.
Warning Signs Euthanasia Usually follows a serious illness; when your cat's quality of life has or will deteriorate. The vet will administer a measured overdose of anaesthetic, and your cat will quickly slip into a deep and permanent sleep with no pain or distress.
Putting Your Cat To Sleep Eye Disorders Cats can be affected by many different eye problems including infection, conjunctivitis (often associated with cat flu), injury to the eye from fighting and occasionally types of cancer. Normal ageing can see the lens of the eye become slightly cloudy but usually this does not interfere with vision and does not need treatment. Some cats develop cataracts, but this is uncommon. If you notice a change in your cat's eyes or have any other worries, contact your vet. Feline Coronavirus (FcoV) A very contagious virus and the cause of Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) a fatal condition of cats. It can also be carried by cats who do not develop any problems. It is spread via contact with infected faeces. See FIP, below. Feline Dysautonomia / Key Gaskell Syndrome A serious medical condition seen only sporadically in cats and causing problems all over the body including the eyes, intestines, bladder and other parts. The cause is, as yet, unknown. Feline Hyperaesthesia Literally meaning 'exaggerated sensation'. Exaggerated behaviour and apparent signs of pain may result from ordinary touching of the cat. This is a complicated condition and is only diagnosed once other causes of pain have been excluded. Often requires examination by a veterinary neurologist to make such a diagnosis. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) Often referred to as 'Cat AIDS', FIV is diagnosed most frequently in feral cats and older (often unneutered), free-roaming male cats that get into fights. The virus may initially cause the cat no health problems and this period can last for several years before the virus starts to affect the immune system and result in recurrent infections and types of cancer. A vaccine is available abroad but not licensed in the UK. Feline Infectious Enteritis (FIE) A serious viral infection involving the intestines caused by feline parvovirus, which mainly affects kittens and young cats. It is highly contagious and can be spread by direct or indirect contact with an infectious cat. Symptoms include appearing thirsty but refusing to drink, vomiting a yellow or brown liquid, fever, loss of appetite, and profuse diarrhoea. See your vet immediately, and isolate your cat from other pets. The virus can remain in your home environment for up to a year, so ask your vet about disinfecting your home if you have a confirmed case - and avoid visits from other cat-owners', as the virus can be carried on clothes and shoes. A very effective vaccine is available to prevent this fatal disease. Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) A fatal disease occurring in approximately one-tenth of cats infected with Feline Coronavirus, FIP takes two forms, 'wet' and 'dry', although some cats will have elements of both types. In 'wet' FIP, fluid accumulates in the cat's abdomen, causing it to look overweight or in the chest causing breathing problems. Cats with 'dry' FIP can have a range of signs including weight loss, a raised temperature, loss of appetite, neurological signs, eye problems, vomiting and diarrhoea. The disease is very difficult to diagnose as the presence of antibodies to the virus only indicates that the cat has been exposed to Feline Coronavirus, not that he/she has FIP. Taking samples of fluid or tissue can help confirm the diagnosis. Treatment can be attempted with corticosteroids but usually only provides a temporary improvement and the condition is fatal in most cases. Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) Causes deficiencies in the cat's immune system, anaemia and tumours/types of cancer. FeLV is transmitted by direct contact from one cat to another, particularly if licking each other. Signs will vary with the type of problem/cancer the cat develops. Young cats are more susceptible than older cats but any cat can become infected. Blood tests can be performed to diagnose FeLV and an effective vaccine is available to prevent this disease. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) A term that refers to a number of serious conditions affecting a cat's urinary tract. Clinical signs include straining to urinate and the presence of blood in the urine. If your cat is straining and crying while trying to urinate, there is blood in the urine, or your cat is passing little or no urine when he/she strains, contact the vet immediately as this can be an emergency (in male cats particularly). If possible take a urine sample with you.
Urinary Tract Health Feline Parvovirus (FPV) A serious viral infection involving the intestines, which mainly affects kittens and young cats. See FIE above. Fleas The most common external parasites found on your cat. Fleas are dark brown, the size of a pinhead, and can cause cats to scratch, over-groom or develop allergies with resultant skin disease. Flea droppings look like small black dots/flecks in your cat's coat. Flea control must be performed on the cat and in the environment. Consult your vet for cat-safe flea control tips. Remember NEVER to use a dog-flea product on a cat as this can have fatal consequences.
Fleas & Ticks Free Radicals Reactive substances created in the body during normal metabolism - but often triggered to extreme by ageing, stress and disease- that seek other healthy molecules to damage or destroy. Minimised by antioxidants in the body. Fur-ball A mass of hair, swallowed during grooming, that lodges in the gut and may be vomited up. A variety of manufactured cat foods contain ingredients such as indigestible fibre to help ease the passage of hairballs through the gut.
