Cat health conditions

Feline Calicivirus (FCV) is a common, highly contagious virus that causes respiratory infection and oral disease in cats. FCV is not usually life threatening, although in rare cases it develops into FCV-VSD which has more severe symptoms and is potentially fatal.

Cancer in cats tends to be more aggressive than cancer in dogs. There are many different types of cancer in cats such as mammary cancer, skin cancer, and lymphoma.

*Candida* is a yeast-like fungus that exists as part of the normal flora of cats. Candidiasis is a condition where there is an overgrowth of this fungus within the body in cats.

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning occurs when cats inhale carbon monoxide gas, typically produced by fires, running vehicles, or improperly functioning fuel-burning (gas or oil) appliances.

A cataract, a degenerative condition that affects the eyes, is characterized by a loss of clarity of the lens. The lens is a transparent structure that focuses the light on the retina, allowing clear vision

Bartonella spp. is a type of bacteria living inside red blood cells, leading to a condition called bartonellosis. Fleas pass bartonella to cats through their feces, and cats become infected through regular grooming behavior leading to feces ingestion,

Cerebellar hypoplasia is a congenital malformation of the cerebellum in cats, which is the part of the brain responsible for balance and coordination. The root cause is due to incomplete development of the cerebellum in the womb.

Cherry eye is a colloquial term used to describe prolapse (popping out) of the gland of the third eyelid in cats, thought to be caused by weakening of the fibers that hold the gland into place.

Chocolate toxicosis refers to poisoning caused by ingestion of chocolate, and is rare in cats. As with any case of poisoning, severity depends on the type and quantity of chocolate consumed.

Chondrosarcoma is a rare type of cancer in cats which originates in cartilage. It is highly invasive, often infiltrating the surrounding soft tissues.

Chronic kidney disease is the irreversible loss of kidney function over a period of a minimum of 1-3 months. This disease is permanent, progressive, and fatal but quality of life may be enhanced with treatment

Claw disorders in cats refer to a collection of conditions affecting the normal structure and function of the claws. These conditions can cause chipped, cracked, brittle, and ingrown nails, limping, and masses or sores on the paws.

Cleft palate or lip in cats describes a defect in the roof of the mouth from the upper lip to the hard or soft palate, caused by a genetic deformity or injury. In severe cases both the lip and palate are affected and the entire hard and soft palates are almost absent.

Cobalamin deficiency in cats is a condition where inadequate levels of vitamin B12 are available in the body. Cobalamin (vitamin B12) is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a fundamental role in red blood cell production, neurological function, and DNA synthesis.

The colon or large intestine is the last part of the digestive tract. Colitis occurs when there is inflammation of the colon.

A coloboma, sometimes called a “hole in the eye,” is a congenital condition where tissues in one or more structures of the eye fail to form properly. Eyelid colobomas involve a portion of the eyelid being absent, impacting function.

Congenital kidney disorders are present at birth, and include conditions such as kidney hypoplasia, undeveloped kidneys, polycystic kidneys, and kidney cysts.

Congenital oral deformations in cats are a series of defects of the mouth. Conditions that fall under this classification include cleft palate, cleft lip, malocclusions (abnormal alignment of teeth), over/under bites, delayed loss of baby teeth, and abnormal tooth enamel development.

Congestive heart failure (CHF) in cats is a serious syndrome that occurs when the heart does not pump blood effectively, leading to fluid retention (congestion).

Conjunctivitis in cats is inflammation of the pink tissue surrounding the eye and lining the underside of the eyelids.

Cats experience two types of contact dermatitis: allergic and irritant. They both involve skin contact with an offending substance which leads to a dermatologic reaction.

Coral snake bite poisoning occurs when a coral snake bites, and delivers venom, into a cat. Coral snakes are part of the *Elapidae* family, and are found in the southeastern United States and Australia.

Ulcerative keratitis is a type of inflammation of the cornea: the transparent surface of the eye. A corneal ulcer is the loss of specific cells produced by the outermost layer of the cornea.

Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease is a common cause of hindlimb lameness in cats, but is overall uncommon in cats. The cranial cruciate ligament is one of the primary stabilizers of the knee joint