Cats are long-lived animals, with a lifespan of 15 years or more. This means that they can develop many different diseases and conditions over that time. Cats can be susceptible to viruses and bacteria that affect dogs but also have their own unique set of issues. Fortunately, if you take good care of your cat, it's likely to live for 15 years or more. In this article, we will discuss some common feline diseases and how you can identify them quickly so you know what steps to take next.
Cat first aid
If your cat has suffered a serious injury, call the vet immediately. Your cat will need medical attention and may need to be hospitalized. In the meantime, keep him or her calm and quiet until help arrives. Don't give medicine unless you've checked with your veterinarian first--many human medications are toxic to cats! If necessary, treat burns by putting cold water on them (not ice). Remove splinters by using tweezers or pliers (if available) or by pulling them out with clean fingers if necessary; don't try using knives or scissors because these could cut deeper into flesh than intended. Treat eye injuries with saline solution; if there's bleeding inside an eye socket after the injury occurs then apply pressure directly over that area until the bleeding stops before cleaning off any blood or debris around the injured area(s). For limb damage caused by accidents such as falling off furniture onto hard floors while playing around indoors without supervision from owners who should have kept better watch over pets' activities at home--or worse yet getting hit by cars when escaping outdoors during unsupervised outings where predators lurk waiting for prey like cats who may wander into their paths while hunting prey themselves...
Feline infectious peritonitis
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a serious disease that's been known to kill up to 90% of cats infected with it. FIP can also lead to blindness and brain damage, making it an important issue for cat owners to understand.
If you have a young kitten who's recently come home from the shelter or breeder, consider having him vaccinated against FIP as soon as possible--it can take up to six months for symptoms to appear after exposure in kittens younger than six months old!
Feline calicivirus
Feline calicivirus is a common upper respiratory infection in cats. Symptoms include fever, cough, and conjunctivitis. Treatment is usually supportive with fluids and antibiotics if there are signs of pneumonia or other complications. Vaccination is available for this disease; vaccination helps prevent the disease from spreading to other cats within your household or neighborhood.
Cat flu (Feline Herpes Virus)
Cat flu is the most common upper respiratory infection in cats. The virus can be active for up to 3 months and symptoms include fever, nasal discharge, and lethargy. The most common cause of cat flu is Feline Calicivirus, but other viruses may also cause it including Chlamydia psittaci (Psittacosis). Cats with cat flu can recover without treatment but if you are concerned about your pet's health or if they have been diagnosed with this condition then speak to your vet about appropriate treatment options.
Cat herpesvirus 1
Cat herpesvirus 1 (CHV1) is a highly contagious disease that causes upper respiratory infections and conjunctivitis in cats. It's spread through direct contact with other infected animals, so it's important to keep your cat away from stray cats if possible.
Symptoms include:
- Sneezing
- Nasal discharge, which may be thick and yellowish-green in color
- Eye inflammation that results in red eyelids or tearing of the eyes
Canine parvovirus
Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease that affects dogs. It can be transmitted through the air, water, or on contaminated objects. Parvovirus is an infection that can cause fever, vomiting, and diarrhea in puppies as well as dehydration which can lead to death if left untreated.
It's important to keep your pet away from other dogs if you know he has been exposed or if he has been diagnosed with canine parvovirus so he doesn't spread it further!
Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system. The virus is transmitted through saliva, and it can be spread to humans through bites or scratches. Rabies is almost always fatal in animals and humans; however, if you suspect your cat has been exposed to rabies (or any other disease), you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
The rabies vaccine protects against this deadly disease by stimulating antibodies that fight off infection before symptoms appear. Although the vaccine is effective at preventing infection in most cases, it's not 100% effective--so even though your cat has been vaccinated against rabies once before doesn't mean they won't need another shot later on down the line if they've been exposed again!
Feline leukemia Virus (FeLV)
The feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a contagious disease that can be transmitted from cat to cat through saliva, blood, and other bodily fluids. Symptoms include anemia (a low red blood cell count), weight loss, and fever. Infected cats can be treated with antibiotics; however, there is no cure for this virus. The risk of transmission is higher for kittens than adult cats because they have not had time to build up immunity against it during their first year of life--and some adult cats may never develop immunity against it at all.
The best way to prevent your cat from getting FeLV? Vaccinate! Vaccinating your pet regularly against this deadly disease will not only keep them healthy but also protect other cats in your home who have not been vaccinated themselves yet or cannot be vaccinated due to health reasons such as allergies or low immune response levels after vaccination shots given previously (this can happen when animals get multiple vaccines at once).
If you take good care of your cat, it's likely to live for 15 years or more.
The average life expectancy of a cat is 12-15 years. But if you take good care of your cat, it's likely to live for 15 years or more.
As a pet owner, it's important to know what kinds of injuries and illnesses are common in cats and how best to treat them. Here are some tips:
Conclusion
The best way to keep your cat healthy is to give it regular check-ups and vaccinations. If you suspect that your pet has been exposed to any of these diseases, call your veterinarian immediately so they can help diagnose the problem and begin treatment as soon as possible.