Feeding an Indoor Cat Geriatric Used to describe an older animal. A cat becomes geriatric around 11 years of age.
Caring For Older Cats
Feeding Your Older Cat Gingivitis Gingivitis means inflammation of the gums. In cats it is usually associated with dental disease. This condition can be very uncomfortable and requires a trip to your vet and possibly further dental treatment. Look out for bad breath, reddened gums, yellowish-brown tartar on teeth, and drooling. Consult your vet for dental health advice.
Dental Care Halitosis Bad breath, often caused by rotting food and bacteria between the teeth. Consult your veterinarian for dental health advice.
Dental Care Harvest Mites (Chiggers) Harvest mites (Trombicula autumnalis) are small orange-red mites that cause intense itching, particularly on the feet and ears at harvest time. Ask your vet how to treat/prevent infestation. Heart Disease May be congenital or acquired and some forms are inherited from parents. Signs of a heart problem can include breathing more rapidly, lethargy, laboured or difficulty breathing and panting. Other signs can include sudden-onset lameness or loss of use of the back legs if a clot forms in that area, and unfortunately heart disease can also cause sudden death. Heatstroke Illness resulting from exposure to very high temperatures with resultant collapse, panting, breathing problems and even death. Hypersensitivity An over-reaction of the body to something normally harmless to other animals of the same breed or species, usually an allergen. Hyperthyroidism One of the most common diseases of middle-aged and older cats, caused by an increase in thyroid hormones due to an overactive thyroid gland. Signs include weight loss, increased appetite, vomiting, increased thirst and urination, hyperactivity, and diarrhoea. Treatment includes radioactive iodine, surgical removal of the thyroid gland and anti-thyroid medication. Hypoglycaema Low levels of glucose in the blood; low blood sugar. Hypothermia A state of low body temperature. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) The name for a group of gastrointestinal disorders that affect cats' stomachs or small or large intestine. Signs include chronic vomiting, diarrhoea, and in some cases, weight loss and change in appetite. Intolerances Where, for any reason, an individual animal may be unable to 'tolerate' a particular substance (usually a foodstuff) which its individual system cannot cope with. It is a type of adverse reaction that does not involve the immune system. Typical signs of an intolerance include digestive upset and skin problems. Food allergies differ from intolerances because they involve the immune system.
Food Allergies
Special Diets Kidney (Renal) Disease Common in older cats. If your cat is drinking excessive amounts and urinating frequently, he or she might be suffering from kidney disease. Other signs include vomiting and weight loss. Keep a clean litter tray accessible at all times, and provide your cat with plenty of fresh water. Although common, recent developments mean kidney disease, although not curable in most cases, can be managed to give the cat a good quality of life for several years. Consult your vet if you notice any signs of ill health. Kidney problems can be diagnosed with blood and urine samples. Lice Small skin parasites. Signs of infestation are the same as for other pests: scratching, frantic biting and chewing at the coat and a dull, poor hair in the coat. Unlike fleas, lice cannot be transferred to humans or other species. See your vet if you suspect your cat may have lice. Mastitis Inflammation of the mammary glands, generally as the result of feeding a newborn litter. Affected mammary glands are sore, red and firm so consult your vet as soon as possible if you suspect your cat has mastitits.
Warning Signs
Labour and Birth Metabolism The sum of all basic physical and chemical bodily processes that keep a body healthy and functioning. Mites Small skin parasites. Signs of infestation are the same as for other pests: scratching, frantic biting and chewing at the coat and dull, poor hair in the coat. See your vet if you suspect your cat may have mites. Neutering Male cats are castrated involving the removal of the testicles. The operation is simple, quick and safe, and typically results in a much calmer and more affectionate cat, less vulnerable to certain diseases including some viral infections and some cancers. Although specific to males, the term is commonly used to cover female 'spaying' also.
Neutering Obesity Approximately one in three cats in the UK are overweight or obese. Overfeeding and lack of exercise are the principle causes. Encouraging the cat to play, feeding portion-controlled meals and cutting out food treats (including milk) will help most cats lose weight. A light diet can also make a difference. Weight loss should be gradual and any restriction in food or diet change supervised by a vet. Never starve or diet your cat without consulting your vet.
If Your Cat is Overweight Parasite A creature that lives on or inside an animal that causes harm to their host, for instance the flea or intestinal worm. Pica Eating of non-food items such as wool and fabrics. This is seen more frequently in some breeds such as Siamese cats but can also be an indication of underlying disease. Plaque Soft material that accumulates on tooth surfaces. Plaque is mainly made up of bacteria and can cause gum disease. Plaque can be removed from cats' teeth by brushing, providing toys that can be chewed on and by feeding some dry cat foods and dental treats. Consult your veterinarian for dental health advice.
