Upper Respiratory Disease Complex (URI)

URI is most often caused by one or more viruses and often a secondary bacterial infection is present.  Symptoms may include one or more of the following: sneezing, congestion, nasal discharge, runny eyes, cough or voice change, fever, or nasal or tongue ulcers.  It is very, very common in kittens and cats and even more so in shelter situations.  The majority of cats and kittens have been exposed and infected with a herpesvirus called Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis at some point in their lives; because it is a herpesvirus, it is never cleared from the body and reappears when the cat is stressed.  This is why cats can develop URI when they’ve not had any contact with other cats for months or years following a stressful event (moving, a change in the home such as new family member, remodeling, etc.).  The feline herpesvirus is not infectious to other species or humans.  A very thorough article on feline URI is available at www.veterinarypartner.com.  

Like a human cold, feline URI is caused by viruses so there is no specific "cure."  Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed to help combat a secondary bacterial infection until the illness has run its course. 

Intestinal Parasites (Tapeworm, Roundworms, Coccidia, and others)

Symptoms of these common parasites include diarrhea, bloody stools, lots of eating but little weight gain, and a general lack of energy.  Oftentimes, however, there are no symptoms.  Most parasites can be easily detected by a fecal exam and treated with a dewormer or other medication prescribed by a veterinarian.  Most are contagious to other cats and some are spread to people and other animals.  Infected cats should be kept isolated from other animals, and caretakers should wash their hands thoroughly after handling the cat and her litter box.  Also, since many cats show no symptoms, all new cats should be checked for parasites and checked often if they go outdoors.

Feline Leukemia (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

Both of these incurable diseases are contagious to other cats, though not to humans.  Because they both involve a weakened immune system, FeLV and FIV can be expressed as many different symptoms, as well as sometimes having no symptoms at all.  Neither disease can be cured, though supportive care can lead to a good quality of life.  Infected cats should be kept isolated from healthy cats.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Symptoms include straining or crying while urinating, blood in the urine, and urination out of the litter box.  Failing to use the box is sometimes the only visible symptom of a UTI.  An untreated urinary tract infection can lead to a blockage which can quickly be fatal to the cat.  Therefore, if you see any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian immediately.  Most UTIs can be cured with antibiotics and a change in diet.  UTIs are not contagious to other animals.

Hairballs

Most cats will simply pass the hair that they ingest while grooming but some will vomit it back up.  Hairballs are not contagious and can usually be prevented by regular grooming (which removes excess loose hair) and a high quality diet (which results in better skin tone and less shedding).  Hairball remedy such as Petromalt or Cat Lax can also be useful.

Hazardous Substances

Animals

• Bees
• Bufo toads
• Certain lizards and snakes
• Fire ants
• Rattlesnakes
• Spiders
• Wasps

Household Substances

• Ammonia products
• Animal and plant poisons
• Antifreeze
• Antiperspirants
• Bar soap
• Bath oils
• Brake fluid
• Carburetor cleaners
• Caulking compounds
• Coal and wood tar derivatives
• Detergents
• Deodorants
• Engine cleaners/frost removers
• Eye makeup
• Fabric softeners
• Gasoline
• Hair products
• Lacquer thinners
• Laxatives
• Liniments
• Lubricants
• Nail cosmetics
• Oil paints
• Ointments
• Paint and varnish solvents, cleaners
• Perfumes
• Phenol disinfectants
• Photographic chemicals
• Pine oil disinfectants (such as PineSol)
• Radiator cleaners
• Shaving lotions
• Suntan lotions
• Tire repair products
• Turpentine
• Windshield washer fluid
• Wood preservatives

Medicines

• Acetaminophen
• Athlete's foot remedies
• Aspirin
• Corn removers
• Citrus oils and pennyroyal
• Diet pills
• Iodoform (topical antimicrobial)
• Medicated products intended for dogs
• Sleeping pills
• Some naturopathic and homeopathic (herbal) preparations

Plants

• Amaryllis
• Azalea
• Castor bean
• Daffodils (Narcissus)
• Dieffibachia (dumbcane)
• Elephant ear (Colocasia)
• Foxglove
• Grass
• Honeysuckle
• Hyacinth
• Iris
• Japanese yew
• Lilies
• Lily of the valley
• Mistletoe
• Oleander
• Philodendron
• Pine
• Poinsettias
• Rhododendron
• Shamrock plants
• Spider plants