As a cat owner, you are more than likely familiar with the myriad of infectious diseases that can infect your beloved feline. Despite your best precautions, your cat may still contract any of these common diseases which, according to data gathered by PetFirst Healthcare, a nationwide provider of pet insurance, have average national claims ranging anywhere from $120 to $402. Unfortunately, some are easier to catch than they are to get rid of. Fortunately, though contagious, they are often quite preventable.

One of the most common infectious diseases, feline upper respiratory infections can be caused by an assortment of factors, however, feline herpes-1 or the calicivirus are the usual causes. Though symptoms may vary depending on which virus is causing the infection, a cat suffering from an upper respiratory infection often experiences sneezing as well as discharge from his eyes. In some cases he may also become depressed and lose his appetite. Upper respiratory infections should only last a few weeks, any longer and you may need to take your cat in to get checked for feline leukemia. The average claim for treating feline upper respiratory infections is $121.53. For this reason, many cat owners opt to vaccinate their cats. However, since vaccines are not 100%, always aim to keep your cat away from other cats that appear to be sick.

Fever, which is the second most common ailment that affects cats, occurs when your cat’s body temperature rises above its normal 100 – 102.5°F (37.7 – 39.1°C) to fight off disease. If your cat has a slight fever and his temperature remains under 105°F (40.5°C) you may just need to keep an eye on him, cooling him off with fans and plenty of cool fresh water. Avoid giving him a bath since the water can act as insulation, trapping in the warmth. If you cat’s temperature is higher than 105°F (40.5°C) bring him to the vet right away. Fevers are usually the result of an infection, including bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic. However, they can also coincide with inflammatory processes such as pancreatitis, as well as be the result of immune-mediated diseases, drug reactions, pet poisonconsumption, or even cancer. Since fevers can be associated with any number of causes it is important to bring your cat in to his vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Symptoms of fever include, but are not limited to, lethargy, dehydration, loss of appetite, shivering and rapid breathing. The average claim for treating feline fevers is $227.80.

Following fever, feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), or feline distemper, is the third most common infectious disease for cats, infecting both kittens and adults. Typical symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and even seizures. The feline panleukopenia virus is highly contagious, typically spreading from one cat to another via contact with the feces or urine of an infected or recovering cat. This can happen when several cats share contaminated food and water dishes, litter pans, bedding and living areas. Humans who handle several cats can easily pass the disease from a sick cat to a healthy one, whether via their hands, clothes, or shoes. Additionally, pregnant cats that are infected with FPV can pass it on to their kittens. On the other hand, if the mother has feline panleukopenia antibodies, these will be passed to the newborn kittens, providing them with a natural immunity for the first 8-10 weeks of their lives, after which the kittens should be routinely vaccinated. Maintaining vaccinations, doing routine cleaning and sanitizing, as well as isolating new or sick cats can prevent this sometimes-fatal virus. After all, with the average cat insurance claim for feline panleukopenia around $402.09, it’s better for both your cat and your checkbook if you maintain a clean, healthy lifestyle.

The fourth most common infectious disease for cats is tied between feline leukemia (FeLV), and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Though they are not the same as human AIDS, they are similar. Both viruses weaken a cat’s immune system, making them more susceptible to other cancers and contagious diseases. Whereas FeLV is spread through bodily fluids such as blood, saliva, urine and feces, FIV is usually spread when an infected cat attacks and bites another cat. Symptoms can vary for both viruses. With FeLV, your cat may lose weight, develop a fever and become dehydrated. He may also develop kidney problems, ulcers, a urinary tract infection, even nerve damage, etc. If your cat has FIV he may develop chronic upper respiratory infections, lose weight, develop fevers, urinary tract infections, as well as enlarged lymph glands and abscesses. Unfortunately, since there are currently no cures for either virus, responsible pet parentsshould take preventative measures and talk to their vet about vaccinating their cat against the feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency viruses. The average amount claimed for feline leukemia and FIV is $183.98.

The fifth most common infectious disease for cats is feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), which is caused by certain strains of the feline coronavirus and is usually fatal. Fortunately, only a small percentage of cats that have been infected with the coronavirus actually develop FIP, usually cats with low or weak immune systems.  For this reason, FIP is most often seen in young kittens and older cats, when their immune system is weakest, and rarely in cats between 3 and 10 years old. The virus is typically passed from an infected mother cat to her babies when they are between 5 and 8 weeks old. Symptoms, which can take anywhere from weeks to years to present themselves, may include weight loss, depression, and fever. Feline infectious peritonitis is often difficult to diagnose due to the range of symptoms and their similarity to other diseases, so be sure to take your cat to the vet if you ever suspect he is sick. Unfortunately, there is currently no known cure for FIP; instead, vets strive to provide infected cats with the best quality of life possible. With the average claim for feline infectious peritonitis around $402.09, it’s important to keep your cat safe from this deadly disease by providing him with a healthy diet, regular vet checks, and a clean living area.

With all the dangerous diseases that can harm our beloved cats, it’s important to take an active role in our pet’s health. Providing our pets with a healthy diet and exercise, as well as a clean environment and regular exams is extremely important for their well-being.

Most Common Feline Infectious Diseases