Dental Care Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) An inherited disease found particularly in Persian cats, Persian crosses, Exotic Shorthairs and Himalayan cats. Cats are born with this condition but often don't show signs until later in life. PKD causes large cysts to form in the kidneys causing kidney dysfunction. Signs include: enlarged kidneys, excessive thirst and urination, depression, lack of or reduced appetite, and weight loss. Ultrasound examination of the kidneys can identify the cysts. There is now a genetic test available and a list of PKD-free breeders.
www.fabcats.org Polydipsia Excessive thirst. Can be a sign of several different diseases including kidney disease or diabetes. Polyps A growth or mass protruding from a mucous membrane. Can occur wherever mucous membranes exist but most commonly seen in the ears or throat. Can also be seen in the stomach, intestines, urinary bladder, uterus and cervix. Polyuria Excessive urination. Can be a sign of several different diseases including kidney disease or diabetes. Rabies Caused by a virus found in the saliva of infected animals, and transmitted to pets and humans by bites, or contamination of an open cut. Rabies is almost always fatal in animals and euthanasia would be recommended due to the risk to human health. If your cat has been bitten or attacked by a wild animal, and has bites or scratches of unknown origin, contact your vet to report the incident. Rabies is thankfully not endemic in the UK but if you want to take your cat overseas vaccination and a blood test will be required. Ringworm An infection caused by a fungus that grows in hair and claws. It is contagious, and can be spread from cats to humans. Laboratory testing is the only reliable way to reach a diagnosis, as ringworm can resemble other skin conditions. Treatment includes anti-fungal drugs administered by mouth, shampoos or dips and clipping of hair is often advised to minimise contamination of the environment. Roundworm A parasite that lives in a cat's intestine and lives off partially digested food. The generic term 'worms' is usually used to describe roundworms - the most common of all the feline worms, but cats can also be infected with tapeworms. If left untreated, severe infection can cause weight loss or create intestinal obstruction and even cause death in kittens. A worming protocol for pregnant cats and kittens is important to prevent infection, always using veterinary licensed products. Shock Not to be confused with fright, this is a serious physical condition with many causes and affected cats can show many different signs including panting, rapid or shallow breathing, inability to stand, enlarged pupils, cold ears and paws, pallor and eventually collapse. Contact your vet immediately. Spaying An operation to neuter a female cat usually involving an 'ovariohysterectomy' removing the cat's womb (uterus) and ovaries. Occasionally only the ovaries are removed (ovariectomy). This is a very safe and quick procedure to prevent unwanted kittens as well as reducing the risk of certain diseases.
Neutering Tapeworm Most often found in adult cats that roam or hunt outside, Tapeworm are intestinal parasites that feed on semi-digested food in the intestines. Spread by an intermediate host, the cat flea, or small rodents or birds. If a cat eats an infected flea (when grooming) or infected prey, the worm larvae hatch into the gut, mature into adult tapeworms that fix onto the gut wall, and the rest of the body is passed out into the environment via the faeces. A heavy infestation can cause weight loss and poor condition, digestive upsets and anal irritation. Worm cats regularly and keep them flea-free. Prevention and treatments are widely available but always use a veterinary licensed product that is safe for cats. Ticks Ticks are skin parasites that bury their heads under a cat's skin and suck blood. Usually found on the front of the cat, they look like small warts. It is a good idea to examine your cat for ticks after he or she goes outside. It's best to get your vet to show you how to remove them safely or you could leave the mouth parts in the cat's skin, possibly to become infected.
Fleas & Ticks Toxoplasmosis Cats can pick up this protozoal parasite (Toxoplasma gondii), by eating infected prey or raw meat. The infection can also affect people who can be infected by handling cat faeces via the litter tray, gardening where cats have defecated or eating undercooked meat or unwashed vegetables for example. This is a serious concern for pregnant women as their unborn child could be affected. Wear gloves to change litter trays or garden and pregnant women should take extra precautions to prevent infection and discuss the risk with their doctor. In cats infection can cause respiratory, ocular and neurological disease. Tumours A tumour or growth is caused by cancer causing a lump to grow. These can occur in nearly any part of your cat's body but as an owner you can notice them on the skin, ears, mouth or mammary glands. Early detection and treatment give your cat the best chance of survival so examine your cat regularly and keep all vaccinations and veterinary check-ups up to date. Urolith Cats can develop a stone-like object, called a urolith, in the bladder, and less commonly, in the kidney. Signs of such a problem include blood in the urine, increased frequency of urination, and difficulty passing urine. Uroliths can pass into the urethra (tube between the bladder and outside) causing a partial or total obstruction of the urethra so little or no urine can pass. Contact your vet immediately if you see your cat visiting the litter tray frequently, or straining to urinate. Vomiting The active expulsion of bile or food, with many different causes. Contact your vet if your cat is vomiting. |